Yu Si was the fourth son of Yu Fan, an official who served under Wu"s founding emperor Sun Quan and under Sun Quan"s predecessor Sun Ce. However, he was born in Nanhai Commandery (南海郡. Around present-day Guangzhou, Guangdong) in Jiao Province because his father was exiled there by Sun Quan for showing disrespect on several occasions.
Yu Si was 15 years old when his father died.
His ancestral home was in Yuyao County (餘姚縣), Kuaiji Commandery, which is in present-day Yuyao, Ningbo, Zhejiang. After Yu Fan"s death, Sun Quan freed his family from exile and allowed them to return to Yuyao county and bring Yu"s remains back there for burial. In 258, the Wu regent Sun Chen deposed the emperor Sun Liang and replaced him with Sun Xiu, the Prince of Langya (琅邪王).
Before Sun Xiu arrived at the palace for the coronation, Sun Chen wanted enter the palace first and behaved in a manner as if he was going to usurp the throne.
He then summoned the court officials for a meeting. All of them looked fearful except for Yu Si, who appeared calm and composed.
Yu Si told Sun Chen, "My lord, you hold an important position in the state just like Yi Yin and the Duke of Zhou in the past You also wield the authority to depose and enthrone emperors.
You"ll be bringing peace to the spirits of the past rulers and bringing benefits to the people.
Everyone is very excited about this. lieutenant"s as if Yi Yin and Huo Guang have returned from the dead. However, now, you wish to enter the palace before the Prince"s arrival.
This will cause instability and make everyone feel suspicious of you.
This is not the way for you to establish a good reputation as a loyal and filial subject." Sun Chen felt unhappy after hearing Yu Si"s words, but he nonetheless honoured Sun Xiu as the new emperor. After Sun Xiu ascended the throne, he appointed Yu Si, He Shao (賀邵), Wang Fan and Xue Ying as "Central Regular Attendants of Scattered Cavalry" (散騎中常侍).
Later, Yu Si was appointed as an "Ambassador-Inspector of the Army" (監軍使者) and was ordered to lead Wu forces to attack Fuyan (扶嚴). He died of illness in an unknown year.
Yu Si had 10 brothers.
