#文化历史解析#
In the chapter on the prosperity of ancient China, the Tang Dynasty may be the most open page. It was an era of relative equality between men and women, avant-garde ideas, flourishing culture, and the birth of the only female emperor in history. However, the female emperor was not the only female superstar of the Tang Dynasty. Her right-hand man, Prime Minister Shangguan Wan'er, has also left her own unique and controversial history.
However, for those who are interested in history, the most curious thing for them may be what Shangguan Wan'er's private life really is. In 2013, archaeologists discovered an ancient tomb in Xianyang, Shaanxi Province. Judging from the furnishings in the tomb, the owner is undoubtedly a certain celebrity of the Tang Dynasty. Surprisingly, however, no remains of the owner were found in this tomb, not even an empty coffin.
After analyzing the epitaph, the archaeologists came to the conclusion that the owner of the tomb was undoubtedly Shangguan Wan'er. The reason why her body was not found may be the destruction of the tomb caused by regime change at the end of the Tang Dynasty. Even more puzzling is that several cow bones were found in the tomb, which is quite rare in ancient Chinese tombs. Some believe that this was left by Shangguan Wan'er's political enemies to curse her, while others believe that it was left by tomb robbers eating here.
The text on the epitaph is nothing more than a simple description of Shangguan Wan'er's life and deeds. For example, how she was sent to the palace because of her grandfather's crime, how she was appreciated by Wu Zetian and became a female prime minister, etc.
Wu Zetian was very fond of this intelligent and beautiful woman and often discussed national affairs with her. It was in this environment that Shangguan Wan'er gradually increased her power, and even did not hesitate to deviate from the right path and fornicate Wu Zetian's favored courtiers.
Wu Zetian recognized Shangguan Wan'er's talent, so he did not severely punish her for her behavior, but only left a scar on her beautiful face as a warning.
However, this peerless woman did not restrain because of this, but once again used the same technique to approach Wu Zetian's favored minister Cui Xiang. Cui Xiang is a talented and personable man who shrewdly introduces his younger brother to Shangguan Wan'er to avoid offending Wu Zetian.
However, Shangguan Wan'er did not indulge in Cui Xiang's younger brother for a long time, but soon shifted her gaze and took a fancy to Wu Zetian's nephew Wu Sansi. Although she does not harbor feelings for Wu Sansi, she realizes that Wu Sansi can help her improve her status. So she took advantage of Wu Sansi, but it was only a small step towards her higher power.
In the end, Shangguan Wan'er chose a bigger bet and approached Wu Zetian's son Li Xian directly. With the planning of Shangguan Wan'er and the help of some ministers such as Zhang Xiangzhi, Li Xian staged the Shenlong coup in 705 and successfully regained the throne. After Li Xian ascended the throne, Shangguan Wan'er became Zhaorong as she wished.
However, this legendary talented woman was not satisfied with this, she could obviously live a stable harem life, but chose to continue to fan the flames in the imperial government.
When she tried unsuccessfully to get close to Princess Taiping, she turned to Empress Wei, hoping to use her power to further improve her status. However, in the end, Empress Wei was defeated by Li Dan and Princess Taiping. Faced with the impending disaster, Shangguan Wan'er could only ask Li Dan for help, hoping that she could show mercy to her subordinates.
However, after Li Longji forced Li Dan to abdicate, he realized that keeping Shangguan Wan'er would become a tumor that was difficult to remove. So, he chose to give her to death. This once talented woman died in the end, but this is also the inevitable result of what she did.
In Shangguan Wan'er's life, she had intimate relationships with at least five men, of which the early romance was only her way of pursuing pleasure, and those partners in the later period were more stepping stones to her political ladder, and her purpose was clear, that is, to realize her political dreams. However, her pace is faltering in the end, because not all women can copy Wu Zetian's legend.