 After Emperor Xuanwu's death in 515 and succession by his young son Emperor Xiaoming, Emperor Xiaoming's mother Empress Dowager Hu, who was Emperor Xuanwu's concubine, became regent.Yuan Cha had married Empress Dowager Hu's sister, whom she created the Lady of Fengyi and saw often.Because of this relationship, Yuan Cha became trusted by her and was continuously promoted.