Yu Qian
Yu Qian | |
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于謙 | |
Grand coordinator of Shanxi and Henan | |
In office 1430–1447 | |
Preceded by | Xu Kuo (as Grand coordinator of Henan) |
Succeeded by | Zhu Jian (as Grand coordinator of Shanxi) Wang Lai (as Grand coordinator of Henan) |
Minister of War | |
In office 1449–1457 | |
Preceded by | Kuang Ye |
Succeeded by | Wang Ji |
Personal details | |
Born | May 13, 1398 Hangzhou, Zhejiang |
Died | February 16, 1457 Beijing | (aged 58)
Spouse | Lady Dong |
Children |
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Parent |
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Occupation | Official |
Yu Qian (simplified Chinese: 于谦; traditional Chinese: 于謙; pinyin: Yú Qiān; 1398–1457), courtesy name Tingyi (廷益), art name Jie'an (節庵), was a Chinese official who served under the Ming dynasty. Under Emperor Yingzong, he worked in the Ministry of War, eventually becoming a vice minister. He distinguished himself in the Tumu Crisis, leading the defense of the imperial capital against the Mongols, and was promoted to the position of Minister of War. For the next eight years, he remained the most influential member of the government of the new Jingtai Emperor. In January 1457, Yingzong returned to power and Yu Qian was promptly executed.
Biography
Yu Qian was born in Qiantang County,
In 1449, Yu Qian played an important role in leading the Defense of Beijing from attacks by the Oirat Mongols, who had earlier captured the Zhengtong Emperor at the Battle of Tumu. The Jingtai Emperor (r. 1449–1457), who succeeded the Zhengtong Emperor, appointed Yu Qian as the Crown Prince's Guardian and Tutor. In 1457, the former Zhengtong Emperor, who had returned after he was released by the Mongols, seized power from the Jingtai Emperor in a coup and restored himself to the throne as the Tianshun Emperor (r. 1457–1464). Yu Qian was accused of treason and executed. He was later posthumously rehabilitated by the Chenghua Emperor (r. 1464–1487) and given the posthumous name Sumin (lit. "Stern and Suffering") by the Hongzhi Emperor, afterwards changed into "Zhongsu" (lit."loyal and stern") by the Wanli Emperor (r. 1572–1620).[1] There are memorial halls and shrines built in Beijing and Hangzhou to commemorate and honour Yu Qian.
Gallery
See also
References
- ISBN 9787546354835.
- Zhang, Tingyu et al. History of Ming, Volume 170.