The Chinese ethics/social system may feel complicated to people in the West (which it is), but
essentially one aspect has been prioritized throughout Chinese history: loyalty.
In Chinese culture, there is not one man who exemplifies this quality more than General Yuè Fēi (岳飞).
Born in 1103 during the decline of the Song Dynasty, Yuè Fēi did not have the early life of a
normal military commander. Both of his parents worked as tenant farmers, and this profession was especially unstable due to the flooding during the period.
But, according to legend, his fate changed when the immortal Taoist Chén Tuán (陳摶) delivered
a prophecy to Yuè Fēi’s father: If the baby starts to cry, put him into a clay jar; this prophecy
proved helpful. When Yuè Fēi’s father put him into a clay jar after he hurt his hand while
playing, a flood from the Yellow River flooded the village. The flood left no survivors except for Yuè Fēi
and his mother.
After working odd jobs and eventually joining the military, Yuè Fēi successfully rose up the
ranks through his almost supernatural abilities. For example, he scored first place by shooting
nine bulls eyes in a row from over 200 paces away, and he “‘possessed supernatural power and
before his adulthood, he was able to draw a bow of 300 catties (400 pounds (180 kg)) and a
crossbow of eight stone (960 catties, 1,280 pounds (580 kg)). Yuè Fēi learned archery from
Zhou Tong. He learned everything and could shoot with his left and right hands.’”
His dedication led him to acquire the position of general, and he commanded the largest army
positioned on the Yangtze River. Before accepting the position, Yuè Fēi developed his most iconic feature:
four characters tattooed on his back reading:”盡忠報國(Jìnzhōng bàoguó)”. This means ”serve the country with the utmost loyalty“.
Sources:
https://supchina.com/2021/01/27/the-evolving-hero-status-of-the-executed-general-yue-fei/
http://en.chinaculture.org/created/2005-07/21/content_70831.htm