The Twilight of China’s Only Female Emperor

In late 704 CE, Empress Wu Zetian—China’s only female sovereign—lay gravely ill in her Changsheng Hall. The once-formidable ruler who had dominated Tang politics for decades could no longer receive ministers for months at a time. Only her infamous Zhang brothers—lovers Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong—remained by her side. When statesman Cui Xuanwei finally gained audience, he urged: “The Crown Prince and Prince of Xiang possess benevolence and filial piety. The palace is a sacred place—why allow outsiders access?” His coded warning about the Zhang brothers’ influence revealed the power struggle consuming Wu’s court.

This confrontation unfolded against the backdrop of Wu’s unprecedented 15-year Zhou Dynasty (690-705), which interrupted the Tang Dynasty’s rule. Having risen from concubine to empress dowager to emperor, Wu now faced the consequences of her controversial reign. Her physical decline unleashed pent-up political forces that would culminate in the Shenlong Coup of February 705—one of history’s most consequential palace revolts.

The Rise and Threat of the Zhang Brothers

The Zhang brothers weren’t mere favorites. As descendants of Chancellor Zhang Xingcheng, they wielded real political influence, appointing dozens of officials like poet Song Zhiwen and historian Li Qiao. Their faction increasingly clashed with three rival groups:

1. The Tang restorationists (led by exiled heir Li Xian and his brother Li Dan)
2. The “Tang Loyalists” faction (established by late chancellor Di Renjie)
3. Wu’s own Wu Clan relatives

Tensions peaked when:
– The Zhangs falsely accused minister Wei Yuanzhong of treason (703)
– They engineered the exile of Di’s protégé Yao Yuanzhi to Lingwu
– Anonymous posters accused them of plotting rebellion—charges Wu ignored

Historian Sima Guang later noted: “The Zhangs were expanding their power like a spreading fire.” Their control over the ailing empress made them dangerous wildcards in the succession struggle.

The Loyalist Counterattack

Di Renjie’s disciples launched a two-pronged assault. First, in December 704, official Yang Yuansi accused Zhang Changzong of consulting a fortuneteller about becoming emperor. The resulting investigation exposed deep divisions:

– Zhang allies Wei Chengqing and Cui Shenqing argued for leniency
– Di’s protégé Song Jing demanded execution, declaring: “I’d rather die than see the law disregarded!”

When Wu intervened with a pardon, Song famously lamented: “I should’ve smashed his head first!” This confrontation revealed Wu’s weakening grip—she could still override justice, but barely.

Meanwhile, newly appointed Chancellor Zhang Jianzhi (another Di protégé) made decisive military appointments:
– Left/Right羽林 Generals Huan Yanfan and Jing Hui (both Di’s students)
– General Yang Yuanyi (shared anti-Zhang sentiments)
– Li Dan’s associate Yuan Shuji controlled southern garrison troops

These moves gave loyalists command of the elite “Thousand Cavalry” and “Feathered Forest” guards—critical for any coup.

The Shenlong Coup Unfolds

On February 20, 705, the conspirators struck:

1. Zhang Jianzhi and Cui Xuanwei led 500 troops to the Xuanwu Gate
2. Generals Li Duozuo and Li Zhe fetched the reluctant Crown Prince Li Xian
3. They beheaded the Zhang brothers in the palace corridors

Confronting the empress in her bedchamber, Huan Yanfan declared: “The people long for the Tang’s return. We beg Your Majesty to abdicate to the Crown Prince.”

Wu’s legendary political instincts failed her. When she recognized Li Zhe (son of an old enemy) among the rebels, she sighed: “You too? After all I did for your family…” By sunset, her 15-year Zhou Dynasty had ended.

The Aftermath and Historical Legacy

The coup’s consequences rippled for decades:
– February 21: Wu ordered Li Xian to supervise the state
– February 22: Formal abdication
– February 23: Tang Dynasty restored

Yet Wu’s influence persisted. Her innovative policies—expanded civil exams, promoted minor gentry, elevated Buddhism—remained. The coup also failed to purge her network, allowing figures like Wu Sansi (her nephew) to remain powerful.

Modern scholars debate the coup’s significance:
– Traditional view: A righteous restoration of Tang legitimacy
– Revisionist view: A conservative reaction against Wu’s gender-breaking reign

The truth lies between. While ending Wu’s autocracy, the coup preserved her institutional reforms. Its leaders—all products of her meritocratic system—became celebrated Tang officials, proving her lasting impact on Chinese governance.

As historian Denis Twitchett observed: “The Tang owed its later golden age partly to Wu’s policies, even as her successors condemned her memory.” This paradox encapsulates the complex legacy of China’s most controversial emperor.