Wu Zetian was the only female emperor in Chinese history, known as the “Two Saints” along with Emperor Gaozong. The history encyclopedia editor brings relevant content to everyone. Interested friends, come and take a look.
It is extremely rare in the strict feudal patriarchal society. Wu Zetian was also the concubine of two emperors of the Tang Dynasty. From this alone, Wu Zetian was outstanding in both appearance and talent. It should be said that in the current palace drama, she is definitely the one who can live to the end.
During the reign of Empress Wu Zetian, although she vigorously promoted the rule of cruel officials, she also had a keen eye for every detail. She was strategic, skilled in personnel management, and valued talent; Famous historical figures such as Yao Chong, Song Jing, and Di Renjie were all from this period.
However, in the later period, Wu Zetian gradually became extravagant and authoritarian, gradually exposing her shortcomings. Even raised a group of male pets, indulging in extreme extravagance and debauchery. Perhaps she knew her own merits and demerits, so she left a wordless monument for future generations to evaluate.
01
Clever and talented people step by step camp
Wu Zetian entered the palace at the age of 14 and became the concubine of Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin. She has a dignified demeanor, is intelligent and clever, and is good at reading people’s words and expressions, which earned her the title of talented person. Emperor Taizong was particularly fond of her and bestowed upon her the title “Wu Mei”, hence she is referred to as Wu Meiniang in some films and TV dramas, which is the origin of this.
After the death of Emperor Taizong, Wu Zetian did not bury him, but was sent to Ganye Temple to become a nun. Wu Zetian was unwilling to live a life of eternal peace and prosperity, relying on her close connection with Li Zhi. She often sent letters to Li Zhi, saying that she missed him. Li Zhi had ulterior motives towards Wu Zetian and tried various methods to get in touch with her.
Li Zhi often found opportunities to meet Wu Zetian at Gan Ye Temple. Soon, the two were not satisfied with meeting privately, so Li Zhi brought Wu Zetian back to the palace openly, transforming her from a “stepmother” to his own concubine.
Wu Zetian returned to the palace and coveted the position of empress. In order to overthrow the queen, she cruelly covered her newborn daughter and then falsely accused the queen of doing it. Upon learning of this, Li Zhi became furious and deposed the empress. In order to comfort Wu Zetian, she became the empress.
Li Zhi often felt unwell and had limited energy to handle court affairs, allowing Wu Zetian’s political talent to be demonstrated. Many times, it was Wu Zetian who handled government affairs on behalf of others and dealt with problems decisively and clearly, which convinced the courtiers. Over time, Wu Zetian gradually gained power, and even when her son Li Dan succeeded to the throne, the actual power still remained in Wu Zetian’s hands.
02
Iron blooded wrist shows signs
Wu Zetian is a ruthless character who excludes dissidents and controls those around her. Especially after Li Zhi’s death, he seemed to have lost his restraints and acted even more recklessly. For the sake of power, Wu Zetian employed many strategies and tactics, which were so ruthless that it once made people tremble with fear.
Wu Zetian, for the sake of power, was not satisfied with the position of empress and wanted to become a female emperor. She rallied some important courtiers to support her and carried out a large-scale killing spree against some ministers who did not support her. Even her own son Li Hong became a thorn in Wu Zetian’s side.
Prince Li Hong has a calm personality, emphasizes benevolence, righteousness, and etiquette, and is often praised by ministers. However, he was born into an imperial family and had a mother who wanted to hold power. His gentle and weak nature meant that he could not “win” over his mother and could only be executed by Empress Wu Zetian, becoming a sacrificial lamb to her power for nothing.
After his death, his younger brother Li Xian was crowned as the crown prince, but his fate was the same as his brother’s death at the hands of his mother. Many relatives of the Li and Wu clans, including high-ranking officials, were either executed or exiled by Wu Zetian, and their fate was tragic. These actions are something that ordinary people dare not or cannot bear to do, but indirectly reflect that although Wu Zetian is ruthless, she is also a born king.
03
Captivating male pets and setting up a harem
After Wu Zetian finally ascended to the throne, she worked hard to govern, and her initial brutality and killing also subsided a lot. But they are good at receiving advice and have the means and ability to manage the country. Under her governance, the people lived and worked in peace and contentment, and the country enjoyed a prosperous scene.
As the country gradually returned to the right track, Wu Zetian had the intention to focus on her side. Li Zhi passed away many years ago, leaving Wu Zetian sleepless and empty at night. Seeing a young man, one cannot help but feel a longing. Wu Zetian simply set up a harem like a male emperor, but the harem was filled with young and handsome men.
There were many beauties in Empress Wu Zetian’s harem, such as Zhang Changzong and Shen Nanluo, who were deeply favored by the Empress Dowager. Especially Shen Nanluo’s rise to power was quite dramatic.
Shen Nanluo is a imperial physician, not particularly young compared to other male pets, but her appearance is still decent; One night, Wu Zetian suffered unbearable abdominal pain, and the palace officials quickly summoned the imperial physician. The person on duty that night happened to be Shen Nanluo; After receiving medical treatment, Shen Nanluo was about to pack up and leave when she was suddenly stopped by Wu Zetian, who wanted her to stay in the “sleeping quarters”. Shen Nanyao suddenly felt scared and helpless.
Upon seeing this, Wu Zetian did not force Shen Nanyao to stay, but instead sent her away first. Later, Empress Wu Zetian took another opportunity to summon Shen Nanluo. At first, Shen Nanluo evaded and said that she was a small medical official and dared not think of the emperor. But unable to withstand Wu Zetian’s frequent summons, Shen Nanluo knew she could no longer refuse, otherwise she might lose her head, so she obeyed Wu Zetian and became her new “favored concubine”.
Afterwards, in order to consolidate her position as a favored concubine, Shen Nanluo consumed a large amount of nourishing yin and tonifying yang medicine. Unfortunately, due to the significant side effects of the medicine, Shen Nanluo passed away within a few years; After his death, Wu Zetian did not feel very sad, but continued to search for new targets as male pets. Wu Zetian would never give up the entire garden for a single flower.
04
Throughout Wu Zetian’s life, from a young talent to the pinnacle of power in the feudal era, she must have gone through a psychological journey that ordinary people cannot experience, possessing courage and strategy that are difficult for ordinary people. She killed her son to seek power, but also recruited talented individuals, weakened the power of aristocratic families, and vigorously promoted the imperial examination system. The economy and culture of the Tang Dynasty were dazzling and had a profound impact, reflecting the remarkable achievements of Empress Wu Zetian during her tenure.
As for Wu Zetian raising male pets, it was not just for her own pleasure. The male favourites of Empress Wu are not empty pockets. Many of them are quick in reaction and quick in skill. They are the bodyguards of Empress Wu and eyeliner. With the surveillance of these male pets, the ministers dared not discuss freely, maintaining Wu Zetian’s authority and consolidating her ruling position.
Male pets represented by Shen Nanluo, whether they are living a luxurious life or being coerced by power. They were born in feudal society and became the male pets of Empress Wu Zetian. It’s already good that they managed to escape unscathed, not to mention those male pets who died inexplicably.
Famous scholar Guo Moruo believes that Wu Zetian’s rule was a “legacy of the Zhenguan era” and a part of the prosperous Tang Dynasty. So now when people look at the actions of some ancient celebrities, they should evaluate them from multiple dimensions based on their era and social environment, rather than simply criticizing and denying them from the perspective of modern people.
