As Emperor Chong was only a toddler, Emperor Shun's wife Empress Dowager Liang served as regent. She apparently was fairly diligent and open-minded in her duties, but her major fault was in trusting her corrupt and violent brother Liang Ji (), who was the most powerful official in the administration. (While Emperor Shun was still alive, Liang Ji was already the most powerful official, but the near-absolute power that he wielded became even more evident after Emperor Shun's death.) When the young and capable official Huangfu Gui () submitted a report that, in circumspect language, suggested that Liang Ji and his brother Liang Buyi () be humble and live more thriftly, Liang removed Huangfu from his post and tried several times to falsely accuse him of capital crimes.