The Ambitious Path to the Throne

In the mid-7th century, the Tang Dynasty witnessed one of the most dramatic political battles in Chinese imperial history—the rise of Wu Zetian from a low-ranking concubine to the position of Empress. This ascent was neither smooth nor inevitable. It involved intricate court politics, shifting alliances, and a relentless pursuit of power by a woman determined to defy tradition.

Wu Zetian, then known as Consort Wu, faced fierce opposition from the imperial court’s conservative faction, particularly the powerful chancellor Zhangsun Wuji and his allies. Despite Emperor Gaozong’s favor, the court’s resistance forced her to navigate a treacherous path. When she sought the lesser title of “Imperial Consort Chen” as a compromise, even that was met with opposition. The question loomed: Could she find allies in the court’s rigid hierarchy?

The Turning Point: Li Yifu’s Gamble

The breakthrough came from an unexpected figure—Li Yifu, a mid-ranking official known for his cunning (later immortalized in the idiom “a dagger hidden behind a smile”). Facing demotion to a provincial post, Li sought advice from his friend Wang Dexian, a shrewd strategist nicknamed “the Brain” due to his intelligence and a neck tumor. Wang suggested a bold move: openly supporting Wu Zetian’s bid for empress to win imperial favor.

That night, Li Yifu petitioned Emperor Gaozong, declaring that the people desired Wu as empress. Overjoyed at finding a court ally, Gaozong rewarded Li with riches and canceled his transfer. Wu Zetian, recognizing his value, secured his promotion to Deputy Chief of the Secretariat. This marked a pivotal shift—Li became a beacon for other officials to rally behind Wu’s cause.

The Chancellor’s Resistance and the Court Showdown

Despite growing support, opposition remained formidable. In 650 CE, Gaozong summoned four key chancellors—Zhangsun Wuji, Li Ji, Yu Zhining, and Chu Suiliang—to a private audience. Chu, a staunch traditionalist, argued fiercely against Wu’s elevation:

1. Noble Birth: Empress Wang came from an aristocratic family, fitting Confucian ideals.
2. Imperial Mandate: She was chosen by Gaozong’s father, Emperor Taizong.
3. No Just Cause: No proven misconduct justified her removal.
4. Wu’s Past: Her prior role as Taizong’s concubine made her ascension scandalous.

Chu’s impassioned protest climaxed with him slamming his ceremonial tablet and banging his head bloody. From behind a curtain, Wu Zetian shouted, “Why not execute this traitor?”—a shocking breach of protocol that revealed her ruthless resolve.

Li Ji’s Decisive Intervention

The stalemate broke when Li Ji, the revered general and chancellor, advised Gaozong: “This is Your Majesty’s family matter; why consult outsiders?” This seemingly neutral remark gave Gaozong the justification to proceed. With Li’s tacit approval, the emperor exiled Chu Suiliang and deposed Empress Wang and Consort Xiao on trumped-up poisoning charges.

Coronation and Legacy

On November 1, 655, Wu Zetian was crowned empress in an unprecedented ceremony where she received homage from officials and foreign envoys—a stark departure from tradition. Her victory reshaped Tang politics:

– Political Realignment: Pro-Wu factions gained dominance, while conservative elites were marginalized.
– Gender Norms Challenged: Her rise foreshadowed her eventual reign as China’s only female emperor.
– Power Dynamics: The episode revealed how emperors could manipulate court factions to centralize authority.

Wu’s coronation was not an endpoint but a prelude to greater ambitions. Her ability to turn adversaries into pawns—and a reluctant emperor into an ally—set the stage for her unparalleled rule. The struggle for the throne, far from ending here, would escalate into even grander political theater.

### Why This Matters Today

Wu Zetian’s ascent illustrates timeless themes of ambition, gender, and power. Her tactics—exploiting factionalism, controlling narratives, and bending tradition—remain relevant in modern leadership struggles. More than a historical curiosity, her story is a masterclass in political strategy and resilience against systemic barriers.

As we examine her next moves—consolidating power, reforming government, and facing new rivals—the lessons only deepen. The empress had won her throne, but the battle to keep it was just beginning.