Wu Zetian, Empress of the Tang Dynasty

Wu Zetian is widely recognized as an empress in her own right. These stories begin with her entering the palace and becoming Wu Meiniang, a fifth-rank palace woman. After fighting her way through the palace intrigues, she earns a reputation as the Tang dynasty's most formidable palace woman, only to end up at Ganye Temple. She performs three great services for the Tang dynasty, earning her release from the temple. After many twists and turns, she becomes Empress Wu, the Golden Wheel. She helps the Tang dynasty defeat the Western Turks five times and destroy Buyeo and Goguryeo, expanding the empire to its greatest extent. As for what happens next, stay tuned.