"妾能制之，然須三物，一鐵鞭，二鐵□，三匕首。鐵鞭擊之不服，則以□□其首，又不服，則以匕首斷其喉。"
Empress Wu, commonly known as Wu Zetian, personal name Wu Zhao, was the only undisputed female sovereign in the history of China. She had previously held power as the empress consort of Emperor Gaozong of the Tang dynasty from 660 to 683 and as empress dowager during the reigns of her sons, Emperors Zhongzong and Ruizong, between 683 and 690. She was the sole ruler of the self-styled Zhou dynasty
"I only need three things to subordinate it: an iron whip, an iron hammer, and a sharp dagger. I will whip it with the iron whip. If it does not submit, I will hammer its head with the iron hammer. If it still does not submit, I will cut its throat with the dagger."
Wu Zetian"How do you know seeing the Son of Heaven is not a blessing? Why are you being sad about this?"
Wu Zetian