Wu Zetian's Regency as Empress Dowager

Timeline

1. 683Chang'an · GuanzhongEmperor Gaozong of Tang died in the twelfth month of the first year of Hongdao; his edict ordered Crown Prince Li Xian to ascend the throne, while Wu Zetian governed as empress dowager, with major military and state affairs decided jointly by the empress dowager and the emperor.
2. 684Chang'an · GuanzhongAfter ascending the throne, Emperor Zhongzong sought to promote the Wei consort kin, clashing with Wu Zetian. In the second month of the same year, she deposed Zhongzong as Prince of Luling and installed her younger son Li Dan as emperor, further consolidating the empress dowager's regency.
3. 685–690Chang'an · GuanzhongWu Zetian changed the era name to Chuigong, took charge of court affairs under the guise of regency, widely employed Northern Gate Scholars, relied on cruel officials and bureaucrats from humble families, and weakened the Guanzhong-Longxi aristocracy and old great families, preparing to change the state name to Zhou and claim the throne.