Ding Lingguang was born a commoner in Qiao County. A legend details that when she was born, light filled the room. At age fourteen,
Xiao Yan, then Governor of Yongzhou (雍州刺史), fell in love with her. Her parents broke Ding's then-engagement and offered her as a concubine to Xiao Yan. In September or October 501, Concubine Ding gave birth to her first child, a son, named
Xiao Tong (蕭統). In April of the next year,
Xiao Yan established the
Liang dynasty. He awarded Ding the title of Noble Imperial Concubine, one of the highest titles held by women in Liang Dynasty. Her only son at that time,
Xiao Tong, was made Crown Prince (皇太子). They both lived in Xianyang hall. She died in January 527 and her husband honored her as Consort Mu (穆妃). Her son, Crown Prince Xiao Tong, died in May 531 before his father and was succeeded by his full-brother, Xiao Gang. After Xiao Gang became Emperor, he elevated his mother's status, posthumously honoring her as Empress Dowager Mu (穆太后). ==Title==