This popular ancient poem should be deeply remembered by many people, especially as it is often used as a famous quote to warn and encourage oneself, so that one has greater courage to face the difficulties on the road of life. However, the fate of the author of this poem is depressing. He was an important minister, but due to his impulsive actions, he was resented by the emperor, and ultimately died in vain.
When talking about the history of the Ming Dynasty, one cannot skip a classic figure - Yu Qian, not only in the development process of the Ming Dynasty itself, but also in the subsequent Qing Dynasty society, and then to today's era. Among them, Yu Qian has always been regarded as a revered hero, because his own choices and actions were extremely courageous for the country at that time. He did it even though he knew it was impossible to do. His own spirit is worthy of admiration and learning by future generations.
In the thirty-first year of Hongwu (1398), Yu Qian was born in Taipingli, Qiantang County, Hangzhou Prefecture, Zhejiang Province. As a teenager, he studied hard and had lofty ambitions. He admired and admired Wen Tianxiang's integrity, and hung Wen Tianxiang's portrait beside his seat, which he had done for decades. When he was seven years old, a monk was surprised by his appearance and said: "This is the prime minister who will save the situation in the future." Perhaps it was this that cultivated his resolute character. In the 19th year of Yongle (1421), Yu Qian passed the Xinchou Ke Jinshi examination and embarked on an official career.
In the first year of Xuande (1426), Han King Zhu Gaoxu launched an army to rebel in Le'an Prefecture, and Yu Qian accompanied Zhu Zhanji, Emperor Xuanzong of the Ming Dynasty, to conquer it himself. Yu Qian was appointed as the censor. After Gao Xu surrendered, Xuanzong asked Yu Qian to denounce his crimes. Yu Qian's lyrics were brand-new and his voice was powerful. Under the fierce attack of the censor, Zhu Gaoxu was scolded so much that he couldn't even raise his head. He completely defeated him morally and brought the rebellion to a perfect resolution. Yu Qian also began to show his edge in the political arena.
In July of the 14th year of Zhengtong (14-49), Ye first launched a large-scale invasion. Wang Zhen encouraged the Ming Yingzong to conquer personally. Yu Qian and Kuang Ye, Minister of War, tried their best to dissuade him, but Ming Yingzong did not listen. Kuang Ye followed Ming Yingzong to manage the army, leaving Yu Qian to take charge of the work of the Ministry of War. When Yingzong was captured in Tumubao, the capital was greatly shocked. At this time, King Yin ordered the ministers to discuss the strategy of combat and defense. At this time, a debate began in the court about war and retreat.
The minister Xu Jue (also known as Xu Youzhen) said that there were changes in the stars and the capital should be moved to Nanjing. Yu Qian said sternly: "Anyone who proposes to move south should be beheaded! The capital is the foundation of the world, and as long as it moves, big things will happen. Don't you see the story of the Song Dynasty's southward migration?" Indeed, the example of the previous dynasty is vividly in front of us. If they moved south to settle down in a corner, what would be the difference from the small court of the Southern Song Dynasty? Could it be that the Ming Dynasty could only live and die in one place? Therefore, Yu Qian firmly supported not retreating south, while preventing effective forces from resisting and preserving the foundation of the Ming Dynasty.
However, a country cannot be without a king for a day, especially in such a critical situation. The situation of the Yingzong abroad is still unclear. If the domestic situation is not stabilized, it will definitely cause local conflicts. The rebellion of forces. Therefore, something should be done in an emergency. Finally, on Yu Qian's recommendation, Yingzong's brother Zhu Qiyu, the king of Tan, was appointed emperor and became the emperor. Yao respected Yingzong as the Supreme Emperor, and made Yingzong's eldest son Zhu Jianshen the crown prince. The era name is Jingtai. But this incident also laid the foundation for Yu Qian's fate.
Everything is destined to be settled after Yingzong returns. If Yingzong returns to power, something will be done.
In 1457 AD, following the order of Emperor Yingzong of the Ming Dynasty, Yu Qianyu Shaobao, the hero of the Ming Dynasty who protected the country, met the end of his life in front of the city of Beijing that he had defended with all his life - he was beheaded. At that moment, everyone in the world was sad when they heard about it, but now that it has come to this, there is no possibility of Yu Qian's resurrection.
Yu Qian's patriotism naturally does not need to be proved any more. All the past events have shown that he has always stood on the side of the Ming Dynasty. However, because of his original decision, Yingzong was full of grudges against him. He might not have shown it in normal times, but after Yingzong returned to power, everything had to be settled, and Yu Qian was naturally an important part of it.
At that time, after the victory in the Beijing Defense War, the captured Ming Yingzong became useless. In order to increase the internal conflicts of the Ming Dynasty, Ming Yingzong Zhu Qizhen was unconditionally released by the Oara tribe. Zhu Qiyu, the emperor of the Ming Dynasty, was once embarrassed about his upcoming return. At this time, Yu Qian stood up and said: "The throne has been determined. If Ningfu has him, Gu Li should welcome him as soon as possible." In the end, the returned Ming Yingzong secured his position as the Supreme Emperor, while Yingzong could only live deep in the palace and hibernate secretly. After all, the throne was too tempting, and if there was a chance, it would cause a new storm.
In the end, the previous scene happened. A generation of loyal ministers were beheaded under the city of Beijing that they had defended.
After the restoration of Nangong, Yingzong regained power and ascended to the throne of emperor again.
The first thing that Ming Yingzong did after his restoration was to issue an order to kill Yu Qian and Shaobao.
In fact, before issuing the decree, Ming Yingzong was full of contradictions in his heart. He understood Yu Qian's contribution to protecting the country, and knew that without Yu Qian's original contribution, there would be no future return for him. For this reason, he specifically said: "Yu Qian has truly made a contribution." However, merit is due, and the restoration of oneself is a major matter. Based on this, Yu Qian must die, otherwise the teacher will be unknown. In this case, Yu Qian, who has merit, will be executed. Taken together, the two are on opposite sides. Even if he is a hero of the Ming Dynasty, he can only end up like this in the end.
Perhaps it was Ming Yingzong who regained control, and no one dared to go against the emperor's wishes. After all, he needed a group of people to establish his authority so that he could consolidate his throne. Even after the Queen Mother learned about Yu Qian's execution, she just sighed helplessly. She knew that her son's ambitions did not stop there.
After the death of Ming Yingzong, a campaign to rehabilitate Yu Qian began within the Ming Dynasty. After all, in their hearts, Yu Qian was indeed a hero of the Ming Dynasty.
After Yingzong of the Ming Dynasty, Xianzong of the Ming Dynasty came to the throne. He ordered Yu Qian to be rehabilitated, restored to his official position, and offered special sacrifices. In the sacrificial text, Xianzong of the Ming Dynasty affirmed Yu Qian's contribution. He said: "When the country is in great difficulty, it is necessary to protect the country from danger. We rely solely on justice, which is jealous of the powerful and traitors. The late emperor knew that he was in vain, but I sincerely pity his loyalty."
Yu Qian On top of history, it finally received positive reviews.
After that, several generations of emperors of the Ming Dynasty also spoke positively of Qian and continued to praise him, which also greatly improved Yu Qian's status. Eventually he became a famous courtier in Ming Dynasty history.
During the Qing Dynasty, Yu Qian was still recognized by the dynasty. The "History of the Ming Dynasty" compiled by the Qing Dynasty official praised Yu Qian as "loyal and righteous, competing with the sun and the moon for glory." At that time, Yu Qian, Yue Fei, and Zhang Huangyan were all buried in West Lake, so they were called the "Three Heroes of West Lake".
In 1751, during his tour of Jiangnan, Emperor Qianlong personally inscribed a plaque for Yu Qian, "Loyal Heart to Resist the Festival".
Yu Qian’s contribution to the Ming Dynasty was huge. If it weren’t for his persistence, it might have been possible for the Ming Dynasty to move its capital to Nanjing. With his persistence, he not only defended the city of Beijing, but also consolidated the foundation of the Ming Dynasty. He can die heroically for the sake of his righteousness. After all, he has feelings for his family and country in his heart and knows what he should do and what he should not do. He also deserves the positive reviews that history has given him.