when they were young, consort zuo and her older sister da e (左大娥) were both confiscated and made court servant girls because their uncle, zuo sheng (左聖), had been executed for making defamatory remarks against the emperor or imperial administration. as they grew older, they became known for beauty and talent and became ladies in waiting in emperor he's palace; xiao e was particularly known for her knowledge in history and poetry. at prince qing's request, emperor he rewarded him with the two consorts. both died sometime before emperor he's death in 106 and were buried in the capital luoyang. after consort zuo's death, prince hu was raised by prince qing's wife, consort geng (耿姬).