The Tang Dynasty’s Power Struggle

The relationship between Emperor Gaozong of Tang (Li Zhi) and his empress, Wu Zetian, was one of the most complex political and personal partnerships in Chinese history. Married for thirty years, they ruled together in a delicate balance of cooperation and rivalry. By 684 AD, Emperor Gaozong, long plagued by illness, was nearing the end of his life. His impending death presented Wu Zetian with both an opportunity and a challenge—how would she navigate this critical moment to secure her ultimate ambition: becoming emperor herself?

The Strategic Move to Luoyang

As Gaozong’s health deteriorated, Wu Zetian made a bold decision—she convinced him to relocate the imperial court from Chang’an (the traditional power base of the Tang aristocracy) to Luoyang, where her own political influence was strongest. This move was not without difficulty. Chinese tradition emphasized dying in one’s homeland, and persuading a gravely ill emperor to undertake such a journey required justification.

Wu Zetian seized upon a severe drought in the Guanzhong region as her primary argument. With food shortages causing mass migrations and skyrocketing grain prices, she framed the move as a necessity for survival, citing historical precedent where emperors relocated to Luoyang during crises. Additionally, she appealed to Gaozong’s desire for legitimacy by proposing a ceremonial pilgrimage to Mount Song, framing it as both a spiritual duty and a means to seek divine favor for his failing health.

Securing the Journey Without Military Escort

One of Wu Zetian’s most unconventional decisions was refusing a military escort for the imperial procession. Given her strained relationship with the army’s commander, Pei Xingjian (a former ally of her political enemies), she instead entrusted security to an unlikely figure—a low-ranking censor named Wei Yuanzhong.

Wei, lacking soldiers, devised an ingenious solution: he recruited a former criminal with underworld connections to lead the procession. The mere presence of this “gang leader” deterred bandits, ensuring the safe passage of the imperial household to Luoyang without incident. This episode highlights Wu Zetian’s willingness to bypass traditional power structures in favor of unorthodox but effective solutions.

The Final Days of Emperor Gaozong

Upon reaching Luoyang, Wu Zetian fulfilled her promise of a ceremonial pilgrimage to Mount Song. However, Gaozong’s condition worsened—he became blind and bedridden. When a Byzantine (Da Qin) physician, Qin Minghe, proposed a risky bloodletting procedure to restore his sight, Wu Zetian initially objected, fearing accusations of regicide if the treatment failed. Yet, after Gaozong insisted, the procedure succeeded, temporarily restoring his vision.

Despite this brief recovery, Gaozong’s death was imminent. In his final days, he issued a crucial edict: while his son, Li Zhe (Emperor Zhongzong), would inherit the throne, unresolved state matters were to be decided “in consultation with the Empress Dowager.” This unprecedented clause granted Wu Zetian a legal foothold in governance.

The Controversial Will: Genuine or Fabricated?

Historians debate whether Gaozong’s will truly reflected his intentions or was manipulated by Wu Zetian. Three key factors suggest it was authentic:

1. Distrust of the Heir: Li Zhe had a reputation for recklessness and incompetence, making Gaozong reluctant to entrust him with full power.
2. Skepticism Toward Ministers: Gaozong remembered how regents like Zhangsun Wuji had dominated his early reign and wished to avoid a repeat.
3. Faith in Wu Zetian: Despite tensions, Gaozong valued her administrative skills, believing she would act in the dynasty’s best interest.

However, the will also contained safeguards: Wu Zetian’s role was limited to advisory, not executive, power.

The Aftermath: Wu Zetian’s Calculated Power Grab

Gaozong died on December 4, 684. In the interregnum before Zhongzong’s formal enthronement, chief minister Pei Yan controversially proposed that Wu Zetian assume temporary regency—a move that sidelined the new emperor and consolidated her authority. This decision marked the beginning of her unchallenged dominance, paving the way for her eventual proclamation as China’s only female emperor.

Legacy and Historical Significance

Wu Zetian’s actions during Gaozong’s final months exemplify her political genius. By leveraging natural disasters, manipulating ceremonial traditions, and outmaneuvering rivals, she transformed a precarious transition into a springboard for absolute power. The events of 684 not only reshaped the Tang Dynasty but also redefined the boundaries of female authority in imperial China. Her reign remains a testament to the interplay of ambition, strategy, and circumstance in the pursuit of power.