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.