Yu Qian (于谦) (May 13, 1398 – February 16, 1457), with the courtesy name Tingyi and the pen name Jie’an, was born in Qiantang County, Hangzhou Prefecture, Zhejiang (now in Shangcheng District, Hangzhou). His ancestral home was in Kaocheng. Yu Qian was a prominent figure in the Ming Dynasty, celebrated as a national hero, military strategist, and statesman.
In the 19th year of the Yongle era (1421), Yu Qian passed the imperial examination and obtained the title of Jinshi. In the first year of the Xuande era (1426), he was appointed as an imperial censor and accompanied the Ming Emperor Xuande in suppressing the rebellion of the Han King Zhu Gaoxu. It was during this campaign that Yu Qian gained recognition for his strong words of reprimand against Zhu Gaoxu, and this earned him the emperor’s appreciation.
Following his role as an imperial censor, Yu Qian held various administrative positions, including serving as an inspector in Henan and Shanxi. In the fifth year of the Xuande era (1430), he was appointed as the right assistant minister of the Ministry of War and continued to serve as an inspector in Henan and Shanxi.
During the reign of the Ming Emperor Yingzong, Yu Qian faced political intrigue as he refused to present gifts to the influential eunuch Wang Zhen when he arrived in the capital. As a result, he was falsely accused and imprisoned. However, due to the fervent pleas of the people, government officials, and even regional princes, Yu Qian was eventually reinstated in his positions.
Amid the turmoil of the Tumu Crisis, Yu Qian played a pivotal role. While many advisers recommended a southern retreat, he staunchly advocated for holding their ground. His unwavering determination led to his appointment as the Minister of War. When the Ming Emperor Jingzong ascended to the throne, Yu Qian was tasked with reorganizing the military, strengthening defenses, and personally leading the army to face a massive invasion by the Mongol warlord Esen Taishi. Yu Qian commanded an army of 220,000 troops and positioned them outside Beijing’s Nine Gates, successfully defending the capital against the formidable Mongol forces.
During negotiations with Esen Taishi, who had taken the emperor hostage, Yu Qian upheld the principle that the state’s well-being was paramount and refused to compromise. Esen Taishi recognized that there was no opportunity to exploit, leading to the eventual release of the captive emperor. In recognition of his valor and strategic brilliance, Yu Qian was honored with the title “Shao Bao” (少保), and he continued to oversee military affairs. He became widely known as “Yu Shaobao.”
Even after the peace negotiations with the Mongols, Yu Qian remained vigilant and continued to fortify the nation’s defenses. He selected elite soldiers from the Beijing garrison and trained them rigorously, and he stationed troops along the borders to maintain security. Amid the complexity of court affairs, Yu Qian demonstrated exceptional administrative abilities, issuing clear and decisive orders while ensuring they were carried out effectively.
Yu Qian was a selfless patriot who put the welfare of the nation above personal gain. He led a modest lifestyle, living in accommodations that barely shielded him from the elements. His uncompromising character, however, made him the target of envy and resentment from others.
In the first year of the Tian Shun era (1457), Emperor Yingzong was reinstated, but powerful figures like General Shi Heng falsely accused Yu Qian of plotting to establish a puppet emperor. As a result, he was unjustly imprisoned and met a tragic end. During the reign of Emperor Xianzong, Yu Qian was posthumously reinstated, and in the second year of the Hongzhi era (1489), he was posthumously honored with the title “Sumin” (肃愍). In the time of Emperor Shizong, his title was changed to “Zhongsu” (忠肃). His writings and legacy were preserved in the “Collected Works of Yu Zhongsu,” and the “History of the Ming” praised him as a figure of unwavering loyalty, righteousness, and brilliance that rivaled the sun and the moon.
Yu Qian, alongside other historical luminaries like Yue Fei and Zhang Hong, is celebrated as one of the “Three Heroes of West Lake,” leaving behind a lasting legacy of dedication and service to his country in a time of great peril.