Yang Lian

Yang Lian became a prominent member of the Donglin faction, aligning with scholars who criticized court corruption and eunuch influence. He gained a reputation for integrity and outspokenness in his memorials to the Ming court.

Yang Lian submitted a memorial to the Tianqi Emperor listing 24 crimes of the eunuch Wei Zhongxian. The memorial accused Wei of usurping imperial authority, persecuting officials, and corrupting the government, but the emperor sided with Wei.

After Wei Zhongxian launched a purge of Donglin officials, Yang Lian was arrested and tortured in prison. He died from injuries sustained during interrogation, becoming a martyr for the Donglin cause and a symbol of resistance to eunuch tyranny.