明代名臣于謙在天順年間被處死，普遍被認為與奪門之變之後的政治清洗密切相關。當時，透過政變重新登上皇位的 明英宗，為了鞏固復辟後的統治與皇位合法性，接受權臣的指控，最終以「謀逆」罪名將于謙處死。後世史家多認為這是一樁冤案，但從英宗本人的政治立場來看，于謙在他被俘期間擁立新帝，確實被視為對原君的不忠，這也成為悲劇的重要背景。

事情的根源可以追溯到土木堡之變。在這場戰役中，明英宗親征北方時被瓦剌俘虜，京師局勢危急。為了穩定國家政局，于謙主張由郕王即位，建立新的政權，即後來的明代宗。在當時的緊急局勢下，這一決策有助於維持國家運作與抵禦外敵，但也因此讓英宗心中留下芥蒂。尤其是在英宗被迎回北京後，被長期軟禁於南宮，他對當年立新君的決定始終難以釋懷。

隨著奪門之變的發生，政局再次劇烈變動。英宗在部分大臣的支持下成功復辟，重新奪回皇位。這場政變的主要推動者包括石亨與徐有貞等人。復辟成功後，新的權力集團需要鞏固自身地位，也希望排除景泰朝的重要官員。於是他們利用英宗對于謙的舊怨，誣指其有意迎立藩王，構陷其犯下「謀逆」之罪。這既是政治鬥爭中的權力清洗，也帶有明顯的公報私仇成分。

從政治邏輯來看，即使英宗本人並非完全否認于謙過去的功績，但在復辟後的權力結構中，于謙仍被視為一個潛在障礙。當時甚至流傳一種說法，認為「若不殺于謙，復辟之舉便缺乏名義」。在這種政治氛圍與權臣推動下，即便不少人認為罪名難以成立，于謙仍最終被處死。

在景泰朝時期，于謙位高權重，深受皇帝信任，對國家防務與政局穩定貢獻甚大。他的被殺在當時便引發廣泛同情與不平。直到後來明憲宗即位後，朝廷才為于謙平反昭雪，使其名譽得以恢復。

The Ming dynasty statesman Yu Qian was executed during the Tianshun era, a decision widely regarded as closely connected to the political purge that followed the Duomen Incident (the Coup of the Gate-Seizing). After regaining the throne through this coup, Emperor Yingzong of Ming sought to consolidate his restored rule and strengthen the legitimacy of his return to power. Influenced by accusations from powerful courtiers, he ultimately had Yu Qian executed on charges of treason. Later historians generally consider the case a miscarriage of justice, though from Yingzong’s perspective Yu Qian’s earlier support for another emperor while he was in captivity could be interpreted as disloyalty.

The roots of the conflict can be traced back to the Tumu Crisis. During this disastrous military campaign, Emperor Yingzong personally led an expedition against the Oirat Mongols but was captured in battle. With the emperor held prisoner and the capital facing a severe crisis, Yu Qian argued that the Prince of Cheng should ascend the throne in order to stabilize the government and organize resistance. The prince subsequently became Emperor Daizong of Ming. Although this decision helped maintain political stability and defend the state during a moment of extreme danger, it also planted deep resentment in Yingzong’s mind. After he was eventually returned to Beijing, Yingzong was placed under house arrest in the Southern Palace and never fully forgave those who had supported the enthronement of a new emperor.

The situation changed dramatically with the outbreak of the Duomen Incident, when Yingzong regained power through a palace coup. Key figures behind the coup included the general Shi Heng and the official Xu Youzhen. After the restoration, the new ruling faction needed to strengthen its authority and eliminate influential officials from the previous reign. Taking advantage of Yingzong’s lingering resentment toward Yu Qian, they accused him of plotting to enthrone a regional prince and framed the charge as treason. The accusations served both as a political purge and as a means for the new power holders to settle personal scores.

From a political standpoint, even if Yingzong recognized Yu Qian’s past contributions, the statesman was still viewed as a potential obstacle to the restored regime. At the time, some courtiers argued that “if Yu Qian were not executed, the justification for the restoration would be weakened.” In this atmosphere of political calculation and factional pressure, Yu Qian was ultimately put to death despite doubts about the legitimacy of the charges.

During the reign of Emperor Daizong, Yu Qian had held great authority and enjoyed the emperor’s trust, playing a crucial role in defending the state and maintaining stability during a national crisis. His execution provoked widespread sympathy and resentment among contemporaries. It was not until the reign of Emperor Xianzong of Ming that the court officially rehabilitated Yu Qian’s reputation, acknowledging the injustice of his death.