History of Emperor Gaozong of Tang

Emperor Gaozong of Tang, born Li Zhi in the year 628, served as the third emperor of the Tang Dynasty, one of China's greatest imperial dynasties, known for its progressive economic, political, and cultural achievements. His reign lasted from 649 to 683 AD. Though his legacy is overshadowed by his influential and, at times, controversial empress, Wu Zetian, Gaozong’s reign was pivotal in several political, military, and cultural transitions.

Gaozong ascended the throne following the death of his father, Emperor Taizong, who was a formidable ruler responsible for consolidating the Tang Dynasty's power. Despite following in the footsteps of a celebrated predecessor, Gaozong's leadership carve out its distinct trajectory. His reign aligned with a time of consolidation and expansion that had roots in Taizong’s previous policies. However, it also faced numerous political upheavals marking significant shifts in the Tang Dynasty's governance structure.

Initially, Gaozong's governance style was characterized by a continuation of his father's policies, emphasizing central authority and attempting to maintain stable administrative control. However, he soon implemented his own policies which exhibited a blend of cautious political caution and enterprising expansions. One major aspect of his political strategy was to reduce the size of the government, a move demonstrating his desire for more centralized control over administrative matters.

Under Gaozong's bureaucratic oversight, Tang China engaged in the process of territorial expansion. During this era, China expanded its influence significantly, although these actions were not devoid of challenges. Military campaigns waged under Gaozong extended the empire’s boundaries into the Korean Peninsula, despite stiff resistance. The perseverance to subdue the various Korean states is remembered as costly but pivotal, eventually leading to the submission of Silla to Tang authority through the treaty in 668 AD after the victorious Goguryeo–Tang War, illustrating Gaozong’s diplomatic acumen.

His reign, however, encountered internal and familial rivalries which became more pronounced over time. Gaozong was especially reliant on the counsel of Empress Wu Zetian. Through her shrewd politicking and influence, Wu became the real power behind the throne as Gaozong's health began to decline. The empress played a critical role in the management of state affairs, invoking both revered and reviled perspectives throughout history and effectively rendering Gaozong more of a figurehead in later years of his rule.

The politics of succession and fear of coups became a presiding concern during Gaozong's rule due to his frequent illnesses. The Empress played an integral role during these times, effectively sharing power and executing policies which ensured the stability of the empire. Domestically, Gaozong and Wu Zetian worked together to solidify the central power against the backdrop of pervasive aristocratic networks. Their alliance was instrumental in amplifying central governmental efficiency, weakening feudal ties, and fostering a politically centralized state.

As an administrator, Gaozong was mindful of the need for stability and initiated reforms within the civil service exam system initially expanded by his father. This system was crucial because it provided numerous administrative positions based on merit rather than solely on nobility. Under this politically progressive approach, it gradually shifted the elite class from a strictly hereditary aristocracy towards a more meritocratic bureaucracy, a hallmark of Tang governance. This reform was central in maintaining a coherent political structure that could support expansive and sophisticated administrative networks critical to Tang China's operation.

From a political perspective, the latter years of Gaozong's reign cannot be separated from Wu Zetian's influence. The Empress assumed the official title of empress regent and later emperor, while her husband was emperor in name alone, marking one of the first instances in Chinese history of direct female political rule. Her assertive guidance aligned with the duo's collective political ambitions, resulting in a more bureaucratically centralized and increasingly authoritarian state apparatus which nonetheless laid the groundwork for future political stability and cultural growth.

Economically, the Gaozong era witnessed the proliferation of agriculture and great infrastructural projects. Policies endorsing trade fostered economic prosperity which would later contribute to the remarkable flourishing of the Tang Dynasty. Politically, his reign embraced craftsmanship, administration, and law alterations, reflecting forward-thinking yet cautious stewardship intending to secure and stabilize the empire's vast territories and diverse populations.

In summary, Emperor Gaozong of Tang, often overshadowed by the exploits and historical intrigue surrounding Empress Wu Zetian, was a skillful politician in his own right. He orchestrated important political policies and strategies that reinforced the Tang Empire’s stability, embraced territorial endeavors, and navigated complex inter-dynastic politics. His legacy, defined by a blend of abounding growth, military expansion, and order amidst potential discord, remains a pivotal chapter in the annals of Chinese imperial history.