In 690 CE, after Gaozong’s death, Wu Zetian took an extraordinary step—she declared herself emperor, founding her own dynasty, the Zhou Dynasty, and ruling under the title "Empress Regnant." Her decision to rule as emperor was unprecedented in Chinese history, and it sparked outrage among many of the male officials and members of the aristocracy. At the time, Chinese society was deeply patriarchal, and the idea of a woman holding the imperial throne was seen as unnatural and unacceptable by many.

Wu's ascent to power was marked by a series of strategic decisions that consolidated her rule. She eliminated rivals, including several members of the royal family and high-ranking officials who might pose a threat to her reign. The most infamous example of this is the alleged involvement of Wu in the death of her own infant daughter, which she used as a justification to eliminate her potential rival, the emperor’s other concubines, and members of the imperial family.

Wu Zetian's reign, however, was also marked by her considerable accomplishments. She promoted the development of the civil service examination system, which allowed talented individuals from lower social classes to enter the government bureaucracy. This was a significant step in creating a more meritocratic government and helped to enhance the efficiency of the Tang Dynasty.

She also supported Buddhism, using it as a tool to solidify her power. Wu declared herself a living Buddha and promoted the establishment of Buddhist temples and monasteries. By aligning herself with Buddhism, she was able to undermine the Confucian establishment, which traditionally viewed women as inferior and relegated them to subservient roles.

Wu Zetian’s Administration: Policies and Accomplishments

Wu Zetian’s reign was characterized by several notable achievements in governance, culture, and military affairs. One of her most significant contributions was her ability to centralize power in her hands. She restructured the imperial bureaucracy to ensure that loyal officials served at the highest levels of government. She also promoted talented women into positions of power, which was highly unusual in an era where women were expected to remain in the background.

In terms of military policy, Wu Zetian ensured the stability of the Tang Empire by defeating incursions by the Tibetans and other foreign powers. Her military campaigns were often successful, and she secured China’s borders, preserving the integrity of the empire.

Under her rule, China experienced a period of prosperity, with agricultural improvements, expanded trade, and cultural flourishing. Wu Zetian was also responsible for overseeing the compilation of important historical works and supporting the arts, particularly poetry and literature. Her reign saw the flourishing of Tang China’s golden age, which would be remembered as one of the most culturally rich periods in Chinese history. shutdown123