Great People, Small Stories

Author: Wang Yong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-12-01
Features: Yue Fei (1103—1142), styled Pengju, was a native of Tangyin in Xiangzhou (now part of Henan Province), and a renowned anti-Jin general in the early Southern Song Dynasty. Yue Fei's ancestors were farmers, and due to poverty, he studied military texts from a young age. Later, he joined the army and repeatedly defeated the Jin forces, taking the restoration of the Central Plains as his mission. He held positions such as the Military Commissioner of East Jinghu Road, the Military Commissioner of Henan and Northern Circuit, and Vice Director of the Bureau of Military Affairs. In the 10th year of Shaoxing (1140), he decisively defeated Wuzhu of the Jin, advanced to Zhuxian Town (now southwest of Kaifeng City in Henan), and the people of Henan, north and south, responded in support. Just as he was about to capitalize on the victory to reclaim lost northern territories, Emperor Gaozong of Song, Zhao Gou, adopted Qin Hui's treacherous schemes and issued twelve imperial orders in a single day, forcing Yue Fei to retreat. Shortly after Yue Fei's troops returned to Lin'an, he was executed on the charge of "non-existent crimes." In the 6th year of the Longxiu era (1179), Emperor Xiaozong posthumously honored him as Wumu. In the 4th year of the Jiading era (1211), Emperor Ningzong enfeoffed him as the Prince of E. Yue Fei lived in an era of extremely sharp ethnic conflicts, and his poems and prose were filled with a strong determination to resist the Jin and reclaim the homeland, as well as passionate and uplifting emotions, which have been cherished by people throughout history. Most of these works are scattered in Jintuo Cuibian, compiled by his grandson Yue Ke. Only three of his ci poems survive but are widely. Detailed accounts of Yue Fei can be found in History of the Song Dynasty, Volume 365, and Collected Works of Yue Zhongwu are still in existence.
Becoming a Disciple of Zhou Dong
When Yue Fei was very young, he often chopped firewood with some neighborhood children. One day, after finishing their work, the sky was still bright, so they gathered to discuss famous heroes of ancient times and some national affairs. At that moment, an elderly man with white hair happened to pass by and heard the children's chatter. He stopped and listened for a while, noticing one young boy with thick eyebrows and bright eyes, who discussed ancient heroes and current affairs with great knowledge and eloquence. The old man was greatly impressed and thought to himself, "I never expected that among my fellow villagers, there would be such a talented child. I am truly delighted." He walked over and asked, "May I ask, who is this young boy? And who is his teacher?"
Hearing someone address him, Yue Fei looked up at the kind-faced old man before him, who exuded a heroic aura and had an extraordinary demeanor. He quickly bowed and recited:
"A basket of sand, trained by my mother;
A grass stem, reading Confucian texts.
If the dragon and phoenix meet in Jiangnan,
I will serve my master, restore the Song,
And set the world in order."
Yue Fei then said, "Your humble servant's name is Yue Fei, and my father's name is Yue He. May I ask for your esteemed name?"
Zhou Dong had long heard that Yue He had a son who was born during a flood, saved by sitting in a jar, and was exceptionally intelligent. Seeing Yue Fei in person, he confirmed that the boy was indeed as renowned as the rumors. Thus, he replied, "I am Zhou Dong, a simple villager."