Li Si
Li Tao was a direct descendant of Li Si (李偲), Emperor Taizong of Tang's grandson who narrowly escaped from the persecution of Empress Wu Zetian to settle in Danleng, Mei Prefecture, in 8th-century Tang dynasty. Li Tao's father Li Zhong (李中), a 15th-generation descendant of Li Si, passed the imperial examination in 1109 during the Song dynasty. He was well known for his knowledge in history and the classics.