The Rise of Wu Zetian and the Succession Dilemma

Empress Wu Zetian, the only female emperor in Chinese history, ascended to the throne in 690 CE, establishing the short-lived Zhou Dynasty. Her unprecedented reign challenged Confucian norms that excluded women from imperial power. However, as she aged, the question of succession became increasingly urgent. Unlike male rulers, Wu faced a unique dilemma: should she pass the throne to her biological sons, who belonged to the deposed Tang Dynasty’s Li family, or to her Wu clan nephews, ensuring the continuity of her Zhou Dynasty?

This conflict intensified between her ambitious nephew Wu Chengsi and her youngest son, Li Dan (Emperor Ruizong). Wu Chengsi, desperate to secure his position as heir, employed relentless political maneuvers, including orchestrating mass petitions to flatter his aunt. Meanwhile, Li Dan, though holding the title of “Imperial Heir,” remained vulnerable to his cousin’s schemes.

The Political Chessboard: Wu Chengsi’s Ambitions vs. Li Dan’s Survival

Wu Chengsi’s primary argument was simple yet compelling: “Since ancient times, no emperor has passed the throne to an outsider.” He emphasized that Wu Zetian’s legacy should remain within the Wu family, leveraging traditional patriarchal succession norms. To strengthen his case, he organized large-scale petitions, pressuring Wu Zetian to adopt increasingly grandiose titles, such as “Golden Wheel Sage Emperor” and “Transcendent Golden Wheel Sage Emperor.” These efforts aimed to demonstrate his loyalty and reinforce his suitability as heir.

However, Wu Zetian’s trusted chancellor, Di Renjie, intervened at a critical moment. Employing a three-pronged argument, he reminded the empress of her obligations to the Tang founders, the importance of maternal bonds, and the impracticality of a nephew honoring her posthumously. Di Renjie’s influence was pivotal—his status as a respected elder allowed him to speak candidly, framing the issue as both a familial and state matter.

The Turning Point: Dreams, Omens, and External Pressures

Wu Zetian’s indecision was further influenced by a vivid dream in which a magnificent parrot—symbolizing her reign—had broken wings, representing her disempowered sons. Di Renjie interpreted this as a divine sign to restore Li Dan and Li Xian (the deposed Emperor Zhongzong) to power. Meanwhile, external threats emerged: the Khitan rebellion in the northeast exploited the succession crisis, demanding the restoration of Li Xian to undermine Zhou’s legitimacy.

The final push came from an unlikely source—Wu Zetian’s favorite courtiers, the Zhang brothers (Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong). Fearing retribution after Wu’s death, they heeded advisor Ji Xu’s advice and urged the empress to recall Li Xian from exile. Their intervention, combined with mounting political and military pressures, convinced Wu Zetian to relent.

The Fall of Wu Chengsi and the Restoration of the Tang Dynasty

Wu Chengsi, realizing his ambitions were shattered, succumbed to illness and died shortly after Li Xian’s return. Wu Zetian formally reinstated Li Xian as crown prince in 698 CE, marking the beginning of the Tang Dynasty’s restoration. Her decision was pragmatic: Li Xian lacked a power base in Luoyang, making him easier to control, and his estrangement from the Wu clan reduced future conflict risks.

Legacy and Historical Reflections

Wu Zetian’s succession compromise underscores her political acumen. By prioritizing stability over dynastic pride, she averted a potential civil war. However, her nephews’ incompetence—exemplified by figures like Wu Youji, whose cowardice and cruelty alienated both the military and populace—highlighted the Wu clan’s unsuitability for governance.

Ultimately, Wu Zetian’s reign concluded with the peaceful return of the Tang Dynasty, securing her place in history as a ruler who defied gender norms yet bowed to political realities. Her story remains a testament to the complexities of power, loyalty, and legacy in imperial China.