Of course the affiliation of Kwanghsu to Hienfung



io8 GREAT EMPRESS DOWAGER OF CHINA

was a good stroke for the two widows of that
Emperor, even if it caused further doubt to be cast
on their motives, already under suspicion through
their selection of so young an heir. They became
mothers, by adoption, of the child, and thus practi-
cally secure against any attack short of open rebellion
against the dynasty. Provided that they should
themselves live long enough, they were sure of many
more years at the head of affairs.
Where, it may be asked, was Tungchih's widow
while her mothers-in-law were arranging matters so
much to their own advantage ? Why was she un-
consulted in the disposition of power during the
minority of her husband's successor ? We now come
to a charge against the stronger of the two Dowager
Empresses which a large number, of her Chinese
subjects at least, held to be true. The young Empress
Ahluta, had she borne a son to Tungchih, would
naturally have become Regent until he grew up.
And it was rumoured that Tungchih at his death left
her with child. Two months and a half after her
husband, however, Ahluta herself died. The tales
were various. Some said her sorrow as a widow
induced her to refuse food until at last she died of
starvation ; others that she took her own life by
more violent means ; while among the Chinese in
particular many believed that there was foul play.
