Shangguan Wan'er

One of the most fascinating figures in Chinese history, Shangguan Wan'er (664-710) was a noted literary figure and politician of the Tang Dynasty, associated with powerful women such as Wu Zetian.


Shangguan Wan'er was born into a prominent family. Her grandfather, Shangguan Yi, an important official and poet, was involved in a power struggle with Emperor Gaozong's wife and lost. He, along with his son, was executed. Shangguan Wan'er' and her mother thus became slaves in the royal palace. During her tenure there, Shangguan Wan'er would receive an education that rivaled the most educated of scholars.

Her luck came when, by chance, Wu Zetian stumbled upon her one day. Impressed with her intellect, Wu Zetian made her her personal secretary. Shangguan Wan'er rapidly gained the trust of the empress and became involved in the governance of state. Wu Zetian would consult with her on state affairs and request her suggestions before making any decisions. Later, Shangguan Wan'er would be responsible for the drafting imperial edicts and Wu Zetian would solicit her opinions on memorials. From her humble beginnings, Shangguan Wan'er became the second most powerful person in the imperial court, only subservient to Wu Zetian.

Her power did not fade when Wu Zetian was deposed. Li Xian, son of Wu Zetian, became Emperor Zhongzong, and made Shangguan Wan'er a consort (Zhaorong). She played an important role court politics of this era, becoming involved with Emperor Zhongzhong’s wife Empress Wei’s faction. During this period, politics were often unstable, and coups erupted with alacrity. In one such coup, Shangguan Wan’er was targeted and barely survived. However, her influence continued. Her literary output during this period took the form of poems, and she often served as judge during literary competitions.

When Zhongzong died, his wife Empress Wei sought to seize power for herself. Li Longji, a royal prince, initiated a coup. In this coup, Empress Wei and all those who associated with her, including Shangguan Wan’er, were killed. Later, when he became Emperor Xuanzong, Li Longji would ordered her poems to be collected into a twenty volume collection,  and be honored as some of the best poetry in the empire.