Wu Zetian is one of the most enigmatic and powerful figures in Chinese history, renowned for being the only female emperor in the country’s long imperial lineage. Her story is one of ambition, intrigue, and a remarkable rise to power in a male-dominated society. The tale of Wu Zetian is not only a political saga but also a collection of legends that blend fact and myth, portraying her as both a ruthless power-hungry ruler and a wise, progressive leader. This article delves into the fascinating life and legacy of Wu Zetian, highlighting the key legends that surround her ascent to the throne, her reign, and her lasting impact on Chinese history.

Early Life and Origins: The Path to Power

Wu Zetian was born in 624 CE during the Tang Dynasty to a wealthy and influential family. Her given name was Wu Zhao, and she came from a background that was not initially aligned with power in the imperial court. It is said that she was a highly intelligent and ambitious child, often described as surpassing her peers in wit and charm. As a young woman, Wu Zetian entered the palace as a concubine of Emperor Taizong, the second emperor of the Tang Dynasty.

However, her initial position in the palace was humble, and she was one of many women vying for the emperor’s attention. The legend of her rise begins with the sudden death of Emperor Taizong in 649. At this point, Wu Zetian’s future seemed uncertain, as she was sent to a Buddhist convent, as was the custom for widowed concubines. Most women in her position would have faded into obscurity, but Wu Zetian was far from ordinary.

Legend has it that she did not remain silent or passive during this time of uncertainty. Instead, Wu Zetian cleverly used her time in the convent to sharpen her intellect and develop connections. She was not content with being forgotten and made a bold move by gaining favor with Emperor Gaozong, Taizong’s successor. She was brought back to the palace and became Gaozong’s concubine, eventually becoming the emperor’s favorite.

The Ruthless Ambition of Wu Zetian

As Wu Zetian’s power grew within the palace, so did her ambition. Legends tell of how she maneuvered her way to the top, outsmarting her rivals and consolidating her position. One of the most famous stories of her rise to power is the mysterious and violent deaths of her competitors. According to some accounts, Wu Zetian was behind the death of her rival, Empress Wang, and her subsequent rise to Empress consort was seen as both an act of vengeance and political calculation.

A more notorious legend involves her relationship with Emperor Gaozong. It is believed that Wu Zetian, determined to secure her position and increase her influence, gradually manipulated the emperor, often persuading him to make decisions that benefitted her and her family. She even convinced him to grant her the power to administer imperial affairs, which, at the time, was an extraordinary move for a woman.

By the time Emperor Gaozong suffered a stroke in 660, Wu Zetian had already become the de facto ruler of the Tang Dynasty. She acted as his regent and began to exercise significant influence over the imperial court. During this period, she further cemented her control, with legends suggesting that she used her political acumen and alliances to remove any remaining opposition to her rule.

The Ascent to the Throne: The Empress Who Would Rule China

The pivotal moment in Wu Zetian’s rise to power came in 690, when she officially declared herself the ruler of China. She became the first and only woman to ever ascend to the throne as emperor, taking the title of Emperor Shengzu and establishing the Zhou Dynasty, interrupting the Tang Dynasty for a brief period. The decision to formally become the emperor was a controversial and unprecedented move, and the legends surrounding this moment emphasize both her cunning and her boldness.

One of the most famous legends of Wu Zetian’s reign is the way she consolidated her power after assuming the title of emperor. It is said that she ruthlessly eliminated any potential rivals, even going so far as to execute members of her own family. This included her sons, who were in line for the throne, and many noble families who opposed her rule. Wu Zetian’s legend as a ruthless ruler was thus firmly established, with some accounts suggesting that she may have even orchestrated the deaths of her own children to secure her position.

Despite the bloodshed associated with her rise, Wu Zetian also focused on reforming the empire, and her reign is noted for some notable achievements. According to legends, she was an intelligent and capable ruler who promoted the welfare of the people, reformed the civil service, and strengthened the central government. She is often credited with being a visionary ruler, instituting policies that laid the foundation for a more stable and prosperous empire.

Wu Zetian’s Rule: A Legacy of Power and Controversy

During her reign, Wu Zetian was seen as a progressive leader in some ways, implementing policies that were ahead of their time. For instance, she promoted education, particularly for women, and encouraged the expansion of the imperial examination system. It is said that she placed an emphasis on merit over birthright when selecting government officials, which helped to strengthen the civil service.

However, Wu Zetian’s rule was also marked by controversy and dissent. The legends surrounding her reign tell of her authoritarian tendencies and her brutal suppression of any opposition. It is said that she employed spies and secret police to monitor her court, making her rule one of constant surveillance. Additionally, she is rumored to have used both physical and psychological manipulation to maintain her authority, manipulating the minds of her courtiers and enemies alike.

One of the most persistent legends about Wu Zetian is the story of her supposed magical and supernatural powers. It is claimed that she was an adept practitioner of sorcery, using her influence with Buddhist monks and Taoist priests to maintain her hold on power. Some believe that she used supernatural means to control the fate of her rivals, even to the extent of casting spells to cause their downfall. These stories were propagated by her enemies, who sought to tarnish her reputation, but they have nonetheless become a part of her larger-than-life legend.

The Fall of Wu Zetian: A Woman in Power

Wu Zetian’s rule, which lasted for 15 years, eventually came to an end in 705, when she was forced to abdicate in favor of her son, Emperor Zhongzong. Despite her initial successes and lasting influence, Wu Zetian’s fall from power was inevitable. Legends of her downfall focus on the political intrigue and infighting that characterized the imperial court. It is said that she was undermined by powerful factions within the court, who conspired against her and eventually forced her to relinquish the throne.

Despite her abdication, Wu Zetian’s legacy lived on. She returned to the palace as an empress dowager, but she never regained the full authority she once held. In the years following her abdication, she was largely seen as a symbol of female power, a ruler who had managed to overcome the constraints of gender and seize control of one of the most powerful empires in the world.

Wu Zetian’s Legacy: A Complex and Lasting Impact

The legacy of Wu Zetian is one of both admiration and disdain. To some, she represents an extraordinary achievement for women in power, a trailblazer who broke through the patriarchal structures of ancient China to become an emperor in her own right. Her political acumen, strategic thinking, and bold decisions are still studied today as examples of effective leadership, particularly in times of crisis.

However, Wu Zetian is also viewed with suspicion by others, who emphasize the darker aspects of her rule. Her methods were often ruthless, and her ambition was seemingly limitless. The legends surrounding her rise to power and her reign continue to highlight her ability to manipulate and eliminate her enemies, sometimes through violent and underhanded means.

In modern times, Wu Zetian has been re-examined as a figure of feminist importance. Her story is often interpreted as one of empowerment, a woman who defied the norms of her time and reshaped the political landscape of China. Despite the controversies surrounding her reign, Wu Zetian’s rise to power remains a testament to her intelligence, ambition, and determination.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legend of Wu Zetian

The legend of Wu Zetian is a testament to the power of myth in shaping historical narratives. Whether viewed as a ruthless, power-hungry ruler or a visionary leader, Wu Zetian’s life story is one that continues to fascinate people around the world. Her ascent to the throne, her reign, and her eventual fall illustrate the complexities of power and gender in ancient China. As the only female emperor in Chinese history, Wu Zetian’s legacy remains a powerful symbol of both strength and controversy, reminding us of the enduring allure of one of history’s most remarkable figures.