Yu Qian

Yu Qian
于謙
Portrait of Yu Qian by Gu Jianlong
Grand coordinator of Shanxi and Henan
In office
1430–1447
Preceded byXu Kuo (as Grand coordinator of Henan)
Succeeded byZhu Jian (as Grand coordinator of Shanxi)
Wang Lai (as Grand coordinator of Henan)
Minister of War
In office
1449–1457
Preceded byKuang Ye
Succeeded byWang Ji
Personal details
BornMay 13, 1398
Hangzhou, Zhejiang
DiedFebruary 16, 1457(1457-02-16) (aged 58)
Beijing
SpouseLady Dong
Children
  • Yu Mian
  • one daughter
Parent
  • Yu Yanzhao (father)
OccupationOfficial

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.