Despite Kuang Hsu's enthronement as the last reigning Emperor of China, his ability to rule effectively is overshadowed by the ever-present power of the Dowager Empress. When his attempts to reform the Imperial system are thwarted by the Dowager Empress, he attempts to curb her power. His efforts are not successful, and this failure leads directly to his own death and the end of Imperial rule in China. The Dowager Empress, though, ends her days comfortably and in peace.
as Emperor Guang Hu
as Empress Dowager Tsz Hei
as Concubine Zheng
as Empress Jin Feng
as Chief Eunuch Li Lien Ying
as Eunuch Zhang Jin Xi
as Tan Si Tong
as Kang You Wei
as Prince Duan
as Concubine Jin
as Concubine Zheng's guard
as Princess De Ling
as Chun Yan
as Minister Rong Lu
as Prince Duan's wife
as Eunuch Wang Shang
as Palace guard
as Liu Guang Di
as Minister Xu Tong
as Palace guard
as Dowager's maid