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Qian Ning

Type Figure Region China Time c. 1490–1521 Also known as Eunuch Qian、Adopted son

Ming eunuch and a favored powerful eunuch of the Zhengde Emperor. He rose after Liu Jin's execution, controlling the Directorate of Ceremonial's sign…

Timeline

  1. 1511–1514Forbidden City, Beijing · MingAfter Liu Jin's execution in 1510, Qian Ning gained the Zhengde Emperor's favor through his skill at riding and archery and his flattery, taking charge of the Directorate of Ceremonial's memorial processing and the Eastern Depot's secret police; at the Leopard House he and Jiang Bin divided control of inner and outer affairs, and his power expanded rapidly.
  2. 1517–1519Xuanfu · MingQian Ning accompanied the Zhengde Emperor on tours to Xuanfu and Datong, was taken as an adopted son, used the Eastern Depot to frame opponents and sell offices, and with Jiang Bin's cooperation controlled the imperial guard and frontier appointments; most memorials to the Grand Secretariat had to pass through his hands.
  3. 1519–1520Nanjing · MingDuring the Prince of Ning rebellion there were rumors Qian Ning had accepted bribes from the prince; when the emperor toured Nanjing, he and Jiang Bin advocated widening arrests and delaying the return to the capital, sharply conflicting with civil officials like Yang Tinghe. After returning to the capital in 1520 his power remained great.

Sources