This paper examines the life and rule of Empress Wu Zetian (624–705 A.D.), the only woman to rule China in her own right during the Tang Dynasty. Beginning with her early education and selection as a concubine to Emperor Taizong, the paper traces her strategic rise through two emperors, her ruthless consolidation of power, and her eventual establishment of the Zhou Dynasty. While Wu employed controversial and often cruel methods to secure her position—including the murder of her own daughter—her reign produced significant administrative reforms, educational modernization, and economic prosperity. The paper evaluates how Wu's ambition and determination challenged traditional gender roles in imperial China, ultimately advancing opportunities for women despite the morally questionable means by which she achieved power.
"If a woman is sufficiently ambitious, determined and gifted—there is practically nothing she cannot do." In a culture where women were still struggling to defend their traditional roles as child-bearers and homemakers, in addition to being subservient to men, Empress Wu Zetian proved herself to be in a league of her own when she succeeded to the throne during the Tang Dynasty. She has been and remains the only female ruler of China—no small feat despite the controversies surrounding how she achieved that status. Yet as it applies to her, the ends did not justify the means.
Empress Wu was born in 624 A.D. during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 A.D.) to an aristocratic family in Wenshui County of Shanxi Province. As a young child, Wu was well educated by her father and was taught to read Chinese classics, write, and play music. Not surprisingly, she was selected for her astuteness and beauty at the age of fourteen to serve as a concubine to Emperor Taizong.
Traditionally during this era, women from nobility had their feet bound—a practice that represented not only their wealthy background and freedom from manual labor, but also symbolized women's chastity. Women with bound feet were largely restricted to the confines of the home. Foot binding required women to take small steps, which created an effect of swaying known as the Lotus Gait, believed to be sexually stimulating to men. It was thought that the way women with bound feet had to walk strengthened the vaginal walls and made them narrower, thereby creating a more pleasurable experience. However, despite these cultural expectations and the painful nature of the practice, Wu successfully avoided foot binding altogether, yet was still capable of capturing the attention of Emperor Taizong, one of the greatest emperors in Chinese history.
Emperor Taizong was so impressed with Wu that he not only favored her as his Meiniang (Charming Lady), but also assigned her to assist as a secretary with state affairs. Wu quickly immersed herself in politics and gained tremendous knowledge of all that was occurring within the state. In that process, she attracted the attention of one of the emperor's younger sons, Crown Prince Li Zhi, who later ascended the throne as Emperor Gaozong. In the summer of 649 A.D., Emperor Taizong fell ill and never recovered. After his death was announced, Crown Prince Li Zhi succeeded to the title.
According to court procedures, it was customary that all concubines of the late emperor were sent to a nunnery to live out the rest of their days. Initially, Wu was no different from the rest of the consorts in the palace and was sent to a nunnery to become a nun. However, the newly enthroned Emperor Gaozong, who remained very much attracted to the beautiful and intelligent young lady, visited her frequently at the temple for the next two years. He later recalled her back to the palace and bestowed upon her the new title of Zhaoyi, the second-grade concubine of the new Emperor.
The newest concubine of the palace was not satisfied with her new title. Even though she had won the Emperor's favor and given him two sons, she was still hungry for more power. She was ambitious and determined to advance her position and status. She was so determined that she was ruthless enough to kill her own daughter and place the blame on the then-Empress Wang. Needless to say, Empress Wang was disgraced and put to death. Wu also employed several underhanded means to rid Emperor Gaozong of his favorite concubines. Soon after, in 655 A.D., with no knowledge of all Wu's crimes, Emperor Gaozong promoted Wu to ascend the throne as Empress Wu Zetian.
Empress Wu ruled alongside the Emperor in all affairs of state. Her great perception and decision-making impressed him greatly. He accepted her excellent recommendations and ideas regarding the state's agriculture, tax reduction, social reforms, and effective labor-saving practices. Within five years of her marriage, Empress Wu was actively involved in all decision-making of the state and led her troops and people with an iron-fisted approach. After her launch into politics, Wu ensured that she removed all obstacles that stood in the way of her goals. She executed those who disobeyed her and imprisoned those who failed her. She did not hesitate to target family members and high-ranking officials who had contributed significantly to the founding of the Tang Dynasty.
Emperor Gaozong was extremely troubled by the attitude of his new Empress. However, he had long since ruled in name only. He was weak-minded, and almost all decisions of the state were now handled by Empress Wu. While it would seem as if they were "Holy Sovereigns" ruling alongside one another, those who knew better understood that the Emperor was now merely a puppet.
In 683 A.D., Emperor Gaozong passed away and the throne was ascended by Empress Wu's third son, Li Xian, who was then named Emperor Zhongzong. Zhongzong did not remain emperor for long. He proved hard to manipulate and control and was quickly replaced in February of the following year. This time, Empress Wu chose her fourth son, Li Dan, who was named Emperor Ruizong. Selecting a perfect weak-minded and feeble candidate, Empress Wu was able to rule through her son for the next few years. However, that arrangement again did not last long. She finally usurped the throne and announced that she was the ruler of the Zhou Dynasty.
Empress Wu continued her ruthless and cruel methods of ruling. She showed no mercy to those who defied her and those who opposed her. In addition, she punished the innocent and wrongfully put them to death. Nevertheless, despite her unorthodox methods in rising to power, she made several notable contributions that led to the flourishing of the Tang Dynasty.
Empress Wu set a precedent in reforming the education and personnel selection system. She enabled those of modest background to compete for many government positions. She encouraged many talented young men to volunteer their expertise in their areas of specialization. Her bold move resulted in the discovery and employment of enormous political talent in the government. Some, such as Prime Ministers Di Renjie and Zhang Jianzhi, later became famous in political history. Her foresight in developing agriculture resulted in the prosperity of the people and the economy. Wu's favoritism for Buddhism also resulted in the construction of numerous Buddhist landmarks, temples, and sculptures that benefited the population.
"Retirement, death, historical memory, impact on women leaders"
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