Wanyan Zongbi
"Searched the mountains and scoured the seas" in pursuit of Emperor Gaozong of Song; trapped by Han Shizhong at Huangtiandang and defeated by Yue Fei at Yancheng.
Life
Fourth son of Emperor Taizu of Jin
Wanyan Zongbi, whose Jurchen name was Wuzhu, was the fourth son of Aguda, Emperor Taizu of Jin; the Song called him "Jin Wuzhu."
Searched the mountains and scoured the seas
In 1129 he led his army south in pursuit of Emperor Gaozong of Song, chasing him all the way from Jiankang to Mingzhou, until Gaozong fled out to sea; this is known as "searching the mountains and scouring the seas." In 1130, while withdrawing north, he was intercepted by Han Shizhong at Huangtiandang and trapped for more than forty days, escaping only by digging a new channel.
Between war and peace
In 1140 he tore up the peace agreement and invaded the south, but was defeated by Yue Fei at Yancheng and Yingchang. He then led peace talks with the Southern Song, concluding the Treaty of Shaoxing in 1141. He served as supreme marshal and Grand Preceptor, and died in 1148.
Legacy
Jin Wuzhu was the most famous commander in the Jin dynasty's wars against Song, and in the Yue Fei stories told since Song times he is Yue Fei's chief rival.
Major works & achievements
- Concluded the Treaty of Shaoxing
Did you know? The saying about Yue Fei, "It is easy to shake a mountain, but hard to shake the Yue Family Army," was, according to the records, spoken by officers and men of the Jin army.
Key dates
- 1129Searched the mountains and scoured the seas in pursuit of Emperor Gaozong of Song
- 1130Trapped at Huangtiandang
- 1140Defeated by Yue Fei at Yancheng and Yingchang
- 1141Concluded the Treaty of Shaoxing
- 1148Died