Victoria and Cixi ruled most of the earth. Retiring they were not, each sat on their throne advising and being advised. Each believed that they were sanctioned in their powers by heredity, whilst around them others tried to control the strings. They wanted a different order to that offered by Victoria and Cixi. So the ordinary people and the world suffered. Rebellions and wars were decanted across the globe. When the two dowagers had been laid to rest; many who had pulled on the strings engineered knots. Taking control for themselves. Whilst others bided their time. Heaven help the people.