Yue Wumu Wang

Yue Fei (March 24, 1103 – January 27, 1142), courtesy name Pengju, was born in Tangyin County of Xiangzhou (present-day Tangyin, Henan). He rose to become the supreme general of the Southern Song Dynasty, Deputy Envoy of the Bureau of Military Affairs, and Count of Wuchang Commandery.

Born into poverty, his mother tattooed four characters on his back with a needle: 精忠報國 — "Devote yourself with utmost loyalty to serve the nation." These words became the creed of his entire life. With his "Yue Family Army," he won battle after battle against the invading Jurchen Jin forces, coming closer than any commander before him to reclaiming the occupied northern territories.

Yet just as his northern campaign neared success, the capitulation faction led by Chancellor Qin Hui fabricated charges and had Yue Fei imprisoned. He was executed by poison and strangulation in 1142, aged only thirty-nine.

After his death, his innocence was vindicated. The Southern Song court posthumously ennobled him as Prince of E and granted him the temple name Wumu. The people, moved by his loyalty, enshrined him as a god — and have venerated him across the centuries ever since.