Question

As the Tang dynasty's only empress, ________ defied many traditional Confucian ideas about the role of women in society.

Answer 1

It was Wu Zeitan.  She made many reforms during her reign.  She cultivated the system of education known as the Keiju and employed skilled officials despite their status, improved agriculture production, focused on defense and established a centralized government with a good economy and stable rule.

Answer 2

As the Tang dynasty's only empress, Wu Zetian defied many traditional Confucian ideas about the role of women in society. 

Wu Zetian had a really different opinion on how women should be treated in society and how they should be viewed - this is also the reason why she defied the traditional confucian ideas.