精忠报国 — “To serve one's country with utmost loyalty”

At the age of 20, Yue Fei was already a strong young man well-versed in military strategy and martial arts. He longed for the day he could join the battlefield to defend against invaders. When news of recruiting 'dare-to-die' soldiers arrived, he immediately signed up. On the eve of his departure for battle, his understanding mother tattooed the four characters '精忠报国' (Jīng Zhōng Bào Guó - Serve the country with ultimate loyalty) on his back, instructing him to bravely fight for the interests of society throughout his life, never惜ing his own life.

After joining the army, Yue Fei consistently fought on the front lines, valiantly combating the enemy to avert societal crisis. The 'Yue Family Army' he led, unafraid of powerful adversaries, stood firm and engaged the enemy six times, achieving complete victories each time, greatly enhancing their reputation.

However, the ruling authorities at the time favored appeasement. To rescue suffering people in occupied territories and drive out the invaders, Yue Fei, despite his humble position, submitted a memorial to the emperor, firmly opposing continued retreat southward and urging the emperor to return to the capital, personally leading the army north across the Yellow River. He believed that with unified command, the lost territories could surely be recovered. This memorial angered the appeasement faction. They accused Yue Fei of 'exceeding his duties as a minor official' and stripped him of his rank.

After three months of idleness, Yue Fei, unable to suppress his strong desire to serve, joined another general. Yue Fei spoke passionately, vowing to dedicate his life to eliminating the enemy and restoring the old frontiers, in gratitude to the common people. From then on, Yue Fei continued to fight on the battlefield, growing braver with each engagement. The banner of the 'Yue Family Army' became a symbol of resistance. The enemy commander could not help but exclaim, 'It is easier to shake a mountain than the Yue Family Army!'

In 1140, just as Yue Fei was advancing courageously and victory was in sight, the emperor and his chancellor, Qin Hui, feared that the 'Yue Family Army' would become a threat to their power. Therefore, disregarding the interests of society, they used 'the isolated army cannot remain long' as a pretext, issuing twelve golden tablets in one day, forcefully ordering Yue Fei to retreat. Yue Fei was extremely indignant and sighed, 'Ten years of effort ruined in one day!' When Yue Fei retreated, the people in the central plains blocked his path, crying throughout the fields, and Yue Fei also shed tears.

After Yue Fei returned, the emperor and Qin Hui, seeking peace with the invaders, fabricated charges of rebellion against him, imprisoning Yue Fei under the notorious '莫须有' (mò xū yǒu - groundless, literally 'might be') accusation. On December 29, 1141, Yue Fei, his son Yue Yun, and general Zhang Xian were all executed. Yue Fei was only 39 years old. Before his execution, he furiously wrote '天日昭昭, 天日昭昭' (Heaven knows, Heaven knows!), meaning 'Heaven's justice is clear!'

After Yue Fei's death, a shameful peace treaty was signed, wherein the southern dynasty acknowledged vassalage and offered tribute, and large tracts of land remained under enemy control. Although Yue Fei was tragically killed, his spirit of dedication and his glorious deeds are deeply etched in the hearts of generations of people; while the treacherous Qin Hui and others were cast into iron statues, with their hands tied behind their backs, kneeling before the hero's tomb, to be scorned by all future generations!