Liu Yu's mother Zhao Anzong (趙安宗) died on the same day that she gave birth to him, in 363.
His father Liu Qiao (劉翹) later married Xiao Wenshou, although the date of the marriage is not known.
After he seized the Jin throne and established Liu Song in 420, she was honored as the empress dowager.
By this point, Liu Yu was middle aged (57), but he was described as careful and loving to her that he visited her every day without ceasing.
After he died and was succeeded by his son Emperor Shao of Liu Song in 422, she was honored as grand empress dowager.