<p>The new emperor, Qi Nian, had acceded to the throne for many years, but continually kept using the excuse that "the affairs of state are important, and I am engrossed in my work" to refuse the requests by his officials to choose a consort. But as the rumor that "the emperor is incapable" spread more intensely, Qi Nian finally relented after much pestering. Yu Dingdang was born in a prestigious family, but was also particularly dim-witted, leading many to say: "The young lady of the Yu family swapped her brain for her looks." Who could have expected that once she was selected, Yu became the empress.