Wu Zetian

During the most glorious years of the Tang dynasty a woman ruled successfully. She was Wu Zetian, the only female in Chinese history to rule as emperor. By thirteen years of age she was known for her wit, intelligence, and beauty, and was recruited to the court of Emperor Tai Tsung.When the emperor died and Kao Tsung took over, she managed to take the place from his wife as empress. With the death of Emperor Kao Tsung, Wu managed to outflank her eldest sons and moved her youngest, and much weaker son, into power. She in effect ruled, telling him what to do.In 690,Wu Zetian was declared emperor of China.