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Rise of Wu Zetian: Power Behind the Throne
This chapter examines the ascendance of Wu Zetian, a powerful empress who navigates a politically charged environment to gain control of the empire following her husband's incapacitation. It highlights her strategic manipulation of court dynamics, her ties to Buddhism, and significant collaborations with influential figures like monk Xuan Zhang. The narrative also emphasizes the cultural flourishing of the golden age and Wu's patronage of Buddhism, illustrated through monumental sites such as the Longmen caves.