Wu Zetian, an influential figure who rose from a concubine to the only female emperor in Chinese history, abdicated her throne amidst a backdrop of court intrigue and power struggles. Her reign, often viewed through a lens of controversy, was characterized by efforts to centralize power and promote talent regardless of social status, which garnered both support and opposition. As her health waned and faced growing dissatisfaction among the nobility, Wu made the decision to step down. She announced her abdication by proclaiming her son, Li Xian, as the new ruler, effectively restoring the Tang dynasty hierarchy. This significant transition was not just a change in leadership but also symbolized a reversion to established norms within the imperial system, and her departure was a critical moment for the royal court's stability and governance.Following her abdication, the Tang dynasty began to reclaim its traditional structure and legitimacy. The new emperor inherited an empire that was both enriched by Wu's previous reforms and challenged by the power struggles generated during her reign. The subsequent years would see the Tang dynasty navigating complexities of governance, military campaigns, and the need for administrative efficiency, leading to both flourishing cultural advancements and foreshadowing the eventual decline of the dynasty. Wu's reign, however, did set a precedent for future discussions on female leadership within a historically patriarchal society in China.