Empress Wu Zetian

Wu Zhao (aka Wu Zetian) was the first and only female emperor in Chinese history. Her 50 year reign during the Tang dynasty was a time of peace and prosperity. She enacted policies that benefitted common people and allowed more freedoms and agency for women. Yet she was also brutal and ruthless, killing a lot of royal family members on her way to the top and ruling with an iron fist.

She's a fascinating, controversial figure shrouded in juxtaposing accounts depending on who you ask. I felt that a royal playing card was only fitting to highlight her duality and power, someone who seemed to be at once cruel yet compassionate, bold yet restrained, traditional yet progressive.