Yue Fei

1103–1142 · Chinese (Southern Song Dynasty) · Song-Jin Wars

Known for: China's supreme symbol of loyalty and patriotism—his mother tattooed 'Serve the Country' on his back

Yue Fei was a Chinese military hero of the Southern Song dynasty whose loyalty became the defining standard of Chinese patriotism. His mother reportedly tattooed '精忠報國' ('Serve the Country with Utmost Loyalty') on his back—an act that became one of the most famous stories in Chinese culture.

He built a formidable army and repeatedly defeated the Jurchen Jin invaders, nearly recovering the lost northern territories. He was recalled by the treacherous chancellor Qin Hui, falsely accused of treason, and executed at age 39. His reported response to the vague charges: 'What crime? What evidence? Perhaps—but perhaps is enough.' He was later rehabilitated as one of China's greatest heroes.

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