Northern Song Dynasty
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Yue Fei
Tangyin (Anyang, Henan), Northern Song Dynasty
Archival Overview
Revered military hero of the Southern Song Dynasty who defended China against the Jurchen Jin invasion with his disciplined Yue Family Army, bearing the tattoo 'Serve the Country with Utmost Loyalty'.
Biographical Record
Born into a poor farming family in Henan, Yue Fei (1103–1142) had four Chinese characters tattooed onto his back by his mother: 'Jin Zhong Bao Guo' ('Serve the country with utmost loyalty'). When Jurchen Jin nomads sacked Kaifeng in 1127, Yue Fei mobilized the legendary Yue Family Army, famous for strict discipline: 'Freeze to death, do not tear down houses; starve to death, do not loot.'
Yue Fei crushed the Jin heavy armored cavalry (Iron Pagodas) at Yancheng and Zhuxian Town in 1140, preparing to reclaim the northern capital. Terrified of his popularity, treacherous Chancellor Qin Hui recalled him with twelve gold plaques, executing him on false charges. He is worshipped across China as the supreme icon of patriotic sacrifice.
Key Life Milestones
Battle of Yancheng
Annihilated the Jurchen Jin heavy cavalry using hook-spear infantry, opening the way to the northern plains.
Martyrdom at Fengbo Pavilion
Murdered on false charges of 'perhaps there is', immortalized as China's greatest national martyr.
Memorial Guestbook & Tributes
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Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialHangzhou (West Lake), China