1Yu Qian, Ming dynasty statesman who saved Beijing from the Mongols after the Tumu Crisis; also the name of Yu Qian (1969-), famous contemporary xiangsheng comedian and stage partner of Guo Degang
Ming minister who led the defence of Beijing in 1449 after the emperor was captured by the Mongols, and was executed when that emperor regained the throne. Pupils learn his poem 《石灰吟》.
Xiàngsheng yǎnyuán Yú Qiān shì Guō Dégāng de lǎodādàng.
Xiangsheng performer Yu Qian is Guo Degang's longtime partner.
Tips
usage
The chengyu 两袖清风, 'a clean breeze in both sleeves', for an official who takes no bribes, is traced to his poem 《入京》: he went to the capital with none of the usual gifts for the powerful, only the breeze in his sleeves.
culture
The modern xiangsheng 于谦 plays the 捧哏 (straight man) opposite 郭德纲's 逗哏 in 德云社. Fans joke that his three hobbies - 抽烟、喝酒、烫头 (smoking, drinking, perms) - are the backbone of every bit.
