Legends of China with Yanli Xu

Confucius’ revolutionary reform in education was one of the greatest turning points in Chinese culture. Before Confucius, education was mostly reserved for the wealthy and noble families. After Confucius, knowledge slowly became something more open to society. A poor farmer’s son could rise to become a respected scholar-official with power, education, and social status.

Confucius (1 ) - The most influential people in Chinese Culture and civilisationIf there is only one person you should know in Chinese history, his name is Kong Zi /Confucius / Master Kong.

Confucius believed family harmony was the foundation of a stable society. He taught that if people learn respect, responsibility, and kindness inside the family, then society and government can also become more peaceful and moral. Another enormous influence of Confucius was on China’s education and examination system.  poor farmer’s son could rise to become a respected scholar-official with power, education, and social status. The most famous sayings from him:"The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones. "“Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.”“When I walk along with two others, they may serve me as my teachers. I will learn the good points of one and the bad points of the other.”“A person without trust cannot stand.”“When we see people of virtue, we should think of becoming like them.”

In this episode of Legends of China, we explore the extraordinary life of Wu Zetian, the only woman in Chinese history to rule as emperor. She entered the imperial palace as a teenager, around the age of 14, during the Tang Dynasty, beginning as a concubine with little power but great ambition and intelligence. Over decades of political struggle and strategy, she rose through the ranks and eventually took the throne in 690 at about the age of 67, establishing her own rule and reshaping the empire. After a reign marked by strong leadership as well as controversy, she was forced to step down in 705 at around 82 years old and died later that same year. Her journey from a young girl in the palace to the most powerful woman in Chinese history makes her story one of the most remarkable in the world.