Wu Zetian

5. Sudden, violent, and illegal seizure of power from a government.
7. Shrewdness and keen judgment.
10. Not known or seen or not meant to be known or seen by others.
12. Persons legally entitled to the property or rank of another on that person's death.
13. Civil force responsible for crime prevention/detection (used contextually for her informants).
14. Quality of being particularly good or worthy, especially deserving reward.
15. Female ruler or wife/widow of an emperor.
19. Traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but unauthenticated.
20. Historical term for a woman living with a man, subordinate to a wife.

1. Sovereign ruler of great power and rank, especially one ruling an empire.
2. Religion originating in India, prominent during Wu Zetian's reign.
3. Ability to direct or influence the behavior of others or the course of events.
4. Formal tests of knowledge or ability (imperial recruitment method).
6. Having or showing no pity or compassion.
8. The dynasty name Wu Zetian proclaimed for her own rule.
9. East Asian country where Wu Zetian ruled.
11. Person ruling on behalf of an underage or incapacitated monarch.
16. Official residence of a sovereign or high-ranking person.
17. Upright stone slab or pillar bearing an inscription or design (often funerary).
18. Famous Chinese dynasty (618-907 AD) interrupted by Wu Zetian.