Empress Wu Zetian

The story and history of the only Empress in China's history fluctuates depending on the appraisal or disapproval of her life through the eyes of every different historian. Though details change within each different telling, the important facts remain the same. In fact, often times it is merely the interpretation of Empress Wu's actions that vary greatly from historian to historian.

Empress Wu was born in 624 and was named Wu Zhao at birth. She was born into a noble family and was naturally exposed to many academic privileges, so she learned how to write, read and play music at a young age. As an adult at the tender age of 14 years, Wu Zhao became a Cairen concubine for the Emperor. This meant she was a "fifth-level" concubine, but she soon caught the Emperor's eye and was upgraded. Emperor Tai Zong (or Tai Tsung) called her Meiniang which means "Charming Lady."

The story twists a little here. Some sources say that Wu Zhao was given special privileges as the Emperor's favorite infatuation,privileges including doing work in the Imperial Office and studying the official documents of the Emperor. Other sources remain that she was merely revered as a higher level concubine.

When Tai Zong died in 649, and Wu was only 26 years old, she was sent off to a Buddhist Convent, as was the tradition. As a concubine to the Emperor, her purpose was over and she was sent away with all the other women of the deceased Emperor. However,Tai's son, Gaozong, also had eyes for Wu. He invited her back into the palace (although it was very rare and rather scandalous) as a second-level concubine.

She was special to the new Emperor, but she was not, she felt, powerful enough. There was one senior concubine and the Empress who stood between Wu and the most powerful female position in the Empire. In order to attain this status, Wu killed off many of the Emperor's favorite concubines, including Xiaoshu, the senior concubine. She gave birth to many children for Emperor Gaozong, which was an important quality to possess as a potential Empress.

Still second to the Gaozong's wife, the Empress, Wu Zhao devised a plan. She murdered her own child by suffication, and blamed Empress Wang. Not believing that Wu would murder her own child, Gaozong believed her. The Empress fell out of favor with the Emperor and Wu was promoted to Empress.

Wu's intelligence helped her gain even more influence in the Empire. She involved herself in her husband's political affairs, although women were not supposed to be leaders according to popular religious standards. The palace excepted her wisdom, though, and she suggested many ideas about agriculture, tax reductions, social reforms, successful labor saving practices, and even new conventional ways to fight fires. (Fires being a big issue in large part because of the amount of wood used in building most houses or palaces).

Wu seemed to be a great leader - to those who didn't know her, but to people within the walls of the palace, Wu was ruthless. Her husband, the Emperor, suffered from a paralyzing stroke in 660 only about five years into the marriage, and Wu began to slowly take complete control. She was said to have created a secret police in order to secure her position as the first in authority while her husband remained unable to speak against her. She killed those opposed to her, as she feared the idea of being replaced on the throne, not even sparing her own family.

When Emperor Gaozong finally died in 683, Wu was still unable to rule as Empress. During his ailment she had done some "behind the scenes" ruling, and essentially the Emperor only ruled in name and theory. This was the tradition of the Chinese culture at that time, because women were not "supposed to be" ruling countries. Instead, Wu had to act as if Gaozong was still in control. When he died, Wu pressured her 3rdson (whose mind was rather pliable) to ascend to the throne. His two older brothers were rightful heirs before him, but Wu had her way. When he proved more difficult than she had suspected, she disposed of Li Xian, known as Zhongzhong, and brought Li Dan into power. Li Dan was her 4th and youngest son.

She used her son Li Dan, known as Emperor Ruizong, as a puppet through which she actually ruled China from 661-690. All along she was promoting acceptance of female leadership by campaigning subtly for women's rights. She hired professors to write biographical books on famous women in Chinese history, and even elevated the rank of her mother's side of the family through nepotism. Finally in 690 Wu usurped the throne for herself and finally ruled as Empress Wu Zetian. She promoted the notion that the ruler of a country should rule a country as a mother would her children.

Wu accomplished many things in her reign, many of which are very important in China's history. She is accredited with start of "government interviews," so that every man and woman was eligable for a position of power (if they proved worthy), despite their lowly beginnings. In fact, she encouraged many people to find their talent and use it for the good of the nation, whether volunteering or working. Wu order the compilation of agricultural textbooks and the construction of many irrigation systems. This was extremely successful, and as China profited, Wu thanked her people with tax cuts. This brought many people out of poverty and created less of a class system.

When Wu realized that she would not die with respect from her family (because of all the corruption she had inflicted upon them), she was persuaded to resign as the ruler in order to regain that respect. She reinstated Li Xian as Emperor, and died as a revered member of the Li family.

She died peacefully at the age 82 in 705. She is buried in Qianlang Tomb next to Gaozong, her late husband. Though much is known about Wu Zetian and her reign, it is impossible to guess what kind of impact her reign as the only female empress in Chinese history has truly had on China today. Some criticize her actions, other applause her for her aggression, (for men often act the same way in politics but are not critized). Either way, there is no doubt Empress Wu Zetian earned her infamy in Chinese history.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO CHECK OUT MY SOURCES FOR YOURSELF, VISIT:

http://www.womeninworldhistory.com/heroine6.html

http://www.womenofchina.com.cn/people/women_in_history/3594.jsp

http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/history/tang/emperor_wuzetian.htm

(Keep in mind I did find more sources than this, but these were chosen as reliable and consistent.)