Gao Lishi, originally named Feng Yuanyi, with his ancestral home in Panzhou, was a famous eunuch in the Tang Dynasty, and also the sixth generation descendant of Lady Xian.

Gao Lishi was associated with many anecdotes and allusions in the history of the Tang Dynasty, one of which was his deeds in protecting Emperor Xuanzong.

After Li Heng, the Tang Suzong, ascended the throne, his father, Emperor Xuanzong Li Longji, became the supreme emperor and resided in Xingqing Palace. One day, when the sky cleared up, Li Longji went to Qinzheng Tower. Upon seeing Li Longji, the citizens and passersby shed tears of joy and shouted "Long Live the Emperor," with their voices shaking the heavens and earth. However, at that time, Li Heng was ill, and Li Fuguo accused falsely, saying, "This is all a conspiracy planned by Jiu Xianyuan, Gao Lishi, and Chen Xuanli." Li Fuguo issued an order to move the supreme emperor to the West Palace (another name for Tang Taiji Palace) without permission. Only a few dozen old and weak men escorted the supreme Emperor. When they reached an intersection, guards with swords and knives stood all around, obeying Li Fuguo's orders. Li Longji was very surprised to see this scene and fell off his horse several times, but was always helped back on by his attendants.

At this time, Gao Lishi rode up to Li Fuguo and said to him, "The Supreme Emperor has reigned for fifty years in peace and prosperity, and you, Li Fuguo, are also an old minister. How dare you be so rude and get off your horse!" Li Fuguo quickly dismounted. Gao Lishi announced the emperor's will on behalf of Li Longji: "The soldiers should be loyal to their duties."

So Li Fuguo ordered the soldiers to sheath their swords and shouted in unison, "Long Live the Supreme Emperor!" They kowtowed to Li Longji one after another. Gao Lishi said again, "Li Fuguo, you come and lead the horse." Li Fuguo quickly put on his boots and went to lead the horse, protecting the Supreme Emperor together with the soldiers to arrive safely at the West Palace. After Li Fuguo led the crowd to withdraw, Li Longji grasped Gao Lishi's hand and cried, "Thanks to you! Without you, I would have become a dead soul under the sword long ago." Soon after, Jiu Xianyuan, Gao Lishi, and Chen Xuanli were all exiled to a place infested with malaria, and all this was caused by the false edict forged by Li Fuguo. At that time, Li Heng was seriously ill, and Li Fuguo monopolized power. He was also worried that anything unexpected might happen to Emperor Xuanzong Li Longji in the West Palace.

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