Empress Wu Zetian
Wuzetian, In China's history, she is the only female emperor, an
outstanding woman, there are in excellent shape and
superhuman abilities and wisdom, good governance, make the best use of talents, the state
management of British life in perfect order is a good emperor
Wu Zetian was born of a royal lineage during the Tang Dynasty. She entered Emperor Taizong's
harem when she was 13 and that of the successive emperor Gaozong after. A master of
manipulation, Wu Zetian persuaded the emperor to declare her one rank below the empress
consort. Eventually, the Emperor married Wu. When Gaozong suffered a stroke five years later,
Wu governed behind the scenes. She created a secret police force to spy on her opposition, jailing
or killing those who stood in her way.
After Gaozong's death she reigned through puppet emperors, her sons Zhongzong and
Ruizong. She finally proclaimed herself Emperor, the first woman to do so. Wu ruled until her
80s when she was unable to thwart a coup. She died shortly after. Despite her ruthless climb to
power, her rule was benign. Wu reduced the size of the standing army, and replaced aristocrats
in the government with scholars. She was fair to the peasantry, lowering taxes, raising
agricultural production, and strengthening public works. Wu also campaigned to elevate the
status of women and had scholars write biographies of famous women.