Abstract: Yuan Shikai’s secret report in the coup against the Hundred Days Reform has been an unsettled question for over one hundred years. This case experienced three levels of judgment: politic, moral and academic and reflected the winding course of study of important“Issues of Historical Figures”with the study of modern history. Regarding this case, the author does not agree that Yuan’s return from Tianjin on September 20, 1898 and the submission of his secret report the following day led to the coup, but the author does maintain that Yuan’s secret report resulted in the coup and brought about the death of the “six martyrs.”The author believes that Yuan did report secretly, but this occurred on September 19 after Yuan met Tan Sitong. Yuan’s secret report was the most direct cause that resulted in Empress Dowager Cixi return to the Palace and the launching of the coup.