# XIII: The Steam-Launch—Semiannual Sacrifices to Confucius explained — With the Empress Dowager of China

> Chapter companion for With the Empress Dowager of China by Katharine A. Carl.

## What happens

The chapter describes the Empress Dowager's transition from using the Imperial barge to steam-launches for lake excursions, highlighting her adaptability and intelligence. It then details the semiannual Confucian sacrifice ceremony held in the palace chapel, where the Emperor and Empress Dowager participate in traditional rites, and Katherine Carl observes respectfully, later examining the altar artifacts.

## Themes in this chapter

### Cultural Identity and Tradition

The chapter details the Confucian sacrifice ceremony, emphasizing the preservation of ancient rites and the philosophical underpinnings of Chinese culture.

### Observation and Interpretation

Katherine Carl observes the ceremony and the Empress Dowager's behavior, interpreting them for Western readers, highlighting her role as an outsider.

### Power and Governance

The Empress Dowager's command over the launch and her participation in state rituals underscore her authority and the Emperor's role as high priest.

## Character check-ins

### Empress Dowager Tze-Hsi

Shows her adaptability and intelligence by using steam-launches, remains calm during mishaps, and participates in the Confucian ceremony.

### Katherine A. Carl

Observes the lake excursions and the Confucian ceremony, is drawn into the temple by the Empress, and examines the altar after the service.

### Emperor Kwang-Hsu

Participates in the Confucian sacrifice, kneeling and prostrating, and remains standing during the service.

### Confucius

The great Sage whose philosophy is honored in the semiannual sacrifices, described as an ethical teacher rather than a religious leader.

## Key lines

> Her Majesty ordered the engines reversed, and this was tried, but it was some time before the launch moved.

The Empress Dowager commanded the engines to be reversed, and although it took a while, the launch eventually moved.

_Shows her calm leadership in a minor crisis._

> She is too intelligent not to use any means at hand to attain her ends, and she is intelligent enough to see that these ends can be attained, by some means or other, before she fixes upon them.

Her intelligence allows her to use whatever resources are available to achieve her goals, and she is wise enough to know that goals can be reached by various means before she commits to them.

_Highlights the Empress Dowager's pragmatism and adaptability._

> The ashes of a literary essay were a most fitting offering to the memory of Confucius, the great philosopher.

Burning the written address was considered an appropriate tribute to Confucius, the great philosopher.

_Explains the symbolic burning of the address as an offering._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xiii-the-steam-launch-semiannual-sacrifices-to-confucius
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters