Guangxu was born in the tenth year of Tongzhi (1871), and ascended the throne in the thirteenth year of Tongzhi (1874). The next year the name was changed to "Guangxu", and the two empresses "Ci'an" and "Cixi" listened behind the curtain. Light means glory; Xu means unfinished work. "Guangxu" means "Guangda's unfinished achievements". The reign name "Guangxu" reflects the Qing government's desire to revitalize its national power.