Common people’s remark
telecom female staff: I know that Wu was born in Guangyuan. It’s said that when she was born in Huangze Temple, a phoenix flied on the top of Phoenix Mount.
female staff of China Mobile: Wu is the only female emperor in Chinese history. I know nothing more.
a senior man who sells magazine: I have heard of Wu, but know nothing about her.
civil servant: as emperor, Wu Zetian's reign was regarded as an indispensable link between Emperor Taizong's Zhen Guan Reign and the Emperor Xuanzong's Heyday of Kaiyuan. Wu Zetian was a bold reformer of the educational and personnel selection systems. She developed and improved the Keju Educational System, which originated in the Sui Dynasty (581 - 618). She also appointed many talented people, regardless of their family status. Second, she attached great importance to agricultural production. By rewarding those local officials who developed agriculture well in their administrative areas and punishing those who imposed too much tax on peasants, Wu's measures greatly improved agriculture production.
A businesswoman: Wu Zetian was the only female emperor in Tang Dynasty. When she was young, she read many books and received a good education from her father. At the age of 14, she was selected to be Emperor Taizong's Cai Ren (a kind of Tang concubine) because of her beauty and intelligence. During that period, Wu Zetian's literary talents impressed Emperor Taizong who permitted her to assist as a secretary. This enlarged Wu's insight and knowledge of state affairs. It was also then that Wu began to attract the attention of Prince Li Zhi who later became Emperor Gaozong. In 649 when Emperor Taizong died, Wu was sent to Ganye Temple to be a nun. After Emperor Gaozong ascended the throne, his adoration of Wu Zetian remained. Just at that time, Empress Wang and concubine Xiao Shufei were struggling for the emperor's favor. During this time Wu Zetian was recalled to the palace and given the title Zhao Yi (a kind of Tang concubine). Ambitious Wu Zetian was not satisfied with this title.
