For the Sake of the Republic

For the Sake of the Republic, also released as Towards the Republic and Zou Xiang Gong He, dramatizes the unraveling of Qing rule and the political forces that produced the Republic of China. Across numerous episodes the show follows statesmen, reformers and imperial figures as they negotiate with foreign powers, conduct court politics and pursue reforms that often collide. Empress Cixi, the Guangxu Emperor, Li Hongzhang, Yuan Shikai and Sun Yat-sen are portrayed as complex actors whose ambitions and missteps reshape institutions. The series balances large-scale diplomatic maneuvers with intimate scenes of persuasion and rivalry, and it avoids revealing later historical outcomes in order to keep viewers focused on the unfolding decisions. It frames decisions in terms of human cost.

First broadcast nationally on CCTV April to May 2003, it was created by Zhang Li, Zhang Jianwei and Sheng Heyu and stars Lü Zhong, Wang Bing, Sun Chun, Ma Shaohua and Li Guangjie.

Because its portrayal of late Qing politics touched sensitive topics, mainland censors moved to restrict or edit broadcasts after the initial run, which sparked public debate and academic interest in how modern China represents its revolutionary past. The controversy gave the series a wider profile beyond its original audience.

The series did not secure major international awards, and public records do not list notable Emmys or global prizes. Domestic recognition was muted, partly because censorship curtailed its circulation and visibility. Performances, especially by Lü Zhong and others portraying key political figures, were singled out for attention in reviews and commentary. Scholars debated its accuracy.

Audience response has been strong where available, with a 9.2/10 user rating on one site, though samples are small. Critics noted meticulous period detail, weighty political argumentation and moral ambiguity among leaders, with the series emphasizing institutional failure, reformist zeal and competing visions for China's future, and steady, rigorous pacing.