Throughout history there has only been one woman to rule the Chinese empire. This was Wu Zetian - who rose from the rank of imperial concubine - to that of emperor of China. Her rise to power was a very bloody trip.

Sources

"Empress Wu Zetian: the only woman to rule China, and who would be hated for it" - https://www.historyextra.com/period/medieval/empress-wu-zetian-china-rule-life-reputation/

"Wu Zhao: Ruler of Tang Dynasty China" - https://www.asianstudies.org/publications/eaa/archives/wu-zhao-ruler-of-tang-dynasty-china/"

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wu_Zetian

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