The Dilemma of Power: Wu Zetian and Her Era
by Li Xiaomiao
About This Novel
In the era in which she lived, Wu Zetian, faced with the dilemma of power, could only make "choices without choices" again and again. Her life experience was the result of historical necessity and individual choices. It can be said that it was historical destiny that created a generation of queens. The reason why Wu Zetian is still a huge topic today may not necessarily be because of the mysteries and legends, but because thousands of years have passed and society has developed to this day. People have been dragged away from the shackles of feudalism, have more rights, and bear more responsibilities. However, the power dilemma Wu Zetian encountered a thousand years ago still resonates with modern people to a certain extent. Sometimes, historical figures and our contemporary people are like neighbors living on different floors. Although they don't often meet, their presence can be felt all the time.
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Official(1)Scraped 21d ago
During the same period, I read several books about Wu Zetian, and they were either written in the style of a heroine, or they were too subjective and had no basis in sources. This book "The Dilemma of Power" was the one that surprised and moved me the most (I almost missed it because of the author's name, thinking it was poorly written). The whole book starts from the perspective of rights, uses the logic of human nature to interpret it, and interprets it in the context of the times. The historical evidence and arguments are convincing, the characters are full of character, and the narrative is full of tension. We saw the life of a flesh-and-blood Wu Zetian seizing power in difficult situations, manipulating power, and ultimately being backlashed by power. Rather than saying that Wu Zetian chose to be emperor, it is better to say that the times chose her. But in the end she still couldn't transcend her time. After reading it, I deeply felt the Greek tragic "fate", or in the author's words, a "dilemma." It refreshed a lot of knowledge about Wu Zetian and Li Zhi.
Rating
Community(0)
Official(1)Scraped 21d ago
During the same period, I read several books about Wu Zetian, and they were either written in the style of a heroine, or they were too subjective and had no basis in sources. This book "The Dilemma of Power" was the one that surprised and moved me the most (I almost missed it because of the author's name, thinking it was poorly written). The whole book starts from the perspective of rights, uses the logic of human nature to interpret it, and interprets it in the context of the times. The historical evidence and arguments are convincing, the characters are full of character, and the narrative is full of tension. We saw the life of a flesh-and-blood Wu Zetian seizing power in difficult situations, manipulating power, and ultimately being backlashed by power. Rather than saying that Wu Zetian chose to be emperor, it is better to say that the times chose her. But in the end she still couldn't transcend her time. After reading it, I deeply felt the Greek tragic "fate", or in the author's words, a "dilemma." It refreshed a lot of knowledge about Wu Zetian and Li Zhi.
