Empress Wu Zetian

Author: Dong Yunqing
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-04-01
Features: Wu Zetian's "rebellious challenge to the male-dominated society for thousands of years has led to mixed evaluations of her. Some called her a lustful and cruel woman, while others praised her as a wise and decisive ruler. Mao Zedong once remarked that Wu Zetian was indeed a capable ruler, possessing the tolerance to accept others, the wisdom to recognize talent, and the skill to utilize people. In a male-dominated power structure, Wu Zetian's phoenix above and dragon below struck at the root of feudal society in China, causing men to feel ashamed and unable to accept her rule. Over the centuries, she was labeled as lustful, cruel, unscrupulous, ambitious, and cunning, with each of these titles added to her already towering stature, surpassing even that of men. However, no matter how people evaluate her, history has only one female emperor—Wu Zetian. In Chinese history, there have been six or seven women who ruled as regents, but only Wu Zetian ascended the throne, enjoying the honor of "all nations bowing to her imperial crown," becoming the only female emperor in history. If Wu Zetian's initial entry into the palace through recommendation was accidental, then her rise to the highest position was the result of her own struggle and wisdom. She used cunning to eliminate all those who opposed her, even sparing no family members. Nevertheless, her achievements remain glorious throughout history. She ruled for nearly half a century, ensuring social stability, economic development, and carried out many measures that benefited the people. She consolidated and advanced the "Zhenguan Era" and played a pivotal role in bridging the "Kaiyuan Era" that followed. Therefore, the renowned modern historian Guo Moruo believed that Wu Zetian's historical contributions in connecting the past with the future would shine through the ages! Wu Zetian, as the only female emperor in Chinese history, combined talent, beauty, wisdom, and decisiveness. She endured complex emotional entanglements, rising from a lowly palace maid to a concubine, queen, and ultimately, an emperor. Her life was one of perseverance through twists and turns, difficulties, and obstacles; it was a life of bold revolution against feudal male-dominated society and its traditions. As an emperor, Wu Zetian was an iron-willed figure, but as a woman, she was not without tenderness and gentleness. Iron will and tenderness were perfectly united in Wu Zetian. This book follows the principle of "adhering to major historical facts while being flexible on minor details," aiming to present Wu Zetian's extraordinary and legendary life, striving to a vivid Wu Zetian to the world.