Empress Zetian Shunsheng: Wu Zetian and Power Reconstruction from the Perspective of "Zizhi Tongjian"

Brief Introduction

Empress Zetian Shunsheng, namely Wu Zetian, the only female emperor in Chinese history. This title was not the state name (Zhou) when she was emperor, but a posthumous temple name gradually conferred after her death during the reigns of Emperor Zhongzong, Ruizong, and Xuanzong of Tang. It aimed to emphasize her identity as the Empress of Gaozong to restore the legitimacy of the Li Tang dynasty. This article combines the historical masterpiece "Zizhi Tongjian" (Comprehensive Mirror in Aid of Governance), compiled by Sima Guang, to explore Wu Zetian's life trajectory, political legacy, and the logic of her recording in historical texts.

Core Knowledge Points

1. Multiple Identity Transformations:
Wu Zetian's life underwent a complex process from Cairen (Palace Lady), Zhaoyi (Lady of Grace), Empress, to Empress Dowager, Emperor, and finally returning to the identity of Empress. The honorific title "Zetian Shunsheng Empress" marks the official Tang dynasty's final definition of her identity—both an outstanding politician and a female member of the Li Tang clan.

2. Political Legacy and Reforms:
During her reign, she vigorously developed the Imperial Examination System, pioneering the Palace Examination and Military Examination, breaking the monopoly of aristocratic clans on politics. Simultaneously, she promoted commoners and struck against the Guanlong aristocratic group, laying the talent foundation for the later "Prosperity of Kaiyuan".

3. Complexity of Historical Evaluation:
Traditional historical views often criticized her moral flaws due to killing relatives and employing harsh officials. However, modern historiography focuses more on her governing ability. During her rule, the social economy continued to develop, and borders were stable, reflecting her historical status of "inspiring the Kaiyuan Era, expanding the governance of Zhenguan".

Connection with "Zizhi Tongjian" Content

"Zizhi Tongjian" records the entire process from Wu Zetian's entry into the palace to the Shenlong Revolution in detail in volumes 206 to 210. Sima Guang, as a Confucian historian, reflected distinct orthodox concepts in his recording:

* Record of Political Participation: The book provides a detailed description of Emperor Gaozong's later years, when he was unable to handle affairs due to wind illness, and Wu Zetian gradually took charge of court politics. Sima Guang quoted the ancient saying "A hen crowing at dawn" to imply that female interference violates ritual teachings, but also objectively recorded her efficiency in handling state affairs.
* Usurpation and Restoration: Regarding Wu Zetian changing Tang to Zhou, becoming emperor, and the "Shenlong Revolution" of abolishing the Zhou dynasty and returning power to Li Tang in her later years, "Zizhi Tongjian" has detailed records. In his commentary "Sima Guang commented", Sima Guang criticized her usurpation for violating ministerial duty, but also acknowledged her ability to recognize talent and follow public sentiment in returning power in her later years.
* Historical Value: Compared to the "Old Book of Tang", "Zizhi Tongjian" provides a more rigorous sorting of political struggles during Wu Zetian's period. Through the chronological form, it clearly shows the timeline of power succession, making it one of the core historical sources for studying Empress Zetian Shunsheng.

In summary, "Empress Zetian Shunsheng" is not just a title, but a symbol of the return of Tang political ethics. Through the records of "Zizhi Tongjian", we can understand this legendary woman more three-dimensionally, seeing how she reconstructed power order in a patriarchal society and left a profound impact.