From Concubine to Empress: The Early Life of Wu Zetian
Born in 624 AD in Wenshui (modern Shanxi province), Wu Zetian entered Emperor Taizong’s palace as a fifth-rank concubine at just 14 years old. Though initially favored for her intelligence and beauty, her ruthless suggestion for taming a wild horse – “First beat it with an iron whip, then with an iron rod, and finally stab it with a dagger if it remains unbroken” – reportedly disturbed the emperor. This early incident foreshadowed the political cunning that would later define her reign.
After Taizong’s death in 649 AD, Wu was consigned to Ganye Temple as a Buddhist nun, the customary fate of childless imperial consorts. But her strategic mind never rested. Through carefully cultivated palace connections and a poignant poem (“Seeing red as green, my thoughts in disarray…”) she rekindled Emperor Gaozong’s interest during his 651 AD temple visit.
The Bloody Path to Power: Eliminating Rivals
Wu’s return to court coincided with a bitter rivalry between Empress Wang and Consort Xiao. Recognizing opportunity, Wu positioned herself as both women’s ally while secretly undermining them. Historical accounts diverge on whether she truly smothered her own infant daughter to frame Empress Wang, but all sources agree Wu masterfully exploited the scandal.
Her spy network proved devastatingly effective. By bribing servants and officials, Wu:
– Exposed Empress Wang’s forbidden use of witchcraft (655 AD)
– Manipulated Gaozong into believing both rivals plotted poison (resulting in their gruesome execution)
– Neutralized opposition from Chancellor Zhangsun Wuji through systematic bribery and intimidation
The coup de grâce came when Gaozong, moved by pity, considered releasing the imprisoned women. Wu’s informants alerted her immediately, and she ordered the former empress and consort dismembered and their remains pickled in wine – a warning to all potential challengers.
Governing as Co-Regent: The “Two Saints” Era
From 660 AD onward, Gaozong’s debilitating illness transformed Wu from empress to de facto ruler. Together they formed the unprecedented “Two Saints” ruling partnership, with Wu:
– Drafting policies that expanded civil service exams
– Patronizing Buddhist institutions to bolster legitimacy
– Establishing palace schools to educate bureaucrats’ children
Yet her ambition knew no bounds. When eldest son Li Hong opposed her policies, the 23-year-old crown prince mysteriously died in 675 AD – widely believed to be Wu’s doing. His successor Li Xian fared no better; accused of treason in 680 AD, he was exiled and later forced to suicide.
The Zenith of Power: Founding the Zhou Dynasty
After Gaozong’s 683 AD death, Wu systematically eliminated remaining obstacles:
– Deposed son Emperor Zhongzong after 55 days (684 AD)
– Crushed the Xu Jingye rebellion using elite spy networks
– Purged Tang loyalists like Pei Yan through show trials
On October 16, 690 AD, 66-year-old Wu proclaimed herself Emperor of the new Zhou Dynasty – the only woman in Chinese history to rule in her own name. Her innovative reign featured:
– Meritocratic promotions breaking aristocratic dominance
– Agricultural reforms stabilizing food supplies
– Massive Buddhist temple construction (including the Longmen Grottoes)
The Final Reckoning and Enduring Legacy
The 705 AD “Shenlong Coup” forced Wu’s abdication, but her deathbed request – an unmarked stele beside Gaozong – speaks volumes about her self-awareness. Modern assessments recognize her complex legacy:
Achievements
– Preserved Tang prosperity through capable governance
– Advanced women’s status in Confucian society
– Pioneered examination system reforms
Controversies
– Ruthless elimination of rivals (including family)
– Reliance on cruel officials like Lai Junchen
– Eventual failure to sustain female rule
The blank stele at Qianling Mausoleum perfectly encapsulates Wu Zetian’s rule – a life too extraordinary for simple judgments, where political brilliance and moral ambiguity remain inextricably intertwined. Her story continues to fascinate as both cautionary tale and testament to what one determined woman could achieve in patriarchal imperial China.