Abstract: It is generally agreed by historians that the practice of “ruling behind the curtains” by Empress Dowager Cixi occurred for three times when the emperors were too young to be a decision-maker in the late Qing Empire.However,this research,after a detailed documentary study,found that the aforementioned perspective is not accurate due to significant changes in this practice.It is found that the “yellow curtains” were already removed in June 1870(the ninth year of Tongzhi's reign) when the two Empress Dowagers granted audiences,issued imperial orders,or dealt with other kinds of state affairs in the court.Furthermore,this documentary study also found that the locations of “listening to politics behind the curtains” kept changing and included Hall of Mental Cultivation,Palace of Heavenly Purity,Hall of Diligent Government,and Hall of Benevolence and Longevity in Summer Palace.Therefore,this research concluded that the practice of Empress Dowager Cixi ‘s “listening to politics behind the curtains” occurred for only one time during her 47 years’ rule from “behind the curtains”.

Key words: after the death of Xianfeng Emperor, Empress Dowagers Cixi and Ci'an, the emperor ruling, dealing with the state affairs, listening to politics behind the curtains, behind the curtains