It was said that when Emperor Xuanwu first assumed imperial powers — which probably referred to his relieving his uncle Yuan Xie of authorities in 501 — Yu Lie believed that the emperor lacked sufficient consorts, and so persuaded Emperor Xuanwu's attendants to praise her beauty and virtues.
Emperor Xuanwu took over imperial powers, possibly around 501 when he relieved his uncle Yuan Xie of authority. Yu Lie thought the emperor needed more wives, so she convinced the emperor's servants to compliment her beauty and character.