El Temur vs Wei Zhongxian

El Temur led a coup in Dadu (Beijing) that installed Tugh Temur as emperor, overthrowing the regent of the previous emperor. He then assumed the position of regent, dominating the Yuan court for the next five years.

After the death of Khutughtu Khan, El Temur orchestrated the execution of several high-ranking Mongol officials loyal to the late khan. This purge consolidated his control over the imperial government and eliminated opposition.

El Temur died in 1333, and his family's power was quickly dismantled by the new emperor Toghon Temur. His sons were executed, and his faction was purged, ending the El Temur regency.

Wei Zhongxian was appointed Director of the Eastern Depot, the Ming secret police. This position gave him control over surveillance, arrests, and torture, which he used to eliminate political opponents and consolidate power at court.

Wei Zhongxian launched a systematic purge of the Donglin faction, arresting, torturing, and executing hundreds of scholar-officials. The purge eliminated the main opposition to his rule and terrorized the Ming court into submission.

Wei Zhongxian ordered the construction of temples dedicated to his own worship across the Ming empire. This unprecedented act of self-deification demonstrated his immense power and the sycophancy of his supporters, but was later condemned as blasphemous.

After the Tianqi Emperor died and was succeeded by the Chongzhen Emperor, Wei Zhongxian was stripped of his titles and exiled. Facing execution, he committed suicide by hanging. His death ended the most notorious eunuch regime in Ming history.