Rise of the Great Tang--Exploring the Mystery of the Tang Dynasty

Author: Jiang Jianping
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-09-01
Features: History, in its journey, has left behind many mysterious and beautiful remnants for later generations. However, due to the scouring of time and other reasons, these mysteries and beauties have been shrouded in layers of fog. The study of history is essentially a process of exploration, uncovering the truths behind these scenes—some grand and majestic, some poignant and heart-wrenching, or tragic and moving... The author selects influential figures from the Tang Dynasty's political and literary circles as starting points, broadening the scope based on historical records to judge their merits and demerits. While showcasing the turmoil and splendor of the prosperous era and diligently tracing the historical context, the book also hopes to inspire modern people to learn from history and transform the strategies of the past into contemporary wisdom.
The Tang Dynasty was a period of great prosperity in Chinese history, marked by military strength, vibrant economy, and open culture. During this time, renowned rulers, wise ministers, talented scholars, heroic figures, brave generals, and beautiful women converged, weaving a series of thrilling and epic stories. One of the most extraordinary women of this era was the legendary Shangguan Wan'er.
In the Tang Dynasty, a unique and puzzling phenomenon emerged, with a concentration of powerful women—often referred to as female politicians or ambitious figures—spanning several decades from Emperor Gaozong's reign to Wu Zetian, Emperor Zhongzong, and Emperor Ruizong. Wu Zetian, Empress Wu, Princess Taiping, Princess Anle, and Shangguan Wan'er took turns in the spotlight. In the long history of Chinese feudal society, this was a very special and peculiar phenomenon, well worth studying. Among these female politicians (ambitious figures), Shangguan Wan'er's life was particularly extraordinary, making it difficult to summarize in mere words.
Shangguan Wan'er was from Shang County, Shanzhou (now part of Henan Province) and the granddaughter of Shangguan Yi, the prime minister during Emperor Gaozong's reign. In the first year of the Linde era (664 AD), Emperor Gaozong grew increasingly dissatisfied with Wu Zetian's autocratic rule. He secretly plotted with Shangguan Yi, the prime minister, to depose her, ordering him to draft a decree for her impeachment. Upon learning of this from his trusted spies, Wu Zetian rushed to Emperor Gaozong's side, snatching the decree and berating him. The weak Emperor Gaozong, helpless, stammered: "This is not my intention. It was Shangguan Yi who taught me to do this." Unwilling to let the matter rest, Wu Zetian instructed Xu Jingzong to submit a memorial accusing Shangguan Yi of conspiring with the former crown prince Li Zhong to plot rebellion. As a result, the entire Shangguan family was executed, with Shangguan Yi and his son Shangguan Tingzhi among them. Shangguan Tingzhi's wife, Zheng Shi, and daughter, Shangguan Wan'er, were enslaved according to the customs of the time.
Shangguan Wan'er was beautiful and intelligent and was selected to serve as a palace maid. Her mother, Zheng Shisanniang, was the sister of Zheng Xiuyuan, the Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, who possessed literary talent. From a young age, her mother taught her to read and write, and she was "naturally gifted and skilled in writing." As she grew older, she composed essays and poems in the palace, earning praise from everyone as a talented writer. At the age of fourteen, Wu Zetian summoned her for an impromptu writing test. Shangguan Wan'er's words flowed effortlessly, and she completed the piece in no time, her writing brilliant and her language exquisite. Impressed, Wu Zetian immediately issued an edict to free her from slavery, elevating her to the rank of palace official and entrusting her with the task of drafting imperial decrees. From then on, Shangguan Wan'er became Wu Zetian's political secretary, participating in the decision-making of state affairs and gaining increasing power.
The exceptionally intelligent Shangguan Wan'er, of course, was fully aware that Wu Zetian was the enemy who had killed her grandfather and father. Wu Zetian, in turn, was well aware that Shangguan Wan'er was the descendant of Shangguan Yi. Why did these two exceptionally intelligent women reconcile their grievances and collaborate so closely? Especially how could Shangguan Wan'er forget her deep-seated hatred and live peacefully by Wu Zetian's side for so long—devotedly serving her while also holding authority in the palace, drafting decrees and imperial orders on her behalf? What were the deeper reasons behind this? Some believe it was Wu Zetian's magnanimity that moved Shangguan Wan'er. Wu Zetian was a woman of great prowess, demonstrating unique charm in her governance. Shangguan Wan'er was deeply impressed, particularly in how Wu Zetian treated Lu Binwang. Lu Binwang drafted a declaration against Wu Zetian (Empress Wu), and Wu Zetian calmly remarked, "It is the fault of the prime minister. Such talent exists, yet to let them drift in obscurity?!" Shangguan Wan'er was utterly astonished. Wu Zetian's ability to rise above her own to evaluate a person, regretting the talent of her political rivals, truly showed her as an outstanding stateswoman who forgave past grievances and eagerly sought talent. From then on, Shangguan Wan'er completely abandoned her thoughts of revenge, wholeheartedly following Wu Zetian and quickly becoming