Brief introduction of Empress Wu

A brief introduction to Wu Zetian (China Wu Zhou Dynasty female emperor)

Empress Wu (A.D. 624-A.D. 705), the name Wu Yuanzhao, and state Wenshui (now Shanxi WenShui East) person. The only orthodox female emperor in the history of China is one of the longest-lived emperors (82 years old), the most-aged (67-year-old ascended). For the Tang Dynasty hero warrior 彟 daughter, Mother Yang. 14 years old into the harem for Emperor Taizong's talent, Emperor Taizong "Wu Mei"

[1], Tango Zong for Zhao, empress, Zunhao for the Queen, and Tanggao Zongliz and said that the two saints, 683 years December 27-690 October 16 as Tangzhong, Tangluizong of the Empress Dowager Lincho, period, renamed as "Yuanzhao."

[2] Wu Zetian thinks she is as lofty as day and month, and the Ling hangs above the sky. After self-reliance for the emperor, set Luoyang for all, renamed God, the establishment of the Wu Zhou dynasty, the Dragon Year (705 years), Empress Wu dying, Prime Minister Zhang Cambodia's launch mutiny, forced Wu's abdication, history called the Dragon Revolution. Tangzhong restoration, the restoration of the Tang Dynasty, on the Zunhao "is the Holy Emperor", after the Wu's fate renamed "" is the Queen of the World, to the Queen's identity into the burial of the dry mausoleum,

[3] Tang Xuanzong Kaiyuan four years (A.D. 716), renamed as The Emperor, Tianbao eight years (A.D. 749), plus the Holy Queen of Heaven Shun.

Family background

Wu Zetian for Tang founding hero Warrior 彟 daughter, mother Yang (born in the Sui Dynasty royal family, the father for the Sui Dynasty view De Wang brother Suining Gong Yang Da), ancestral home and state WenShui (now Wenshui County North Xu County, Shanxi province), Uvud seven years (624 years) was born in Li State (now Sichuan Guangyuan), one said born in Chang ' an (now Shaanxi Xian). [4] There are different mother brother Wu Yuanqing, Wu Yuan Cool, another sister two sisters, one is South Korea Wushun, the other is Guo.

His father Knight 彟 engaged in the timber trade, the family is rich, wealthy. Emperor of the great cause of the late, Liyuan tenure Hedong and Taiyuan, because many times in the Wu Keep, so get acquainted. Liyuan in Taiyuan revolted after the Sui, Wu Jia has funded Liang clothing, therefore, after the establishment of the Tang Dynasty, had to "yuan from the Hero" calendar official Ministry of business, the yellow door vice, sentenced to six of the Shang, Yangzhou, the governor of the long history, Li State, Jingzhou governor and other posts, Zhen View, tired relocation Department of Chancery, Jingzhou Viceroy, seal Ching. The Father Warrior 彟 in the nine years (635 years) after the death, cousin Wu Biliang, Wu Huaiyun and Wu Yuan to his mother Yang Impolite. [5]

At the beginning of the court

The Red painter Shangfei works Wu Zetian

Zhen Guan 11 years (637 years) November, Wu Zetian, 14 years old, Emperor Taizong heard her appearance and manner of beauty, called her into the palace, sealed for five product talent, give the number "Wu Mei", later falsely called Wumei. Wu Zetian said to her widowed mother Yang before she entered the palace: "The son of the Holy Morrow of the Ministry, Qizhi not blessed?" Why weep and make a child? [6]

For the Tang Dynasty Empress Wu Zetian in the palace Life, the history books did not have the detailed description, only Empress Wu Zetian in later years recalls oneself for the ancestor to tame the horse. Taizong's name is Lion Cong, stout and capricious, and no one can tame it. Wu Zetian at that time ministry in the side, to Emperor Taizong said: "I can subdue it, but need to have three things: one is Iron whip, two is steel bar, three is dagger." Whip It with Iron Whip, defy, then hit its head with a steel bar, and defy, then cut its throat with a dagger. Emperor Taizong praised Empress Wu's ambition. [7]

But Wu Zetian did not get the favor of Emperor Taizong, did 12 years of talent, status has not been improved, during the Emperor Taizong seriously ill, Empress Wu and Prince Lizhi established feelings.

Zhen Guan 23 years (649 years), Emperor Taizong died, Empress Wu, according to the case of Tang Dynasty, and part of the concubines who did not have children into Chang ' an sense of the temple for Nepal, but she and the new Emperor Lizhi has been severed. [8]

To enter the palace again

The first year of the emblem (650 years) May, Gaozong in the anniversary of the death of the emperor, the Temple pilgrimage, and Wu Zetian met, two people Joseph and each other after the separation of the missing feeling. [8]

Yong Hui two years (651 years), because no son and fell out of favor of Wang see in the eye, then take the initiative to Gaozong request will Empress Wu into the palace, attempt to fight her rival consort. [9] Lizhi had this intention, and immediately answered.

Yong Hui two years (651 years) May, Gaozong Mourning is full, Empress Wu will again into the palace, Empress Wu Zetian before the palace has been pregnant, into the palace under the son presented. Empress Wu returned to the palace indeed quickly defeated consort, get Lizhi favor, the following year (652 years) May, will be worshipped as two goods Zhao instrument. At that time Wang, consort often and Wu Zhaoyi Zhengchong, speak ill of each other, Lizhi do not listen.

Wu Zetian attack on scheming, ruthless, and related to literature and history. 654 years (Yong Hui five years), Empress Wu, the eldest daughter Andings Princess, according to the "New Tang book" and "Capital Cure Tong Jian" records, in the Andings Princess was born January, Wang later visit, affection and tease the Princess play, Wang go out, Wu Zetian while no one will girl strangled, and cover the quilt. Just Lizhi came, Wu Zetian pretended to laugh, open the quilt to see the children, found the daughter has died, Wu Zetian crying. Ask the people around, people around me said: "The Queen has just been here." Lizhi flew into a rage and said, "The Queen has killed my daughter!" Wu Zetian wept and scolded Wang's sins. Queen Wang can not explain clearly, lizhi from the "waste Wang Liwu" plan. However, this matter is controversial, written in the Five dynasties of the "Old Tang book" and "Tang will want" only recorded the Bang of the little princess.

Yong Hui six years (655 years) June, there are rumors in the harem that Wang and his mother Liu's line of the operation of the defeat, Lizhi learned, furious under his mother Liushi driven out of the palace, but also want to Wu Zhaoyi Yuzhaoyi Jin sealed as a product Chen Concubine [10], due to the Prime Minister Han Yu and to Ji's opposition, finally can not do. At that time, the court to grandson Mowgli, Suiliang led the Senate minister powerful, Lizhi Power is very limited, outside the grandson without bogey led many ministers against Gaozong waste Wang Liwu, Wu Zetian forward road is also full of hardships. Lizhi tried to revive the imperial power by "Scrap Wang Liwu", and hit the Senate minister. Thus, Wu Zetian began to become a high political "comrade".

Soon, book Ribeiro mansion first support "waste Wang Liwu", get Lizhi and Empress Wu's rewarded, many middle-level officials see support "waste Wang Liwu" profitable and then turn to support the Empress Wu Zetian for, Xujingzong, Tri Yixuan, Shang and other ministers have sent to the Lizhi, the request for the Wu Zhaoyi after the table chapter. Lizhi see a lot of people support, the meaning of the abolition of the initiation. Li 勣, the hero of the Elder, said again, "This Is Your Majesty's housework, why ask outsiders", thoroughly touched the heart of Lizhi, so that Lizhi and Empress Wu in the abolition of the Queen's problem on the adverse situation turned over, the same year, October 13, Lizhi finally awarded ordered book: "Conspiracy to poison" the charges, the King Empress and consort Waste for commoners, and imprisoned; their parents, brothers and so on were also cut off from the crown, exile Lingnan. Seven days later, Lizhi again ordered, the Empress Wu State as Queen, at the same time, and the most power of the Prime Minister Suiliang demoted to the outside state viceroy.

Four years (659 years) in April, Wu Zetian and Gaozong reached a consensus: will grandson Mowgli, Yu Zhining, Han Yu, to Jinan and other people 削职 exempt from the official, to demote the capital. At this point, Lizhi basically achieved the monarchy centralization. The "Waste Wang Liwu" incident has dealt a heavy blow to the noble, and since the Wei, Jin and Northern dynasties, the situation of imperial power has been changed, which has had a great impact on Chinese history. [11]

Two Saints Lincho

Five years (660 years) in October, Lizhi wind disease attack, dizzy, unable to deal with state affairs, so let Wu Zetian deal with Regency. However also let Empress Wu and Lizhi appeared the Rift, also led to Wu Zetian almost was abolished.

Rongshao first year (661 years), Empress Wu, please forbid the world Women for Haiku Drama (ancient refers to the entertainer), Lizhi adopted and ordered. April, Lizhi to kiss the rate of the Army attack Korea, Wu Zetian anti-form, was adopted.

Lin De Yuanyan (664 years), Lizhi let Prime Minister of the instrument drafted the deposed Empress Wu Zetian's edict. Ink, Wu Zetian timely found, carrot and stick, the Queen's thing had to fail to end. So, Wu Zetian to Lizhi suggest let her together, Lincho hearing. Collectively, her political experience and influence grew further. [13]

But Wu Zetian is not satisfied, she wants with Lizhi Fengshan Taishan. Due to the prosperity of Gaozong years, Wu Zetian actively channeling Niao Lizhi Fengshan Taishan. The emperor is to be enjoyed at the altar of God, and the Queen's Land is to be enjoyed. Fengshan first by the emperor, gongqing when the sacrifice. But Fengshan, after all, did not have the Queen, so she said, Fengshan for the altar of the instrument, by the Queen Mother to enjoy, highlight the virtue of the Earth. Let gongqing when Ahan very improper, because of gender distinction. No foreign minister will be allowed to sacrifice. So to let her act as a lizhi, good filial piety to their mother-in-law, and he promised. Later in the three years (666 years) of the first month, she and Lizhi a piece of Fengshan Taishan, as the Asian offer, but also to the hundred Ban order, so that the Guan Bai to her.

Dry sealed two years (667 years), Lizhi because of a long illness, the prince presented the Kingdom of Supervisors.

Oberwan of the Year (674) August, Lizhi said the emperor, Empress Wu said days after the name of Emperor, successively said, real desire self-esteem. December Empress Wu Zetian suggested 12 things:

One, advised Nongsang, thin Fu 徭.

Second, to duplicate three corvee (exemption from Changan and its adjacent areas).

Third, Shibing, to the moral world.

Four, the south, North China (Government manual Workshop) to prohibit floating.

Five, the province of laborious service.

Six, wide books.

Seven, du slander mouth.

Eight, the Princes to drop (the next) All XI ' an Lao zi.

Nine, the father in the mother of the uniform decline (mourning) three years (the past is a year).

Ten, Upper Yuan "the reign of the years" before the honours officer has given a body (warrant), no pursuit of nuclear.

11, mandarins more than eight items, benefits into (increase salary).

12, the matter long, the people under the high, the advanced (promotions) stagnation.

Lizhi agreed, ordered promulgated the implementation. Wu Zetian can pay attention to agricultural production, stipulates the territory of the counties, "Tianchou reclamation, home with surplus grain" to be promoted award; Compiled "Mega Man Maxleaf" agricultural books, promulgated the world, the impact is great. During her reign, Wu Zetian's religious policy was based on Buddhism in Taoism.

In the last two years (675 years), the Lizhi suffered more severe wind glare, and then consulted with the ministers, ready to let Empress Wu's regency. Prime Minister Shang June Remonstrance Way: "His Majesty will Emperor, the world, not to the descendants and appointed to the days of Ah!" Lizhi thus paused for a moment. Wu Zetian learned that, on the convening of a large number of literati, a large number of edits, has been written into the "Xuan", "Ancient and modern Nevan", "Qing Palace minutes", "less Yang Zhengvan", "Victoria City Code Training", "Purple pivotal record", "Ngan New Commandment", "filial son biography", "The Biography of Women", "Nevan Synopsis", "Music book to Record", "Hundred New Commandment", " Mega person Maxleaf "," Chen Rail "and other books. And this batch of scholars to decide the court memorials, in order to split the power of the prime minister, was then known as the "North Gate Bachelor." In the same year, Prince presented died, changed the Lizhi and Empress Wu's two sons Xian for the prince.

Two years (680 years), Xian for the crime of treason was abolished commoners, exile Bazhou. Therefore, the three sons Li Xian for the prince.

Yong-Chun two years (683), Lizhi to serve in the Heavenly Palace, when Wu Zetian from the seal Taishan, advised Lizhi Fengshan Yue. Lizhi was terminated by illness. Lizhi suffer from headache unbearable, waiter medical Qin Yun Way: "Thorn head slight haemorrhage, can cure." Wu Zetian in Draperies said: "This medicine can be beheaded, want to stab blood on the Emperor's head!" Lizhi said: "I suffer from headaches, bleeding may not be bad!" "The Doctor uses acupuncture hundred will, Lizhi way:" My eye sees. Soon, the Zhao Crown Prince Li Xian agent Guo, Peitis, Liu Zixian, Guo Zhengyi and other people in the Orient House Jintonping chapter. Lizhi from the palace back to the east, very ill, the minister of the following ministers can not be. In December, Lizhi died, Yizhao: Prince Li Xian in pallbearers before the throne, the military state events have not adjudicated, decided by the days after. Four days later, Li Xian ascended the throne, is for the Tangzhong, the Empress Dowager Wu empress. [14]

To reign as Emperor

Light curtilage Year (684) February, Li Xian intend to appoint Weire father Wei Xuanzhen as the waiter, the Prime Minister Peitine Remonstrance, Li Xian angrily said: "I even give the world to Wei Xuanzhen, and why not?" Still care about a waiter? "[15] Wu Zetian used this as an excuse to depose Li Xian as the king of Lu Ling and moved to the house state." The fourth son Yu Wang Litan for the emperor, is for Tangluizong, Empress Wu Lincho called system, since the regency. [16] In the same year in September, Xu dedicated, Xu Jingjian brothers and Tang Zhichi, Du Tiugen to support the king Call of the Lu Ling, in Yangzhou Jubing anti-Wu, more than 10 days on the aggregation of 100,000 ministries. After Wu immediately to Zoo Yu Seal General Li Xiaoyi for Yangzhou Road main head, rate soldier 300,000, to subjugate. November, Xu dedicated soldiers defeated suicide. [17]

Chita two years (686 years) March, Wu Zetian ordered the manufacture of copper 匦 (small copper Box), placed in Luoyang Miyagi, at any time to accept Liege table sparse. At the same time, open the door of the informer, requiring anyone to snitch. All the people who are informers, the state must supply the station horse and food. Even the farmer Qiao person, Empress Wu all met personally. If it is in accordance with the will, it may be an exceptional promotion. If it is not true, it will not be denounce. At the same time, Wu Zetian also appointed So Yuanli, Junchen, Lai Junsson, House and so on a large number of officials, in charge of the prison system, if the defendants once put into this prison, officials use all kinds of torture interrogation, can live out of the hundred one or two. In this way, with the rising of the wind, the officials tortured to death by the increasing number of people. Therefore, in the court and inside and outside the formation of a very terrible political atmosphere, so that ministers every time before they go to the family farewell, all day fear. For the reward of the snitch, Empress Wu to the informer an exception to the officer. Is the year to kill Annan Wang Liying clan 12 people, and the whip killed the Prince Xian two son, Tangzhi clan was killed, its Sho survivors also flow Lingnan.

Wu Zetian seeks to take Tang, Jian except Tang Clan, the king not from Ann, want to revolted confrontation. There is no consensus, Bo State thorn Shi Evil Wang Lichong, Chita four years (688 years) August Ubo (today, Shandong Liaocheng northeast) Jubing. Yuzhou provincial Wang Lizhen revolted Yuzhou (now Henan Runan) echoes. Wu Zetian Chu Shin 勣, Wei Chongyu hit. Lang evil Wang Lichong revolted 7th died, September, the more Wang Lizhen soldiers defeated suicide. Wu Zetian want to do in addition to the lee of the king, so that Junchen interrogation, forced Han Wangli, Lu Wang Li Lingyu, Huang Lee, Dongguan County Li Yu, le Princess, such as suicide, cronies, etc. are.

In the same year, Wu Zetian ordered Shihwaiyi rate to make million people, destroy dry Yuan Hall, Jianmingdong, spent nearly a year completed, high 294 feet, 300 feet wide. A total of three floors, on the round cover, there is a Kowloon for holding the gesture. On the Tiefeng, a tall Zhang. Decorated with gold, known as the "Vientiane God Palace." Ming Hall, but also life monk Shihwaiyi cast big image, big like little finger can also accommodate dozens of people, in the Hall of the five-storey heaven to accept this big image. The cost is trillions of dollars, and the government's finances are depleted. Wuchengsi people chisel white Stone as Wen Yue: "The Virgin, Yongchang Emperor industry." "Known in the Luo Shui found, dedicated to Empress Wu, Wu Zetian exultation, life its stone Yue" treasure map. Empress Wu Zetian Gazon the "Holy Mother God Emperor". [18]

At the beginning of two years (691 years) July, Farmington, such as "Great Cloud Sutra" four volumes, said Empress Wu is Maitreya Buddha incarnation, should as the World master, Empress Wu ordered the promulgation of the world. Lives two Beijing each state to place Big Cloud temple One, hides "The Big Cloud Sutra", lives the monk to explain, and enhances the Buddhism the position above Taoism. September waitresses Fu Entertainment rate Guanzhong people 900 people on the table, please change the name of Zhou, give the Emperor surname Wu. So the royal and Imperial Room Zong Yu, the people, the four-Yi chief, Samana, Taoist priest a total of more than 60,000 people, also on the table please change the title. Wu Reign, change Tang for weeks, Shou. Zunhao Holy Emperor, Reign Shou, but still with Li Dan as emperor, give surname Wu Shi. Li Wu's seven temples in God, after the Zhouwen Yue: The ancestor of the emperor. Li Wuchengsi for the king, Wu Sansi for Liang, the rest of Wu's many people for the king and Long Princess. [19]

Queen years

The year of longevity (692 years) September, Wu Zetian sent Wang Xiaojie and a Snatson festival rate troops to the northwest. October 25, Wang Xiaojie destructive spit good, regain Qiuci, Shulei, Khotan, Broken Leaf Anxi four town, set up the house Uzinz. In the case of courtiers unanimous opposition, Wu Zetian resolutely additional Anxi four town into the army 30,000. This measure made the town of Anxi four stable, until the Emperor Xuanzong no longer repeated. [19]

Longevity two years (692 years) of the first month of the first year, kill Emperor Li Dan concubine Liu, de Imperial concubine Shiri. When初七because, will emperor Sun Licheng, such as Shouchun Koxinga, constant Wang Lichengyi down to Hengyang Koxinga, Chu King Longji down to Linzi Koxinga, Weng Wang Llongfan down to baling Koxinga, The Wang Lilong industry down to Pengcheng Koxinga. At the beginning of the September nine, Wu Zetian plus "Golden Wheel Holy Emperor", the implementation of amnesty, give quasi gather drink 7th, the production of gold wheel, white elephant, such as "Seven Treasure." [20] on 14th, Wu Zetian chased his great-grandfather Zu Zhaohan Emperor as Hun Yuan Zhaoan Emperor, grandfather Zu Wenmu Emperor for the pole Wenmu emperor, his father Taiju Emperor for no Oberheominga emperor.

Longevity three years (694 years), the Wu Sansi rate of the four Yi leaders please cast the axis of copper iron, stand on the end of the door, in order to praise Empress Wu's merit. Wu Zetian kiss topic Yue: "Big Zhou Wanguo song de Sky pivot". The day pivot casting lasted August, a tall Zhang, with copper Iron 2 million Jin.

Long live the first year (695 years) of the first day of the first month, Wu Zetian plus for the "Tzu's ancient Golden Wheel Holy Emperor", changed the year to "certificate Saint." Grant an amnesty to gather and drink 3rd. [21] in May, Qidan chief Lee Loyal and Sun Wanrong rate soldiers uprising, the fall of the camp state, kill the Viceroy Chaoven. Empress Wu sent General Cao Festival, Zhang Xuan met, Li Dozu and other rate soldiers subjugate. Because of the false Tibetan ambush, annihilated. Then, Wu Shi again sent Wu Youyi, Wang Xiaojie and other rate soldiers crusade, all defeated and return. The year of Martial magic (697 years) April, Wu Zetian sent Wuyizong, Lou ethics, sand Nacha loyalty rate soldier 200,000, crusade Qidan. June, Sun Wanrong was killed, Qidan more oaths in Turkic.

The Year of martial arts (697 years), officials Lai Junsson to Luo Wu and Taiping Princess, but also to the emperor (Tangluizong) and Lu Ling Wang (Tangzhong) and the north and south of the common treason, to sweep. Wu's kings and Taiping Princess are very afraid, together to expose their crimes, imprisoned sentenced to death. Enemies struggle to eat their meat, will not remarked to do. Lai Junsson Fierce cunning greed and violence to trap innocent, woven into the back, killing can not be won. "Stolen bribes such as mountains, the ghost of the Road", Wu also know the world angry resentment, ordered count of his guilt, and confiscated its wealth.

Sainte year (698 years), Wuchengsi, Wu think twice to seek when the prince, several times to the Wu said: "The emperor of the ancient times did not take surnames as heir." Wu Zetian hesitated pending, Detective Dee after Wu said: "The nephew of the mother and child, which is more intimate?" (Wuchengsi, Wu thought of all Wu after the nephew, in the case, the core of the son after the Wu), His Majesty, then long live, will be in the ancestral as an ancestor worship, a nephew, then never heard nephew as the son of heaven, the aunt enshrined in ancestral. "and advised Wu Zetian to summon Li Xian." From then on, Wu Zetian did not stand Wuchengsi, Wu think twice for the prince's mind, then called Li Xian back to Luoyang, Emperor Li Dan request abdicated Yu Yu Ling King, then Wu Zetian stand Li Dan for the Crown prince, life for Marshal, Detective Dee for deputy Marshal rate soldiers hit Turkic.

Coup d ' état abdicated

Wu Zetian solved the problem of the heirs, Wu Zetian has no difficult problems to be resolved, she complacent, plus the age of growth, began to indulge in pleasure.

Zhang Yizhi, Zhangchangzong Brothers Young Beauty looks, into the waiter after Wu. Two people often Fu Ju powder, dressed in gorgeous clothes. Wuchengsi, Wu Sansi and so are vying for them, even for their horsewhip lead the horse. At that time, Wu Zetian had entered into the true twilight, sick ridden her long time can not go to the regency, the control of the decline, she will two brothers as eyes and ears, two brothers gradually intervene regency, framed Prime Minister Wei Yuanzhong, not only with Minister enemy, also make Empress Wu return to Tang, the situation of the prince to turn over, caused the complication of the political situation, Wu Zetian and the relationship between the monarch and the emperor tension. According to historical records, Empress Wu Zetian granddaughter Yongtai Princess with her husband Vujenki and brother, when for Shao Li Chonglun together to discuss Maishou Zhang Yizhi, Zhangchangzong brothers, was executed. [22]

The first year of the Dragon (705 years), Empress Wu dying, bedridden, only Zhang Yizhi, Zhangchangzong brother waiter side. Prime Minister Zhang Cambodian, Tian Xuan and Minister Jinghui, Huan Yan Fan, 袁恕 himself, intertwiner dealers led Li Dozu, pretended Zhang Yizhi, Zhangchangzong brother treason, then launched Mutiny, the rate of dealers more than 500 people, rushed into the palace, killing two brothers, immediately surrounded Wu Zetian bedchamber, request Empress Wu abdicated, history called the Dragon Revolution.

Wu Zetian was forced to abdication throne and Prince Li Xian. Li Xian on Zunhao as "then Tianda holy Emperor", Wu Monday towards the end of the Tang Dynasty restoration, Guan, flag, clothes, text, etc. are all involution system, restore to God all East.

Dragon year of the lunar November 26 (705 December 16), Wu Zetian died in the Upper Yang Palace, at the age of 82 years, Yizhao omitted Di, said "is the Holy Queen." [23] The Shenlong two years (706 years) May, and Gaozong buried in the tomb.

Although the Tang room according to her Yizhao posthumous, later still has several changes:

Tanglong year (710 years), changed to days later.

The year of FU (710 years), changed to the holy days.

Extension and year (712 years), changed to days after Saint, a few, changed to the holy.

Kaiyuan four years (716 years), instead of the emperor after.

Tianbao Eight (749 years), plus the Holy Queen of Heaven Shun.