武则天的英文介绍(Empress-Wu-Zetian-in-Dang-Dynasty).doc

中华女皇帝 武则天Empress Wu Zetian in Dang DynastyEmpress Wu was the only female monarch of China, and remains the most remarkable, influential and mysterious woman in Chinese history. Contrary to the teachings of Confucius, this was a woman who ruled the empire for over half a century; while her actions have been a subject for debate for more ten centuries. Opinion is sharply divided between those who admire her for her many achievements and those who regard her as a ruthless, merciless schemer and autocrat. Others will say merely that she did what she had to do and that her actions were no different from those of male emperors. AchievementsIn spite of her ruthless rise to power, Wu proved to be a very competent monarch and throughout her reign the legacy of prosperity bequeathed by the late Taizong.The Empress was eager to draw into her government all manner of talented people. In the first year of her period of absolute power, she sent officials far and wide to search for people of outstanding ability. Wu Zetian even encouraged people to volunteer their services should they consider themselves of value to her. In this way no effort was spared to recruit able persons into the civil service. The imperial examination system was further revised in order that no man of ability should be excluded due to his lowly birth. She also initiated the practice of personally interviewing candidates. These formalities guaranteed appointments could no longer be obtained through patronage, bribery or corruption.Surprisingly, she showed tolerance towards her critics. Ever willing to listen to new ideas and suggestions, she generously rewarded those who offered sound advice and demonstrated enterprise. This ensured that throughout her long reign, she always had the support of a loyal administration.Wu Zetian attached great importance to the development of agriculture. She ordered the construction of irrigation schemes. So as to create a bank of knowledge about agricultural matters and develop expertise, she commissioned the compilation of farming textbooks. Local officials were charged with the task of bringing more land under cultivation. As an incentive for increased production, taxes were reduced and the imposition upon the peasant population was eased. By allowing peasant farmers to retain more of their produce, they were able to improve their living standard and in general the population benefited from quite considerable prosperity.The relationships that had been established between the empire and the neighboring Tubo deteriorated. A series of many border skirmishes led to a final defeat of the Tubo in 692. Afterwards, steps were taken to keep the vast lands to the north and south of the Tainshan Mountains secure from invasion. The Anxi Military Viceroy and the Beiting Military Viceroy were given responsibility for the area, with the consequence that Wus defence policy effectively consolidated the north-western border region.Wus religious policy gave Buddhism precedence over Taoism as the favoured state religion. She encouraged gifted scholars to settle in China and many Buddhist temples were built. Also, many of the finest Buddhist cave sculptures were created. Under the patronage of the Empress, Buddhism made its greatest advances within China.Wu Zetian poured scorn on the Confucian belief that women should always be subordinate to men. As well as furthering her own ambitions, she sought to enhance the position of women in society. This included employing scholars to write biographies of famous women. These works served as a reminder to everyone that women were every bit as capable of men. All they lacked was equal opportunity.The DownsideIt is said there is good and bad in everybody. So far as Wu Zetian was concerned, when she was bad she could be very bad indeed. To achieve her ambitions she was as ruthless as possible. She did not hesitate to arrange the murders of members of her family, her husbands concubines or ministers if they opposed her. Even Wus infant daughter was sacrificed in order that she might succeed in her desire for power. The men whose loyalty to both Li Yuan and Li Shimin had helped establish the Tang Dynasty were subjected to her cruelty. These included Zhangsun Wuji, Chu Suiliang, Yu Zhining and Cheng Wuting and many others who were either put to death or reduced in rank. Members of the Li royal family and their relatives were likewise eliminated.Once she was on the throne, Wu was ever cautious lest any of her ministers proved to be disloyal or plot against her. She appointed sadistic and cruel officials to seek out and eliminate any opposition to her regime. Men such as Suo Yuanli, Zhong Xing and Lai Juncheng became famous due to their methods of exposing so-called enemies of their mistress. In such times, it is possible to be rid of rivals by denouncing them as conspirators or laying trumped up charges against them. So, although those who opposed Wu were severely dealt with, also many other innocent people were cruelly put to death. However, once Wu Zetian was satisfied that her regime was secure, she did relax some of her repressive measures and there were far fewer executions.In her later life, and probably to ease her conscience, Wu Zetian resorted to Buddhism for solace. Her enthusiasm for building temples and monuments placed a huge strain on resources and labour. This show of religious fervour could not hide her continued craving for greatness and acclaim as she enjoyed an extravagant lifestyle. In particular, her penchant for her male concubines contributed to her reputation for decadence!Retirement from Center StageAs Wu grew older, so her hold on state affairs began to lessen. She also realised that as a woman, she could only be respected after her death as a member of the Li family. She therefore allowed herself to be persuaded in 698 to reinstate Li Xian as Crown Prince. Aged eighty-two, Wu Zetian died in the December of the year in which she had been deposed. She was buried alongside Emperor Gaozong in the Qingling Tomb, located west of the present day Xian City. At her own wish, her final resting place was marked by a plain tombstone lacking any inscription. To some, this symbolises her absolute power that no words could describe. To others the absence of any comment sug