Was the Chinese empress Wu Zetian (624-705) - who was born Wu Zhao - pretty. That's difficult to see from the old paintings of her, and for once it doesn't really matter: Her gift was a brilliant mind that made it possible for her to become the de facto ruler of China from 690. Before that she had been a strong influence "behind the throne" of her husband, Emperor Gaozong, and their sons, Emperors Zhongzong and Ruizong.
She started her amazing career as one of the concubines of Emperor Taizong. When he died she married his ninth son, Gaozong, who became the next emperor even though he wasn't in good health. By marrying this 21 years old "stepson" of hers she gained the highest status possible as his empress consort in 655. Something that hadn't come through without victims. For instance she clashed with two other ambitious and powerful women at the empirical court that she got expelled and subsequently killed. Life at these courts were not for wuzzies, but Wu Zetian gained ultimate power in 660 when her husband, the Emperor Gaozong, suffered a debilitating stroke. She was recognized as the de facto ruler and did a good job of it. One of her means of keeping power was a strong "web" of spies at the court, but no matter what she was admired as an intelligent and knowledgeable woman. China prospered under her reign, but later on her reputation was blackened by the false assumption that she had killed some of her children to be able to blame her rivals at the court for their death.
However, as so often in Western countries many felt it wrong to be ruled by a woman. As far as I can see that was the only reason why Wu Zetian lost her power. In all she reigned, both through others and by herself, in 40 years, but in 705 she became the victim of a coup, and a few months later she died.
Estimated territorial extent of Wu Zetian's empire
https://www.asianstudies.org/publications/eaa/archives/wu-zhao-ruler-of-tang-dynasty-china/
Wikipedia
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