He was a member of the Hanlin Academy, a group of young scholars who were entrusted by the Yongle Emperor to handle his extensive correspondence after his ascension to the throne.

[2] In 1414, the Yongle Emperor launched a campaign against the Mongols and appointed his eldest son and heir apparent, Zhu Gaochi, as regent.

As a result, the emperor imprisoned the heir apparent's advisors, including Yang Shiqi and Huang Huai.

[5] They worked closely with the emperors Hongxi and Xuande, with the latter showing great respect for these accomplished statesmen who had served during the reigns of his father and grandfather.

They were known for their mastery of the popular taige ti style of poetry, which focused on simple and sometimes monotonous verses that praised the ruler and the prosperity of the nation.