In Chinese history, General Yue Fei is a legendary Sung dynasty hero known for his loyalty and dedication to the country. He fought against invasion from foreign forces but was persecuted by traitors who collaborated with the invaders.
The legend of the nationalist hero, narrated in a 79-chapter Chinese historical novel, has recently been translated into English by Chief Justice Sir Ti Liang Yang, a top contender for the post of chief executive.
While it is clear the deeds and words of the late general have deeply impressed the judge, few are certain whether there is any underlying message behind the Chief Justice's literary work.
One thing is certain, though. The 67-year-old judge - who is the first local Chinese to head the judiciary - came from a mixed background and his career has been closely associated with both the present and future sovereigns.
Born in Shanghai and educated at Soochow University Law School, Sir Ti Liang joined the tens of thousands of mainlanders who took refuge in Hong Kong at the height of the Chinese civil war. He attended the University of Hong Kong, and later enrolled at the University College of London where he finished with an honours in his law degree. He was called to the Bar at Gray's Inn in 1954.
He returned to Hong Kong as a barrister and, in 1956, joined the judiciary as a magistrate - a career he was deeply involved in for the next four decades.
