Secret Records of the Crane-Taming Bureau

Compiled by Zhang Ji of the Tang dynasty. Zhang Ji was the son of Zhang Yue, a prominent official in the early Tang. His account of the licentious affairs of Empress Wu's court is quite unique, “nothing like the accounts of Empress Wu's private life passed down elsewhere.” The Hall of Raising Cranes was an institution where Wu Zetian kept her male favorites. It was established in 698, the first year of the Shengli era, with Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong appointed as attendants. The following year, Zhang Yizhi became its director, and posts such as deputy director and secretary were created. In 700, the first year of the Jiushi era, it was renamed the Office of Attendant Service, and Zhang Yizhi was appointed its director. “Secret records” refers to private matters and confidential gossip.