"However, in 684, Wu Zhao deposed Li Xian and replaced him with her fourth son, Li Dan, as Emperor Ruizong of Tang. Wu Zhao continued to rule the country. In 685, Wu Zhao issued an edict allowing officials above the ninth rank and common people to recommend themselves to the court. In the first month of the following year, she returned power to Li Dan. However, Li Dan knew that she was not sincere, so Wu Zhao continued to rule the country.
In the third month, Wu Zetian set up a bronze box in front of the Luoyang Palace. Simply put, it was a place where people could offer advice, examine items, and seek redress for grievances, thus opening up a wide range of channels for expression. However, Wu Zetian also took action against many of the Li Tang kings in her later years, and few of the Li family's descendants remained.
In 690, Wu Zhao officially registered and changed Luoyang to the Holy Capital. She was 67 years old that year, making her the oldest emperor to ascend the throne in history and one of the longest-lived emperors.
In general, Wu Zhao's path to the throne was not smooth, not only because she was a woman, but also because the environment at the time created great resistance to her ascension to the throne, both from her relatives and from her subjects.
But no matter how many hardships and setbacks she went through, Wu Zhao eventually stood at the pinnacle of power and set an example for women all over the world.
Being an emperor is not just for men; women can do it too. Women are never weaker than men."
Wu Zhao
The voices of opposition and contempt she felt when she ascended the throne still seemed to be echoing in her ears, but now Wu Zhao was even more determined in her beliefs and ideals.
The sarcasm and humiliation from those men were eventually repaid by her efforts and achievements, which also raised the status of women in the Tang Dynasty. Girls were no longer bound by the words of men, and each girl could live out her own unique style.
"Queen Mother, what are you thinking about?"
Princess Taiping saw Wu Zhao looking into the distance with nostalgia, and asked curiously while sitting beside her.
"I'm wondering what life is like for girls in the future where Zhou Jia lives. Are they still oppressed by men? Are most girls able to control their own destiny instead of being forced to accept the so-called fate?"
"I dare not speak rashly, but from what Zhou Jia has shown, girls in later generations seem to prefer to be alone. Previously, when Zhou Jia went out, I rarely saw men and women walking together on the streets. More often, she was alone or with two or more girls walking away hand in hand, smiling."
They all had bright smiles on their faces, and sometimes she even wanted to go to Zhou Jia's place to feel the atmosphere.
Wu Zhao sighed, "If that were true, I would be even more pleased."
Tang
Li Yuan, Li Shimin and Li Zhi all changed their expressions at the same time.
Not only did Wu Zetian usurp the throne, she even spared no one but the kings of the Li Tang Dynasty. How many members of the Li Tang royal family were killed by her?
There was a fierce look in Li Yuan and Li Shimin's eyes.
There was no way they would keep a woman who massacred the Li Tang royal family! And a woman who usurped the throne!
During the reign of Emperor Li Zhi, Wu Zetian once again knelt down to apologize, feeling sad.
Now I am in great danger.
Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin: [So, how many members of the Li Tang royal family were killed by her! ]
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