Yan Song vs Ye Xianggao

Yan Song was appointed to the Grand Secretariat of the Ming dynasty. He gained the favor of the Jiajing Emperor through his skill in drafting ceremonial texts, beginning a period of dominance in the imperial court that lasted over a decade.

Yan Song was dismissed from his position as Grand Secretary after losing the favor of the Jiajing Emperor. His son Yan Shifan was executed for corruption. This ended his political dominance and marked the rise of his rival Xu Jie.

Following his dismissal, Yan Song was formally accused of corruption and abuse of power. His vast wealth was confiscated by the state. The accusations solidified his historical reputation as a quintessential corrupt official of the Ming dynasty.

Ye Xianggao was appointed as a Grand Secretary of the Ming dynasty during the Tianqi Emperor's reign. He sought to curb the growing power of eunuch Wei Zhongxian, who dominated the court through the Eastern Depot secret police.

Ye Xianggao submitted memorials to the Tianqi Emperor criticizing the eunuch Wei Zhongxian's abuses of power. He proposed limiting the Eastern Depot's authority, but the emperor ignored his advice, allowing Wei's persecution of Donglin officials to continue.

Unable to check Wei Zhongxian's power and facing threats from eunuch allies, Ye Xianggao retired from his Grand Secretary position. His departure left the court dominated by Wei, who soon launched a full-scale purge of Donglin officials.