What was the fate of Wu Zetian’s children? Below, the History Encyclopedia editor will bring you a detailed article introduction.
Wu Zetian was the only female emperor in ancient times, but after all, it was a male dominated society in history, and the status of women was not high. In order to consolidate her rule, Wu Zetian adopted bloody measures, especially against those who threatened her status. It can be said that she was very ruthless.
Of course, objectively speaking, Wu Zetian is still qualified to be emperor, at least much stronger than many emperors. Under her governance, the Tang Dynasty still maintained its former glory and its strength should not be underestimated.
Speaking of Wu Zetian’s son, it has to be said that the pressure is very high. In theory, after the death of Emperor Gaozong of Tang, the successor should be his son. This was originally arranged, but it was precisely due to the existence of Empress Wu Zetian that these sons were oppressed and even threatened with their lives.
It can be said that after Wu Zetian ascended the throne, her son lived in fear and hopelessness every day.
Wu Zetian and Tang Gaozong Li Zhi had four sons and two daughters together.
Eldest daughter: Princess Andingsi, the eldest daughter of Emperor Gaozong of Tang, Li Zhi, and Empress Wu Zetian. She died early, but until now, her death has always been attributed to Empress Wu Zetian. It is said that Empress Wu Zetian gave birth to her daughter shortly after, in order to seize the position of empress. Coincidentally, Empress Wang came over
After visiting, he strangled her to death.
This was used to frame Empress Wang, causing Emperor Gaozong of Tang to hate her to the bone and leading to the later event of the deposed empress.
Eldest son: Filial piety to Emperor Li Hong, filial piety, benevolence, and compassion for the people. Deeply favored by Emperor Gaozong of Tang. At the age of four, he was appointed as the crown prince and also the designated successor. During his tenure as crown prince, Li Hong was known for his benevolence and virtue. He couldn’t stand Wu Zetian’s actions, so he often worried. Tang Gaozong’s poor health was a good opportunity for him to supervise the country, but he also inherited this and passed away at the young age of only 23.
However, there are different opinions about the cause of Li Hong’s death. Some people believe that it was done by Wu Zetian. The “New Book of Tang” and “Tang Huiyao” both record that Li Hong may have been poisoned by Wu Zetian.
Second son: Prince Zhang Huai, Li Xian, lives up to his name. Like his brother, Li Xian has a dignified demeanor, quick thinking, filial piety, and benevolence, making him a rare prince. However, he had a conflict with Wu Zetian, which made her suspicious. As a result, the cruel official Qiu Shenji forced her to commit suicide at the age of only 29.
Second daughter: Princess Taiping, the youngest daughter of Emperor Gaozong of Tang, Li Zhi, and Empress Wu Zetian. She was Wu Zetian’s favorite daughter and also had a personality that was most similar to hers. Naturally, Princess Taiping had the greatest ambition. After Empress Wu Zetian, she always hoped to become the empress, but unfortunately encountered too much resistance and lost in her battle with her nephew Li Longji. Her ending was also not good.
Third son: Emperor Zhongzong of Tang, Li Xian, ascended the throne twice. The first time was after the death of Emperor Gaozong of Tang. As the first two had already passed away, he became the third son and succeeded to the throne smoothly. But not long after, Wu Zetian deposed him and exiled him. The second time was already in Wu Zetian’s later years. After much consideration, Wu Zetian decided to pass on the throne to her son instead of her nephew. So Li Xian was brought back and continued to be crowned as the crown prince. In the later stage, he and Zhang Jianzhi launched the Divine Dragon Coup and ascended to the throne as emperor.
Fourth son: Tang Ruizong Li Dan, also known as Li Longji’s father, became emperor after Li Xian was deposed. However, like Li Xian, he was just a puppet. He also knew this, so he took the initiative to abdicate shortly after becoming emperor.
After Li Xian’s death, Li Dan also became emperor again with the help of Li Longji.
