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.

摘要： 在慈禧的操弄下,光绪继位,但留下诸多危机变数,从而引发摇荡朝局数年的继统立嗣之争。先有广安、潘敦俨的奋起,继有吴可读尸谏,最后以群臣参政的方式得以解决。而类似吴可读这样愚忠以至不惜舍生事君者也渐成末世绝响,清流们的"烟墨烂然"不过是传统社会向近代转型时期的回光返照。