Wu Sansi and Tian Shu: Symbols of Power in the Zizhi Tongjian

Brief Introduction

Wu Sansi (? – 707), a powerful minister of the Tang Dynasty, nephew of Wu Zetian, and son of Wu Yi. During the Zhou period established by Wu Zetian, he relied on his aunt's trust to rise to Prime Minister and was enfeoffed as the King of Liang. He was one of the most influential political figures in the late Zhou period, and his life is recorded in detail in the Zizhi Tongjian (Comprehensive Mirror in Aid of Governance). Among these records, his supervision of casting the "Tian Shu" (Pillar of Heaven) was not only a symbol of the Zhou prosperity but also became a key entry point for later historians to evaluate the extravagance of Zhou politics and the succession of power.

Core Knowledge Points

* Identity and Background: As the King of Liang, Wu Sansi was a core member of the Wu family. He held real power during the late years of Wu Zetian and the early period of Emperor Zhongzong's restoration, making him a key figure connecting the transition between the Zhou and Li Tang regimes.
Casting of Tian Shu Event: In the fourth year of Chang'an (704 AD), to praise Wu Zetian's virtues, Wu Sansi and others proposed casting the "Great Zhou Universal Praise of Virtue Tian Shu". This was a huge bronze pillar, fifteen zhang high, weighing 200,000 jin*. Names of officials and commoners from all states and counties across the country were engraved on it, intended to demonstrate the unity of the people.
* Political Outcome: Although Wu Sansi wielded immense power, his autocratic behavior caused dissatisfaction among the old Li Tang officials. Finally, during the "Jinglong Coup" in the second year of Shengtong (707 AD), he was executed by Crown Prince Li Chongjun, ending the Wu family's rule in the court.

Connection with the Content of Zizhi Tongjian

In the Zizhi Tongjian, Sima Guang's records of Wu Sansi and Tian Shu hold profound historical warning significance.

1. Recording the Harm of Extravagance: The Zizhi Tongjian details the scale of the Tian Shu's casting, mentioning the massive mobilization of manpower and the consumption of countless copper and iron. Sima Guang uses this to criticize the extravagance and burden on the people in the late Zhou politics, implying that such excessive display of power undermined the foundation of rule.
2. Displaying Power Struggles: Through the rise and fall of Wu Sansi, the book shows the intense game between the Wu faction and the Li Tang imperial clan in the late Zhou period. Wu Sansi's rise and fall reflect the political chaos of that time, where imperial power was sidelined and powerful ministers dominated.
3. Historical Evaluation: Sima Guang implicitly evaluates Wu Sansi's "opportunistic advancement" in his narrative, using him as a typical case of Wu Zetian's political mistakes in her later years, providing lessons for later rulers regarding personnel selection and finance.

Conclusion

The story of Wu Sansi and Tian Shu is an important microcosm of Zhou history. Through the perspective of the Zizhi Tongjian, we can not only see the peak of power of a King of Liang, but also understand the complexity of the political culture of that era. Although the Tian Shu no longer exists, the historical lessons behind it still hold value for popularizing historical knowledge.