The reign of Emperor He is generally one free of major corruption, and the young emperor is himself humble and unassuming.

He also appears to genuinely care for the people.

However, he is also undistinguished as an emperor, as he appears to lack the abilities of his father and grandfather in actively doing what is good for his people.

Empress Dowager Dou dies in 97.

It is only at this time that officials reveal to Emperor He that he was born of Consort Liang.

He seeks out her brothers and honors them with powerful posts—and from this point on, the Liang clan becomes one of the most powerful in the Eastern Han aristocracy.

He also posthumously rewards her with an empress title.

However, he rejects a suggestion that Empress Dowager Dou be posthumously demoted, and he buries her with full imperial honors with his father Emperor Zhang.

(He also posthumously honors his brother Prince Qing's mother with lesser honors and awards her brothers with minor posts.)