Execution of Yuan Chonghuan

Timeline

1. 1629–1630Beijing · BeijingHong Taiji bypassed Ning-Jin, entering through Xifengkou and other passes to advance on the capital. Yuan Chonghuan rushed overnight from Shanhai Pass, fighting hard with Zu Dashou's forces around Guangqu Gate and Zuo'an Gate. The Later Jin failed to breach the city, but Beijing was thrown into panic, with rumors accusing Yuan of colluding with the enemy and inviting them to force peace.
2. 1630Forbidden City platform · BeijingThe Chongzhen Emperor summoned Yuan Chonghuan at the platform and ordered his arrest on the spot, handing him to the Jinyiwei prison. Charges included colluding with the enemy, failing to defend the frontier, and previously executing Dongjiang commander Mao Wenlong without authorization. Zu Dashou, fearing disaster, briefly led his troops east in rout before being pacified and returned to his post.
3. 1630Beijing Zhenfusi prison · BeijingYuan Chonghuan was tortured in prison while court officials factionally attacked one another. Evidence of collusion was insufficient, but charges of unauthorized execution of Mao Wenlong and inviting the enemy into the capital region without fighting became the basis for conviction. Chongzhen ultimately sentenced him to lingchi for treason, with his family exiled to the frontier.
4. 1630Beijing West Market · BeijingYuan Chonghuan was executed by lingchi at the West Market. Beijing residents, embittered by the siege, reportedly bought and ate his flesh raw, according to Zhang Dai and others. No one dared collect his remains; a servant of the Yu family stole the remains at night and buried them in the Guangdong Cemetery inside Guangqu Gate. The Qing-compiled History of Ming held that he died of a stratagem, giving rise to later talk of 'destroying one's own Great Wall.'