Li Yuan-ji was known for his bravery and skill with the Horse Lance, as clearly recorded in the biographies of Yuchi Jingde in both the Old and New Books of Tang. Anecdotal writings even label him as "a match for ten men," so this character is portrayed as a tall and robust man.
As for his principal wife, Yangshi, historical records actually contain no descriptions of her appearance, though her background is documented. The biography of Yang Gongren in the Old Book of Tang states: "Gongren's younger brother Shidao married Princess Guiyang, while a niece from his paternal line became the consort of Prince of Chao-La (Li Yuan-ji). His younger cousin, Sijing, married Princess Anping. Through these imperial marriages, the family gained even greater prestige." The authentic Hongnong Yang clan likely carried beauty in their genes. Aside from Yang Shidao and Yangshi mentioned in this book, Yang Shidao also had a cousin who married into the Wu family and gave birth to Wu Zetian...
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