During the Tang Dynasty, Yu Di, the Prefect of Huzhou, rebuilt the West Lake irrigation project, benefiting the local people greatly.

When he later served as the Prefect of Suzhou, he ordered the demolition of temples to break down superstitious beliefs. Although his administrative achievements were remarkable, he was also known for his overbearing nature.

After his death, Emperor Xianzong bestowed upon him the posthumous title 'Li'. His son petitioned Emperor Muzong to change 'Li' to 'Si'.

However, Wang Yanwei, a scholar from the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, strongly opposed this, stating that Yu Di's tyrannical and abusive actions were hated by both men and gods, and utterly unacceptable by law.