Wu Zetian, the only female emperor in Chinese history, declared herself emperor in 690, the Tang Dynasty. Although she was very cruel, her rule over the country proved to be quite successful. It is talents that she appointed officials, regardless of their family status. She greatly improved agriculture by rewarding the officials who actively developed agriculture and punishing those imposing heavy tax on peasants. Chinese Buddhism also peaked during her reign. Song Qingling regarded her as an outstanding female politician in the feudal period.