Abstract: Yang You was captured in Xianyu Zhongtong's expedition to Yunnan. Due to appreciation by Ge Luofeng, King of Yunnan, he had served successively as the grand secretary of Chongwen Pavilion, the grand tutor and the prime minister. He was given the name Manyou. As one of the most important historical figures, he made significant contribution to the development of Nanzhao's education and the re-establishment of good relations with the Tang Dynasty. Due to lack of historical literature, no complete story of his life is seen in the official record except for fragmented anecdotes in local historical data. An outline of his life and deeds of his descendants are seen through the comprehensive study of Yunnan's local annals and unearthed inscriptions, which is very helpful not only to the study of history of the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms, but also to the study of history of the Tang and Song dynasties.

Key words: Nanzhao Kingdom, prime minister, Yang You, Manyou