Aug 9

In early life, Wu was the concubine of Emperor Taizong. After his death, she married his ninth son and successor, Emperor Gaozong, officially becoming Gaozong’s huanghou (皇后), or empress consort, the highest-ranking of the wives, in 655. Even before becoming empress consort, Wu had considerable political power. Once announced as the empress consort, she began to control the court, and after Gaozong’s debilitating stroke in 660, she became administrator of the court, a position equal to the emperor’s, until 705.[6] As a young woman entering Gaozong’s harem, Wu clashed with Empress Wang and Consort Xiao to gain the emperor’s affection, and eventually expelled and killed them. After her wedding to Gaozong in 655, her rise to power was swift. A strong, charismatic, vengeful, ambitious and well-educated woman who enjoyed the absolute affection of her husband, Wu was the most powerful and influential woman at court during a period when the Tang dynasty was at the peak of its glory.

Wu was more decisive and proactive than her husband, and historians consider her to have been the real power behind the throne during Gaozong’s reign for more than 20 years until his death. She was partially in control of power from November 660, and totally from January 665. History records that: “She was at the helm of the country for long years, her power is no different from that of the emperor.” Wu presided over the court with the emperor, and even held court independently when the emperor was unwell. She was given charge of the Heirloom Seal of the Realm, implying that her perusal and consent were necessary before any document or order received legal validity. Gaozong sought her views on all matters before making major decisions. Wu was also granted certain honors and privileges not enjoyed by any Chinese empresses before or since. After Gaozong’s death, Wu as empress dowager and regent held power completely and solely, used absolute power more forcefully and violently than before, and suppressed her overt and covert opponents. Seven years later, Wu seized the throne and began the Zhou dynasty, becoming the only empress regnant in Chinese history.

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