Li Shishi

Li Shishi was a courtesan (角妓 / 角伎) in Kaifeng, the capital of the Song Dynasty, and Emperor Huizong was a regular client of hers. She fled to Zhejiang or Hunan after the Jingkang Incident of the Jin–Song wars occurred in 1127.

In the classical novel Water Margin, Li Shishi encounters the outlaws from Liangshan Marsh on two occasions; on the second, more important encounter, she befriends Yan Qing and agrees to become his sworn older sister. She then promises Yan Qing that she will tell the emperor about the outlaws' plight and desire to be granted amnesty.

Song Dynasty poet Chao Chongzhi described Li Shishi's dancing and singing talents as follows:

Watch her dance to "Nichang Yuyi Qu", listen to her recite / sing "Yushu Houting Hua". (看舞霓裳羽衣曲，聽歌玉樹後庭花)

Southern Song era poet Zhu Dunru (朱敦儒; 1081-1159) wrote:

Performing an interpretation of "Yangguan" in another tone and style, in the previous dynasty only Madam Li (Li Shishi) was capable of doing that. (解唱《陽關》別調聲，前朝惟有李夫人)