Taizong and Wu were husband and wife, and ruled during the Tang dynasty. Taizong is known for his peaceful reign and for his modifications to the law code. One of his most important contributions to us today is how he gathered records of the past 400 years of Chinese history, which made it easier for us to piece together the past. He gave out land to peasants and reworked taxes so that they were fair for everyone. He also consulted the people before he made important decisions.
Just before his death, he realized that his son would not be a good successor, so he decided that his wife would take his place. Empress Wu became the only woman in the history of China to rule in her own right. She had already been influential during her husband's reign, but now proved that she was capable of ruling on her own. She was a strong empress, being harsh when she needed to be but was fair.
Just before his death, he realized that his son would not be a good successor, so he decided that his wife would take his place. Empress Wu became the only woman in the history of China to rule in her own right. She had already been influential during her husband's reign, but now proved that she was capable of ruling on her own. She was a strong empress, being harsh when she needed to be but was fair.