百家讲坛-解读历史文学-精选名著故事 2.0.4

《Bai Jia Jiang Tan》 is a lecture-style program that premiered on July 9, 2001, on CCTV-10, the science and education channel of China Central Television. The program aims to construct contemporary knowledge and embrace a life of wisdom. It selects topics that are most interesting, cutting-edge, and captivating to the audience. The program emphasizes academic innovation, encourages individual thinking, highlights the appreciation of both elegance and popularity, and values interactive communication. The content covers a wide range of subjects such as culture, biology, medicine, economics, and military affairs, with a current focus on cultural themes, particularly Chinese history and culture. It plays a role in popularizing scientific historical knowledge with in-depth commentary.

《Bai Jia Jiang Tan》 is an open program that encompasses topics in humanities, natural sciences, philosophy, and more. With diverse formats that combine theoretical and practical aspects, as well as authority and avant-garde approaches; it seeks academic innovation and encourages intellectual individuality. It is suitable for viewers with at least a high school education level and a disposition toward seeking knowledge.

When discussing historical figures, they are predominantly portrayed in male roles, whether in literature with figures like Li Bai, Du Fu, or Li Shangyin, or in historical politics with figures like Liu Bang, Xiang Yu, Liu Bei, or Cao Cao. Women like Empress Lu or Empress Wu Zetian are seen as exceptions in this male-dominated society. However, women have played crucial roles in historical development; a closer look reveals their remarkable contributions. "Extraordinary Women in History" introduces us to many historically significant women.

Wu Zetian was the only legitimate empress regnant in Chinese history and one of the longest-reigning emperors. She served as empress consort during Emperor Gaozong's reign, empress dowager during Emperor Zhongzong's and Emperor Ruizong's reigns; later she proclaimed herself Empress of Zhou during what was known as the Wu Zhou Dynasty when she changed the country's name from "Tang" to "Zhou," established its capital in Luoyang, known as "Divine Capital." Historically referred to as "Wu Zhou" or "Nan Zhou," she abdicated in 705. Wu Zetian was also a female poet and politician.

Cixi, a pivotal figure in modern Chinese history, wielded influence over the late Qing dynasty's government three times, directly influencing the course of modern Chinese history. In a court rife with intrigue and danger, she rose to the peak of power through her intelligence and cunning strategies. As a wife and mother facing bereavement at a young age losing her husband and later her son - her reign of power was marked by personal loss. As an empress dowager manipulating through political intricacies in a man's world with deft mastery; as the ultimate ruler of the late Qing dynasty handling not just foreign pressures but also internal turmoil nearing collapse - she struggled despite her efforts to retain power. What extraordinary life did Cixi lead?

• Introduction:
  • The First Matriarch of China
  • The Four Wives of The Yellow Emperor
  • The Women of Di Ku
  • E Huang and Nü Ying
  • Emperor Yu's Love
  • The Legendary Empress Fu Hao
  • Li Ji & Qi Jiang
  • The Unconventional Lady Fan Ji
  • Lady Lv (Part 1) "I Am Good-Natured"
  • Lady Lv (Part 2) "The Evolution of Human Nature"
• Wu Zetian's Lineage
  • Entry into the Imperial Court
  • The Seductive Vixen
  • Intrigue in the Harem
  • Clash for Succession
  • Challenging the Throne
  • Intrigues at Court
  • Consolidating Power
  • The Death of the Great Mentor
  • Ruling Motherhood
  • Power Struggles Between Emperor & Empress