Lü Zhi Vs. Wu Zetian: Women at the Pinnacle of Imperial Power (2 Books)

The Uncrowned Empress is a deeply researched account of the history of Empress Lü Zhi’s rule.

With delicate prose, the book tells how Lü Zhi grew from a devoted wife and mother into an iron-fisted ruler, revealing the inner struggles she faced along the way and the historical forces that drove her transformation.

It not only portrays her political wisdom and tactics, but also delves into the survival strategies and psychological changes of a woman living in a patriarchal society.

Empress Wu Zetian: A Woman at the Pinnacle of Power: Wu Zetian, the only legitimate empress regnant in Chinese history. Tracing her life from birth to the age of eighty-three, the author builds vivid scenes on a foundation of historical fact, recreating the legendary life of this great empress. She was accomplished in both letters and arms, upholding Confucianism while also embracing Buddhism and Daoism. She was at once magnanimous and ruthless. Driven by ambition for power, she eliminated her rivals and ultimately ascended the throne. Her reign followed the Zhenguan era of good governance and paved the way for the Kaiyuan golden age. In her final words, she relinquished her imperial title and ordered a blank stele erected, leaving behind a mystery for the ages...