 However, his father Dou Xun fell into disgrace and died in 70 AD, leaving Dou Xian an orphan.His fortunes were greatly enhanced, though, when his two sisters entered the imperial harem in 77.In the following year, the older of these two sisters became Empress Zhangde, the wife of Emperor Zhang of Han, and lasted briefly as empress dowager and regent during the early reign of Emperor He of Han.