Yu Qian Defends Beijing from Mongols

1449

With the Zhengtong Emperor captured at Tumu, the Ming minister of war Yu Qian rallied the panicking capital's defense, installed the emperor's younger brother on the throne as a replacement, and repelled Esen Taishi's Mongol cavalry from Beijing's walls in days of fierce fighting. His decisive leadership saved the dynasty from collapse, but when the original emperor was restored to power years later, Yu Qian was executed for treason as reward for his trouble.