My loyal subjects, since the founding of the Qing Dynasty over two hundred years ago, we have always been based on righteousness and compassion, and our benevolent rule has blessed the land. The people are unwavering in their service to the court, which is why rebellions have been quelled and the nation remains stable and united. This is the credit of our illustrious ancestors, as well as the merit of sage advisors and loyal ministers of past dynasties, who have overcome many difficulties. However, during the reigns of Daoguang and Xianfeng, external threats gradually increased, and thanks to the wise decisions of the court, we averted disaster through wise counsel.
I inherited the throne at a young age, always adhering to the teachings of the Empress Dowager, following the ancestral laws, being diligent, frugal, and compassionate, never daring to slack off, which is also seen by our subjects. I never expected recent changes, popular unrest, and urgent situations, which even caused great alarm within the imperial court, forcing the Empress Dowager to move. I deeply feel guilty for the country, as I bear the weight of my nation's woes. In fact, the root of the chaos did not happen overnight. If the court officials could be loyal to the nation without evading responsibility, how could we have reached this situation today?
You officials, with your conscience, think about the court's kindness to you in peacetime. Now the very survival of our nation is at stake; what do you think? My failings in appointing officials are all my fault. What crime have the innocent people committed to suffer such hardship? As an emperor, if I cannot protect the people, even if I must give my life, I will have no regrets. My mother is old; how can I fail to provide for her well-being? Therefore, I am temporarily taking the Empress Dowager to Taiyuan for refuge. Fortunately, the Empress Dowager is well on the way, and may this temporary retreat bring peace of mind to our loyal subjects.
From now on, resolving the crisis is the shared responsibility of us, the monarch and ministers. All departmental officials must immediately report to the imperial court to handle government affairs. Provincial governors and administrators should strengthen border defense and protect the borders. Previously, Liu Kunyi, Zhang Zhidong, and others requested that trade at various coastal and riverside ports continue as usual, and this should continue to be implemented to demonstrate good faith. Each province contains a diverse population. If they do not gather to cause trouble, they are all subjects of the court. Local officials should treat them equally, appease them, and not discriminate against them.
It should be known that officials in the country have their own duties. Regardless of their rank, whether they are officials from the capital or from outside, civil or military officials, they must remember the favor of their ancestors in nurturing talents, bear in mind the principle that "when the ruler is shamed, the minister dies," work hard, avoid empty talk, and be diligent in personnel management, administration, fundraising, and military training. They must consider national affairs their own responsibility, avoid neglecting national affairs, refrain from acting arbitrarily and rejecting different opinions, reflect seriously, and make up for deficiencies. I have indeed not done well, and I hope in the near future to restore order and resolve the crisis. Let this be known to all.
