Puyi, the final emperor of the Qing dynasty, is a paradoxical figure in Chinese history. As a young child, he was enthroned as the last emperor but was soon forced to abdicate. Yet, he found himself as a puppet ruler under Japanese control during World War II. After the war, he was imprisoned and re-educated by the Chinese Communist Party. Later, he became a gardener in Beijing's Botanical Gardens, living a humble life in stark contrast to his former grandeur. Puyi's journey from emperor to common citizen reflects the tumultuous political and social changes that China underwent during the 20th century, making him a poignant symbol of the end of an era.
