Zhongyi Pool

　　   When it comes to Zhongyi Pool at Paopi in the west of Yongxin County, one must mention the "Record of Zhongyi Pool" written by He Yisun, a renowned poet and scholar of the late Ming and early Qing Dynasty. During the Anti-Japanese War, this text was engraved on the cliffs on the northern shore of Zhongyi Pool as a stone carving for people to pay tribute, inspiring them to uphold the spirit of dying rather than submitting and to unite in resisting Japanese aggression. The "Record of Zhongyi Pool" was also included in the Chinese language textbooks of schools at that time.

　　    The origin of the name Zhongyi Pool dates back to the late Southern Song Dynasty, when the court was politically corrupt and suffered repeated defeats. The Yuan army advanced relentlessly toward the Southern Song capital. Most court officials advocated for peace rather than resistance, except for Wen Tianxiang, who led many soldiers in a desperate fight. Eventually, he was left to fight alone. "The king’s decree has fallen silent, the sword in its sheath rings hollow"—Wen Tianxiang was detained after being sent on a mission to the Yuan camp. His brother-in-law, Peng Zhenlong, the magistrate of Yongxin, was deeply distressed. He rallied eight local heroic families—Liu, Yan, Zhang, Duan, and others—to form a militia, which achieved a grand momentum and successfully recaptured the county. However, due to the fierce advance of the Yuan army, their ample supplies, and the cowardice of Liu Shuo, a Southern Song general and local from the area, who not only surrendered to the Yuan but also led them to attack Yongxin County, Peng Zhenlong and his men waited in vain for reinforcements. With no food or ammunition left, the city fell and Peng was captured. The Yuan army relentlessly pursued the remnants of the militia. As they retreated while fighting, they were eventually cornered in the valley of the ferry crossing from Zaoyi Mountain to Pixia, 1.5 kilometers west of the county town. Seeing no hope of breaking through and “not wishing to stain the enemy’s blades with their blood,” the 3,000 soldiers tied huge rocks to themselves and sank into the pool to their deaths. To commemorate these 3,000 soldiers, the mountain across from Zaoyi Mountain was renamed “Fan’gan Ridge,” and a stone stele inscribed with the three large characters “Zhongyi Pool” was erected at the site where the brave men perished. A Zhongyi Shrine was also built.

　　    In the "Record of Zhongyi Pool," He Yisun provides a detailed account of the heroic deed of the 3,000 soldiers of Peng Zhenlong’s unit who sacrificed themselves for their country by collectively sinking into the pool, leaving readers filled with awe.

　　    In addition to He Yisun’s "Record of Zhongyi Pool," many other poems and writings have been passed down. Yin Tai, Minister of Rites in the Ming Dynasty, composed a poem after visiting the Zhongyi Shrine: “Weeping over the fallen spears in the south of the Yangtze, how futile were the efforts to save the doomed Song. How many sorrows linger in the green hills and ancient trees, and how much emotion stirs before the shrine by the clear waters.”

　　    Time flies, and years pass slowly. Today, near Zhongyi Pool, a magnificent dam has been built. In spring and summer, the surging waters create a spectacular cascading view. Not far away, the city defense project stands grandly, and uniquely designed new farmhouses are nestled among lush fruit trees. The charming natural scenery, majestic cultural landscapes, and moving historical legends have made Zhongyi Pool in the suburbs a great destination for citizens to relax, sightsee, and receive patriotic education.