The more than two-decade period following Wu Zhao’s ascension as Emperor Gaozong’s empress-consort will serve to point out three things: how weak the emperor is, how powerful Empress Wu has become, and how there is absolutely nothing she won’t do to keep it that way. By the middle of the episode, she’ll be considered even at the time the co-equal ruler of her husband, on of the so-called “Two Holy Ones.” But power is a slippery fish to hang on to… especially when you have no legal means of maintaining it, and several sons just waiting in the wing to snatch it all away.

Time Period Covered:
656-683 CE

Major Historical Figures:
Emperor Gaozong of Tang (Li Zhi) [r. 649-683]
Empress Consort Wu Zhao
Crowned Prince Li Hong (Emperor Xiaojing [posthumous title]) [652-675]
Crowned Prince Li Xián [653-684]
Crowned Prince Li Xiǎn (Emperor Zhongzong) [b. 656- , r. 684]
Li Zhong, Prince of Liang [d.665]
Chancellor Zhangsun Wuji [d. 665]
Chancellor Shangguan Yi [d. 665]
Chancellor Xu Jingzong [retired... For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy