Tian Hongyu

Tian Hongyu (16th century—1643), a native of Shaanxi, also known as Langling person, was a figure from the late Ming Dynasty. He served as the Qianzhong of Yangzhou. During Emperor Chongzhen's reign, his eldest daughter (or Tian Xiuying) entered the palace as a concubine. After Chongzhen ascended the throne, he granted her daughter the title of Noble Consort, and Tian Hongyu was appointed as Left Commander-in-Chief. His power drew attention in the capital, and he was commonly referred to as "Tian Qiwan." Emperor Chongzhen once warned him and Yuan You: "It is advisable to strictly observe laws and regulations, and to prioritize the relationships of kinship and officials."

Amid internal and external crises faced by the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Chongzhen made several trips outside the capital. Tian Hongyu conducted beauty selection activities in the Jiangnan region, leading a group of over a hundred people. The emperor was not particularly interested in women; after Chen Yuanyuan entered the palace, she was returned to Tian's estate, later becoming a singing courtesan and was gifted to Wu Sangui. In 1642, Tian Fei (his wife) passed away, and Tian Hongyu’s favor declined. The following year, Tian Hongyu died of illness. In 1644, the Ming Dynasty was overthrown, and Emperor Chongzhen committed suicide on the Meishan. Zhang Dai, in the "Shiji," recorded the drawbacks of Ming's maternal relatives, including that many peerages granted to Tian Hongyu and others were merely titles passed down through official positions, ultimately leading to the downfall of many maternal relatives and officials.