Wu Zetian: The One and Only Empress of China

 

Prologue: The One Chosen by Heaven

 

 

Countless stars twinkled in the night sky.

The moonlight bathed the land of Luoyang in a serene glow, wrapping everything in silence as the wind gently caressed the grass and trees.

The “Wordless Stele” of Qianling stood tall in the darkness, its blank surface posing questions to the hearts of those who gazed upon it.

 

“Who was she?”

 

 

Wu Zetian

 

She was an emperor of the Tang Dynasty and the first female ruler in Chinese history.

Her name has sparked controversy across the ages.

As a compassionate ruler who saved her people, and as a ruthless reformer.

Her life was filled with glory and hardship, praise and criticism.

Yet, there was only one thing she sought.

 

“To protect the nation and leave hope for the future.”

 

With the ambition to etch her name in history, a young girl began her journey.

It was a journey of turmoil and innovation that no one could have imagined.

And now, those who trace her footsteps seek to find answers within that emptiness.

This is the story of Wu Zetian—a woman who became the one and only Empress.

 

Chapter 1: The Budding of a Young Dream (624 – 637)

 

In a room within a sprawling estate on the outskirts of Luoyang, a young girl named Wu Meiniang sat at her desk.

Her expression was one of utmost seriousness as she recited Chinese poetry.

Her father, Wu Shihuo, smiled as he watched his daughter.

 

Wu Shihuo:

“Meiniang, what kind of future do you dream of?”

Wu Meiniang:

“Father, I want to become a great person.”

“I want to leave my name in history…”

“I want to go to places they say only men are allowed to reach!”

Wu Shihuo:

“Very well.”

“Never forget that ambition.”

“Whoever you are, with wisdom and effort, a path will always open.”

In this era, it was expected that women would manage the household and support the men.

However, the ambition hidden within Wu Meiniang was far greater than anyone around her could have imagined.

Even at a young age, she was not only interested in literature and poetry but also drawn to historical texts and political records, dedicating herself to learning.

 

Chapter 2: Entering the Imperial Harem of Destiny (637 – 649)

 

At the age of 14, Meiniang was summoned to the imperial harem of Emperor Taizong, the second ruler of the Tang Dynasty.

Initially, her rank was that of a Cairen, a low-ranking concubine.

The imperial harem was teeming with countless consorts, all engaged in fierce competition for favor and influence.

One night, as Emperor Taizong strolled through the imperial harem, he noticed Wu Meiniang in the garden, composing poetry.

 

Taizong:

“Taking up the brush so late at night? What are you working on?”

Wu Meiniang:

“I was reflecting on the rise and fall of the nation and composing a poem, Your Majesty.”

Taizong:

“Oh? Let me hear it.”

 

Wu Meiniang:

“This humble self is but a small boat, and Your Majesty, the great river.”

“Tossed by the waves, yet someday, the boat shall journey with the river.”

Taizong:

“An interesting girl indeed.”

“I shall not forget your words.”

 

Meiniang continued to stay near Taizong, listening to discussions about governance and military affairs, gaining knowledge far beyond the confines of harem life.

However, she rarely received Taizong’s favor, and her status in the harem did not rise significantly.

In 649, following Emperor Taizong’s death, Wu Meiniang was sent to a Buddhist convent.

This was the fate of concubines serving in the imperial harem, but in her heart, she made a resolute decision.

 

Wu Meiniang:

“I will not accept a fate confined to a convent.”

“I will not let my talents be buried.”

 

Chapter 3: Return and the Path to Empress (649 – 654)

 

Several years later, the new emperor, Gaozong (Li Zhi), summoned Wu Meiniang back from the convent.

Upon reuniting with her, Gaozong was once again captivated by her intelligence and beauty.

One day, during a banquet in the imperial harem, Gaozong posed a question to her.

 

Gaozong:

“Meiniang, why are you so wise?”

“It feels as though you transcend the common understanding of a woman in the harem.”

Wu Meiniang:

“Your Majesty, wisdom exists equally in both women and men.”

“It is simply that women have fewer opportunities to put that wisdom to use.”

“Women are in no way inferior to men.”

Gaozong:

“Your words carry great weight.”

“Stay by my side and help me support this nation.”

And so, Wu Meiniang began assisting Gaozong in matters of governance, standing by his side.

 

Chapter 4: The Seizure of Power and Governance (665 – 683)

 

As Gaozong’s health deteriorated, the responsibility of managing state affairs fell to Wu Meiniang.

However, within the court, conservative ministers opposed her, arguing that a woman should not govern the nation.

They secretly conspired to remove Wu Meiniang from power.

One morning during court assembly, the ministers raised their voices in unison.

 

Minister A:

“Your Majesty, it is the Emperor’s duty to lead the nation.”

“For Her Majesty the Empress to govern defies all reason!”

“There is no precedent for such a thing in history!”

Minister B:

“If a woman intervenes in the court, it will bring chaos to the realm.”

“Please, Your Majesty the Empress, restrain yourself!”

Wu Meiniang rose silently, her cold gaze sweeping across the ministers.

 

Wu Meiniang:

“You claim there is no precedent?”

Minister A:

“That is correct!”

“There has never been a case in history where a woman governed the nation.”

“This goes against the will of Heaven.”

Wu Meiniang:

“Everything that exists in this world today was once without precedent.”

“Countless things that once had no precedent now exist as part of our everyday lives.”

“Then I shall become that precedent.”

“And isn’t it precisely this situation—where the corrupt rule the imperial court and decimate the country—that goes against the will of Heaven?”

The ministers began murmuring among themselves.

However, the eldest conservative minister, Zheng Xiaoshen, raised his voice.

 

Zheng Xiaoshen:

“Your Majesty, the Empress!”

“Your words are eloquent, Your Majesty, but a nation cannot be governed by words alone.”

“Political knowledge is not something that can be learned within the confines of the Imperial Harem!”

Wu Meiniang:

“Cannot a nation be governed by words alone?”

“You are right.”

“Yet, I have learned.”

“By Emperor Taizong’s side, I listened to and observed every aspect of governance with my own ears and eyes.”

“And now, I bear the responsibility of protecting this Tang Dynasty in place of His Majesty, who is bedridden.”

Zheng Xiaoshen:

“Even so, a woman should not bear such responsibilities!”

 

Wu Meiniang:

“Then tell me, Zheng Xiaoshen!”

“What has become of the nation as a result of your governance?”

“The people starve, taxes are oppressive, soldiers perish on the battlefield, and corruption spreads unchecked within the court.”

“Is this what you call the result of men’s governance?”

 

Zheng Xiaoshen:

“Even so, the Mandate of Heaven should be entrusted to men alone.”

“If you lead this nation, Heaven will be enraged, and calamity will befall us!”

Wu Meiniang stepped forward, fixing Zheng Xiaoshen with a piercing gaze.

 

Wu Meiniang:

“Then I will definitely rebuild this nation, save its people, and prove the Mandate of Heaven through my actions.”

“Whether calamity befalls us or not, that is for Heaven itself to decide.”

“Not you!”

After this heated exchange, the ministers were forced into temporary silence.

However, plans to secretly overthrow Wu Meiniang continued to unfold.

 

Chapter 5: Wu Meiniang’s Counterattack

 

To eliminate her opposition, Wu Meiniang first set out to expose and eradicate corruption within the court.

And as a means to achieve this, he introduced the snitching system and established a mechanism to bring corruption and intrigue within and outside the court to light.

One day, she addressed the ministers with a solemn expression.

 

Wu Meiniang:

“To safeguard the future of the Tang Dynasty, we must eradicate corruption.”

“From now on, appointments will be based on talent, not birth or lineage.”

Minister A:

“Your Majesty, such a move could incite strong resistance from the aristocracy!”

Wu Meiniang:

“Rebuilding this nation is more important than the opposition of the aristocracy.”

The snitching system allowed courtiers to monitor each other and set up a system where any irregularities were immediately reported.

 

Minister B:

“In today’s imperial court, a moment’s carelessness can be fatal. ……”

As a result, bribes and nepotistic hiring that had previously been tacitly allowed were exposed one after another, and corrupt bureaucrats were punished.

The imperial examination system was reformed, and stricter measures ensured that talented individuals were appointed regardless of their birth or social status.

One day, a newly appointed young official was granted an audience with Wu Meiniang.

 

Young Official:

“Your Majesty, I come from a poor farming village, but I was selected through the imperial examination. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity.”

Wu Meiniang:

“You are the kind of person who will become a pillar of this nation.”

“Continue to work hard.”

Furthermore, Wu Meiniang utilized Buddhism as the spiritual foundation of the state,

promoting the concept of “Tian Shou” (Mandate of Heaven) to assert both domestically and internationally that she was the divinely chosen ruler.

 

Wu Meiniang:

“I shall transcend this era and leave my name in history.”

“Saving the nation has nothing to do with being a man or a woman.”

“It is simply about saving the nation—nothing more.”

Through a system of secret orders and the fruits of reforms, she eliminated her opponents one by one and established Wu Meiniang as the effective ruler of the Tang Dynasty.

 

Chapter 6: The Ascension of the Empress

 

In 690, Wu Meiniang ascended the throne as the first female emperor in Chinese history, changing the nation’s name from “Tang” to “Zhou.”

At the enthronement ceremony held in the palace of Luoyang, monks chanted Buddhist scriptures, proclaiming Wu Zetian’s legitimacy with great fervor.

 

Priest A：

“Her Majesty is the incarnation of Maitreya Bodhisattva, destined to guide this nation to salvation.”

Wu Zetian:

“I am the one chosen by the Mandate of Heaven.”

“I vow to lead this nation to stability and prosperity.”

After the enthronement ceremony, Wu Zetian outlined her policy directions before her closest advisors.

Wu Zetian:

“From this point forward, Buddhism will serve as the spiritual foundation of the state.”

“Construct temples and disseminate scriptures throughout the land.”

 “Through the Dharma, unite the hearts of the people.”

Advisor:

“Your Majesty, constructing temples may require an enormous amount of resources…”

Wu Zetian:

“Spare no expense.”

“The stability brought by the Dharma holds a value beyond measure.”

Thus, Wu Zetian advanced her policy of utilizing Buddhism as the spiritual foundation of the state.

 

Chapter 7: Buddhism and Wu Zetian’s Legitimacy

 

In the grand monastery of Luoyang, Wu Zetian presided over a large-scale Buddhist ceremony alongside the monks.

Afterward, she convened with her advisors to discuss the next steps in her policy initiatives.

 

Wu Zetian:

“Buddhism unites the hearts of the people and brings stability to the nation.”

“What should our next steps be to expand temples and further spread the Dharma?”

Priest A：

“Your Majesty, how about revising the Buddhist scripture Da Yun Jing to include teachings that affirm Your Mandate of Heaven?”

“Distributing it to temples across the land could deepen the people’s faith even further.”

Wu Zetian:

“An excellent idea.”

“Proceed with it.”

“However, it is crucial to present it in a form that the people can easily understand.”

Advisor:

“Temple construction is progressing well, but there are reports of delays in distributing scriptures to rural areas.”

Wu Zetian:

“It is in the frontier regions where the Dharma is needed most.”

“Address this immediately.”

“Spare no resources.”

Thus, The Sutra of the Great Cloud was distributed across various regions, and the influence of Buddhism spread among the people.

 

Chapter 8: Cultural Aspects and Their Influence

 

During Wu Zetian’s reign, Buddhist culture flourished to unprecedented heights.

Particularly focused on the promotion of poetry and the arts, she sought to elevate the nation’s spirit through literary and artistic endeavors.

One morning, she hosted a poetry gathering within the palace and addressed the poets before her.

 

Wu Zetian:

“Your poetry, if it extols the prosperity of this nation, will become a force that supports the hearts of the people.”

Young Poet:

“Your Majesty, please allow me to recite this poem for you.”

The Poet’s Poem:

“Yours is the form that bears the Mandate of Heaven, a light that illuminates the realm.”

Wu Zetian:

“A fine poem.”

“It will illuminate the future of this nation and serve as a beacon for the people.”

Thereafter, she focused on the education of women, supporting learning opportunities within the palace.

 

Wu Zetian:

“Take up your pens and inscribe your names in the history of this nation.”

“It is wisdom that upholds this country.”

“In the pursuit of knowledge, gender is irrelevant.”

“Take up your pens and carve your names into the history of this nation.”

“Your wisdom will be the foundation of this country.”

Female Scholar:

“I will strive to live up to Your Majesty’s words.”

 

Wu Zetian also prioritized strengthening diplomatic relations through Buddhism.

The completion ceremony of a massive pagoda in Luoyang was attended by delegations from neighboring nations.

Envoy from a neighboring nation:

“Your Majesty, I am deeply impressed by the grandeur of this pagoda.”

“We wish to further enhance trade relations with your nation.”

Wu Zetian:

“The bond forged through the Dharma transcends borders.”

“Let us build prosperity together.”

This pagoda later came to be known as the “Symbol of Prosperity,” playing a key role in stabilizing international relations.

 

Chapter 9: Policies Through Buddhism

 

During a year of famine, Wu Zetian swiftly ordered aid to be distributed through the temples.

In the palace of Luoyang, a policy meeting was underway.

 

Advisor:

“Your Majesty, the famine is worsening, and requests for aid are increasing from all regions.”

Wu Zetian:

“Use the temples as distribution centers for supplies. Prioritize rural areas and order detailed reports on the situation.”

She not only gave orders to her advisors but also decided to visit the rural areas herself to understand the situation firsthand.

Upon arriving at the village, Wu Zetian spoke directly with the people suffering from hunger.

 

Farmer:

“Your Majesty, without the food provided by the temple, my entire family would have starved to death.”

Wu Zetian:

“The strength you have shown by supporting one another and surviving will safeguard the future of this nation.”

“I believe in that strength.”

She spoke to the children of the village.

 

Wu Zetian:

“The children learning at the temples will build our future.”

“Let us transform this land into a place of prosperity.”

Thanks to the swift implementation of her policies, the famine was brought under control, further deepening the people’s trust in Wu Zetian.

 

Chapter 10: The Institutionalization of Buddhist Ceremonies as State Events

 

At the Baima Temple in Luoyang, Wu Zetian gave her final instructions to the monks before the grand Buddhist ceremony.

 

Wu Zetian:

“The ceremony is not only a means to spread the Dharma but also an opportunity to foster unity among the people.”

“Pay attention to every detail.”

Afterward, she visited the ceremony grounds to engage with the farmers.

Farmer:

“Thanks to Your Majesty, we have enjoyed a peaceful harvest this year.”

Wu Zetian:

“It brings me joy to see the people living in peace.”

“Let us continue to strive without sparing any effort.”

 

Chapter 11: The Impact on the People

 

A line formed at the temple for porridge distribution.

Wu Zetian visited the site to oversee the process and engage in direct conversations with the farmers.

 

Farmer:

“Your Majesty, thanks to the porridge provided by the temple, we were able to survive this winter.”

Wu Zetian:

“It is my duty to ensure that the people gain the strength to live.”

In the market, merchants were discussing Wu Zetian’s reforms.

 

Merchant:

“Thanks to the reduced taxes, doing business has become much easier.”

 

Farmer:

“Because the land taxes were reduced, my child can now attend school.”

“This is all thanks to Her Majesty.”

 

Merchant:

“However, the Zhang brothers’ collections are still harsh.”

“I hope that improves soon.”

 

Young Man 1:

“Some laugh at the fact that Her Majesty is a woman, but we commoners don’t care.”

“What matters is that our lives have become easier.”

Young Man 2:

“I dislike the Zhang brothers, but I am grateful to Her Majesty herself.”

“It’s thanks to her reforms that we can continue doing business.”

Young Man 3:

“However, if the brothers’ tyranny continues for too long, trust in Her Majesty might waver.”

“Isn’t there something that can be done…?”

 

Chapter 12: Regional Differences and Social Strata in the Voices of the People

 

In the market of Luoyang, people were discussing the recent tax reforms.

 

Craftsman:

“The construction of the new pagoda has created more jobs, but I’ve heard that securing a contract requires bribes.”

Farmer:

“The aristocrats are still exploiting us as always.”

“I’ve heard that an inspector is supposed to come, but we’ve yet to see them.”

Local officials, too, were debating their positions and responsibilities.

 

Local Official 1:

“Every time an imperial inspector arrives, tension runs high. But if I overlook corruption, my own position will be at risk.”

Local Official 2:

“Her Majesty’s policies are sound, but something must be done about the realities in the local regions…”

At a gathering of the aristocracy, resistance to the reforms was being discussed.

 

Aristocrat 1:

“Her Majesty’s policies are destroying our traditions.”

“Appointments that ignore lineage should not be allowed.”

Aristocrat 2:

“However, it is also true that the appointment of talented young individuals has brought prosperity to the Tang Dynasty.”

That night, Wu Zetian, together with her close advisors, reviewed these opinions and considered improvements to her policies.

 

Wu Zetian:

“From what I hear of the people’s voices, there are still gaps in the reforms.”

“However, I cannot change course just because of some dissatisfaction.”

Advisor:

“There is also a risk that the aristocracy’s resistance will intensify…”

Wu Zetian:

“While appeasing the aristocracy, never forget the voice of the common people.”

“The majority who sustain this nation are its citizens. Keep that firmly in your heart.”

 

Chapter 13: The Brothers’ Tyranny and the Opposition’s Struggle

 

As the Zhang brothers gained power through Wu Zetian’s favor, resistance against them grew stronger both within and outside the court.

The elder brother, Zhang Yizhi, possessed knowledge and strategic acumen but was deeply fixated on securing his position within the court.

On the other hand, the younger brother, Zhang Changzong, gained Wu Zetian’s trust with his beauty and wit, while leading a hedonistic lifestyle.

 

Zhang Yizhi:

“I am not of noble birth.”

“Yet, through knowledge and effort, I have become Empress Wu’s right hand and made a name for myself in this court.”

“Even so, the aristocracy refuses to acknowledge me…”

“To silence them, I need even greater power.”

He secretly monitored the actions of the chancellors while devising his next move.

Zhang Changzong:

“Brother, you take things too seriously.”

“Charm the court, play your cards right—that’s all it takes.”

“As long as I remain by Her Majesty’s side, I am invincible.”

He frequently hosted banquets to garner support within the court, but his actions were perceived by some ministers as “arrogance.”

One day, Zhang Changzong reported a matter to Wu Zetian.

 

Zhang Changzong:

“Your Majesty, the dissenting ministers are conspiring against you.”

“They are plotting to overthrow us.”

Wu Zetian:

“Gather the evidence.”

“The rebels will face the consequences they deserve.”

Meanwhile, the dissenting ministers grew increasingly enraged by the Zhang brothers’ tyranny.

 

Minister 1:

“If we allow the Zhang brothers’ tyranny to continue unchecked, the court’s credibility will be utterly destroyed.”

Minister 2:

“However, the Zhang brothers have Her Majesty’s strong trust.”

“Taking action against them will be difficult.”

As dissatisfaction among the opposition grew, Wu Zetian’s reign was approaching a pivotal turning point.

 

Chapter 14: Resistance from the Aristocracy and Nobility

 

Before the coup, the aristocracy and nobility held secret meetings, uniting to resist Wu Zetian’s reforms.

 

Noble 1:

“If the Zhang brothers’ tyranny continues, this nation will eventually collapse.”

Noble 2:

“However, Her Majesty’s power is immense.”

“To rebel would mean certain death.”

Noble 3:

“We are not attacking Her Majesty. Our goal is to bring down the Zhang brothers.”

“We must gather evidence that they are exploiting Her Majesty and spread it among the people.”

They sent agents to markets and villages, spreading rumors that the Zhang brothers were privatizing the nation for their own gain.

 

Farmer:

“Did you hear?”

“The Zhang brothers are supposedly manipulating Her Majesty to satisfy their own greed.”

Merchant:

“If that’s true, then even with reduced taxes, our suffering will only continue.”

 

Chapter 15: The Opposition’s Strategy

 

Among the opposition, Chancellor Zhang Jianzhi harbored complex feelings about Wu Zetian’s governance.

He despised the Zhang brothers’ tyranny but could not deny the stability Wu Zetian’s reforms had brought to the nation.

One morning during a court assembly, Zhang Jianzhi raised his voice.

 

Zhang Jianzhi:

“Your Majesty has indeed led this nation to prosperity.”

“However, we cannot continue to overlook the tyranny of the Zhang brothers.”

Wu Zetian:

“The Zhang brothers act under my orders.”

“Is your opposition not merely born of jealousy?”

Zhang Jianzhi’s determined words did not reach Wu Zetian.

 

Zhang Jianzhi:

“This won’t do.”

“Her Majesty has placed complete trust in the Zhang brothers.”

“It seems we must act on our own…”

“To protect Her Majesty, we must safeguard her authority.”

“To do so, we have no choice but to remove the Zhang brothers and compel Her Majesty to abdicate.”

Thus, the opposition united, and the coup plan steadily advanced.

 

Chapter 16: The Resolve for a Coup

 

By 705, Wu Zetian had reached the advanced age of 82, and her health was deteriorating.

She was no longer able to personally handle state affairs.

As a result, state affairs were effectively managed by the Zhang brothers, Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong.

 

Zhang Jianzhi:

“Her Majesty is bedridden and dependent on the Zhang brothers.”

“We must do something about this situation.”

Minister 1:

“However, rebelling against Her Majesty could provoke outrage among the people.”

Zhang Jianzhi:

“This is not rebellion.”

“It is justice for the sake of protecting the future of the Tang Dynasty.”

Huan Yanfan also voiced his opinion.

 

Huan Yanfan:

“I have persuaded the officers of the Imperial Guard.”

“They, too, support our plan.”

Zheng Xiaoshen:

“This is a battle to save the Tang Dynasty.”

“If we succeed, our names will be remembered by future generations.”

Thus, the plan was finalized, and the date for the coup was set.

 

Chapter 17: Execution of the Coup

 

February 20, 705, just before dawn in Luoyang.

The cold winter air lingered as frost-covered trees around the palace reflected the moonlight.

Zhang Jianzhi and the opposition secretly mobilized the Imperial Guard, surrounding Wu Zetian’s sleeping quarters without breaking the silence.

In the vast courtyard leading to the sleeping quarters, remnants of snow were crushed underfoot, while the faint sound of the wind rustled the trees.

Zhang Jianzhi inhaled the icy air deeply, gripping the hilt of his sword tightly.

 

Zhang Jianzhi:

“This is the moment.”

“Whether this step saves the Tang Dynasty or leads to further chaos depends on our resolve.”

As Zhang Jianzhi stepped into the sleeping quarters, memories of the days when Wu Zetian saved the nation came rushing back, gripping his heart with an overwhelming sense of sorrow.

Zhang Jianzhi:

“Your Majesty, I do not deny you.”

“It is simply that the times have changed…”

 

Zhang Jianzhi:

“Your Majesty, you have lost the ability to govern.”

“The nation is being manipulated by the Zhang brothers, and if we continue to stand by, the glory of the Tang Dynasty will be utterly destroyed.”

Kibi Makibi:

“However, if we fail, it will be us who face the purge.”

Zhang Jianzhi:

“Nothing will change if we live in fear.”

“At this rate, both the nation and its people will perish.”

“If we do not rise now, history will remember us as cowards.”

Meanwhile, the quiet sound of a brush on paper echoed within the sleeping chamber.

Under the dim light, Wu Zetian sat at a small desk, intently inscribing poetic words onto paper.

 

Wu Zetian:

“Will the words inscribed by this brush endure into the future, or will everything vanish with the dawn of this night…?”

At that moment, her hand froze as the faint sound of metal clashing echoed from afar.

A maidservant, who had been waiting outside, rushed into the room.

 

Maidservant:

“Your Majesty, it’s urgent! The Imperial Guards have surrounded the sleeping chamber!”

Wu Zetian calmly set down her brush and rose to her feet.

The sound of her robe’s hem gliding across the floor echoed unnaturally loud in the silence.

 

Wu Zetian:

“They’ve come… the time has arrived to settle everything.”

She turned to the dressing table and began tidying her hair.

Her movements were calm, like an actor preparing for their final performance on stage.

 

Chapter 18: The Final Moments of the Zhang Brothers

 

The Imperial Guards had already stormed into the room of Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong.

The red glow of burning torches painted the hallway, and Zhang Changzong squinted against the light as he spoke his final words to his younger brother.

 

Zhang Yizhi:

“We lived for Her Majesty, and we shall die for Her Majesty.”

“There is no greater honor than this.”

Zhang Changzong:

“Brother, you’re far too serious, even to the end.”

” If we’re going to die anyway, you might as well take it easy…”

Despite his words, Changzong’s hands were trembling.

As the Imperial Guards surrounded the two, the sound of their footsteps echoing in the hallway only heightened the oppressive tension.

Just before the execution, Zhang Changzong turned back and quietly murmured.

 

Zhang Changzong:

“The only thing that concerns me is how the future will judge our deeds.”

At that moment, the torchlight vanished, and darkness reclaimed the hallway.

The brothers were executed on the spot, leaving only silence in their wake.

 

Chapter 19: The Final Choice

 

In the grand hall of the sleeping chamber, Zhang Jianzhi and Wu Zetian faced each other.

Wu Zetian sat deeply in her chair, her gaze fixed on Zhang Jianzhi’s resolute expression.

 

Zhang Jianzhi:

“Your Majesty, your reign has undoubtedly led this nation to prosperity.”

“However, both the people and the court now wish for your abdication.”

Wu Zetian responded with a cold smile and rose quietly to her feet.

 

Wu Zetian:

“Very well.”

“I shall abdicate.”

“However, if you kill me, chaos will engulf the Tang Dynasty. “

“I was an emperor chosen by the Mandate of Heaven.”

Zhang Jianzhi:

“We will guarantee Your Majesty’s safety.”

“However, you must withdraw from all state affairs.”

Wu Zetian gazed at the shadow cast across the floor and quietly murmured her final words.

 

Wu Zetian:

“History will judge the right and wrong of my deeds, not you.”

Afterward, Wu Zetian accepted her abdication and was granted the honorary title of “Empress Regnant Zetian.“

She spent the remainder of her life in quiet seclusion in Luoyang.

 

Chapter 20: Daily Life and Inner Turmoil After Abdication

 

After her abdication, Wu Zetian resided in a quiet palace in Luoyang, reflecting on the nation she had transformed through her reforms.

One day, she stepped into the garden and engaged in a conversation with a monk while gazing at a pagoda.

 

Wu Zetian:

“Is what I built as solid and beautiful as this pagoda, or was it as twisted as the fate of the Zhang brothers?”

Priest:

“Your Majesty, it is a fact that your reforms saved the people.”

“Rather than lamenting the past, perhaps it is best to entrust the future to others.”

Wu Zetian:

“The future… I believed in the Mandate of Heaven and gave everything to uphold it.”

“Yet, it seems I am the only one who feels its weight.”

In her later years, she visited rural villages, seizing the opportunity to engage directly with the common people.

 

Priest:

“The Buddhist teachings you spread, Your Majesty, have saved the people and brought stability to the nation.”

“That is your true legacy.”

Wu Zetian:

“That may be true.”

“But I wonder, did the Buddha also hear the voices of those I lost and those I hurt along the way…?”

She expressed her desire for a “Wordless Stele,” silently entrusting future historians with the judgment of her legacy.

 

Epilogue: The Future Etched on the Wordless Stele

 

Late summer in Luoyang.

Wu Zetian passed away peacefully at the age of 82.

Her body was laid to rest alongside her husband, Emperor Gaozong, in the Qianling Mausoleum in Shaanxi Province, with not a single character inscribed on her tombstone.

The tombstone, known as the “Wordless Stele,” became a symbol of her decision to entrust her merits and faults to the judgment of future historians.

A few days before her death, she spoke to her close attendants.

 

Wu Zetian:

“Do not inscribe anything on my tombstone.”

“It is for those in the future to judge what I have left for this nation.”

“I believed in the Mandate of Heaven, but whether it saved the people or brought them suffering—the answer will be revealed by the future.”

When news of her death spread, countless people gathered in Luoyang to mourn her passing.

Late summer at the Qianling Mausoleum.

Before the “Wordless Stele,” commoners and nobles gathered, each carrying their own thoughts and feelings.

A merchant from the market spoke quietly.

 

Merchant:

“I suffered under the tyranny of the Zhang brothers.”

“But I was saved by Her Majesty’s reforms.”

Farmer:

“During the famine, it was the food Her Majesty sent that allowed us to survive.”

Nobleman:

“Her Majesty’s reforms, valuing talent over lineage, strengthened the Tang Dynasty.”

Scholar:

“Her Majesty’s reforms gave women like me the opportunity to pursue education.”

 

The wind caressing the stele flowed gently, like a bridge connecting the past and the future.

The “Wordless Stele” was not an empty canvas but a question posed by Wu Zetian to the historians of the future.

 

 

Addendum: Was Wu Zetian Truly Cruel?

The drawing is made by Ā

Wu Zetian, the only female emperor in China, left behind remarkable achievements but is also often labeled as “cruel.”

Examples include her alleged harsh treatment of Empress Wang and Consort Xiao, as well as the purge of her political opponents.

However, these accounts may be exaggerated due to later biases and propaganda.

As an unprecedented female ruler, some sought to portray her negatively.

On the other hand, she strengthened the imperial examination system, promoted merit-based governance, and contributed to the development of the economy and culture.

Her encouragement of Buddhism is also highly regarded.

Wu Zetian’s actions can be seen as necessary measures to maintain power. 

Her legacy should be evaluated from a multifaceted perspective, taking into account the historical context of her time.