Yue Fei, a legendary 12th-century general of China's Song dynasty, rose from a poor farming family to command an army that pushed back the invading Jin forces. Famous for the mandate tattooed on his back, serve the country with utmost loyalty, he demanded terrifying discipline while sharing the hardships of his lowest-ranking soldiers.

As Yue Fei neared total victory and the rescue of a captured former emperor, the reigning Emperor Gaozong saw him as a threat and, with corrupt official Qin Hui, recalled him with twelve gold plaques. Bound by his own code, Yue Fei obeyed, was imprisoned on fabricated charges, and secretly executed at age 39. His virtue had been weaponized against him.

• Folklore credits his mother with the tattoo, though records suggest he hired a professional artist.
• He is credited with developing the Eagle ...