In these largely fictionalized stories, he is the son of general Yang Yanzhao and Princess Chai, the husband of Mu Guiying and the father of Yang Wenguang.

A "soul-resting" stele discovered in 1985 in Xin'an County, Henan province suggest that a "Yang Zongbao" was indeed a grandchild of Yang Ye's - except a granddaughter rather than a grandson.

In fiction, Yang Zongbao met his eventual wife Mu Guiying when he was ordered to acquire the Dragon-Taming Wood (降龍木) at the Muke Fortress (穆柯寨) where Mu ruled.

He was captured by Mu Guiying but married her when she made a marriage proposal.

He died very young in a battle against Western Xia, where he was shot to death by arrows.