First of all, it is because Cixi lived in the late Qing Dynasty, which is a very complete and strict era of feudal ethics, and it is also an era when the western sense of equality between men and women flourished. She dare not act rashly. Perhaps, not only can she not become an emperor, but she may also lead to the collapse of the entire imperial system.

Secondly, Cixi did not urgently need to be an emperor. Although she said that "a woman can live as long as Wu Zetian", Wu Zetian was an emperor because of political needs and reluctance. Don't think that the emperor is a good job, which is equivalent to getting burned. Crazy power struggle is dangerous. Have you ever heard the saying: "Emperors rotate?"

At that time, the son of the Li family was weak, and the son of the Wu family was greedy and rude. They are not made for the emperor. In order to prevent a bloody battle between the two families, Wu Zetian was in her sixties. She should have retired to enjoy the happiness of her family, but she had to reluctantly ascend the throne herself, and the old lady took on the national responsibility herself. Looking at the history from Han Dynasty to Tang Dynasty, it is difficult for men and emperors to protect themselves, and they are often beheaded politically.

Cixi is more calculating. She stopped any power struggle, so she didn't need to be the first bird at all.