Emperor Huizong of Song
In 1100, Emperor Zhezong was succeeded by his half-brother, Emperor Huizong of Song. He had his legal mother, the Dowager Empress Xiang, appointed his co-regent. Xiang, who had always favoured Meng before Liu and opposed the deposition and banishment of Meng, returned the Imperial rank to Meng, granting her the title of Empress Dowager. Upon the death of her benefactor Empress Xiang in 1102, however, she was forced to return to the nunnery.