Background
Xue Yuanchao was born in 622. His family was from what would eventually become Pu Prefecture (蒲州, roughly modern Yuncheng, Shanxi). His grandfather Xue Daoheng (薛道衡) was a high level official of Sui Dynasty before being executed in 609 due to jealousy that Emperor Yang of Sui had for his literary talent, and as a result, Xue Yuanchao's father Xue Shou (薛收) declined to serve under Sui Dynasty, and eventually joined the rebellion by the general Li Yuan in 617, serving under Li Yuan's son Li Shimin. After Li Yuan founded Tang Dynasty in 618 as its Emperor Gaozu, Xue Shou continued to serve Li Shimin as a secretary and advisor, but died fairly early in 624, still during Emperor Gaozu's reign at age 32. He was bestowed various honors in 633, after Li Shimin became emperor in 626 (as Emperor Taizong).
Xue Yuanchao inherited the title Baron of Fenyin in 630, which Xue Shou had been created for his contributions in the campaign against Liu Heita. When he grew older, he became known for his studiousness and writing ability. Emperor Taizong was impressed by him, and had him marry Lady Hejing, the daughter of Emperor Taizong's brother Li Yuanji. He was made an attendant to Emperor Taizong's crown prince Li Zhi, and participated in drafting the official history of Jin Dynasty, the Book of Jin.
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