Wu Zetian

Wu Zetian

Wu Zetian
Reading Level

	edHelper's suggested reading level:	grades 5 to 7
	Flesch-Kincaid grade level:	7.05

Vocabulary

	challenging words:		backstabbed, concubine, conventional, disloyalty, high-ranking, honorific, Meiniang, mindful, monarch, taboo, untimely, controversial, ruthless, imperial, dynasty, ambition
	content words:		Wu Zetian, Wu Zhao, Tai Zong, Charming Lady, Though Wu Zetian, Li Zhi, When Tai Zong, Gao Zong, As Wu Zetian, Zhong Zong

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Wu Zetian
By Vickie Chao

¹     In the long history of China, there is no shortage of controversial figures. Yet, among them, Wu Zetian is perhaps the one that spins the most discussion!

²     Born in year 624 under the name of Wu Zhao, Wu Zetian was a daughter of a nobleman. When she was in her teens, she became so famous for her beauty and musical talents that the emperor of the Tang dynasty, Tai Zong, heard about her and took her as one of his many concubines. He gave her a new name -- "Meiniang" or "Charming Lady" in Chinese.

³     Life in the palace was tough. Though Wu Zetian did not have to work eight hours a day to make a living, she needed to remain mindful at all times. As was the custom of the time, the emperor had a lot of wives. Those wives competed with each other relentlessly. Every one wanted to be the emperor's favorite in the hope that she could become the empress one day. Of course, Wu Zetian knew the game well, and she played it superbly.

Paragraphs 4 to 9:
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