In 613, he was created the Prince of Zhao. Yang Gao was said to be intelligent and handsome in his childhood, as well as filially pious—such that when Emperor Yang was ill and unable to eat, Yang Gao would refuse to eat as well, and when Empress Xiao was ill and considered moxibustion, he volunteered to undertake it first.
In 613, Yang Gao was appointed Prince of Zhao. It is known that in his youth, Yang Gao possessed intelligence and beauty, along with filial piety—such that when Emperor Yang was unwell and couldn’t eat, Yang Gao would refuse to eat as well, and when Empress Xiao was ill and needed moxibustion, he volunteered to do it first.