Woman Wu Zetian

Author: Zhao Mei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-01-01
Features: For millennia, she was the greatest woman! With extraordinary talent and methods, immense wisdom and courage, she transcended the constraints of feudal etiquette and broke the shackles of a male-dominated society, becoming the female emperor in Chinese history who was [unprecedented before and unmatched after]. Yet, no matter how high a woman reaches, she is still just a woman. Before leaving this world, she finally lowered her head. She abolished Wu Zhou and restored the Li Tang dynasty. She left an empty stele, allowing later generations to judge her right and wrong. Wu Zetian, this woman, is rare in both ancient and modern times. To seize power, she not only killed numerous members of the Li Tang clan but also killed her own son. She excluded dissenters, demoted loyal ministers, employed cruel officials, and repeatedly launched major trials. She was also licentious, indulging in the harem. Yet, she successfully mastered a history usually dominated by men. While the scribes of this history remained men, they had to act according to her will, trembling with fear and daring not to defy her in the slightest. Cruelty and intelligence, madness and composure—on this unparalleled woman, these qualities were astonishingly unified. Different people will have various opinions on this historical empress. Those who admire the art of war will view this bold and daring woman as a hero of the world. Feminists will dismiss the charges of incest and debauchery leveled against Wu Zetian. Historians will condemn her actions of eliminating dissenters, executing ministers, believing in omens, promoting Buddhism, building temples, constructing the Bright Hall, forging the Celestial Pivot, and casting the Nine Tripod. Yet, they will admire her measures to encourage agriculture and silk production, reduce taxes, end warfare, discourage frivolous pursuits, minimize labor, promote literature, and value scholarly works. In truth, there are too many reasons for us to care about this woman and that forgotten chapter of history.