李道宗
Yuwen Jie's grandfather Yuwen Bi (宇文弼) was a major general during Northern Zhou and Sui Dynasty. Not much is known about Yuwen Jie's own early career. At one point during the reign of Emperor Taizong of Tang, he served as a secretary general of the executive bureau of government (尚書省, "Shangshu Sheng"). He was said to be well-studied in laws and capable in his duties. One time, Emperor Taizong's cousin, the well-known general Li Daozong, had made a private request of him and Yuwen Jie, rather than acquiescing, reported it to Emperor Taizong, who rewarded him with silk.