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Yu Qian

Type Figure Region China Time 1398–1457 Also known as Yu Zhongsu、Yu Shaobao

Famed Ming minister who defended Beijing after the Tumu Crisis, enthroned the Jingtai Emperor, and served as Minister of War.

Timeline

  1. 1398–1448Qiantang · ZhejiangA native of Qiantang, Hangzhou, he passed the jinshi examination in Yongle 19. He served successively as censor and governor of Shanxi, Henan, and elsewhere, upright and incorruptible, skilled in military and civil affairs, highly praised by officials and commoners.
  2. 1449–1450Capital · Northern ZhiliAfter the Tumu Crisis he overruled proposals to move the capital south, asked the Prince of Qian to serve as regent, and held the capital. He gathered relief armies, arranged the city defenses, and repelled the Oirats at the capital's nine gates, preserving the Ming capital.
  3. 1450–1457Capital · Northern ZhiliPromoted to Minister of War under Jingtai, he oversaw military affairs, repaired frontier defenses and walls, established military-agricultural colonies and stored grain, becoming a pillar of court and realm. After the Gate-Seizing Coup of Tianshun 1 he was framed for treason, executed in the marketplace, and mourned as a grievance by all under heaven.

Sources