[1] Fang Yi'ai was a native of Qizhou, but his exact birth date is unknown, but it is believed to be sometime in the early 7th century.
He was born into a prominent family, as his father, Fang Xuanling, was a highly respected official in the Tang court.
However, instead of animosity and resentment, Gaoyang and Fang Yi'ai grew closer and bonded over their mutual hatred for the imperial court.
The authors traced the origin of the disaster to Wu Meiniang and Fang Yi'ai; subtly ridiculing them.
This critique was not intended to excuse the prince and the princess but to highlight the corruption of women and the lack of moral principles in men, both of which are seen as causes of national downfall and family ruin.