Niu Gao's Horse-Washing Pond

　　During the Shaoxing era of the Southern Song Dynasty, Wanyan Wushu once again mustered troops from six states and three prefectures, sending 200,000 cavalry through Shanhaiguan, intending to pass through Taizhou, Huangqiao, and Jingjiang, cross the river and advance toward Suzhou, and then directly take Lin’an (the Southern Song capital — Hangzhou).

　　The national hero Yue Fei, following imperial orders to resist the Jin, relocated his forces from Guangde to Taizhou. Given Huangqiao’s strategically crucial location as a battleground contested by all armies, he ordered General Niu Gao to Huangqiao to prepare gunpowder and weaponry in anticipation of battle. One day, Niu Gao led several horsemen to survey the terrain in the northeast corner of Huangqiao when he spotted a lotus pond, its blue waters rippling, red flowers and green lotuses swaying amid dancing bees and butterflies, with bursts of fragrance refreshing the soul. Unable to contain his admiration, he exclaimed, “What a beautiful lotus pond!” He then dismounted from his steed and personally washed his horse in the pond. Afterward, he stood by the pond, admiring the flowers and scenery, reluctant to leave for a long time. Later generations, in memory of this episode, renamed the pond “Niu Gao’s Horse-Washing Pond.”

　　In the 12th year of the Guangxu reign during the late Qing Dynasty, Zhu Mingpan, a successful candidate in the imperial examinations, visited the site and composed a poem: “Withered grass stretches vast over the ancient battlefield; / The general’s horse-washed pond still remains in sight. / Though summoned back by the twelve imperial edicts, / He never betrayed General Yue’s lofty might.” This was to commemorate General Niu Gao. In 1996, Huangqiao Middle School built a stele pavilion by the pond as a base for patriotic education for students.

　　Niu Gao (1087~1147)　　Niu Gao (1087–1147), courtesy name Boyuan, was a native of Lushan in Ruzhou (modern-day Lushan County, Pingdingshan City, Henan Province), and a renowned Southern Song general who fought against the Jin. Born into a peasant family, Niu Gao initially served as an archer, honing his martial skills and excelling in mounted archery. In the early years of the Southern Song, he rallied local people to resist the Jin. In the third year of the Shaoxing era (1133), he joined the Yue Family Army and the Ever-Victorious Army. Niu Gao wielded a pair of iron clubs made by the Jin. Later, he came under the command of Yue Fei, who held him in high esteem. He repeatedly achieved military merit in battles against the Jin and also participated in suppressing the Yang Yao rebellion. After Yue Fei was executed, due to his persistent opposition to peace negotiations with the Jin, Niu Gao was framed and killed by Qin Hui. Hunting to Support His Family There are few historical records about Niu Gao’s experiences before he joined the army. ...... More+