The Second Assault on the Chinese Mainland by the Tartar General Jin Wu Shu

In A.D. 1126, the Tartar general Jin Wu Shu and his troops assaulted the Chinese mainland from the northern border. With a corrupt government, the Northern Song Dynasty (A.D. 960-1127) collapsed without any effective defence, and the capital soon fell to the enemy. The Emperor and his whole family were taken prisoner, and the former capital became a slaughterhouse. Residents in the capital were killed, a great famine ensued, and nine provinces north of the Yellow River came under the Tartars' cruel control. In Chinese history, this is called the 'Jingkang Chaos'.

During this period, the imperial family is taken north into Tartar territory. During the journey, the Emperor's younger brother escapes and makes his way to an area that is not occupied by the enemy. Using his brother's seal and letter, he successfully becomes the new Emperor and starts a new dynasty called the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), since his capital of Nanjing is located south of the Yellow River. The new Emperor summons the defeated troops and selects elites as officials in the new dynasty. Peace and order are restored.

Yue Fei, a 23-year-old general, is appointed to the northern border to build a line of defence against the Tartars. He is very good at the art of the war and defeats the enemy in many places. Yue Fei is well known in Chinese history for the motto tattooed onto his back by his mother: 'Serve the country with utmost loyalty.' The Tartar troops can not afford the heavy losses they suffer, and retreat to the northern shores of the Yellow River.

Several years later, as a result of hardships following the Tartar invasion, warlords rise up everywhere within the new dynasty. Yue Fei's troops are sent to suppress rebellions and banditry. Jin Wu Shu sees this as an excellent opportunity for him to launch a second assault. He dispatches troops to the new capital of Nanjing. Only the Emperor and several of his followers are able to escape the capital, fleeing south until they reach the sea. Hearing the news, Yue Fei stops his expedition and marches back to save the Emperor. He coordinates troops from different regions to effect the Emperor's rescue and becomes commander-in-chief of the assembled army. He fights a decisive battle with Jin Wu Shu again at Mount Niutou, where the Emperor is seized. The Tartars are defeated in this battle. Jin Wu Shu flees from the battlefield to an area near the Yangtze River, where he is attacked again by a troop led by Madame Liang Hongyu, a famous female general in Chinese history. The Tartar army suffers heavy casualties and Jin Wu Shu almost commits suicide. He finally escapes, returning home with only thirty-six men.

Opera plays based on this story are very popular in various regions of China. Martial arts performances and colorful costumes are particular attractions for audiences.