 When the Jiaqing Emperor's primary consort, Empress Xiaoshurui, died of illness on 5 March 1797, Lady Niohuru was placed in charge of the emperor's harem, making her a "de facto" Empress, and was elevated to "Imperial Noble Consort".The Jiaqing Emperor wanted to make Lady Niohuru his new Empress but had to wait until the mourning period for Empress Xiaoshurui was over.The Qianlong Emperor died on 7 February 1799 so Lady Niohuru's promotion to Empress was delayed until 27 May 1801.