[Core suspense: The fate of the dynasty under the wave of modernity]
When the first chimney was erected in the Forbidden City, and when the nitroglycerin explosive secretly developed by the reformers shook the Summer Palace, a fork in the road of history had already emerged: Will this industrial revolution grafted on the feudal body become the ignition of national rejuvenation, or a catalyst that accelerates the collapse of the empire? And with the blessing of the system in hand, can Guangxu let the dragon flag fly in China's steam era before the frenzy of carving up by the great powers?
