Pagoda Power of

Wu’s rise to the top was bloody, brutal and ruthless

Reign of terror

Wu works quickly to eliminate any opposition in the court. She systematically wipes out all claimants to the throne by exile, execution and even forced suicide so that she can rule unopposed.

Seizes the throne

With no sons left, Wu claims the dragon throne for herself and becomes the first recognised female ruler of china to govern in her own name.

Second son abdicates

Wu keeps her second son and current emperor under house arrest but eventually gets tired of him, too. She forces him to abdicate the throne and he does as he’s told.

Son is charged

After Taizong’s death, Wu’s son takes the throne but he is unruly with a scheming wife. Wu decides to cut all ties and has him charged with treason and banished.

Weds the emperor

Now with no rivals to oppose her for the emperor’s affections, Wu rises to the position of first wife and empress of China with her sons as heirs.

Lady Wang accused

Wu ensures the emperor’s wife is the prime suspect for the murder of her daughter. Wang is divorced and exiled, along with Taizong’s first concubine, Xiao.

Murder of daughter

Wu’s newborn daughter is found dead in her crib. In many accounts it is Wu who has killed her, strangled to death with her own hands to frame her rivals.