
The Heroic Journey of Yue Fei
By 安德思在台灣

12 Jul, 2023

Long ago, in the Song Dynasty, there was a courageous general named Yue Fei who was known for his steadfast patriotism. His life's tale is a majestic one, filled with honor, bravery, and resilience.

Yue Fei was born in a humble, hardworking, and honorable peasant family. His early life was marked by hardship, but it sculpted him into a person of remarkable strength and perseverance.

As a child, Yue Fei was taught the value of loyalty and righteousness. His mother etched four characters on his back, "jing zhong bao guo," which meant "serve the country with the utmost loyalty." This phrase became his lifelong motto.

When he grew older, Yue Fei joined the army to defend his homeland from invaders. His courage, intelligence, and talent for strategy soon led him to be promoted to the rank of general.

The most important part of Yue Fei's life was the Jin–Song Wars. On the canvas of traditional paintings, one can see the stoic Yue Fei, leading his army. His eyes filled with resolve, his back straight—conveying the spirit of a mighty warrior.

In various battles, Yue Fei showcased extraordinary military strategy. Word of his skills spread throughout the kingdom, and he was universally lauded as a national hero. His dedication to the cause earned him the respect and admiration of both his soldiers and his foes.

However, not everyone in the kingdom admired Yue Fei's success. There were those at the royal court who grew jealous of his popularity, viewing him as a threat to their own power.

Among them was the Prime Minister, Qin Hui, who saw Yue Fei as a threat to his ambitions. Qin Hui conspired against Yue Fei, accusing him of treason—an accusation that was false, yet deeply damaging.

The naive emperor believed Qin Hui's accusations. Yue Fei was imprisoned, falsely accused, and eventually executed. The news of Yue Fei's death sent shockwaves throughout the kingdom.

The people mourned, their hearts filled with grief and anger. They knew their hero had been wronged, and they yearned for justice. Traditional paintings portray this scene with depictions of weeping civilians, their tears flowing like rivers.

Yue Fei's loyal soldiers vowed to avenge their fallen general. They fought with renewed vigor and determination, winning battle after battle in his honor. Their victories were tributes to their beloved leader, painting a picture of triumph in the face of adversity.

Eventually, the truth of Qin Hui's treachery was revealed. The people's outcry for justice echoed throughout the kingdom, and the emperor ordered an investigation into Yue Fei's execution.

Slowly but surely, the evidence mounted against Qin Hui. He was found guilty of conspiracy and was exiled, but the damage had already been done. Yue Fei was posthumously exonerated, but he could never be brought back.

Despite his tragic end, Yue Fei's valor and unwavering loyalty to his homeland became the stuff of legends. His story is immortalized in traditional paintings, in soaring landscapes and somber portraits, a constant reminder of his sacrifices.

The Song Dynasty may have ended centuries ago, but Yue Fei's legacy continues to inspire. His life is seen as the embodiment of the principles of loyalty, righteousness, and patriotism. And the four words etched on his back still resonate today.

As we look upon the traditional paintings depicting Yue Fei's life, we can vividly imagine his battles, triumphs, and trials. By connecting us to a distant past, they remind us of the timeless values that define us as a people.

We are reminded of the importance of standing by our beliefs, regardless of the obstacles we face. Yue Fei didn't bow to deceit or treachery but maintained his honor, even at the cost of his life.

The tale of Yue Fei is not just a story of a hero from the past. It's a lesson for the present and future generations. It's a call to serve one's country with unyielding loyalty and unbreakable spirit.

Through the medium of traditional paintings, the life and times of Yue Fei are beautifully captured. With every stroke of the brush, his heroic deeds and unyielding spirit are brought to life, providing an enduring testament to his greatness.

For centuries, Yue Fei has been revered as a symbol of unwavering loyalty and immense bravery. And through the power of art, his story continues to inspire, reminding us of the indomitable spirit of humanity.

Each painting of Yue Fei serves as a link to a bygone era, a visual narration of a patriot's life, trapped in time, yet timeless. Through art, Yue Fei's life story continues to resonate across centuries, living forever in the hearts of those who value honor, loyalty, and righteousness.

So, whenever you see a painting of Yue Fei, remember his story. A story of a simple peasant boy who grew up to be a mighty general, who followed his principles until the very end.

The tale of Yue Fei is not merely one of battle and bravery but also of truth and loyalty. It is a testament, a reminder that in the face of deceit and treachery, the truth will ultimately prevail.

His name, Yue Fei, will continue to be remembered by countless generations. His heroism depicted in traditional paintings will forever serve as a symbol of the enduring human spirit and the power of unwavering loyalty.

The tale of Yue Fei is a timeless one, crossing the boundaries of ages and cultures. For as long as it is retold, art will continue to bring his story to life, reminding us of the values we should uphold and the courage we should aspire to.