Empress Wu and Her Reign

What was the reaction of Empress Wu to the letter read by the messenger?

• She ignored the letter and continued with her duties.

• She was furious and ordered the messenger's execution.

• She laughed and blamed her advisors for not hiring the poet.

• She cried and left the court in anger.

What makes Empress Wu a notable figure in Chinese history?

• She was the first woman to become a Confucian scholar.

• She was the first female emperor to rule under her own name.

• She was the first woman to establish Buddhism in China.

• She was the first woman to lead a rebellion against the Tang Dynasty.

How did Confucianism influence the ruling class in 7th century China?

• It promoted gender equality and female leadership.

• It encouraged the ruling class to adopt Buddhism.

• It emphasized hierarchical relationships and male dominance.

• It discouraged any form of education for women.

What was the reaction of Confucian scholars to Empress Wu's rule?

• They celebrated her as a model ruler.

• They ignored her and focused on other matters.

• They viewed her as a threat to traditional values.

• They supported her reforms and policies.

What was one of the accusations made against Empress Wu in historical narratives?

• She was accused of manipulating her way to power through deceit.

• She was accused of being a benevolent ruler.

• She was accused of promoting Confucianism.

• She was accused of leading a successful rebellion.

What role did Empress Wu's father play in her early life?

• He was a wealthy merchant who supported a rebellion.

• He was a military general who trained her in warfare.

• He was a Buddhist monk who educated her in religious texts.

• He was a high-ranking official in the Tang Dynasty.

How did Empress Wu first gain attention in the imperial court?

• By leading a successful military campaign.

• By writing influential poetry.

• By organizing a rebellion against the emperor.

• By winning a beauty pageant for the imperial harem.

What was the significance of Empress Wu's relationship with Emperor Gaozong?

• It enabled her to gain significant political power.

• It allowed her to escape the imperial court.

• It resulted in her exile from the empire.

• It led to her becoming a Buddhist nun.

What was the primary role of concubines in the imperial court?

• To lead religious ceremonies.

• To serve as military advisors.

• To oversee the empire's finances.

• To manage the emperor's personal quarters.

How did Empress Wu's education contribute to her rise in power?

• It made her a renowned artist in the empire.

• It enabled her to write influential religious texts.

• It helped her navigate the political landscape of the court.

• It allowed her to become a military strategist.