Contents
Biography & Historical Record
Yue Fei (岳飞, Nhạc Phi) was a prominent general of the Southern Song Dynasty. He is celebrated as one of China’s greatest military heroes and a paragon of loyalty. Born in a humble family, his mother famously tattooed the words ‘Serve the country with utmost loyalty’ (Jìn zhōng bào guó) on his back, a mantra that defined his entire life. Yue Fei is best known for his campaigns against the Jurchen-led Jin Dynasty, aiming to recover Northern China. Despite his brilliant military successes, he was betrayed by the treacherous official Qin Hui (秦桧, Tần Cối) and Emperor Gaozong, leading to his execution. His story became a symbol of patriotism in Chinese culture.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Yue Fei does not appear in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms as he lived long after the events of the Three Kingdoms period; however, his spirit of loyalty is often invoked in literature as a benchmark for figures like Guan Yu.
Yue Fei — Historical & Literary Timeline
Birth
Yue Fei (岳飞, Nhạc Phi) was born in Tangyin, Xiangzhou during the final years of the Northern Song Dynasty.
Battle of Yancheng
Yue Fei (岳飞, Nhạc Phi) led his elite ‘Yue Clan Army’ to a decisive victory against the Jin cavalry, demonstrating superior discipline and tactical brilliance.
Death
Following the ‘mò xū yǒu’ (no such thing) charge, Yue Fei (岳飞, Nhạc Phi) was executed in prison at the age of 39.
Key Relationships
- Qin Hui (秦桧, Tần Cối)
- The corrupt official who framed Yue Fei for treason, becoming the primary antagonist in historical memory.
- Emperor Gaozong of Song (赵构, Triệu Cấu)
- The monarch whom Yue Fei served, but who ultimately ordered his execution to maintain peace with the Jin Dynasty.
- Yue Yun (岳云, Nhạc Vân)
- Yue Fei’s eldest son, a valiant warrior who was executed alongside his father.