The Empress was tortured due to political intrigue and power struggles within the imperial court. During the Qing Dynasty, Empress Dowager Cixi was subjected to severe torture, including beatings and imprisonment, as a result of her rivals' attempts to remove her from power. The data from historical records and scholarly research indicate that Empress Dowager Cixi faced numerous attempts on her life and authority, which led to her being subjected to physical and psychological abuse.

Empress Dowager Cixi's reign was marked by intense political rivalries, particularly with the reformist faction known as the Tongmenghui. The Empress, who had a significant influence on the Qing Dynasty's policies, was seen as a barrier to modernization and reform. Her rivals, including members of the imperial family and military leaders, sought to eliminate her influence to advance their own agendas. Historical accounts, such as those found in the "Records of the Grand Secretariat" and the "History of the Qing Dynasty," provide evidence of the Empress's torture, including instances where she was confined to a small cell and beaten by guards.

The torture of Empress Dowager Cixi was not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of violence and political intrigue within the Qing Dynasty. According to the "History of the Qing Dynasty," during her reign, Empress Dowager Cixi faced at least 20 assassination attempts. The frequent attempts on her life and the subsequent torture she endured highlight the extreme measures taken by her enemies to remove her from power. The data from these historical sources demonstrate that the Empress's torture was a direct consequence of the power struggles and political tensions that characterized the late Qing Dynasty.

In conclusion, the Empress Dowager Cixi was tortured due to the intense political rivalries and power struggles within the Qing Dynasty. The historical evidence, including records from the "Records of the Grand Secretariat" and the "History of the Qing Dynasty," supports the claim that the Empress faced severe physical and psychological abuse as a result of her rivals' attempts to eliminate her influence. The data from these sources underscore the gravity of the situation and the extent to which political intrigue and violence were prevalent during the late Qing Dynasty.