The Chinese general Yo Fei (1103-1141), also known as Yo P'eng-chü, led the Chinese army against the Chin invaders, the Jürchen Tatars. He is a symbol of national resistance against foreign aggression.

Yo Fei was of a peasant family in T'ang-yin, Honan. Legend has it that at his birth a bird called p'eng (a symbol of greatness) soared over the house; hence his personal name was associated with the p'eng. He lost his father in his early years and was devoted to his mother. Largely self-taught, he read Sun Wu's Art of War (an ancient military classic) and practiced archery.

Yo lived in an age of political chaos and foreign invasion. He joined the army early and distinguished himself as a great soldier. His statement--"Civil officials should not be greedy of money; nor should military officers be afraid of death"--has been the first...