Orphaned as a child Liu E travels to the capital Kaifeng and later catches the eye of Zhao Heng. Though she was a concubine Liu E was perceptive to state affairs and often discussed politics with Zhao Heng. This tradition continued when he became emperor in 997. Liu E is crowned empress after adopting the son of a concubine (later Emperor Renzong) and serves as regent of the Song Dynasty during the last two years of her husband's reign. Liu E would continue to rule until her death twelve years later in 1033.