Emperor Shun, however, became very trustful of her relatives, and her father Liang Shang was quickly promoted repeatedly, eventually becoming Grand Marshal (大將軍).
Liang Ji would, as the years go by, stamp out all dissent and position himself as the most powerful individual in the imperial administration.
Empress Dowager Liang appeared to be diligent in governing over the empire, and she trusted several key officials with integrity to advise her on important affairs.
Serving as regent for Emperor Huan, Empress Dowager Liang largely continued her policies as before, but Liang Ji became ever more powerful and was able to finally pushed Li Gu out of the government in 146 after Li Gu had publicly opposed Emperor Huan's ascension.
Later that year, Liang Ji falsely accused Li Gu and Prince Suan of a conspiracy to start a military rebellion.
Li, and another key official who opposed Liang Ji, Du Qiao (杜喬), were executed.
In 150, Empress Dowager Liang announced that she was stepping down as regent and returning imperial authorities to Emperor Huan.
However, Liang Ji remained in effective control of government and now, without his sister to curb his power, became ever more violent and corrupt.
This eventually drew a reaction from Emperor Huan, who conspired with eunuchs to overthrow Liang Ji in a coup d'état in 159.