Authorities have upset the Cantonese-speaking natives of Guangdong once more by removing a plaque quoting the famously obscene rallying cry of a Ming dynasty national hero born in Dongguan .
The plaque used to adorn the pedestal of a statue of Yuan Chonghuan (previously known as Yuen Sung Wun), who fought back Manchu invaders in the early 17th century. The statue has stood in a memorial park in Dongguan for seven years, but the authorities removed the Cantonese slogan this month without explanation, The Southern Metropolis News reported on Tuesday.
The words inscribed at the base of the statue, in Cantonese and English, read 'F*** his mum! Hit them hard!'
The statue has long been a popular attraction for Cantonese tourists, proud of the independent sentiment expressed so coarsely.
Many Cantonese people posted internet comments venting their anger at the plaque's removal, saying it was just the latest example of the authorities' campaign to force Cantonese to make way for Putonghua.
Yuan is among the most popular national heroes in China. His military career peaked when he defeated Nurhaci and the Manchu army in the first Battle of Ningyuan, though his forces were outnumbered 10 to one.
'Hit them hard' became the rallying cry for Yuan's army as they hurried to the capital, Beijing, to rescue the country. 'F*** his mum' was their curse for the emperor they were rushing to save.