Career
She was the granddaughter of Cao Bin, one of the founding generals of the Song Dynasty. She was born in modern Hebei Province. In 1033, after the death of Empress Dowager Liu, Renzong deposed his 1st empress, the childless Empress Guo.
In September 1034, he made Cao his 2nd empress.
She was the regent of China in 1063–1064.
