In 1417, Sun was selected to be a concubine to Zhu Zhanji (future Xuande Emperor), who was the imperial grandson.

[9] When Zhu Zhanji ascended the throne in 1425, she became Noble Consort Sun (Chinese: 孫貴妃; pinyin: Sūn guìfēi), which was the second-highest position after the empress.

[14] After Xuande's unexpected death in 1435, their son Yingzong ascended the throne,[15] and Sun became the empress dowager (Chinese: 孫皇太后; pinyin: Sūn huáng tàihòu).

A day before he died, Xuande issued instructions that the civil and military officials should guide the child, and they should petition his mother, Empress Dowager Zhang and Sun on all important matters of the family and state.

[17] Sun tried to influence certain government matters, and the imperial historians censured her, a custom acted to restrain palace women.

[19] Sun and his consort Empress Qian immediately raised a ransom in jewels, and sent it off to secure his release.

[19] He was first instructed by Sun to take charge of government affairs as regent, while the emperor's one year old son was made heir apparent.

[22] On 15 September 1449, with Sun's assent, he was urged to ascend the throne in person, since the emperor was in captivity and his one year old son was incapable of ruling.

Only after Sun's approval and Yu Qian's advocacy of the urgent national need for leadership eventually persuaded him.

[24] Sun was given the title of high and sacred empress dowager (Chinese: 上聖皇太后; pinyin: Shàng shèng huáng tàihòu).