Abstract: Emperor Guangxu ascended to the throne under the control of Empress Dowager Cixi. But the dispute over his succession to the throne lasted for several years. Wu Kedu even committed suicide to make his voice heard by the Qing court. As a result of Wu’s suicidal protest, more high ranking officials had been summoned to discuss the throne succession issue. This paper examines the role of the “Qingliu” officials, or the “Purification Clique”, at this critical moment.