The Chinese scholar-soldier Shih Ko-fa (died 1644), also named Hsien-tze and Tao-lin, is a national hero for his defense of Yangchow against the Manchus.

Born in Hsiang-fu, Chihli (Hopei), of a poor family, Shih Ko-fa lived in a period of war and invasion. From an early age he had a profound love for his country and felt an irreconcilable hatred toward the enemy. He regarded the patriot Wen T'ien-hsiang as his greatest inspiration.

Shih had remarkable records in the preliminary examination held in his native town, qualifying him to take the prefectural examination, with the degree of hsiu-t'sai (flowering talent--that is, licentiate or bachelor). Tso Kuang-tou, superintendent of examinations, arranged for him to be educated in a shu-yüan (private academy), with free maintenance and tuition. In 1624/1625 Shih passed the provincial examination with the degree of chü-jen (recommended man). At that time Tso became involved in...