Wu Zetian, the only female emperor in Chinese history, reigned during the period known as "Zhou" (690-705). However, there has always been controversy and mystery surrounding the succession to her throne. So, who did Wu Zetian ultimately pass the throne to? Was her succession voluntary?

According to historical records, during her reign, Wu Zetian once designated her son Li Xian as the prince, but later deposed him and reinstalled another son, Li Dan, as the prince. However, when Wu Zetian fell seriously ill in 705, she chose to pass the throne to her son, the deposed prince Li Xian, who later became Emperor Zhongzong of Tang.

There are different historical explanations for why Wu Zetian chose to pass the throne to Li Xian. Some believe that it was to preserve the rights and interests of her family and descendants, as under the social environment at that time, only by allowing Li Xian to succeed to the throne could the prosperity and safety of the Wu family be guaranteed. Another view is that when Wu Zetian was seriously ill, she realized that her reign had caused dissatisfaction and resentment among the people. In order to quell popular resentment, she decided to pass the throne to Li Xian and restore Tang Dynasty rule.

As for whether Wu Zetian's succession was voluntary, it remains a historical mystery. Some historians believe that Wu Zetian's succession occurred according to her wishes, and she hoped to create a stable future for her family and descendants through this means. However, there are also historians who believe that Wu Zetian's succession may have been forced, a result of being pushed by others or forces when she was seriously ill and unable to control the political situation.

Overall, the succession of Wu Zetian's throne is a complex historical event involving multiple factors such as politics, society, and family. Although we cannot determine all the details and truths, it is certain that Wu Zetian's succession had a profound impact on the historical development of China.

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