181. The Dragon Empress: China’s Game of Thrones

In this episode of Empire, William Dalrymple and Afua Hirsch discuss India's empire of ideas, focusing on William's new book, "The Golden Road." They delve into the story of Empress Wu Zetian, China's only woman emperor, and her rise to power through Buddhism. The discussion covers Wu Zetian's origin story, her entry into the Imperial Harem, her relationship with Emperor Taizong and the monk Xuanzang, and her ruthless ascent to empress, including accusations of murdering her own child and orchestrating the deaths of her rivals. They also touch on the brutal punishments of the time and the political machinations within the court, setting the stage for the next episode's exploration of Wu Zetian's reign and her impact on China.