Li Zhi and Wu Zetian: The Emperor and Empress Under the Struggle for Power

In Chinese history, Li Zhi and Wu Zetian from the Tang Dynasty were a controversial couple. Many believe that during Li Zhi's reign, the power was largely in the hands of Wu Zetian, and he himself had no real authority. However, is this really the case? This article will explore the power situation during Li Zhi's reign.

Firstly, from historical records, it is evident that in the early stages of Li Zhi's reign, due to his youth and lack of political experience, he indeed relied heavily on Wu Zetian. Wu Zetian, a clever and resourceful woman, exhibited a strong desire for control and dominance in politics. This meant that Li Zhi often had to defer to Wu Zetian's opinions in making significant decisions. Therefore, it can be said that in the early stages of Li Zhi's reign, he was indeed influenced by Wu Zetian to a certain extent.

However, as Li Zhi gradually matured, he began to demonstrate his own political talents. According to the "Old Tang History," Li Zhi personally presided over government affairs and handled important national matters on multiple occasions during his reign. This suggests that he was not completely controlled by Wu Zetian. Furthermore, Li Zhi actively supported the development of cultural undertakings, such as the construction of the famous Longmen Grottoes. These initiatives demonstrate that he had a certain degree of real power during his reign.

Nevertheless, as the empress, Wu Zetian's political influence cannot be overlooked. Through her wisdom and means, she gradually established her own power base in the court. This meant that Li Zhi had to compromise with her on many issues. Therefore, to a certain extent, it can be said that Li Zhi's power was constrained by Wu Zetian.

In conclusion, during Li Zhi's reign, while he possessed a certain degree of real power, his authority was limited to some extent due to the presence of Wu Zetian. However, this does not mean that Li Zhi was completely overshadowed by Wu Zetian. In the long history of China, Li Zhi and Wu Zetian jointly shaped the prosperity and glory of the Tang Dynasty. By exploring their relationship, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complexity of Tang Dynasty politics and the interaction between imperial and imperial consort power.

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