From Concubine to Empress: The Early Life of Wu Zetian

Born in 624 AD in Wenshui, Bingzhou, Wu Zetian entered the Tang imperial palace at just 14 years old during Emperor Taizong’s reign. Selected for her exceptional beauty, she received the name “Wu Mei” (meaning “enchanting”) and began her journey as a low-ranking concubine. This period proved crucial in shaping her political acumen, as she observed court intrigues while serving Emperor Taizong.

Following Taizong’s death in 649 AD, imperial tradition demanded that childless concubines enter Buddhist nunneries. Wu spent several years at the Ganye Temple, where she strategically maintained connections with the new emperor, Gaozong. Her fortunes changed dramatically when Empress Wang, engaged in a power struggle with Consort Xiao, brought Wu back to court as a political pawn. This decision would ultimately backfire spectacularly, as Wu surpassed both women in Gaozong’s affections.

The Path to Power: Wu Zetian’s Political Ascent

Wu Zetian’s rise to power demonstrates extraordinary political maneuvering. After bearing Gaozong’s first son in 652 AD, she ascended to the position of Zhaoyi (a high-ranking concubine). The subsequent years saw her eliminate rivals through calculated moves – historical accounts suggest she may have killed her own infant daughter to frame Empress Wang, though scholars debate this claim.

By 655 AD, Wu achieved the unprecedented feat of becoming empress after Gaozong deposed Empress Wang. Her political influence grew steadily, and by 660 AD, she shared governance with Gaozong as co-ruler, referred to as the “Two Sages.” This period established Wu’s reputation as an effective administrator, though her methods often turned ruthless against opponents.

The Only Female Emperor in Chinese History

Following Gaozong’s death in 683 AD, Wu Zetian consolidated power through her sons’ reigns. She first ruled as regent for Emperor Zhongzong, then deposed him after just six weeks in favor of Emperor Ruizong. By 690 AD, at age 65, Wu took the extraordinary step of declaring herself emperor – the only woman in Chinese history to do so – establishing the Zhou Dynasty.

Her 15-year reign as sovereign (690-705 AD) implemented significant reforms:
– Expanded the civil service examination system, breaking aristocratic monopoly on power
– Promoted agricultural development and economic policies that increased prosperity
– Established a network of informants to monitor officials, creating both efficiency and fear
– Commissioned Buddhist projects to legitimize her rule, including the famous Longmen Grottoes

The Paradox of Power: Wu Zetian’s Complex Legacy

Wu Zetian’s reign presents historians with striking contradictions. She demonstrated remarkable governance skills while employing brutal tactics against perceived threats. Her administration maintained stability and economic growth that paved the way for the later Kaiyuan Golden Age, yet her reputation suffered from:
– Purges of political rivals and the Tang imperial clan
– Employment of notorious officials like the cruel Lai Junchen
– Establishment of a secret police system that fostered widespread fear

Modern reassessments acknowledge her administrative achievements while recognizing the harsh realities of her power consolidation. The traditional Confucian historiography that condemned her rule has given way to more nuanced interpretations recognizing her as a capable ruler operating within the constraints of her era.

Love and Power: Wu Zetian’s Personal Life

Wu Zetian’s romantic relationships became as controversial as her political career. Her partnership with Emperor Gaozong produced several children and appeared genuinely affectionate by historical accounts. However, her later years saw the controversial maintenance of male favorites, including the Zhang brothers.

These relationships, while scandalous to Confucian historians, mirrored the practices of male emperors with concubines. Wu’s personal life reflects both the privileges and constraints of her unprecedented position – enjoying imperial prerogatives while facing harsher judgment for behaviors tolerated in male rulers.

The Twilight Years and Historical Impact

Forced to abdicate in 705 AD at age 80, Wu Zetian spent her final months under house arrest before her death later that year. Despite attempts to erase her legacy, her influence persisted through:
– Continued service of officials she appointed during the restored Tang Dynasty
– Lasting administrative reforms in the examination system
– The symbolic breakthrough of female political leadership in Chinese history

Today, Wu Zetian remains a figure of fascination – vilified as a usurper in some traditions while celebrated as a feminist icon in modern reinterpretations. Her life encapsulates the complex interplay of gender, power, and historical memory in Chinese civilization.