Yue Fei

Song dynasty general, killed by royal decree from the Emperor Gaozong of Song (1103–1142)

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Fame61.2
Momentum20.7
China rank#179
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Lived 1103–1142, aged 39China

China WritersWriter / Author

Wikipedia
29 languages
Cross-language footprint
Rank in China
#179
Writers
Era
1103–1142
Aged 39

Summary

Updated 2026-06-09

A Song dynasty general who won battles against the Jurchen invaders but lost to his own government — executed in 1142 under false charges after pushing for war when the court wanted peace.

Biography

About

Born March 24, 1103, in Tangyin, Henan, Yue Fei rose as a military commander leading Southern Song forces against the Jurchen-led Jin dynasty in the 12th century wars for northern China. His success on the battlefield made him a problem: while he pressed to continue fighting, the court negotiated peace with the Jin. In 1142, after the treaty was signed, the government had him killed on trumped-up charges. Emperor Xiaozong granted him the posthumous name Wumu in 1169; Emperor Ningzong named him King of E in 1211. The general who couldn't be beaten in the field became, after death and after the…

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