Teishi's mother, Kishi, served as Naishi no jo (looking after the sacred sword and jewels) of Emperor Enyu and was known as Ko no naishi due to her mastery of Classical Chinese, which was rare for a woman and led to her being invited to the poetry parties at the imperial palace.
定子の母貴子は円融天皇朝に掌侍を勤めて高内侍と称された人で、女ながらに漢文を能くし、殿上の詩宴にもに招かれるほどであった。