[3] However, Emperor Xuan was excessive and erratic in his behavior, and less than a year after taking the throne, in spring 579, he formally passed the throne to his son Yuwen Chan (as Emperor Jing), born of his concubine Zhu Manyue.
As Emperor Xuan grew increasingly erratic and violent, on one occasion, he got angry at Empress Yang and wanted to punish her.
When her mother the Duchess of Sui heard of this, she rushed to the palace and prostrated herself, begging Emperor Xuan for mercy.
Emperor Xuan fell suddenly ill in June 580, and Yang Jian entered the palace to attend to him.
Emperor Xuan died without being able to leave instructions, and his close associate Zheng Yi (鄭譯), a friend of Yang Jian's, issued an edict in Emperor Xuan's name appointing Yang Jian regent.
After defeating the generals Yuchi Jiong (Empress Yuchi's grandfather) and Sima Xiaonan (司馬消難) later in 580 after they had risen against him, Yang Jian seized the throne from Emperor Jing in March 581, ending Northern Zhou and establishing the Sui Dynasty as Emperor Wen.
She instead sought a proper husband for her own daughter and eventually selected the young Li Min (李敏), Duke of Guangzong.
He was raised in the palace alongside Yuwen Eying on account of his father, the general Li Chong (李崇), who died in battle against the Tujue in 583.
When the wedding occurred, Emperor Wen authorized that the ceremony be as grand as if a princess were to be married.
Emperor Wen then mentioned Kaifu (開府, third rank, second division), and Li Min still said nothing.