text: On 15 September, high-ranking civil and military officials, led by Yu Qian, petitioned the Empress dowager to install Zhu Qiyu as the new emperor. This was done in order to stabilize the government and improve relations with the Mongols by reducing the influence of the captured Emperor Yingzong. As the only adult relative of the captured emperor, Zhu Qiyu was seen as a natural choice. Initially, Zhu Qiyu rejected the proposal, but those around him saw this as a formality and he eventually accepted. On 17 (or possibly 22  or 23) September, he ascended the throne as the Jingtai Emperor. He also declared his brother as Taishang Huang (, 'Emperor Emeritus'), a title that was higher in rank but only honorary. Only one official objected to the new emperor's accession and was punished with death.
  After their triumph at Tumu, the Mongols did not immediately launch an attack on Beijing, even though they likely would have been successful. Instead, they hesitated and allowed the Ming dynasty two months to recuperate from their defeat. During this time, the new Minister of War, Yu Qian, took charge of organizing the Defense of Beijing and effectively became the leader of the government even before the new emperor was appointed. The Mongols did not approach the city until 27 October, but after four days of siege, they abandoned their efforts when they realized they had no chance of victory.
  The Jingtai Emperor's government refused all of Esen's attempts to pay for the release of the captured emperor and insisted on his unconditional return. The imprisoned emperor became a burden to the Mongols, so they eventually released him without any conditions. The Jingtai Emperor lacked the confidence to keep his brother free, so he confined him to the Southern Palace and cut off any contact with government officials. His fear of his brother's influence dominated the rest of his reign and influenced a cautious approach towards the Mongols.
  Government