Viên Thiên Cang was a renowned Taoist master during the Tang Dynasty, a golden age for Taoism. He was an extraordinary figure in astronomy, feng shui, and divination. Not only could he observe celestial phenomena to predict the future, but he was also well-versed in the Five Elements and physiognomy.
Viên Thiên Cang served both the Sui and Tang dynasties and left behind valuable works and fascinating folk tales.
Meeting Wu Zetian in her infancy
When he first met Wu Zetian, she was just an infant. According to legends, Viên Thiên Cang had met Wu Zetian’s mother and predicted that she would give birth to a “fine son.” When Wu Zetian’s two older brothers came to see him, he foretold that they would hold high positions in the court, bringing prosperity to their family. As for her sister, he predicted a noble destiny but an early widowhood, which indeed came true.
When Viên Thiên Cang saw Wu Zetian as a newborn, he was astonished to discover that she bore the features of an emperor. This was a shocking revelation, as no woman had ever held the imperial throne throughout history.
Wu Zetian’s “Legitimate” Rule
To consolidate her power when she ascended the throne, Wu Zetian relied on a plot devised by her grandson. They fabricated a “gift from the heavens”—a stone tablet inscribed with a prophecy foretelling the arrival of a “Holy Mother” who would usher in an era of peace and prosperity. This tablet was presented to Wu Zetian, who used it to justify her self-proclaimed title and ordered a grand amnesty.
However, behind this deceptive tablet lay deeper scheming. It was not just a political maneuver but also part of a plan orchestrated by a secretive organization in which Viên Thiên Cang played a pivotal role. The secrets he held stemmed from two ancient calendars, meticulously documenting astronomy, hydraulics, and natural laws.
The “Water Destruction of the Palace” Plot
Through his study of ancient records, Viên Thiên Cang uncovered an abnormal pattern regarding the river systems around Luoyang, Wu Zetian’s capital. He observed that during solar and lunar eclipses, the Luo River and its surrounding canals often caused floods, devastating riverside residences.
Based on calculations from the ancient calendar, Viên Thiên Cang identified the timing of a major flood. He secretly altered the course of the Luo River, diverting the water towards Wu Zetian’s palace. When the time was right, he intended to open the floodgates, unleashing the floodwaters to destroy the palace and plunge the entire Tang court into darkness.
The Plot Unveiled
This treacherous plot was fortunately uncovered by Di Renjie, a loyal minister of Wu Zetian. After a thorough investigation, he presented the findings to the emperor. Hearing this, Wu Zetian was horrified to realize that if not for Di Renjie’s timely revelation, she and her entire court would have fallen into Viên Thiên Cang’s trap.
The Most Ruthless Empress of the Tang Dynasty: The Power-Hungry Woman Who Wanted to Be Another Wu Zetian, Harming the Prince
The woman was regarded as one of the most ruthless empresses of the Tang Dynasty, a power-hungry woman who wanted to become the second Empress Wu. With a thirst for power, she plotted the death of a prince and conspired to depose the crown prince. A true manipulator, her actions were driven by a desire to rule, and she stopped at nothing to achieve her ambitions.
The Cursed Son of Li Shimin: An Innocent Death and a Prophecy Fulfilled
The beloved son of Li Shimin, the infamous first emperor of the Tang dynasty, uttered a sinister curse on his deathbed. Little did anyone know, this curse would come to fruition six years later. This chilling prophecy haunts us to this day, leaving us with a chilling reminder of the power of words and the dark mysteries of the beyond.