Yu Qian

Yu Qian was one of the most exceptional and honest heroes in Chinese history, credited with saving the Ming Dynasty from a life-and-death crisis. He served as a defense minister who saved China when the Yingzong emperor (reigning as Zhengtong, 1453–49) of the Ming dynasty was captured in 1449 while leading Chinese troops against the Mongol leader Esen Taiji.

In 1449, he repulsed the invasion of the Oyrats (a general name used during the Ming Dynasty for the Mongolian tribes occupying the western part of China), safeguarded the city of Beijing and rescued the Ming Dynasty from subjugation. Later, however, he was put to death as a result of plots against him by the Ming court. To commemorate his service to the country, a shrine was constructed at the site of his old home.