The Legend of Empress Wu: Decoding Wu Zetian's Path to Power through "Zizhi Tongjian"

Brief Introduction

Empress Wu, namely Wu Zetian, is the only woman in Chinese history to formally proclaim herself emperor, and she was the empress of Emperor Gaozong of Tang, Li Zhi. She lived during a critical period of transition from prosperity to decline in the Tang Dynasty, with a reign spanning half a century. In the chronological universal history Zizhi Tongjian, compiled by Sima Guang, the image of Empress Wu is complex yet distinct. The book details her journey from a nun at Ganye Temple to a figure surpassing imperial power, providing a key perspective for later generations to understand political changes in the Tang Dynasty, the status of women, and power struggles. Through the Zizhi Tongjian, we can not only see her political acumen but also glimpse the Confucian historical perspective's evaluation of female rule.

Core Knowledge Points

* Entry into the Palace and Restoration of Favor: In her early years, Empress Wu was a Talented Lady (Cairen) of Emperor Taizong of Tang. After Taizong's death, she became a nun. Later, summoned by Emperor Gaozong, she re-entered the palace and became a Lady of Divine Grace (Zhaoyi). Through political struggles, she deposed Empress Wang and was formally established as empress in 655 AD, opening the序幕 (prelude) for female involvement in politics.
* Two Saints Governing the Court: In his later years, Emperor Gaozong suffered from a wind disease (stroke) and could not preside over court affairs. Empress Wu began to participate in deciding state matters. When court officials presented matters, Empress Wu governed behind the curtain. People of the time referred to them jointly as the "Two Saints," and her actual power gradually surpassed that of the emperor, laying the foundation for her future proclamation as emperor.
* Political Tactics and Purges: To consolidate power, Empress Wu utilized the politics of cruel officials to eliminate dissenters from the Li Tang imperial clan and aristocratic families. Simultaneously, she implemented reforms to the imperial examination system, promoting scholars from commoner families. This weakened the traditional aristocracy's monopoly on politics and altered the social class structure.
* Proclaiming Emperor and Changing the Dynasty: In 690 AD, Empress Wu abolished the Tang and established the Zhou, proclaiming herself emperor and changing the era name to Tianshou. This move broke the tradition of male-dominated politics but also sparked intense controversy among later Confucian historians, who viewed it as a major violation of ritual and law.

Connection with "Zizhi Tongjian" Content

The records of Empress Wu in the Zizhi Tongjian carry a distinct color of Confucian orthodoxy. Although Sima Guang detailed her political achievements, in his commentaries titled "The Minister Guang Says," he often emphasized that her rule was akin to a "hen crowing at dawn," violating ritual teachings, and considered her one of the roots of the turmoil in the mid-Tang Dynasty. The book specifically records how Empress Wu induced Gaozong to depose the empress and how she treated old ministers like Zhangsun Wuji, revealing the ruthlessness and determination of her political tactics.

However, Sima Guang also objectively recorded the socio-economic development and the emergence of talent during Empress Wu's rule, such as the appearance of famous chancellors like Di Renjie. This dialectical recording makes the image of Empress Wu in the Zizhi Tongjian not simply a negative role, but a political strongwoman who rose under specific historical conditions. The book also records that in her later years, she returned power to the Tang and ultimately died as the Empress Dowager, restoring the Li Tang orthodoxy. This ending also reflects Sima Guang's emphasis on "proper status and names."

Conclusion

Empress Wu's life was an interweaving of power and controversy. The Zizhi Tongjian is not only a historical archive but also an important window for understanding the changes in women's political status in ancient China. Through the brushstrokes of the historical text, we can restore a real and three-dimensional Empress Wu, contemplating the complex relationships between power, gender, and historical evaluation.