The Chang'an city was shrouded in continuous drizzle. In the depths of the palace, Empress Wu Zetian was enveloped by a mood even darker than the weather as she struggled with a long and difficult pregnancy that had lasted 12 months without resolution. When news of a great victory by the Tang army over the Turks reached the palace, the princess was finally born in the hall of the court. This unusual experience led Emperor Gaozong Li Zhi to believe that his daughter's arrival brought good fortune to the realm, and he immediately bestowed upon her the name "Princess Taiping" (Peace).
From the moment Princess Taiping was born, Empress Wu Zetian showered her with special care and affection. Little did anyone know that the seeds of tragedy for Taiping's life were deeply planted within this seemingly blissful childhood.