Shangguan Wan’er was a famous talented woman and female official in the Tang Dynasty. Although she was a woman, she was a prominent figure during the reigns of Wu Zetian, Emperor Zhongzong, and Emperor Ruizong. Below, the history encyclopedia editor will bring you a detailed introduction. Let’s take a look together.
It should be noted that in the early Tang Dynasty, there were many women who held great power, such as Wu Zetian who even became the first female emperor, as well as later Empress Wei and her daughter, Princess Taiping. They were all ambitious.
But they all have one thing in common, either they are members of the royal family or the emperor’s wife. It’s really rare to see someone like Shangguan Wan’er.
So, as the first female official of the Tang Dynasty, Shangguan Wan’er, what was her ending?
Shangguan Wan’er comes from a prestigious family, not to mention her grandfather, Shangguan Yi, who was a prime minister during the reign of Emperor Gaozong of Tang. Unfortunately, he was killed by Empress Wu Zetian. And the newly born Shangguan Wan’er and her mother became slaves of Yeting. Although her status was low and she had experienced all the joys and sorrows of the world, under the cultivation of her mother, Shangguan Wan’er became a talented woman by reading poetry and books.
After hearing about it, Wu Zetian summoned her and gave her exam questions. Unexpectedly, Shangguan Wan’er’s literary talent was very outstanding. Immediately, Empress Wu Zetian removed her from her servant status and appointed her to be in charge of palace edicts. From then on, she became Empress Wu Zetian’s trusted assistant.
In addition to her literary talent, Shangguan Wan’er was carefully attentive to Wu Zetian, catering to her preferences and winning her favor. Wu Zetian sometimes asked her to handle petitions from various departments, participate in political affairs, and gain increasing power.
In the first year of the Shenlong era (705 AD), Zhang Jianzhi, together with a group of Tang loyalists, launched the Shenlong Coup and restored the Li Tang artifact. Li Xian ascended the throne as emperor again.
Everything seems to have changed, but for Shangguan Wan’er, it hasn’t. She was trusted as always and had connections with Empress Wei and Princess Anle as a result. Wu Sansi was recommended by her.
At that time, the government was controlled by a group of women, including Empress Wei and her daughter, as well as Princess Taiping, the youngest daughter of Empress Wu Zetian. These people are each more ambitious and want to be the second Empress Wu Zetian.
After Princess Taiping became dominant, Shangguan Wan’er once again attached herself to Princess Taiping.
After Li Xian’s death, Empress Wei and her daughter accelerated their steps to ascend the throne. In order to balance the court’s politics, Shangguan Wan’er and Princess Taiping issued a will, which included appointing Li Chongmao as Crown Prince, Li Dan as regent, and Empress Wei as regent, hoping to prevent Empress Wei from learning from Empress Wu Zetian.
But how could Wei Hou, who was obsessed with her mind, change her decision with just a piece of paper. At that time, almost all members of the court and the public were supporters of Empress Wei, so many people also advised her to learn from Empress Wu Zetian.
However, at a critical moment, Li Longji took action and launched a coup, suddenly entering the palace and killing the rebellious party led by Wei Hou.
However, Shangguan Wan’er was also killed in this coup, as she had planned to hang out with Princess Taiping. She hopes to use the posthumous edict she made with Princess Taiping to exonerate Li Longji. But Li Longji did not approve, thinking she was a witch and directly beheading her.
