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The Forbidden Chamber of Wu Zetian: Where a Deadly Secret Lies

Wu Zetian, the only female emperor in China's history, was renowned for her intelligence, cruelty, and absolute power. Beyond the tales of her tumultuous life, she left behind a mysterious legacy: a forbidden chamber, where any trespasser would meet their demise.

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26 December, 2024

From Consort to Empress: The Rise of Wu Zetian

Wu Zetian, the sole female emperor in China’s history, began her path to power as a consort of Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, before capturing the heart of the future Emperor Gaozong, Li Zhi. Upon Li Zhi’s ascension, she was bestowed the title of Empress, and ultimately solidified her position as the Empress Regnant, leaving an indelible mark on history.

Wu Zetian’s reign continued the prosperity of the earlier Zhenguan period and paved the way for the flourishing Kaiyuan era. Her contributions were significant. However, during her years in the palace, she was just an inconspicuous consort. Realizing that her opportunities for advancement with Li Shimin were limited, Wu Zetian shifted her focus to Li Zhi, the future emperor. With her wit and charm, she gradually won his affection. As soon as he ascended the throne, Li Zhi brought her into the harem with the rank of concubine, later elevating her to the position of Empress.

Not long after Li Zhi’s coronation, he began suffering from intense headaches, which prevented him from managing state affairs. Seizing the opportunity, Wu Zetian started involving herself deeply in governance and even accompanied him in the Golden Hall of Excellence. Power gradually shifted into her hands. Thirty-five years after Li Zhi’s ascension, he passed away, but Wu Zetian did not rush to usurp the throne. Instead, she installed Li Dan as the emperor while she assumed the role of Empress Dowager, pulling the strings of power from behind the scenes.

Seven years later, sensing the opportune moment, Wu Zetian deposed Li Dan and ascended the throne herself, becoming the first and only female emperor in Chinese history, founding the Zhou dynasty.

Wu Zetian becomes the first and only female emperor in Chinese history, founding the Zhou dynasty

The Secret Chamber and Whispered Tales

Upon ascending the throne, Wu Zetian had a secret chamber constructed. According to accounts from palace maids and eunuchs, every night, she would enter this chamber alone for a certain period, allowing no one to follow her. Over time, some of the curious maids-in-waiting secretly trailed after her, only to be discovered and pay for their transgression with their lives in the grand hall. From then on, no one dared to venture near the secret chamber, and stories began to circulate.

Numerous legends surround Wu Zetian’s secret chamber. Some believed she kept male favorites there, as she was often accompanied by Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong. Others asserted that she hid state secrets within, for how else could a woman become an emperor and achieve such success without some hidden wisdom?

In the year 705, under the leadership of Zhang Jianzhi, the officials staged the Shenlong Coup. Wu Zetian, in a state of ill health, was forced to relinquish power and return the throne to the Li dynasty. Li Xian was restored to the position of emperor. During this period, Wu Zetian not only faced health issues but also endured the pain of losing her trusted male favorites, Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong, who were put to death. With her power gone, she fell into a state of despondency and passed away not long after. It was only after her death that people dared to enter the secret chamber she had guarded so closely.

It was only after Wu Zetian’s death that people dared to enter the secret chamber she had kept hidden

The Empress’s Regrets

According to the “Ancient Tang Book,” contrary to popular rumors, Wu Zetian’s secret chamber was surprisingly simple. Inside, there was only a Buddhist hall, a statue of Buddha, and portraits of Li Shimin and Li Zhi on either side. People were astonished and perplexed as to why it was so.

Wu Zetian entered the palace during the reign of Li Shimin, and she always held a special regard for him. It could have been love, but it was more likely admiration. Through her actions, Wu Zetian demonstrated that she was a strong woman who believed that women could accomplish the same as men. Thus, she deeply respected Li Shimin for establishing the prosperous Zhenguan era.

However, it is undeniable that she usurped the Li dynasty’s throne. She harbored a sense of guilt towards Emperor Taizong. People in the feudal era were often influenced by superstitions and fears of supernatural forces. Therefore, Wu Zetian built a secret chamber to worship Li Shimin, hoping for his forgiveness. Moreover, with her faith in Buddhism, she sought Buddha’s blessing to avoid any retribution from the previous emperor’s spirit.

In the outside world, Wu Zetian always presented herself as a strong, stern woman. But only in the solitude of her secret chamber could she let down her guard and find solace for her soul.

The relationship between Wu Zetian and her husband, Li Zhi, was always complex. When they first met, she seized every opportunity to captivate him, driven by her ambition to attain a higher status. However, over time, Wu Zetian realized that Li Zhi genuinely loved her and needed her talents to support him in ruling the empire. They gradually became a formidable duo. At that time, Li Zhi had just ascended the throne, and power was not yet fully in his grasp, as Chancellor Wei Zheng held considerable influence. To solidify his authority, Li Zhi decided to make Wu Zetian his empress, and together, they worked to overthrow Wei Zheng.

As time went on, Li Zhi’s health deteriorated, forcing him to allow Wu Zetian to participate in court meetings to discuss state affairs. Wu Zetian’s thirst for power intensified, and differences and conflicts emerged between them. However, Li Zhi’s weakness prevented him from fully controlling her actions; he could only watch as she grew more powerful, even feeling anxious and fearful.

Li Zhi believed that by passing the throne to his son, things would return to normal, and Wu Zetian would remain as the empress. But he could not have foreseen that after his death, she would seize total control of the Li dynasty, depose two emperors, and ultimately establish a new dynasty, proclaiming herself Emperor Wu Zhao of Zhou.

There were two men in Wu Zetian’s life towards whom she always felt deep regret. One was Li Shimin, who played a significant role in her rise to power. The other was Li Zhi, her husband, who loved her wholeheartedly for many years. Because of these reasons, after their deaths, Wu Zetian decided to build a secret chamber to display their portraits, expressing her remorse for her past decisions.

The prosperity of the country today is a testament to Wu Zetian’s relentless efforts. It was a burden that even robust men would struggle to bear, let alone a woman. However, she could not show weakness in front of the public, as it would only fuel the dissatisfaction of the officials, who were already displeased with a female ruler. Thus, Wu Zetian chose to conceal her vulnerabilities. This secret chamber was born out of that necessity, and every night, before retiring to bed, she would visit this place, seeking peace for her soul.