Yu Qian

Yu Qian, 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, Emperor Yingzong returned to power and Yu Qian was promptly executed. His life is detailed in the 1580s novel Yu Shaobao cui zhong quanzhuan.