Yu Shiji was considered knowledgeable and quiet in his youth, and was particularly good at calligraphy. The high-level officials Kong Huan (孔奐) and Xu Ling (徐陵) were both impressed with him, and Xu was so impressed that he compared Yu Shiji to Pan Jun and Lu Xun, and gave a niece to him in marriage.
Yu Shiji was known for his knowledge and reserve in his youth, especially excelling in calligraphy. The high-ranking officials Kong Huan (孔奐) and Xu Ling (徐陵) both appreciated him; Xu Ling was particularly impressed by Yu's talent and compared him to Pan Jun and Lu Xun, even offering his niece in marriage.