Emperor Muzong of Tang (795–824), born Li You (李宥) which is spelled "Li Yu" in the Wade-Giles system
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Emperor Daizong of Tang (727–779), name Li Yu (李豫), Chinese emperor of the Tang Dynasty
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Emperor Suzong of Tang (711–762), name Li Yu (李璵), Chinese emperor of the Tang Dynasty
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Li You (李祐) (died 829), spelled "Li Yu" in the Wade-Giles system, Chinese general of the Tang Dynasty
The work was commissioned by Shen Xinyou (沈心友), son-in-law of the famous playwright Li Yu, whose mansion in Lanxi, Zhejiang province was known as Jieziyuan, or Mustard Seed Garden.