Tang Palace Chronicles: The Annals of the Sun and Moon

Emperor Gaozong, Li Zhi, was the ninth son of Emperor Taizong. In the third year of the Yonghui era, he visited Ganye Temple and encountered the talented woman Wu in a plum grove. The weather had just cleared, and Wu, holding a scroll, wept bitterly, her tears soaking into the water map like the image of a pear tree. The emperor was surprised and asked her why. She replied, "The Guanzhong region is becoming too powerful, which is not a blessing for the country." The emperor remained silent, but was amazed by her insight.

In the first year of the Xianqing era, Empress Wu entered the palace. She often stayed up all night by candlelight, presenting new methods for the grain transport system. Whenever the emperor reviewed her proposals, he would clap his hands in approval. Some people sarcastically remarked, "It is improper for a woman to interfere in politics." The emperor replied sternly, "Her talent surpasses that of men; why should I be bound by gender?"

In the autumn of the second year, the Emperor fell ill. Empress Wu personally attended to his needs, tending to his medicine day and night without fail. She was once seen kneeling before the moon, praying to Heaven, wishing to shorten her own lifespan to prolong the Emperor's. Upon hearing this, the Emperor wept and said, "Having such a worthy wife, what more could I ask for?"

In the spring of the third year, Wu gave birth to Princess Taiping. The Emperor was overjoyed and held his daughter to show to his ministers, saying, "This is my precious pearl, a blessing to the nation." People whispered among themselves, "The Emperor and Empress's affection is unparalleled in history."

Five years later, the Emperor's eye ailment worsened. Empress Wu sought out renowned physicians everywhere and personally tried acupuncture and moxibustion. Once, while reciting the Book of Songs before the Emperor's bedside, her voice choked with emotion and she could not continue. The Emperor took her hand and smiled, saying, "With you here, even my blindness is clear."

In the second year of the Linde era, the reign title was changed to Riyue (Sun and Moon). The ministers advised, "It is unprecedented in history for two emperors to be honored together." The emperor replied, "Empress Wu's talent is worthy of being recorded in history. It is just right for the sun and moon to shine together."

The Emperor and Empress once toured Mount Li together. Wu pointed to a plum tree and said, "Years ago, Your Majesty picked up my handkerchief of tears here." The Emperor replied, "I did not pick up a handkerchief of tears, but a confidant." The attendants all covered their faces.

In the third year of the Yifeng era, the emperor's illness recurred. Empress Wu neglected her meals and sleep, and compiled a supplement to the "Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Pieces of Gold." On his deathbed, the emperor held her hand and said, "I wish that in every lifetime, I could watch the grain transport ships come and go with you."

The historian said:

The emperor and empress were a perfect match, not merely a matter of romantic love. Empress Wu assisted in governing for twenty years, ensuring smooth water transport, peace on the borders, and the flourishing of schools. Emperor Taizong created the prosperous reign of Zhenguan, and Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu ushered in a golden age—were these merely coincidences? Seeing the emperor entrust the nation to his dying wish, and the empress dedicating her life to the country, one realizes that true affection and the fate of the nation can indeed coexist.

The eulogy reads:

Before the rainy season had even begun, my tears were still wet.

The initial implementation of the grain transport policy resonated with the court.

The sun and moon shine together, illuminating history.

Even emperors have their moments of true joy.