uring the early Han Dynasty, young Dou Yifang's mother was drawn into a palace conflict which resulted in her entire family being executed. When she grew up, she unexpectedly entered the palace as a maid. She displayed extraordinary talents when she arranged for Lady Li's child to be swapped under the care of the empress. Her intelligence impressed Empress Dowager Lü, and she was sent to Liu Heng, Prince of Dai, so she could spy on him.
In order to rid the world of further sufferings under the regime, but at the same time earn the trust of the empress dowager, she suggested to her husband Liu Heng to start training his army under the guise of building his grand ceremonial tomb. People, believing that she was bringing downfall to the empire, pleaded for her to be put to death. But nonetheless, Liu Heng trusted her completely and subsequently made her his empress.