Wu eliminated many of her rivals – real, potential or perceived – by means of death
On the question of succession after her death, Wu Zetian entertained notions of an heir from a Wu and Li marriage
The new emperor, Gaozong, had by all accounts slept with Wu while his father was still alive, and while custom
After Emperor Gaozong’s death, Wu Zetian became the official ruler of China
Wu Zetian passed away in 705 and subsequently, the Tang dynasty was restored by her son and successor, Emperor Zhongzong of Tang
Achievements of Empress Wu Zetian