Defying the Odds

After a series of setbacks, my mom called and said “think about Wu Zetain”.

Who is this woman? I can almost guarantee anyone who is fluent in Chinese is familiar with the name and her journey.

Wu Zetian was the first and the only ruler/empress regnant to reign China (then called Zhou Dynasty). During a time where women of the court are expected to sit quietly, do needle work, or sip tea all day.

Wu was 14 years old when she was taken to be an imperial concubine of Emperor Tang Taizong who was in his 60s at the time. She was not favoured by the Emperor. After his death, Wu was among the concubines who were sent to Ganye Temple with the expectation to serve as Buddhist nun for the reminder of her life.

As fate would have it,Tang’s successor, Emperor Gaozong visited Ganye Temple to offer incense. He saw Wu and brought her back as his own concubine. (Really, I can’t make this up..)

Wu progressively gained influence and eventually start making major decisions and took governance of the empire. Expanding Zhou Dynasty far beyond its previous territorial limits into Central Asia.

“Think about Wu Zetain” my mom said. Defy the odds..