Watching the ferocious advance of the Ming Army, Bumbutai felt a sense of absolute despair. She knew that if they fell into the enemy’s hands, they would likely face unspeakable torture before death—torment that would make them wish they had perished sooner. As the Empress Dowager of the Great Qing, she had long ago ceased to fear death itself, but for the sake of dying with dignity, she issued a stern order: "Pass the word: all the women of our household are to return to the cabins immediately and prepare to sacrifice themselves for the nation."
The command threw the women into a panic. Some, unable to stand, collapsed and wept uncontrollably. Others struggled to scramble toward the deck, desperate to surrender to the Ming Army in hopes of survival. Still others simply fainted in terror. Very few were capable of facing death with composure, especially those pampered by palace life.
By now, the Ming Army was boarding. The Eight Banners soldiers on the deck tried to fend off the attackers while driving the women back into the cabins, physically dragging those who had fainted inside. Once everyone was gathered, Bumbutai gave a grim order to Soni and Doni: "Set fire to the cabins, then order the Eight Banners soldiers to seal the doors. After I am gone, you may surrender at any time; I will not blame you."
Chapter 1284