Cixi ran the empire as the head of China, while abiding by the restrictions that the court imposed on women. She advocated for westernization but preserved traditional aspects of Chinese culture, avoiding the creation of a railroad as to respect the burial grounds that lay near the tracks. Her influence brought steady economic status to China, and built a navy. The policies brought peace and unity to the people, in spite of the rumors that Cixi was manipulative and bloodthirsty. She ceded her power to her son in 1873, but he died two years later. Rumors hinted that she had poisoned him to take back her position. She then adopted her sister's son as heir, while starting a second era of westernization that brought electricity and coal to the country. She again stepped aside for her adopted son, whose distrust of technology led to China's defeat to Japan in 1859, causing power to return to Cixi. He conspired with an adviser to assassinate her, but was discovered, stripping him of his authority. Following the Emperor's betrayal, Cixi remained in power for the remainder of her life. In 1902, she passed a series of laws that banned foot binding, legalized marriage between the Han and Manchu peoples, and loosened restrictions on the press. Under her dictation, China became a constitutional monarchy in 1906. Cixi was a formidable force who paved the way for China's transition from an aged empire to a powerful international force.