Director: Ju Jue-liang / Zou Ji-cheng

Starring: Huang Xiaoming / Ruby Lin / Law Ka-leung / Ding Zijun / Liu Chengjun / Zheng Peipei / Wu Xiubo / Liu Shishi / Zhang Xinyu / Yu Rongguang / Zhang Jiani

First aired: 2013

Plot Summary:

     The story unfolds at the end of the Northern Song dynasty, when the Liao army launches a massive invasion into the Central Plains. The emperor’s incompetence and poor appointment of generals lead to repeated defeats, leaving the people destitute and displaced. During his period of mourning for his father, Yue Fei (played by Huang Xiaoming) takes up a post as a bodyguard at the residence of Han Xiao Zhou, a three‑time grand chancellor (played by Lu Ying). There, he both imparts martial arts and delves into military and political affairs. The secretary Zhao Jiuling holds him in high regard, believing him to be a future great general of the Song dynasty. Soon after, Jin Wushu leads his troops southward, pressing all the way to Bianliang. Yue’s mother, Lady Yao (played by Zheng Peipei), sees her son off to war and, before he departs, tattoos the four characters “Loyalty to the Country” on his back. At this juncture, Emperor Qinzong ascends the throne, and within the court two factions emerge: Zhao Gou (played by Ding Zijun) and Qin Hui (played by Luo Jialiang). Zhao Gou advocates for war, while Qin Hui favors peace. The leading pro‑war figure, Zong Ze (played by Lu Yong), sets up a martial‑arts tournament to recruit talented warriors from across the realm to serve the nation. Meanwhile, the Young Prince Liang (played by Liu Enyou), incited by others, slaughters martial artists from all walks of life on the tournament stage. Just in time, Yue Fei arrives and, with a single spear thrust, strikes down the Young Prince Liang…