History of Wu Zetian

Wu Zetian, born in 624 CE, was a formidable and groundbreaking figure in Chinese history, known for being China's first and only female emperor. Her ascent from concubinage to sovereign power marks her as an extraordinary political strategist and leader during the Tang Dynasty, one of China’s most flourishing cultural periods. Wu Zetian's life story illustrates both her political acumen and the tumultuous times in which she lived.

Wu was born into a wealthy and noble family, which provided her with an education rare for women of her time. She was well-versed in literature, music, and politics, developing skills that would later serve her in navigating the intricacies of court politics. Around the age of 13, she was chosen to join the imperial harem of Emperor Taizong, where she took on the title of cairen, one of the imperial concubines. While Wu Zetian didn't gain significant influence during Taizong’s reign, she managed to catch the eye of his son, Li Zhi, who later became Emperor Gaozong.

Upon Taizong's death in 649, Wu Zetian, like other childless concubines, entered a Buddhist nunnery. Contrary to custom, Emperor Gaozong brought her back to the palace, raising her status considerably. In 655, Wu Zetian was named Empress, replacing Empress Wang. This move sparked extensive court intrigues and laid the groundwork for her consolidation of power.

Once Empress, Wu Zetian managed to wield significant control, especially as Emperor Gaozong's health declined. She acted as the de facto ruler, participating actively in state affairs and exercising influence over court decisions. She helped to reform administrative systems, promoted capable officials, and exerted efforts to challenge the power of the old aristocracy, thereby fostering the emergence of a bureaucratic system that relied more on meritocracy than aristocratic heritage.

Wu Zetian demonstrated a keen understanding of governance and utilized Buddhism, which was gaining popularity in China, to both legitimize her rule and consolidate her power. She presented herself as a bodhisattva figure and commissioned numerous Buddhist projects, cementing her image as a devout supporter of the faith. This religious patronage not only earned her the loyalty of the Buddhist establishment but also served to buttress her political position.

Following Gaozong’s death in 683, Wu Zetian became empress dowager and subsequently the regent for her sons, Emperor Zhongzong and later Emperor Ruizong. Dissatisfied with their performance and their susceptibility to manipulation by other court factions, Wu deposed both in favor of ruling directly. In 690, she declared herself Emperor of China, founding the short-lived Zhou Dynasty, interrupting the Tang Dynasty temporarily.

Wu Zetian’s reign as emperor was marked by numerous reforms and initiatives aimed at solidifying her control and improving the state's functioning. She expanded the imperial examination system, which opened up government positions to a broader segment of society and helped curb the power of established aristocratic families. This shift encouraged talent from various regions, helping to unify and consolidate the central power of her regime.

Her foreign policy was marked by a combination of military campaigns and diplomatic efforts. Wu sought to maintain the territorial expansions achieved by the Tang, maintaining a sophisticated military while avoiding overly aggressive expansion that could lead to internal instability. She also continued to foster the Tang Dynasty’s vibrant cultural and economic exchanges along the Silk Road, helping to sustain China’s prosperity.

Despite her accomplishments, Wu Zetian’s rule was not without controversy. Her ascent to power involved ruthless actions against rivals and dissidents. The death of some of her family members, either by execution or under suspicious circumstances, have overshadowed her legacy in traditional historiography. Furthermore, traditional Confucian scholars were critical of her disregard for patriarchal norms, thus portraying her as an usurper and emphasizing her ruthlessness.

By 705, toward the end of her life, her administration faced internal strife, and Wu Zetian was forced to abdicate in favor of her son Zhongzong, restoring the Tang Dynasty. She retired to a palace and died later that year, leaving behind a complex and multifaceted legacy.

Wu Zetian’s reign challenged and redefined gender roles in Chinese society. Her life as a politician, beyond the contentious aspects of her ruling style, showcases her as a remarkably astute and capable ruler, setting precedents for meritocracy and bureaucratic governance that outlived her dynasty. Her impact on Chinese history is a testament to her singular achievement as a woman who subverted and wielded dynastic power, becoming a potent symbol both of female potential and the complexities of leadership.