Emperor Tongzhi was the ninth emperor of the Qing Dynasty in China, ruling from 1861 to 1875. Born on April 27, 1856, he ascended to the throne at the young age of five after the death of his father, Emperor Xianfeng. His reign was marked by the efforts of his mother, Empress Dowager Cixi, who acted as regent and played a significant role in governance. During Emperor Tongzhi's rule, China faced numerous challenges, including internal rebellions and foreign pressures. The Taiping Rebellion and the Second Opium War had lasting impacts on the country. Despite attempts at modernization, his reign is often viewed as a period of stagnation, ending with his untimely death at the age of 19.