Empress Wei (Tang dynasty)

Empress Wei (韋后, died 710), also known as Empress Zhaochengshunsheng (昭成順聖皇后), was the wife of Emperor Zhongzong of the Tang dynasty. Her personal name is unknown. She exerted considerable political influence during Emperor Zhongzong's two reigns (684, and 705-710), particularly during the latter.

Wei's family origins were relatively humble. She married Li Xian (later Emperor Zhongzong) while he was crown prince. After Emperor Zhongzong was briefly deposed by his mother, Empress Dowager Wu (later Emperor Wu Zetian of the Zhou dynasty), she accompanied him into exile. During this period of hardship, their bond strengthened, and he reportedly promised to let her do as she pleased after his return to power.

Following Empress Wu Zetian's abdication and Emperor Zhongzong's restoration to the throne in 705, Empress Wei quickly became a dominant figure in the court. She engaged in widespread corruption, selling offices and amassing a large fortune. More significantly, she sought to emulate Empress Wu Zetian by exercising direct political power, aiming to eventually become the next reigning empress.

Empress Wei's political ambitions involved promoting her own relatives to high positions and forming alliances with powerful officials, including the chancellor Wu Sansi. She also reportedly engaged in adulterous affairs, using them to further her political goals.

Growing discontent with Empress Wei's rule and her increasingly apparent attempts to usurp the throne led to a coup d'état led by Emperor Zhongzong's son Li Chongmao (later Emperor Shang), his sister Princess Taiping, and the powerful Prince Li Longji (later Emperor Xuanzong). In 710, Emperor Zhongzong died, possibly poisoned by Empress Wei and her daughter, Princess Anle.

Empress Wei attempted to install Li Chongmao, a minor, as emperor, hoping to rule as empress dowager regent. However, Li Longji and Princess Taiping successfully launched their coup, killing Empress Wei, Princess Anle, and their supporters. Li Chongmao was then deposed, and Emperor Zhongzong's brother Li Dan (Emperor Ruizong) was restored to the throne. The coup effectively ended the Wei family's influence and prevented another woman from seizing imperial power as Empress Wu Zetian had done. Empress Wei's actions and ambition made her a controversial figure in Tang history, often portrayed negatively in historical accounts.