In A.D. 1103, during the late Northern Song Dynasty, one of China’s most renowned generals, Yue Fei, was born into a humble farming family in Xiangzhou Tangyin County (present-day Anyang, Henan). Despite their modest means, his family nurtured a hero whose name would echo through history.
A humble beginning with a strong foundation
Though impoverished, Yue Fei received an exceptional education. His parents were paragons of virtue, and he was mentored by a masterful martial artist, all of whom greatly influenced his development. According to the Song History, Yue Fei’s father, Yue He, lived frugally yet was always eager to help his neighbors, embodying the spirit of benevolence and charity. An anecdote illustrates Yue He’s character: if a neighbor’s crops encroached on his land, he would tend to them and return the harvest. If someone borrowed money, Yue He never demanded repayment.
At Yue Fei’s birth, a magnificent bird flew over their home, a sign his parents took as an omen of his future greatness. They named him “Yue Fei,” with the courtesy name “Pengju,” reflecting their high hopes for him.
A mother’s wisdom and courage
Yue Fei’s mother, Yao, was a woman of great wisdom. When he was less than a month old, the Yellow River flooded, causing a massive deluge in Tangyin County. Yao ingeniously saved them in a crisis by placing herself and her son in a large vat, floating to safety. This calm under pressure and strategic thinking are qualities essential on the battlefield. Yue Fei’s understanding of military tactics and strategy and his undefeated record may have been inherited from his courageous mother.
Under his parents’ influence, young Yue Fei exhibited extraordinary abilities. He diligently studied history and military texts like “Zuo’s Spring and Autumn Annals” and “Sun Tzu’s Art of War.” A natural martial prodigy, he could draw a 300-pound bow and an eight-stone crossbow before age 20. However, raw talent requires refinement. Yue Fei apprenticed under Zhou Tong, a local martial arts master, learning advanced techniques, including ambidextrous archery. He later taught these skills to his soldiers, significantly enhancing the Song army’s combat effectiveness.
A legacy of loyalty
After Zhou Tong’s death, Yue Fei mourned deeply, visiting his teacher’s grave with offerings on the first and fifteenth of each month. His father, Yue He, praised his filial piety and reminded him of the true purpose of his studies and training: serving the country and sacrificing for righteousness if needed.
During this turbulent period, the Song Dynasty faced internal and external threats, with the Jin Dynasty eyeing the north. For the talented Yue Fei, this was a call to arms. In 1120, the Song and Jin Dynasties signed the “Sea Alliance” to jointly attack the Liao Dynasty. Yue Fei, just 20, enlisted as a brave warrior. War is perilous, with soldiers often losing their lives and being separated from their families. Despite his resolve to join the army, he struggled with leaving his aging parents, adhering to the ancient adage, “With parents alive, one should not travel far.”
The legendary tattoo
At this juncture, Yue Fei’s mother intervened, leading to the legendary tale of “Yue Mother Tattooing.” As recorded in “The Complete Biography of Yue,” she resolved the dilemma of loyalty versus filial piety by tattooing “Serve the country with utmost loyalty” on his back, reinforcing his commitment to his nation. The “Song History” recounts that when Yue Fei was wrongfully imprisoned, he bared his back to prove his innocence. The officials were deeply moved by the words “Serve the country with utmost loyalty” etched into his skin, a testament to his unwavering patriotism.
Whether “Serve the country with utmost loyalty” or “Serve the country with utmost faithfulness,” these inscriptions reflect Yue Fei’s steadfast loyalty and integrity. Under his parents’ guidance, he never forgot the national disgrace and vowed to reclaim lost territories, leaving a legacy of loyalty and righteousness in history. Yue Fei once said, reflecting on his military career: “When the country began to reclaim Yan and Yun, I had just come of age and joined the army. I vowed to dedicate myself to the nation, having long forgotten my small family.” This statement encapsulates Yue Fei’s lifelong dedication to his country and the profound teachings of his parents.
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