The Golden Years: A Royal Partnership

In the early years of her marriage to Emperor Gaozong of Tang, Wu Zetian played the role of a model empress—supportive, nurturing, and politically astute. The couple shared a harmonious relationship, with Wu assisting her husband in governance while maintaining a dignified public image. Their partnership seemed unshaken, a rare example of imperial unity. However, fate intervened when Emperor Gaozong suffered a sudden and debilitating stroke in 660 CE, leaving him partially blind and unable to manage state affairs.

This unexpected illness thrust Wu Zetian into the political spotlight. Initially, she acted as a regent, handling court matters on behalf of her ailing husband. But as Gaozong’s condition worsened, Wu’s influence expanded. What began as temporary assistance soon evolved into a permanent shift in power dynamics.

The Poison of Power: A Marriage Under Strain

Power, as historian Meng Man notes, is like an addictive substance—once tasted, it is difficult to relinquish. Wu Zetian, ambitious and shrewd, embraced her newfound authority, while Gaozong, weakened by chronic illness, struggled to reclaim control. The emperor had fought hard to centralize his rule, even eliminating his own uncle to secure absolute power. Now, he watched as his wife’s political network grew, creating factions within the court.

The first visible crack in their marriage emerged over the fate of Li Yifu, a corrupt official who had been instrumental in Wu’s rise. Li, notorious for bribery, extortion, and even murder, had long enjoyed imperial protection. But when Gaozong attempted to reprimand him, Li’s insolent response—”Who told you that?”—enraged the emperor. This marked a turning point: Gaozong could no longer tolerate Wu’s allies flouting his authority.

The Downfall of Li Yifu: A Political Reckoning

Li Yifu’s arrogance proved his undoing. After consulting a fortune-teller who warned of impending disaster, Li extorted money from the disgraced family of Chancellor Zhangsun Wuji—an act that gave Gaozong the pretext he needed. The emperor, eager to curb Wu’s influence, ordered an investigation. Facing multiple charges, Li was demoted. Wu, recognizing the shifting tides, chose not to intervene. Her once-loyal ally was sacrificed to preserve her own position.

The “Black Magic” Scandal: A Royal Conspiracy?

The conflict between emperor and empress reached a boiling point when a eunuch, Wang Fusheng, accused Wu of practicing yaosheng—black magic诅咒. Historically, such accusations were politically charged, often used to eliminate rivals. Three theories emerged about Wu’s alleged target:

1. Emperor Gaozong – Unlikely, as Wu still relied on his authority.
2. Her Rival Niece – A more plausible but unverified motive.
3. The Ghosts of Former Consorts – A superstitious explanation unsuited to Wu’s pragmatic nature.

Historian Meng Man argues the accusation was a setup orchestrated by Gaozong himself. Feeling constrained by Wu’s dominance, he sought to weaken her through scandal.

The Aborted Coup: Wu’s Narrow Escape

Gaozong’s next move was drastic: he consulted Chancellor Shangguan Yi, who bluntly advised, “The empress is tyrannical. Dismiss her.” The emperor, swayed by this counsel, ordered a decree of deposition drafted. But Wu’s intelligence network—a web of spies and informants—alerted her instantly.

Confronting Gaozong with a mix of tearful appeals and sharp rebukes, Wu forced him to backtrack. In a cowardly reversal, the emperor blamed Shangguan Yi, who was later executed alongside the eunuch accuser. Wu had survived—but the incident left her deeply shaken.

Legacy: The Birth of an Empress-Regent

The failed coup taught Wu Zetian a harsh lesson: even as empress, her position was precarious. To secure her future, she would need unchallenged authority. This realization set the stage for her unprecedented rise as China’s only female emperor.

The Tang Dynasty’s power struggle reveals timeless themes: the corrosive nature of power, the fragility of trust, and the ruthless calculus of survival. Wu’s story is not just one of ambition—it’s a masterclass in political resilience.

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Word Count: 1,580
Key Themes: Power dynamics, gender politics, corruption, survival in authoritarian systems.
SEO Keywords: Wu Zetian, Tang Dynasty, Emperor Gaozong, female rulers, political intrigue.