Yue
Fei (1103 - 1141) came from Tangyin in Xiangzhou of today's Henan
Province. He was a great general famous for wars against the Jin
Dynasty (1115 - 1234) in the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279). After
he joined the army, he and his troops continuously won wars against
the Jin. However, after Yue and his army had recovered most of
the lost territory, Emperor Gaozong (1107 - 1187) embraced the
evil plot of Qin Kuai (1090 - 1155, Prime Minister of the Song
Dynasty) and surrendered to the Jin. As a result, Yue Fei was
falsely accused and later secretly killed in jail. A few years
later, the wrong was put right when Emperor Xiao Zong (1163 -
1189) came to power. The Mausoleum of General Yue Fei was built
in memory of this great hero. Yue Fei is always considered as
a national hero.
The Mausoleum of General Yue Fei has been demolished and renovated
several times. The existing one was rebuilt in 1715 in the Qing
Dynasty (1644 - 1911) and comprehensively repaired in 1979.
Occupying
an area of four acres, the Mausoleum of General Yue Fei is located
at the southern foot of Qixia Hill near the West
Lake. Entering the gate with double eaves, a patio with towering
trees on both sides is found. The Shrine of Remembrance, the main
hall, is right in the center. A sculpture of general Yue is set
in the middle of the hall. He is in a colorful embroidered round
cushion cover. Looking solemn and mighty, he has a sword in his
hand and looks as if he is ready to protect his country. Over
the sculpture is tablet in the original handwriting of Yue Fei,
which states returning our territory and keeping it integrated.
At the back of the hall are large pictures depicting Yue Fei's
life stories. On the floor of the hall is a picture depicting
373 cranes. These cranes are the symbols of his integrity and
faithful mind.
To the west of the main hall is a yard. There are two corridors
exhibiting poems written to commend Yue Fei. Striding over the bridge
in the middle of the yard, there are the tombs of Yue Fei and his
son's. Yue Fei's tomb is right in the center, and to its left is
the tomb of his son Yue Yun who had been a competent assistant of
his father on the battlefields. Stone horses, tigers, and sheep
of the Ming Dynasty (1386 - 1644) decorate both sides of the enclosure.
This tomb, which had been destroyed several times, was rebuilt and
possesses the features of the Song Dynasty. Facing the tomb are
four iron sculptures, including Qin Kuai the chief plotter, in kneeling
position. Concerning these sculptures, people wanted them to atone
for their crime forever.