Shangguan Wan’er is back! Not in the flesh, of course, but in a way that modern audiences can’t ignore—video games. Gamers are raving about her combo moves and ultimate attacks, turning this once-forgotten historical figure into a digital superstar. But for history buffs, seeing her in a fantasy battle royale raises an eyebrow. Wasn’t she a powerful female official in the Tang Dynasty? How did she end up as a sword-wielding warrior?

Well, let’s set the record straight—Shangguan Wan’er didn’t fight with swords, but she definitely fought battles. Her battlefield? The imperial court. Her weapon? Words sharper than any blade.

Born into Tragedy, Raised in the Shadows

Shangguan Wan’er’s story began in turmoil. Her grandfather, Shangguan Yi, was a high-ranking official who made the grave mistake of opposing the formidable Empress Wu Zetian. Big mistake. Wu Zetian had him executed, and his entire family was dragged down with him. Shangguan Wan’er, just a baby at the time, was forced into the palace as a servant.

Most palace slaves would have lived and died in obscurity, but not her. Raised by her mother, she became a literary prodigy. By 14, she caught the attention of none other than Wu Zetian herself. The empress tested her intelligence, and the young girl delivered—a flawless essay, composed on the spot. Impressed, Wu Zetian did something unexpected: she freed Shangguan Wan’er and made her a royal scribe.

From Slave to Power Player

Shangguan Wan’er rose quickly through the ranks, eventually becoming Wu Zetian’s right-hand woman. She drafted imperial edicts, shaped political strategies, and became one of the most influential figures in court. For decades, she navigated the treacherous waters of Tang Dynasty politics, surviving under multiple rulers.

But she wasn’t just a bureaucrat—she was also a trendsetter. According to historical records, she once angered Wu Zetian and was punished with a tattooed forehead. Rather than hiding in shame, she turned the mark into a fashion statement, popularizing the “red plum blossom” forehead decoration among Tang Dynasty women. Think of her as an ancient influencer, setting beauty trends in the imperial court.

Palace Scandals and Fatal Mistakes

Shangguan Wan’er’s influence wasn’t just political—it was personal. She was romantically linked to multiple powerful men, including Emperor Zhongzong’s uncle and even a high-ranking official known for his good looks. Whether these relationships were for love or political survival, they earned her enemies.

Her biggest mistake? Backing the wrong people. When Emperor Zhongzong was poisoned (allegedly by his own wife, Empress Wei), Shangguan Wan’er found herself caught in the middle of a vicious power struggle. She sided with Princess Taiping, a rival faction against the soon-to-be Emperor Xuanzong (Li Longji). Bad move.

In 710, during a coup led by Li Longji, Shangguan Wan’er was executed at the age of 47. The woman who once controlled imperial decrees met her end at the hands of the very system she had mastered.

Legacy: The Woman Who Ruled Without a Throne

Though she never officially held the title of prime minister, Shangguan Wan’er was a de facto ruler, shaping policies and controlling court affairs behind the scenes. Her story isn’t just about politics; it’s about resilience, intelligence, and the struggle for power in a world dominated by men.

Today, she’s making a comeback—whether as a character in video games or as a symbol of female ambition. The real question is: if Shangguan Wan’er were alive today, would she be ruling a country, running a Fortune 500 company, or maybe—just maybe—designing her own video game?

One thing’s for sure: history has not forgotten her, and neither should we.