According to Hou Han Shu, when Liu Xiu was visiting the capital Chang'an, he became impressed with the mayor of the capital (zhijinyu, 執金吾) and, already impressed by Yin's beauty, he made the remarks: "If I were to be an official, I want to be zhijinyu; if I were to marry, I want to marry Yin Lihua".

According to Hou Han Shu, the Yins were descended from the famed Spring and Autumn period Qi prime minister Guan Zhong.

In 23, while Liu Xiu was an official in the newly reestablished Han government of Gengshi Emperor, he was married to Yin Lihua.

Later, when he was dispatched by Gengshi Emperor to the region north of the Yellow River, she returned home.

In 26, Emperor Guangwu was prepared to create an empress, and he favored his first love, Consort Yin.

In 28, Consort Yin gave birth to her first-born son, Liu Yang[2] (劉陽, not to be confused with Empress Guo's uncle).

He made her brother Guo Kuang (郭況) an important official and, perhaps as a form of alimony, rewarded him with great wealth.

However, her three brothers all became powerful officials and marquesses, even though they generally were low key and did not seek high offices on their own.

Princess Liyi was arrogant and jealous, and Yin Feng, in anger, killed her and was executed.

Empress Dowager Yin died in February 64 at the age of 59 and was buried with her husband, Emperor Guangwu.