TANG Xiu-jing and the Frontier Defence in the Northwest in Empress Wu Period

As an important military officer and courtier in middle Tang Dynasty, TANG Xiu-jing showed his talent in the battle with Tujue in the last year of Tang Gaozong. And in the first year of Empress Wu, he was put in an important posi- tion. Thereafter, he stayed in frontier and helped to recapture the four towns, and hence became an important general. After the victories in the two wars against Tubo and Tujue in the middle and late periods of Empress Wu, he managed to enter the court and participate in the government and political affairs. Due to these three achievements in the Northwest and his foresight shown in his management of the place, he won recognition and trust from Empress. This paved the way for his entrance into the court.