Wu Zetian: China’s Only Female Emperor
Everything Everywhere Daily
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Zetian's Pursuit of Power
In 654, Zetian had a daughter who died soon after birth. She accused Lady Wang and Lady Xiao of the murder and then accused them of witchcraft. The accusation stuck, and both Lady Wang and Xiao were placed on her house arrest. Many court officials, sensing the power shift, aligned themselves with Zetian. In 660, the emperor became ill, and she began issuing orders and running the empire on behalf of her husband.
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