Volume 138 Biographies 25: Kanglituotuo, El Temür, Bayan, Mazhaertai, Toqto'a

康里脱脱

Tuotuo of the Kangli

康里脫脫，父曰牙牙，由康國王封雲中王，阿沙不花之弟也。

Tuotuo of the Kangli clan was the son of Yaya, who had been enfeoffed as Prince of Yunzhong after holding the kingship of Kang and was the younger brother of Asha Buhua.

脫脫姿貌魁梧，少時從其兄斡禿蠻獵於燕南，斡禿蠻使歸獻所獲，世祖見其骨氣沉雄，步履莊重，歎曰：「後日大用之才，已生於今。」即命入宿衛。成宗初，丞相伯顏在北鄙，脫脫奉詔以名鷹賜伯顏。伯顏見之，驚問曰：「汝為何人子？」脫脫以實對，伯顏語之曰：「吾老矣，他日可大用者，未見汝比。」

Tuotuo was tall and powerfully built. As a young man he accompanied his elder brother Otuman on hunts in the region south of Yan. Otuman sent him back to court with their quarry. Kublai, noting his forceful bearing and measured stride, exclaimed that a man fit for high office had already appeared in his lifetime. He immediately enrolled him in the imperial guard. Early in the reign of Chengzong, Chief Councillor Bayan was stationed on the northern frontier, and Tuotuo was ordered to present him with a prized hawk. Bayan was startled when he saw him and asked, "Whose son are you?" Tuotuo told him the truth. Bayan said, "I am growing old, and I have not met anyone your equal among those who may yet rise to great office."

大德三年，武宗以皇子撫軍北鄙，脫脫從行。五年，叛王海都犯邊，脫脫從武宗討之。師次杭海，進擊海都，大破其衆，脫脫手斮一士之首，連背胛以獻，武宗壯之。兵之始交也，武宗銳欲出戰，脫脫執轡力諫，武宗怒，揮鞭抶其手，不退，乃止。已而武宗與大將朶兒荅哈語及之，朶兒荅哈曰：「太子在軍中，如身有首，如衣有領，脫有不虞，衆安所附？脫脫之諫可謂忠矣。」武宗深然之。

In 1299, when Prince Wuzong took command on the northern frontier, Tuotuo went with him. In 1301, when the rebel prince Haidu raided the frontier, Tuotuo joined Wuzong's campaign against him. The army encamped at Hanghai and advanced on Haidu, inflicting a crushing defeat. Tuotuo personally severed an enemy soldier's head, shoulder blade still attached, and presented it as a trophy. Wuzong was greatly impressed. At the first clash, Wuzong was eager to join the fighting himself. Tuotuo seized the reins and pleaded with him not to. Enraged, Wuzong struck his hand with a whip, but Tuotuo would not yield, and the prince finally desisted. Later, when Wuzong mentioned the incident to the general Doreqa, Doreqa said, "The heir apparent in the field is like a body without which the head cannot stand, or a robe without a collar. If anything should befall him, whom would the troops follow? Tuotuo's counsel was nothing if not loyal." Wuzong was deeply persuaded.

成宗大漸，丞相哈剌哈孫荅剌罕稱疾卧直廬中。脫脫適以使事至京師，即俾馳告武宗以國恤，語在阿沙不花傳。

As Chengzong lay dying, Chief Councillor Qalaqush Darqan claimed illness and remained in the palace duty quarters. Tuotuo happened to be in the capital on official business and was immediately dispatched to inform Wuzong of the emperor's death; the fuller account appears in the biography of Asha Buhua.

時仁宗奉興聖太后至自懷孟，既定內難，而太后以兩太子星命付陰陽家推筭，問所宜立者，曰：「重光大荒落有災，旃蒙作噩長久。」重光為武宗年幹，旃蒙為仁宗年幹。於是太后頗惑其言，遣近臣朶耳諭旨武宗曰：「汝兄弟二人皆我所出，豈有親疏？陰陽家所言運祚修短，不容不思。」武宗聞之，默然，進脫脫而言曰：「我捍禦邊陲，勤勞十年，又次序居長，神器所歸，灼然何疑。今太后以星命休咎為言，天道茫昧，誰能豫知？設使我即位之後，所設施者上合天心，下副民望，則雖一日之短，亦足垂名萬年，何可以陰陽之言而乖祖宗之託哉！此蓋近日任事之臣，擅權專殺，恐我他日或治其罪，故為是奸謀動搖大本耳。脫脫，汝為我往察事機，疾歸報我。」脫脫承命即行。武宗親率大軍由西道進，按灰由中道，床兀兒由東道，各以勁卒一萬從。

Renzong had meanwhile brought Empress Dowager Xingsheng from Huaimei. Once the internal crisis was settled, the empress dowager had astrologers calculate the fates of the two princes and asked which should succeed. They replied that Wuzong's cyclical year sign foretold calamity, while Renzong's sign promised longevity. Chongguang was the cyclical designation for Wuzong's birth year, and Zhanmeng for Renzong's. The empress dowager was much swayed and sent a close attendant named Duo'er to tell Wuzong, "Both of you are my sons—how could I favor one over the other? Yet the astrologers' words about the length of each reign cannot be ignored." Wuzong listened in silence, then called Tuotuo and said, "I have spent ten years defending the frontier. I am the elder brother. The throne is plainly mine—what doubt can there be? Now the empress dowager invokes the stars' verdict. Heaven's will is obscure—who can foresee it? If, once I reign, my policies win Heaven's favor and the people's trust, then even a brief reign would secure my name for ages. How can I betray our ancestors' trust because of astrologers' words! This is surely the work of ministers who have seized power and fear I will punish them once I reign—they have devised this plot to undermine the succession. Tuotuo, go to the capital, learn how things stand, and return to me at once." Tuotuo obeyed and departed immediately. Wuzong himself led the main force along the western route, with Anqa on the center and Chen'er on the east, each commanding ten thousand elite troops.

脫脫馳至大都，入見太后，道武宗所授旨以聞。太后愕然曰：「修短之說雖出術家，為太子周思遠慮乃出我深愛。貪憝已除，宗王大臣議已定，太子不速來何為？」時諸王禿列等侍，咸曰：「臣下翊戴嗣君，無二心者。」既而太后、仁宗屏左右，留脫脫與語曰：「太子天性孝友，中外屬望。今聞汝所致言，殆有讒間。汝歸速為我彌縫闕失，使我骨肉無間，相見怡愉，則汝功為不細矣。」脫脫頓首謝曰：「太母、太弟不煩過慮，臣侍藩邸歷年，頗見信任，今歸當即推誠竭忠以開釋太子。後日三宮共處，靡有嫌隙，斯為脫脫所報效矣。」

Tuotuo rode post-haste to Dadu, audience with the empress dowager, and delivered Wuzong's message. The empress dowager was startled and said, "The astrologers spoke of longevity, but my only aim was to think ahead for the heir apparent's sake, out of deep affection. The plotters have been removed and the princes and ministers have already decided. Why does the heir apparent not hurry here?" The princes Tule and others who were present all declared, "We serve the successor with undivided loyalty." Then the empress dowager and Renzong dismissed their attendants and spoke privately with Tuotuo. "The heir apparent is by nature dutiful and affectionate," they said. "Everyone looks to him. From what you report, it seems someone has been sowing discord between the brothers. Return quickly and repair this breach, so that the brothers meet in harmony. Your service will not be forgotten." Tuotuo kowtowed and said, "Grand Empress, Grand Younger Brother—please do not worry unduly. I have served the heir apparent for years and enjoy his trust. I shall return and speak to him frankly to dispel his suspicions. If the three courts can live together without rancor, that will be my reward enough."

先是，太后以武宗遲迴不至，已遣阿沙不花往道諸王群臣推戴之意。及是脫脫繼往，行至旺古察，武宗在馬轎中望見其來，趣使疾馳，與之共載。脫脫具致太后、仁宗之語，武宗乃大感悟，釋然無疑。遂遣阿沙不花還報。仁宗即日命駕奉迎于上都。武宗正位宸極，尊太后為皇太后，立仁宗為皇太子，三宮協和，脫脫兄弟之力為多。

Earlier, because Wuzong had been slow to come, the empress dowager had sent Asha Buhua to inform the princes and ministers of their resolve to enthrone him. Tuotuo followed. At Wanggucha, Wuzong, riding in his litter, saw him approach and ordered him to hurry; they rode together in the same carriage. Tuotuo repeated everything the empress dowager and Renzong had said. Wuzong was deeply moved and laid his doubts to rest. He then sent Asha Buhua back with his reply. That same day Renzong set out to welcome him at Shangdu. Wuzong ascended the throne, honored the empress dowager, and named Renzong heir apparent. Harmony among the three courts owed much to Tuotuo and his brothers.

脫脫之至京師也，武宗嘗命其同知樞密院，比還，問曾視事否，脫脫對曰：「今正殿未御，宗親未見，為扈從之臣攙取名位，誠恐有累聖德，是以未敢祗事。」武宗嘉歎久之。知樞密院只兒哈忽在潛邸時嘗有不遜語，將置于法，脫脫諫曰：「陛下新正位，大信未立而輒行誅戮，知者以為彼自有罪，不知者以為報仇，恐人人自危。況只兒哈忽習於先朝典故，今固不可少也。」乃宥之。繼海都而王者曰察八兒，素服武宗威名，至是率諸王內附，詔特設宴於大庭。故事，凡大宴，必命近臣敷宣王度，以為告戒。脫脫薦只兒哈忽，令具其言以進，果稱旨。武宗歎曰：「博爾忽、博爾朮前朝人傑，脫脫今世人傑也。」即以所進之言授脫脫。及諸王大臣被宴服就列，脫脫即席陳西北諸藩始終離合之由、去逆效順之義，辭旨明暢，聽者傾服。自同知樞密院事進中書平章政事，拜御史大夫。遷江南行臺御史大夫。尋召拜錄軍國重事、中書左丞相。脫脫知無不言，言無不行，中外翕然稱為賢相。

While Tuotuo was in the capital, Wuzong had appointed him associate administrator of the Bureau of Military Affairs. On his return, Wuzong asked whether he had assumed the post. Tuotuo replied, "The throne has not yet been formally taken and the imperial clan has not been received. For a companion to seize an office now would tarnish Your Majesty's virtue, so I dared not accept it." Wuzong praised him at length. Jirhahu, administrator of military affairs, had once spoken disrespectfully to Wuzong when he was still heir apparent and was to be punished. Tuotuo urged, "Your Majesty has just ascended the throne. If you execute him before trust is established, the informed will see justice, but others will see revenge—and everyone will live in fear. Besides, Jirhahu knows the precedents of the previous reign and is indispensable." Wuzong spared him. Chapar, who had succeeded Haidu, had long respected Wuzong's military reputation. He now led the princes in submission, and the court ordered a grand banquet in their honor. By custom, at every great banquet a close minister was charged to expound the principles of kingship as a moral lesson. Tuotuo recommended Jirhahu and had him draft the address, which pleased the emperor. Wuzong exclaimed, "Boroqul and Boro'e were the great men of the founding generation; Tuotuo is the great man of our age." He then had Tuotuo deliver the address himself. When the princes and ministers took their places in banquet dress, Tuotuo rose and explained why the northwestern princes had wavered and why they should now submit. His speech was lucid and compelling, and all were persuaded. He was promoted from associate administrator of military affairs to Grand Councillor of the Secretariat and appointed Censor-in-Chief. He was transferred to serve as Censor-in-Chief of the Jiangnan Branch Secretariat. He was soon recalled and appointed Recorder of Weighty Affairs of Army and State and Left Grand Councillor. Tuotuo spoke his mind on every matter and saw his counsel carried out. Court and country alike hailed him as a worthy chief minister.

至大三年，尚書省立，遷右丞相。三寶奴等勸武宗立皇子為皇太子。脫脫方獵于柳林，遣使亟召之還。三寶奴曰：「建儲議急，故相召耳。」脫脫驚曰：「何謂也？」曰：「皇子寖長，聖體近日倦勤，儲副所宜早定。」脫脫曰：「國家大計不可不慎。曩者太弟躬定大事，功在宗社，位居東宮，已有定命，自是兄弟叔姪世世相承，孰敢紊其序者！我輩臣子，於國憲章縱不能有所匡贊，何可隳其成。」三寶奴曰：「今日兄已授弟，後日叔當授姪，能保之乎？」脫脫曰：「在我不可渝，彼失其信，天實鑒之。」三寶奴雖不以為然，而莫能奪其議也。

In 1310, when the Ministry of State Affairs was established, he was made Right Grand Councillor. Sanbaonu and others urged Wuzong to name his own son heir apparent. Tuotuo was hunting at Liulin when messengers were sent to summon him back in haste. Sanbaonu said, "The question of the succession is urgent—that is why you were called." Tuotuo was alarmed and asked, "What do you mean?" He replied, "The prince is growing up, and His Majesty has lately wearied of affairs. The succession should be settled soon." Tuotuo said, "The succession is a matter of the highest importance and must not be treated lightly. The younger brother settled the succession himself; his service to the dynasty earned him the Eastern Palace, and the order of succession is already fixed. Brothers and nephews are to succeed one another in turn—who would dare disturb that order! We ministers may be unable to improve the constitutional order, but we must not undo what has already been settled." Sanbaonu said, "Today the elder brother yields to the younger; tomorrow the uncle must yield to the nephew—can you guarantee that?" Tuotuo replied, "Our side must not break faith. If others break theirs, Heaven will judge them." Sanbaonu was unconvinced but could not prevail against him.

是時，尚書省賜予無節，遷敘無法，財用日耗，名爵日濫。脫脫進言曰：「爵賞者，帝王所以用人也。今爵及比德，賞及罔功，緩急之際何所賴乎！中書所掌，錢糧、工役、選法、刑獄十有二事。若從臣言，恪遵舊制，則臣願與諸賢黽勉從事。不然，用臣何補！」遂有詔俾濫受宣敕者赴所屬繳納。僥倖之路既塞，奔競之風頓衰。中臺有贓罰鈔五百萬緡，脫脫請出以賑孤寡老疾諸窮而無告者。宗王南忽里部人告其主為不軌，脫脫辯其誣，抵告者罪。宗王牙忽禿徵其舊民於齊王八不沙部中，鄰境諸王欲奉齊王攻牙忽禿，齊王懼奔牙忽禿以避之，遂告齊王反。脫脫簿問得實，乃釋齊王而徙諸王于嶺南。邊將脫火赤請以新軍萬人益宗王丑漢，廷議俾脫脫往給其資裝。脫脫謂時方寧謐，不宜挑變生事，辭不行。遂遣丞相禿忽魯等二人往給之，幾以激變。四年正月，復為中書左丞相。

At that time the Ministry of State Affairs lavished rewards without restraint, promoted officials without rule, drained the treasury daily, and debased ranks without end. Tuotuo submitted a memorial: "Titles and rewards are how emperors recruit and retain talent. Now ranks go to the undeserving and rewards to the unmeritorious—when crisis comes, what will remain to offer? The Secretariat oversees twelve domains: revenue, labor, appointments, and justice among them. If Your Majesty will follow my counsel and restore the old regulations, I shall work diligently with my colleagues. Otherwise, I am of no use to Your Majesty!" An edict followed requiring all who had improperly received appointments to return them to the proper offices. With the path to easy advancement closed, the scramble for office sharply abated. The Central Censorate held five million strings in fines and confiscations. Tuotuo asked that it be distributed to orphans, widows, the aged, the sick, and others with no one to plead for them. A tribesman of Prince Nanhuli accused his lord of treason. Tuotuo proved the charge false and punished the accuser. Prince Yahutu tried to reclaim subjects from Prince Babusha of Qi's domain. Neighboring princes proposed to support the Prince of Qi against Yahutu. The Prince of Qi, fearing attack, fled to Yahutu for protection, whereupon his enemies accused him of rebellion. Tuotuo investigated and found the truth, released the Prince of Qi, and banished the accusers to Lingnan. The frontier general Toqochi asked for ten thousand new troops to reinforce Prince Chuhan. The court decided to send Tuotuo to furnish supplies. Tuotuo argued that the realm was at peace and such a move might provoke trouble, and declined to go. Chief Councillor Tughluq and two others were sent instead—and nearly sparked a revolt. In the first month of 1311 he was again appointed Left Grand Councillor.

仁宗即位，眷待彌篤，欲使均逸于外，二月，拜江浙行省左丞相。下車，進父老問民利病，咸謂杭城故有便河通于江滸，堙廢已久，若疏鑿以通舟楫，物價必平。僚佐或難之，脫脫曰：「吾陛辭之日，密旨許以便宜行事。民以為便，行之可也。」俄有旨禁勿興土功，脫脫曰：「敬天莫先勤民，民蒙其利則災沴自弭，土功何尤。」不一月而成。

When Renzong succeeded, his favor for Tuotuo deepened. Wishing to give him a rest from court, in the second month he was appointed Left Grand Councillor of the Jiang-Zhe Branch Secretariat. On taking office he consulted the local elders about the people's welfare. They all said that Hangzhou once had a canal to the river that had long been silted up; if dredged for shipping, prices would stabilize. Some subordinates objected, but Tuotuo said, "When I took leave of the emperor, I received a secret authorization to act at my discretion. The people will benefit—let it be done." Soon an edict forbade public works. Tuotuo replied, "The best way to honor Heaven is to serve the people. If they benefit, disasters will subside of themselves—what fault is there in this work?" Within a month it was finished.

是時，鐵木迭兒為丞相，欲固位取寵，乃議立仁宗子英宗為皇太子，而明宗以武宗子封周王，出鎮于雲南。又譖脫脫為武宗舊臣。詔逮至京師。居數日，床兀兒、失列門傳兩宮旨諭脫脫曰：「初疑汝親於所事，故召汝。今察汝無他，其復還鎮。」脫脫入謝太后曰：「臣雖被先帝知遇，而受太后及今上恩不為不深，豈敢昧所自乎。」還江浙。未幾，遷江西行省左丞相。

Temuder was then chief councillor and, seeking to secure his power, proposed making Renzong's son the future Yingzong heir apparent while enfeoffing Wuzong's son Mingzong as Prince of Zhou and posting him to Yunnan. He also denounced Tuotuo as a partisan of Wuzong. An edict summoned him to the capital under arrest. After several days, Chen'er and Shilie'men conveyed messages from the two palaces: "We first suspected you of loyalty to your former master, and therefore summoned you. We now see you are blameless. Return to your post." Tuotuo went in to thank the empress dowager and said, "Though the late emperor favored me, the grace I owe Your Majesty and the present sovereign is no less deep. How could I forget where my loyalty lies?" He returned to Jiang-Zhe. Before long he was transferred to Left Grand Councillor of the Jiangxi Branch Secretariat.

英宗嗣位，召拜御史大夫。時帖赤先為大夫，陰忌之，奏改江南行臺御史大夫。復嗾言者劾其擅離職守，將徙之雲南，會帖赤伏誅，乃解。家居不出者五年。泰定四年薨，年五十六。至正初，贈推誠全德守義佐運功臣、太師、開府儀同三司、上柱國，追封和寧王，諡忠獻。

When Yingzong succeeded, Tuotuo was recalled and appointed Censor-in-Chief. Tiechi, who had previously served as censor-in-chief, secretly resented him and had him transferred to the Jiangnan Branch Secretariat as censor-in-chief. He then instigated accusers to charge Tuotuo with abandoning his post without leave and was about to banish him to Yunnan, but when Tiechi was executed the affair was dropped. He lived in retirement at home for five years. He died in 1327, at the age of fifty-six. Early in the Zhizheng era he was posthumously honored as a founding minister, Grand Preceptor, Commissioner with Credentials Equal to the Three Dukes, and Upper Pillar of State, enfeoffed posthumously as Prince of Hening with the posthumous name Loyal and Dedicated.

脫脫嘗即宣德別墅延師以訓子，鄉人化之，皆向學。朝廷賜其精舍額曰景賢書院，為設學官。其沒也，即其中祠焉。

Tuotuo once invited teachers to his Xuande villa to educate his sons, and the example transformed the neighborhood so that all turned to study. The court named his estate the Jingxian Academy and appointed official instructors. After his death a shrine was erected there in his honor.

子九人，其最顯者二人：曰鐵木兒塔識，曰達識帖睦邇，各有傳。

He had nine sons; the two most prominent were Temurtash and Dash Temur, each of whom has a separate biography.

燕鐵木兒

El Temür

泰定帝崩于上都，丞相倒剌沙專政，宗室諸王脫脫、王禪附之，利於立幼。燕鐵木兒時緫環衛事，留大都，自以身受武宗寵拔之恩，其子宜纂大位，而一居朔漠，一處南陲，實天之所置，將以啟之。由是與公主察吉兒、族黨阿剌帖木兒及腹心之士孛倫赤、剌剌等議，以八月甲午昧爽，率勇士納只禿魯等入興聖宮，會集百官，執中書平章烏伯都剌、伯顏察兒，兵皆露刃，誓衆曰：「祖宗正統屬在武皇帝之子，敢有不順者斬。」衆皆潰散。遂捕姦黨下獄，而與西安王阿剌忒納失里入守內庭，分處腹心於樞密，自東華門夾道重列軍士，使人傳命往來其中，以防漏泄。即命前河南行省參知政事明里董阿、前宣政院使荅剌麻失里乘驛迎文宗于中興，且令密以意喻河南行省平章伯顏選兵備扈從。

When Emperor Taiding died at Shangdu, Chief Councillor Toghto'a seized power. The princes Tuotuo and Wangchan supported him, preferring to enthrone a child emperor. El Temür, who commanded the palace guard and remained in Dadu, believed that Wuzong's son was the rightful heir, having himself been raised by Wuzong's favor. With one prince in the north and one in the south, he saw Heaven's hand preparing the succession. He therefore conspired with Princess Chaqir, his kinsman Alatimur, and trusted followers Bolunchi and Lala. At dawn on the jiawu day of the eighth month he led warriors including Nazhutulu into the Xingsheng Palace, assembled the officials, seized Grand Councillors Ubdula and Bayancha'er, and with blades drawn swore to the assembly: "The legitimate succession belongs to Wuzong's son. Whoever resists will be executed." The crowd scattered in panic. He arrested the conspirators and imprisoned them, then entered the inner court with the Prince of Xi'an, Alatanashili, to hold it. He posted trusted men at the Bureau of Military Affairs and lined troops in double ranks from the Donghua Gate, sending messengers among them to prevent any leak of intelligence. He immediately dispatched the former Vice Administrator of Henan, Minglidong'a, and the former Xuanzheng Commissioner Darlamashili by post-horse to welcome Wenzong from Zhongxing, and secretly instructed them to tell Bayan, Grand Councillor of Henan, to assemble troops for an escort.

於是封府庫，拘百司印，遣兵守諸要害。推前湖廣行省左丞相別不花為中書左丞相，詹事塔失海涯為平章，前湖廣行省右丞速速為中書左丞，前陝西行省參政王不憐吉台為樞密副使，蕭忙古仍為通政院使，與中書右丞趙世延、樞密同僉燕鐵木兒、通政院使寒食分典庶務。貸在京寺觀鈔，募死士，買戰馬，運京倉粟以餉守禦士卒，復遣使於各行省徵發錢帛兵器。

He sealed the treasuries, seized the seals of government offices, and posted troops at every strategic point. He appointed Babuhua, former Left Grand Councillor of Huguang, as Left Grand Councillor; Tashihaiya as Grand Councillor; Susu as Left Vice Administrator; Wangbulinjie as Deputy Administrator of Military Affairs; and Xiao Manggu as Commissioner of Transmission. Together with Zhao Shiyan, El Temür, and Hanshi, they divided the administration of state affairs. He borrowed funds from capital temples and monasteries, recruited dare-to-die fighters, bought war horses, drew grain from the capital granaries to feed the garrison, and sent envoys to the provinces to levy money, silk, and arms.

當時有諸衛軍無統屬者，又有謁選及罷退軍官，皆給之符牌，以待調遣。既受命，未知所謝，注目而立，乃指使南向拜，衆皆愕然，始知有定向矣。燕鐵木兒宿衛禁中，夜則更遷無定居，坐以待旦者，將一月。弟撒敦、子唐其勢時留上都，密遣塔失帖木兒召之，皆棄其妻子來歸。丁酉，再遣撒里不花、鎖南班往中興趣大駕早發，令塔失帖木兒設為南使云：「諸王帖木兒不花、寬徹普化，湖廣、河南省臣及河南都萬戶合軍扈駕，旦夕且至，民勿疑懼。」丁未，命撒敦以兵守居庸關，唐其勢屯古北口。戊申，復令乃馬台為北使，稱明宗從諸王兵整駕南轅，中外乃安。辛亥，撒里不花至自中興，云乘輿已啟塗，詔拜燕鐵木兒知樞密院事。丙辰，率百官備法駕郊迎。丁巳，文宗至京師，入居大內。

Guard units without commanders, officers awaiting appointment, and dismissed officers were all issued tally plaques pending deployment. When they received their orders they stood uncertain how to respond until he directed them to bow facing south. All were startled, for only then did they understand which prince they served. El Temür kept watch inside the palace, changing his quarters each night and sitting awake until dawn—for nearly a month. His brother Sadun and son Tangqishi were still at Shangdu. He secretly sent Tashitemur to summon them, and both abandoned their families to join him. On the dingyou day he again sent Saribuhua and Suonanban to Zhongxing to hurry the imperial procession, and had Tashitemur pose as a southern envoy announcing that princes and provincial armies were escorting the throne and would arrive within days, so the people should not fear. On the dingwei day he ordered Sadun to hold Juyong Pass and Tangqishi to encamp at Gubeikou. On the wushen day he sent Namatai as northern envoy to announce that Mingzong was marching south with the princes' armies, calming court and country alike. On the xinhai day Saribuhua returned from Zhongxing with word that the imperial procession had set out. El Temür was appointed Administrator of the Bureau of Military Affairs. On the bingchen day he led the officials out with the full imperial equipage to welcome the emperor. On the dingsi day Wenzong reached the capital and took up residence in the inner palace.

癸酉，封燕鐵木兒為太平王，以太平路為其食邑。甲戌，加開府儀同三司、上柱國、錄軍國重事、中書右丞相、監修國史、知樞密院事；賜黃金五百兩、白金二千五百兩、鈔一萬錠、金素織段色繒二千匹、海東白鶻一、青鶻二、豹一、平江官地五百頃。即日詔將兵出薊州拒禿滿迭兒。乙亥，次三河，而王禪等軍已破居庸關，遂進屯三塚。丙子，燕鐵木兒蓐食倍道而還。丁丑，抵榆河，聞帝出都城，將親督戰，燕鐵木兒單騎請見，曰：「陛下出，民心必驚，凡剪寇事一以責臣，願陛下亟還宮以安黎庶。」文宗乃還。明日丁丑，阿速衛指揮使忽都不花、塔海帖木兒，同知太不花構變，事覺，械送京師斬以徇。己卯，與王禪前軍遇于榆河北，我師奮擊敗之，追至紅橋北。王禪將樞密副使阿剌帖木兒、指揮忽都帖木兒引兵會戰。阿剌帖木兒執戈入刺，燕鐵木兒側身以刀格其戈就斫之，中左臂。部將和尚馳擊忽都帖木兒亦中左臂。二人驍將也，敵為奪氣，遂却。因據紅橋。兩軍阻水而陣，命善射者射之，遂退，師于白浮南。命知院也速荅兒，八都兒、亦納思等分為三隊，張兩翼以角之，敵軍敗走。辛巳，敵軍復合，鏖戰于白浮之野，周旋馳突，戈戟戞摩。燕鐵木兒手斃七人。會日晡，對壘而宿。夜二鼓，遣阿剌帖木兒、孛倫赤、岳來吉將精銳百騎鼓譟射其營，敵衆驚擾，互自相擊，至旦始悟，人馬死傷無數。明日，天大霧，獲敵卒二人，云王禪等脫身竄山谷矣。癸未，天清明，王禪集散卒成列出山，我師駐白浮西，堅壁不動。是夜，又命撒敦潛軍繞其後，部曲八都兒壓其前，夾營吹銅角以震盪之，敵不悟而亂，自相撾擊，三鼓後乃西遁。遲明，追及昌平北，斬首數千級，降者萬餘人。

On the guiyou day El Temür was enfeoffed as Prince of Taiping, with Taiping Circuit as his fief. On the jiaxu day he was further appointed Commissioner with Credentials Equal to the Three Dukes, Upper Pillar of State, Recorder of Weighty Affairs of Army and State, Right Grand Councillor, Supervisor of the National History, and Administrator of Military Affairs. He received five hundred liang of gold, two thousand five hundred liang of silver, ten thousand ingots of paper money, two thousand bolts of silk, one white gyrfalcon, two blue gyrfalcons, a leopard, and five hundred qing of official land in Pingjiang. That same day he was ordered to lead troops from Jizhou against Tudmandar. On the yihai day he halted at Sanhe, but Wangchan's army had already broken through Juyong Pass, so he advanced and encamped at Sanzhong. On the bingzi day El Temür ate on the march and raced back at double speed. On the dingchou day he reached the Yu River and learned that the emperor had left the capital to command the battle in person. El Temür rode alone to audience and said, "If Your Majesty goes out, the people will panic. Leave the campaign entirely to me and return to the palace at once to reassure them." Wenzong returned. The next day the Asud Guard commanders Hudubuhua and Tahaitemur and Vice Administrator Taibuhua plotted mutiny. When discovered they were sent to the capital in chains and executed as a warning. On the jimao day he met Wangchan's vanguard north of the Yu River, routed them in fierce fighting, and pursued to north of Hong Bridge. Wangchan brought Deputy Administrator Alatimur and Commander Hudutemur to join the fight. Alatimur thrust at him with a halberd. El Temür turned aside, parried with his sword, and struck, wounding Alatimur's left arm. His officer Heshang charged Hudutemur and wounded his left arm as well. Both were fierce warriors, and when they were wounded the enemy lost heart and fell back. He then held Hong Bridge. The two armies faced each other across the water. He ordered archers to shoot until the enemy withdrew, then encamped south of Baifu. He divided his forces under Yesuda'er, Badu'er, and Yinas into three columns with wings to envelop the enemy, who broke and fled. On the xinsi day the enemy reformed and fought a bitter battle on the Baifu plain, wheeling and charging as halberds clashed. El Temür personally killed seven men. By afternoon the two armies faced each other and camped for the night. At the second watch he sent Alatimur, Bolunchi, and Yuelaiji with a hundred elite horsemen to raid the enemy camp with drums and arrows. The enemy panicked and attacked one another; only at dawn did they realize what had happened, with countless dead and wounded. The next day, in thick fog, they captured two enemy soldiers who reported that Wangchan and the others had fled into the hills. On the guiwei day, with skies clear, Wangchan reformed his scattered troops and came out of the hills. El Temür's army held west of Baifu behind fortified lines and did not move. That night he sent Sadun to circle behind the enemy while Badu'er pressed from the front. Horns blared from both sides of the camp. The enemy, confused, fell into disorder and attacked one another, fleeing westward only after the third watch. Near dawn they pursued to north of Changping, taking several thousand heads and accepting the surrender of more than ten thousand men.

帝遣賜上尊，諭旨曰：「丞相每戰親冒矢石，脫有不虞，其若宗社何！自今後但憑高督戰，察將士之用命不用命者以賞罰之可也。」對曰：「臣以身先之，為諸將法。敢後者軍法從事。託之諸將，萬一失利，悔將何及。」是日，敵軍再戰再北，王禪單騎亡命。也速荅兒、也不倫、撒敦追之，就命也速荅兒及僉院徹里帖木兒統卒三萬守居庸關，還至昌平南。

The emperor sent fine wine with a message: "In every battle you expose yourself to arrows and stones. If anything should befall you, what would become of the dynasty? Hereafter command from high ground and reward or punish your officers according to their performance." He replied, "I lead from the front to set an example for my generals. Whoever hangs back faces military law. If I leave it to them and we lose, regret will come too late." That day the enemy fought twice and was twice defeated. Wangchan fled alone on horseback. Yesuda'er, Yebulun, and Sadun pursued him. El Temür ordered Yesuda'er and Cheritemur to hold Juyong Pass with thirty thousand men and returned to south of Changping.

俄報古北口不守，上都軍掠石槽。丙戌，遣撒敦為先驅，燕鐵木兒以大軍繼其後，至石槽。敵軍方炊，掩其不備，直蹂之，大軍并進，追擊四十里，至牛頭山，擒駙馬孛羅帖木兒，平章蒙古荅失、牙失帖木兒，院使撒兒討溫等，獻俘闕下，戮之。各衛將士降者不可勝紀，餘兵奔竄。夜遣撒敦襲之，逐出古北口。

Soon word came that Gubeikou had fallen and Shangdu troops were raiding Shicao. On the bingxu day he sent Sadun ahead while El Temür followed with the main army to Shicao. The enemy were cooking their meal when he fell on them unawares, overran them, and pursued forty li to Niutou Mountain. He captured the imperial son-in-law Boluotemur, Grand Councillor Monggol Dash, Yashitemur, and Commissioner Sarituwen, presented them at court, and executed them. Countless guards surrendered; the rest fled in disorder. That night he sent Sadun to strike them and drive them out through Gubeikou.

丁亥，禿滿迭兒及諸王也先帖木兒軍陷通州，將襲京師，燕鐵木兒急引軍還。十月己丑朔，日將昏，至通州，乘其初至擊之，敵軍狼狽走渡潞河。庚寅，夾河而軍。敵列植黍稭，衣以氊衣，然火為疑兵，夜遁。辛卯，率師渡河追之。癸巳，駐檀子山之棗林，也先帖木兒、禿滿迭兒合陽翟王太平、國王朶羅台、平章塔海軍來鬪，士皆殊死戰。至晚，唐其勢陷陣，殺太平，死者蔽野，餘兵宵潰。已而撒敦將輕兵要之，弗及而還。

On the dinghai day Tudmandar and Prince Yexiantemur's army took Tongzhou and threatened the capital. El Temür hurried back with his army. On the first day of the tenth month, as dusk approached, he reached Tongzhou and struck the enemy as they were just arriving. They fled in disorder across the Lu River. On the gengyin day the two armies encamped on opposite banks. The enemy planted millet stalks dressed in felt, set them ablaze as decoys, and fled by night. On the xinmao day he crossed the river in pursuit. On the guisi day he encamped in the jujube grove at Tanzishan. Yexiantemur and Tudmandar joined Prince Taiping of Yangzhai, Prince Duoluotai, and Grand Councillor Tahai in battle. Both sides fought to the death. By evening Tangqishi broke through the enemy line and killed Taiping. The dead covered the field and the survivors fled by night. Sadun then led light troops to intercept them but failed to overtake them and returned.

乙未，上都諸王忽剌台，指揮阿剌鐵木兒、安童入紫荊關，犯良鄉，游騎逼南城。燕鐵木兒即率諸將兵循北山而西，令脫銜繫囊，盛莝豆以飼馬，士行且食，晨夜兼程，至于盧溝河，忽剌台聞之，望風西走。是日凱旋，入自肅清門，都人羅拜馬首，以謝更生之惠。燕鐵木兒曰：「此皆天子威靈，吾何力焉。」入見，帝大悅，賜燕興聖殿，盡懽而罷。賜太平王黃金印，并降制書及賜玉盤、龍衣、珠衣、寶珠、金腰帶等物。

On the yiwei day the Shangdu prince Hulatai and commanders Alatimur and Antong entered Zijing Pass, raided Liangxiang, and scouting horsemen threatened the southern suburbs of the capital. El Temür immediately led his generals west along the northern hills. He had the troops remove bits, fill saddlebags with chopped fodder, and march day and night eating on the move until they reached the Lugou River. Hulatai fled west at the news. That day he returned in triumph through the Suqing Gate. The people lined the streets to bow before his horse, thanking him for saving their lives. El Temür said, "This is all the emperor's majesty—what credit is mine?" At audience the emperor was overjoyed, gave a banquet in the Xingsheng Hall, and they feasted until all dispersed. He received the Prince of Taiping's golden seal, an imperial patent, and gifts including jade platters, dragon robes, pearl robes, precious pearls, and golden belts.

是日，撒敦遣報禿滿迭兒軍復入古北口，燕鐵木兒遂以師赴之，戰于檀州南野，敗之。東路蒙古萬戶哈剌那懷率麾下萬人降，餘兵東潰，禿滿迭兒走還遼東。獲忽剌台、阿剌帖木兒、安童、朶羅台、塔海等戮之。

That same day Sadun reported that Tudmandar's army had re-entered Gubeikou. El Temür marched against them, fought on the southern plain of Tanzhou, and defeated them. The Eastern Route Mongol commander Qalanaqai surrendered with ten thousand men. The rest fled east and Tudmandar retreated to Liaodong. Hulatai, Alatimur, Antong, Duoluotai, Tahai, and others were captured and executed.

先是，至治二年，以欽察衛士多，為千戶所者凡三十五，故分置左右二衛，至是又析為龍翊衛。二年，立都督府，以統左、右欽察、龍翊三衛，哈剌魯東路蒙古二萬戶府，東路蒙古元帥府，而以燕鐵木兒兼統之，尋陞為大都督府。燕鐵木兒乞解相印還宿衛，帝勉之曰：「卿已為省院，惟未入臺，其聽後命。」二月，遷御史大夫，依前開府儀同三司、上柱國、錄軍國重事、太平王。未幾，復拜中書右丞相、監修國史、知樞密院事、領都督府龍翊侍衛親軍都指揮使司事，就佩元降虎符，依前開府儀同三司、上柱國、錄軍國重事、荅剌罕、太平王。

Earlier, in 1322, because the Qipchaq guard was large—thirty-five thousand-household units—it had been split into left and right guards. Now it was further divided into the Longyi Guard. In the second year a command headquarters was established over the left, right, and Longyi Qipchaq guards and the eastern Mongol commands, with El Temür in overall command; it was soon elevated to the Great Command Headquarters. El Temür asked to resign the chief minister's seal and return to palace guard duty. The emperor urged him, "You already head the Secretariat and the Bureau; only the Censorate remains—await further orders." In the second month he was made Censor-in-Chief while retaining his titles as Commissioner with Credentials Equal to the Three Dukes, Upper Pillar of State, Recorder of Weighty Affairs, and Prince of Taiping. Soon he was again appointed Right Grand Councillor, Supervisor of the National History, Administrator of Military Affairs, and commander of the Longyi Guard, wearing the tiger tally previously granted and retaining all his former honors including Darqan and Prince of Taiping.

十二月丁亥，文宗以燕鐵木兒有大勳勞于王室，封其曾祖父班都察溧陽王，曾祖妣玉龍徹溧陽王夫人，祖父土土哈昇王，祖妣太塔你昇王夫人，父床兀兒揚王，母也先帖你、公主察吉兒並為揚王夫人。三年二月，文宗欲昭其勳，詔命禮部尚書馬祖常制文立石於北郊。至順元年五月乙丑，帝又以屢頒寵數未足以報大勳，下詔命獨為丞相以尊異之。略曰：「燕鐵木兒勳勞惟舊，忠勇多謀，奮大義以成功，致治平於期月，宜專獨運，以重秉鈞。授以開府儀同三司、上柱國、太師、太平王、荅剌罕、中書右丞相、錄軍國重事、監修國史、提調燕王宮相府事、大都督、領龍翊親軍都指揮使司事。凡號令、刑名、選法、錢糧、造作，一切中書政務，悉聽緫裁。諸王、公主、駙馬、近侍人員，大小諸衙門官員人等，敢有隔越聞奏，以違制論。」

On the dinghai day of the twelfth month Wenzong, honoring El Temür's great service to the dynasty, enfeoffed his ancestors: great-grandfather Banducha as Prince of Liyang, great-grandmother Yulongche as his consort, grandfather Tutuqa as Prince Sheng, grandmother Tatai as his consort, father Chen'er as Prince Yang, and mother Yexianteni and Princess Chaqir as Ladies of Prince Yang. In the second month of the third year Wenzong wished to commemorate his merit and ordered Minister of Rites Ma Zuchang to compose an inscription and erect a stele at the northern suburb. On the yichou day of the fifth month of the first year of Zhishun the emperor, judging repeated honors insufficient to repay his great service, issued an edict making him sole chief minister in exceptional recognition. It read in part: "El Temür's service is of long standing; he is loyal, brave, and resourceful. He upheld righteousness to victory and brought order within a month. He should wield sole authority as the pivot of state. He was granted Commissioner with Credentials Equal to the Three Dukes, Upper Pillar of State, Grand Preceptor, Prince of Taiping, Darqan, Right Grand Councillor, Recorder of Weighty Affairs, Supervisor of the National History, Supervisor of the Prince of Yan's household, Great Commander, and commander of the Longyi Guard. All orders, law, appointments, revenue, and construction—in short, all Secretariat affairs—were placed entirely under his authority. Imperial princes, princesses, sons-in-law, attendants, and officials of every office who bypassed him in memorializing would be punished for violating regulations."

六月，知樞密院事闊徹伯、脫脫木兒等十人惡其權勢之重，欲謀害之。也的迷失、脫迷以其謀告燕鐵木兒，即率欽察軍掩捕按問，皆誅之。二年二月，為建第於興聖宮之西南。三月，賜鷹坊百人。十一月癸未，詔養其子塔剌海為子。辛酉，以燕鐵木兒兼奎章閣大學士，領奎章閣學士院事。賜龍慶州之流盃園池水磑土田。又賜平江、松江、江陰蘆場、簜山、沙塗、沙田等地。因言平江、松江圩田五百頃有奇，糧七千七百石，願增為萬石入官，以所得餘米贍弟撒敦，詔從之。

In the sixth month Kuochebo, Tuotuomur, and ten others, resenting his overwhelming power, plotted to kill him. Yademishi and Tuomi revealed the plot to El Temür, who immediately led Qipchaq troops to arrest and interrogate them. All were executed. In the second month of the second year a residence was built for him southwest of the Xingsheng Palace. In the third month he was granted a hundred men from the imperial falconry. On the guiwei day of the eleventh month an edict ordered that his son Talahai be adopted as the emperor's son. On the xinyou day El Temür was additionally made Grand Academician of the Kui Zhang Pavilion and placed in charge of its academy. He was granted the Liubei Garden, its pool and watermill, and adjoining fields in Longqing Prefecture. He was further granted reed marshes, Daishan, sand flats, tidal fields, and other lands in Pingjiang, Songjiang, and Jiangyin. He reported that the polder fields of Pingjiang and Songjiang totaled more than five hundred qing and yielded seven thousand seven hundred shi of grain. He asked to raise the official quota to ten thousand shi and use the surplus to support his brother Sadun. The emperor approved.

是時，撒敦已死，唐其勢為中書左丞相，伯顏獨用事。唐其勢忿曰：「天下本我家天下也，伯顏何人而位居吾上。」遂與撒敦弟荅里潛蓄異心，交通所親諸王晃火帖木兒，謀援立以危社稷。帝數召荅里不至。郯王徹徹禿遂發其謀。六月三十日，唐其勢伏兵東郊，身率勇士突入宮闕。伯顏及完者帖木兒、定住、闊里吉思等掩捕獲之。唐其勢及其弟塔剌海皆伏誅。而其黨北奔荅里所，荅里即應以兵，殺使者哈兒哈倫、阿魯灰用以禡旗。帝遣阿弼諭之，又殺阿弼，而率其黨和尚、剌剌等逆戰，為搠思監、火兒灰、哈剌那海等所敗，遂奔晃火帖木兒。命孛羅、晃火兒不花追襲之，力窮勢促，阿魯渾察執荅里等送上都戮之。晃火帖木兒自殺。怯薛官阿察赤亦預唐其勢之謀，欲殺伯顏，後擒付有司，具伏其辜，伏誅。

By then Sadun was dead. Tangqishi served as Left Grand Councillor, while Bayan alone held real power. Tangqishi fumed, "The empire belongs to our family. Who is Bayan to rank above me?" He then secretly plotted with Sadun's brother Dali, colluded with Prince Huohuotimur, and schemed to put the prince on the throne and overthrow the dynasty. The emperor summoned Dali repeatedly, but he refused to appear. The Prince of Tan, Chechetu, then exposed the conspiracy. On the thirtieth day of the sixth month Tangqishi concealed troops in the eastern suburbs and personally led warriors in a surprise attack on the palace. Bayan, Ojar Timur, Dingzhu, Koroghos, and others seized him in a surprise raid. Tangqishi and his brother Talahai were both executed. His followers fled north to Dali, who immediately took up arms, killed the envoys Qarqaqan and Aruqai, and used their blood to consecrate his battle standard. The emperor sent Aibi to reason with him, but Dali killed Aibi too, then led his followers Heshang, Lala, and others into battle. Suosijian, Huo'erhui, Qalanaqai, and others defeated them, and he fled to Huohuotimur. Boluo and Huohu'erbuqa were ordered to pursue them. When Dali's forces were spent, Aruqunqa captured him and his companions and sent them to Shangdu for execution. Huohuotimur took his own life. The kesig officer Achzhi had also joined Tangqishi's plot and planned to kill Bayan. He was later captured, confessed fully, and was executed.

初，唐其勢事敗被擒，攀折殿檻不肯出。塔剌海走匿皇后坐下，后蔽之以衣，左右曳出斬之，血濺后衣。伯顏奏曰：「豈有兄弟為逆而皇后黨之者！」并執后。后呼帝曰：「陛下救我。」帝曰：「汝兄弟為逆，豈能相救邪！」乃遷皇后出宮，尋酖之于開平民舍，遂簿錄唐其勢家。

When Tangqishi's coup failed and he was seized, he clung to the hall balustrades, breaking them, and refused to be dragged out. Talahai fled and hid under the empress's seat. She covered him with her robe, but attendants dragged him out and beheaded him, splashing blood on her clothing. Bayan memorialized, "How can the empress shield rebels who are her own brothers?" He had the empress arrested as well. The empress cried to the emperor, "Your Majesty, save me!" The emperor replied, "Your brothers rebelled. How can I save you?" He removed the empress from the palace and soon had her poisoned in a commoner's house at Kaiping, then seized and inventoried Tangqishi's estate.

伯颜，蔑兒吉䚟氏。曾大父探馬哈兒，給事宿衛。大父稱海，從憲宗伐宋，歿於王事。父謹只兒，緫宿衛隆福太后宮。

Bayan was a Merkit. His great-grandfather Tanqadar served in the imperial guard. His grandfather Chenghai followed Möngke's campaign against Song and died in the emperor's service. His father Jinzhir commanded the guard of Empress Dowager Longfu's palace.

伯顏弘毅深沉，明達果斷。年十五，奉成宗命侍武宗于藩邸。大德三年，從北征海都。五年，從至迭怯里古之地，力戰，又至哈剌塔之地，累捷，功為諸將先。十年，斡羅思、失班等逃奔察八兒之地，武宗命伯顏追降之。十一年，武宗大會諸王駙馬於和林，錫號曰伯顏拔都兒。

Bayan was resolute and deep-minded, clear-sighted and decisive. At fifteen he was ordered by Chengzong to attend Prince Wuzong at his residence. In 1299 he joined the northern campaign against Haidu. In 1301 he fought fiercely at Diekeligu and again at Qalata, winning repeated victories and ranking first among the generals in merit. In 1306, when Oros, Shiban, and others fled to Chabar's territory, Wuzong ordered Bayan to pursue them and accept their surrender. In 1307 Wuzong held a great assembly of princes and sons-in-law at Karakorum and granted him the title Bayan Bagatur.

致和元年七月，泰定帝崩。八月，丞相燕鐵木兒遣明里董阿迎立武宗子懷王於江陵，道過河南，使以謀密告伯顏。伯顏嘆曰：「此吾君之子也。吾夙荷武皇厚恩，委以心膂，今爵位至此，非覬萬一為己富貴計，大義所臨，曷敢顧望。」即集僚屬明告以故。於是會計倉廩、府庫、穀粟、金帛之數，乘輿供御、牢餼膳羞、徒旅委積、士馬芻糒供億之須，以及賞賚犒勞之用，靡不備至。不足，則檄州縣募民折輸明年田租，及貸商人貨貲，約倍息以償。又不足，則邀東南常賦之經河南者，輒止之以給其費。徵發民丁，增置驛馬，補城櫓，浚濠池，修戰守之具，嚴徼邏斥堠，日被堅執銳，與僚佐曹掾籌其便宜。即遣蒙哥不花以其事馳告懷王。又使羅里報燕鐵木兒曰：「公盡力京師，河南事我當自效。」伯顏別募勇士五千人以迎帝于南，而躬勒兵以俟。參政脫別台曰：「今蒙古軍馬與宿衛之士皆在上都，而令探馬赤軍守諸隘，吾恐此事之不可成也。我等圖保性命，他何計哉？」伯顏不從其言。其夜，脫別台手刃欲殺伯顏為變，伯顏覺，遂拔劍殺之，奪其所部軍器，收馬千二百騎。懷王命撒里不花拜伯顏河南行省左丞相。懷王至河南，伯顏屬櫜，擐甲冑，與百官父老導入，咸俯伏稱萬歲，即上前叩頭勸進。懷王解金鎧、御服、寶刀及海東白鶻、文豹賜伯顏。明日扈從北行。

In the seventh month of 1328 Emperor Taiding died. In the eighth month Chief Councillor El Temür sent Minglidong'a to welcome Wuzong's son Prince Huai at Jiangling and, passing through Henan, secretly informed Bayan of the plan. Bayan sighed, "This is my lord's son. I have long owed Wuzong a deep debt and was trusted as one of his closest men. My rank is high, but I do not seek the smallest gain for myself. When duty calls, how can I hold back?" He immediately assembled his staff and explained the situation plainly. He then took stock of granaries, treasuries, grain, gold, and silk; calculated supplies for the imperial journey, ritual offerings, provisions for troops and horses, and funds for rewards and consolation—and prepared everything without exception. Where funds still fell short, he ordered the prefectures and counties to advance next year's land tax from the people and to borrow from merchants, promising repayment at double interest. If that was still not enough, he intercepted the regular tribute shipments from the southeast passing through Henan and diverted them to cover the costs. He conscripted laborers, added post horses, repaired walls and moats, prepared weapons of war, tightened patrols and outposts, and day after day wore armor while conferring with his staff on strategy. He immediately sent Mengkebuhua by post-horse to inform Prince Huai. He also sent Luoli to tell El Temür, "Do your utmost at the capital—I will handle Henan myself." Bayan separately recruited five thousand warriors to welcome the emperor from the south and personally took command to await his arrival. Vice Administrator Tobetai said, "The Mongol armies and palace guards are all at Shangdu, and tamachi troops hold the passes. I fear this cannot succeed. We should think only of saving our own lives. What other plan is there?" Bayan refused to listen. That night Tobetai tried to kill Bayan in a mutiny. Bayan detected the attempt, drew his sword and killed him, seized his troops' weapons, and took twelve hundred horses. Prince Huai had Saribuhua appoint Bayan Left Grand Councillor of the Henan Branch Secretariat. When Prince Huai reached Henan, Bayan wore bow case and quiver and full armor, and with officials and local elders escorted him in. All prostrated themselves and shouted their homage. Bayan then stepped forward, kowtowed, and urged the prince to take the throne. Prince Huai gave Bayan his golden armor, imperial robes, precious saber, an eastern-sea white gyrfalcon, and a patterned leopard. The next day he escorted the prince north.

四年六月，順帝至自南服，入踐大位，嘉伯顏翊戴之功，拜中書右丞相、上柱國、監修國史。元統二年，進太師、奎章閣大學士，領太史院，兼領司天監、威武、阿速諸衛。奏復經筵，加知經筵事。十一月，進封秦王。繼領太禧宗禋院、中政院、宣政院、隆祥使司、宮相諸內府，緫領蒙古、欽察、斡羅思諸衛親軍都指揮使。三年六月，唐其勢及其弟塔剌海私蓄異志，謀危社稷，伯顏奉詔誅之。餘黨稱兵，又親率師往上都，擊破其衆。七月，伯顏鴆殺皇后伯牙吾氏，為匿唐其勢、塔剌海于后宮。伯顏怒曰：「豈有兄弟謀不軌而姊妹黨之者乎！」遂鴆之。詔諭天下，用國初故事，賜伯顏以荅剌罕之號，俾世襲之。

In the sixth month of the fourth year Emperor Shun returned from the south and took the throne. Honoring Bayan's role in installing him, he appointed him Right Grand Councillor, Upper Pillar of State, and Supervisor of the National History. In the second year of Yuantong he was made Grand Preceptor and Grand Academician of the Kui Zhang Pavilion, placed in charge of the Bureau of Astronomy, and given concurrent command of the Directorate of Astronomy and the Uwei and Asud guards. He memorialized to restore the imperial lecture series and was made its administrator. In the eleventh month he was enfeoffed as Prince of Qin. He went on to direct the Bureau of Imperial Sacrifices, the Central Administration Bureau, the Xuanzheng Bureau, the Longxiang Commission, and other inner palace offices, and to command the Mongol, Qipchaq, and Oros guards. In the sixth month of the third year Tangqishi and his brother Talahai secretly plotted against the dynasty. Bayan received orders and put them to death. When the remaining rebels took up arms, he personally led troops to Shangdu and defeated them. In the seventh month Bayan poisoned Empress Bayiyu for sheltering Tangqishi and Talahai in the inner palace. Bayan raged, "How can a sister shield brothers who plot treason!" He had her poisoned. An edict was issued throughout the realm. Following the founding precedent, Bayan was granted the title Darqan as a hereditary honor.

然伯顏自誅唐其勢之後，獨秉國鈞，專權自恣，變亂祖宗成憲，虐害天下，漸有姦謀。帝患之。初，伯顏欲以其姪脫脫宿衛，伺帝起居，懼涉物議，乃以樞密知院汪家奴、翰林承旨沙剌班同侍禁近，實屬意脫脫。故脫脫政令日修而衛士拱聽約束。伯顏自領諸衛精兵，以燕者不花為屏蔽，導從之盛，填溢街衢。而帝側儀衛反落落如晨星。勢燄薰灼，天下之人惟知有伯顏而已。脫脫深憂之，乘間自陳忘家徇國之意，帝猶未之信。遣阿魯、世傑班日以忠義與之往復論難，益知其心無他，遂聞于帝，帝始無疑。是年，車駕自上都還京，伯顏數以兵巡行紅城諸處，歸輒在後。三人謀益堅，伯顏不知，益逞凶虐，搆陷郯王徹徹篤，奏賜死，帝未允，輒傳旨行刑。復奏貶宣讓王帖木兒不花、威順王寬徹普化，辭色憤厲，不待旨而行。帝益忿之。伯顏且日益立威，鍛鍊諸獄延及無辜。

After executing Tangqishi, however, Bayan alone held the reins of power. He ruled arbitrarily, overturned ancestral institutions, oppressed the realm, and gradually turned to treacherous designs. The emperor grew alarmed. At first Bayan wanted his nephew Toqto'a in the palace guard to watch the emperor's movements, but fearing criticism he posted Wangjianu and Shaban at court while placing his real trust in Toqto'a. Toqto'a's authority grew daily, and the guards obeyed him without question. Bayan personally commanded elite guard troops, with Yanzhebuhua as his shield. His escort filled the streets. The emperor's own guard, by contrast, was sparse as morning stars. His power blazed so fiercely that the people knew no authority but Bayan's. Toqto'a was deeply troubled. He seized a moment to declare his willingness to put the state before family, but the emperor still did not trust him. He sent Aru and Shijieban to debate loyalty and duty with Toqto'a day after day, and became convinced of his sincerity. He reported this to the emperor, who at last believed him. That year, as the emperor returned from Shangdu to the capital, Bayan repeatedly patrolled the Hongcheng region with troops and always brought up the rear on the march home. The three conspirators grew more resolute, but Bayan knew nothing. He grew ever more brutal, framed the Prince of Tan Chechedu, and memorialized for his death. When the emperor refused, he issued the order himself and had him executed. He also memorialized to degrade Prince Xuanrang Temurbuqa and Prince Weishun Kuanchipuhua, speaking with furious insistence and acting without waiting for the emperor's approval. The emperor's anger deepened. Bayan daily sought to intimidate further, fabricating cases that ensnared the innocent.

六年二月，伯顏自領兵衛，請帝出田。脫脫告帝托疾不往。伯顏固請太子燕帖古思出次柳林。脫脫欲有所為，遂與世傑班、阿魯合議，白于帝。戊戌，脫脫悉拘門鑰，受密旨領軍，阿魯、世傑班侍帝側傳命。是夜，帝御玉德殿，主符檄，發號令，詳見脫脫傳。中夜二鼓，遣太子怯薛月可察兒率三十騎抵太子營，取之入城，夜半見帝。四鼓，命只兒瓦歹奉詔往柳林，出伯顏為河南行省左丞相。己亥，伯顏遣人來城下問故。脫脫倨城門上宣言，有旨黜丞相一人，諸從官無罪，可各還本衛。伯顏奏乞陛辭，不許，遂行。道出真定，父老奉觴酒以進。伯顏問曰：「爾曾見子殺父事耶？」父老曰：「不曾見子殺父，惟見臣殺君。」伯顏俛首有慚色。三月辛未，詔徙南恩州陽春縣安置，病死于龍興路驛舍。

In the second month of the sixth year Bayan personally led armed guards and asked the emperor to go hunting. Toqto'a advised the emperor to plead illness and stay away. Bayan insisted that Crown Prince Yanchigusi go out and encamp at Liulin. Toqto'a planned to act. He conferred with Shijieban and Aru and reported to the emperor. On the wuxu day Toqto'a seized all the gate keys, received secret orders, and took command of the troops, while Aru and Shijieban waited at the emperor's side to relay his commands. That night the emperor took command in the Yude Hall, issuing seals and orders; the full account appears in Toqto'a's biography. At the second watch of midnight he sent the crown prince's kesig Yuekecha'er with thirty horsemen to the prince's camp, brought him into the city, and presented him to the emperor at midnight. At the fourth watch he ordered Jirwadai to carry an edict to Liulin removing Bayan and appointing him Left Grand Councillor of the Henan Branch Secretariat. On the jihai day Bayan sent men to the city wall to ask what had happened. Toqto'a stood atop the gate and proclaimed, "By edict one chief councillor is dismissed. His attendants are not guilty and may return to their guards." Bayan asked to bid farewell to the emperor, but permission was refused, and he departed. Passing through Zhending, local elders offered him wine. Bayan asked, "Have you ever seen a son kill his father?" The elders replied, "We have never seen a son kill his father—only a minister kill his ruler." Bayan bowed his head, ashamed. On the xinwei day of the third month an edict ordered him resettled in Yangchun County, Nan'en Prefecture. He died of illness at a post station in Longxing Circuit.

馬札兒台

Mazhaertai

馬札兒台，世系見兄伯顏傳。馬札兒台蚤扈從武宗，後侍仁宗於潛邸，出入恭謹，蒞事敏達，仁宗說之。及立為皇太子，以為中順大夫、典用太監。尋遷吏部郎中，陞侍郎，進兵部尚書，遷利用卿，進度支卿，轉同知典瑞院事，陞院使，歷大都路達魯花赤，佩虎符，領虎賁親軍都指揮使。

Mazhaertai's lineage is recorded in the biography of his elder brother Bayan. Mazhaertai early served Wuzong, then attended Renzong at his princely residence. He was respectful in deportment and quick and capable in affairs, and Renzong was pleased with him. When Renzong was made crown prince, Mazhaertai was appointed Grand Master of Palace Attendance and Director of the Directorate of Palace Supplies. He was soon made Director in the Ministry of Personnel, then Vice Minister, then Minister of War, then Director of the Directorate of Palace Use, then Director of the Directorate of Revenue, then Vice Director and Commissioner of the Directorate of Imperial Insignia, served as darughachi of Dadu Circuit with the tiger tally, and commanded the Huben Guard.

泰定四年，拜陝西行臺治書侍御史，關陝大饑，賑貸有不及者，盡出私財以周貧民，所活甚衆。轉太府卿，又轉都功德使，改宣政使。三遷皆仍太府卿，佩元降虎符，領高麗女直漢軍萬戶府達魯花赤。拜御史大夫，仍領高麗女直漢軍，兼右衛阿速親軍都指揮使司達魯花赤，提調承徽寺。尋遷知樞密院事，兼前職，加提調武備寺事，加金牌，領欽察闖闖帖木兒千戶所；又仍以知樞密院事，加鎮守海口侍衛親軍屯儲都指揮使司達魯花赤，餘如故。

In the fourth year of Taiding he was appointed Secretariat Inspector on the Shaanxi Branch Secretariat. When a severe famine struck Guan and Shaanxi and official relief could not reach everyone, he spent his own fortune to help the destitute and saved a great many lives. He was made Director of the Palace Storehouse, then Commissioner of Merit Works, and then Commissioner of the Bureau of Buddhist and Tibetan Affairs. Through all three promotions he retained the post of Director of the Palace Storehouse, wore the imperial tiger tally, and served as darughachi of the Goryeo, Jurchen, and Han Army Ten-thousand Households Office. He was appointed Grand Censor while continuing to command the Goryeo, Jurchen, and Han Army, and concurrently served as darughachi of the Right Wing Asud Guard Command with supervisory authority over Chenghui Temple. Soon he was promoted to Administrator of Military Affairs while keeping his previous posts, given added supervisory authority over Wubei Temple, granted the gold tally, and put in charge of the Qipchaq Chanchan Temür thousand-household office; He was again made Administrator of Military Affairs and additionally appointed darughachi of the Haikou Guard Army Depot Command, with all other posts unchanged.

馬扎兒台所至不以察察為明，赫赫為威，僚屬各效其勤，至於事功既成，未嘗以為己出也。以仁宗寵遇之深，忌日必先百官詣原廟致敬，或一食一果之美，必持獻廟中。仁宗嘗建寺雲州九峰山，未成而崩，馬扎兒台以私財成之，曰：「是雖未足以報先帝之恩，而先帝嘗駐蹕於茲，誠不忍過其所而坐視蕪廢也。」又建寺都城健德門東。十二年，特命改封德王，令翰林儒臣製詞立碑，仍賜旌忠昭德之額。長子脫脫，次子也先帖木兒。

Wherever Mazhaertai served, he did not equate sharp-eyed scrutiny with wisdom or imposing display with authority. His subordinates gave their best, and when work was done well he never took the credit. Because Emperor Renzong had favored him so deeply, on Renzong's death anniversary he always arrived at the ancestral temple ahead of the other officials to pay homage. Even a single choice dish or fruit he would bring and offer at the temple. Emperor Renzong had begun building a temple on Jiufeng Mountain in Yunzhou, but died before it was finished. Mazhaertai completed it at his own expense, saying, "This hardly repays the late emperor's kindness, but he once halted here — I cannot pass the spot where he once rested and watch it fall into ruin." He also built a temple east of Jiande Gate in the capital. In the twelfth year he was specially enfeoffed as Prince of De. Hanlin scholars were ordered to compose the stele inscription, and he was also granted a plaque reading "Loyalty and Virtue Proclaimed." His eldest son was Toqto'a; his second son was Yexiantemur.

是時，其伯父伯顏為中書右丞相，既誅唐其勢，益無所忌，擅爵人，赦死罪，任邪佞，殺無辜，諸衛精兵收為己用，府庫錢帛聽其出納。帝積不能平。脫脫雖幼養於伯顏，常憂其敗，私請於其父曰：「伯父驕縱已甚，萬一天子震怒，則吾族赤矣。曷若於未敗圖之。」其父以為然，復懷疑久未決。質之直方，直方曰：「傳有之，『大義滅親』。大夫但知忠於國家耳，餘復何顧焉。」當是時，帝之左右前後皆伯顏所樹親黨，獨世傑班、阿魯為帝腹心，日與之處。脫脫遂與二人深相結納。而錢唐楊瑀嘗事帝潛邸，為奎章閣廣成局副使，得出入禁中，帝知其可用，每三人論事，使瑀參焉。

At that time his uncle Bayan was Right Grand Councillor. After executing Tangqishi he grew ever bolder: he ennobled men at will, pardoned capital offenders, employed corrupt flatterers, killed the innocent, took the elite guard troops for himself, and treated the treasury as his own. The emperor's resentment built until he could bear it no longer. Though Toqto'a had been raised in Bayan's household from childhood, he constantly feared disaster and privately urged his father, "Uncle has grown wildly arrogant. If the emperor should be provoked to wrath, our whole clan will be destroyed. Would it not be better to act before disaster strikes?" His father agreed, but still hesitated and for a long time could not decide. He asked Wu Zhifang's advice. Zhifang said, "The tradition tells us: 'Righteousness may require destroying one's own kin. You need only be loyal to the state — what else is there to weigh?" At that time everyone around the emperor was a partisan Bayan had placed there. Only Shijieban and Aru were the emperor's trusted intimates, and he saw them daily. Toqto'a then formed a close alliance with the two men. Yang Yu of Qiantang had served the emperor at his princely residence and was Deputy Commissioner of the Kuizhang Pavilion Guangcheng Bureau, with access to the inner palace. Knowing him trustworthy, the emperor had Yu join whenever the three men met to discuss affairs.

五年秋，車駕留上都，伯顏時出赴應昌。脫脫與世傑班、阿魯謀欲禦之東門外，懼弗勝而止。會河南范孟矯殺省臣，事連廉訪使段輔，伯顏風臺臣言漢人不可為廉訪使。時別兒怯不花亦為御史大夫，畏人之議己，辭疾不出，故其章未上。伯顏促之急，監察御史以告脫脫。脫脫曰：「別兒怯不花位吾上，且掌印，我安敢專邪？」別兒怯不花聞之懼，且將出。脫脫度不能遏，謀於直方。直方曰：「此祖宗法度，決不可廢，盍先為上言之。」脫脫入告于帝，及章上，帝如脫脫言。伯顏知出於脫脫，大怒，言於帝曰：「脫脫雖臣之子，其心專佑漢人，必當治之。」帝曰：「此皆朕意，非脫脫罪也。」及伯顏擅貶宣讓、威順二王，帝不勝其忿，決意逐之。一日，泣語脫脫，脫脫亦泣下，歸與直方謀。直方曰：「此宗社安危所繫，不可不密。議論之際，左右為誰？」曰：「阿魯及脫脫木兒。」直方曰：「子之伯父，挾震主之威，此輩苟利富貴，其語一泄，則主危身戮矣。」脫脫乃延二人于家，置酒張樂，晝夜不令出。遂與世傑班、阿魯議，候伯顏入朝禽之。戒衛士嚴宮門出入，螭坳悉為置兵。伯顏見之大驚，召脫脫責之。對曰：「天子所居，防禦不得不爾。」伯顏遂疑脫脫，益增兵自衛。

In the autumn of the fifth year the emperor remained at Shangdu while Bayan went out to Yingchang. Toqto'a, Shijieban, and Aru planned to intercept him outside the eastern gate, but fearing they would not prevail, they abandoned the plan. Then Fan Meng of Henan forged orders and murdered the provincial officials, implicating surveillance commissioner Duan Fu. Bayan prompted the censorial officials to argue that Han Chinese should not serve as surveillance commissioners. At that time Bie'erqiebuhua was also Grand Censor. Fearing criticism, he pleaded illness and stayed away, so the memorial had not yet been submitted. Bayan pressed the matter urgently. A supervising censor reported this to Toqto'a. Toqto'a said, "Bie'erqiebuhua outranks me and holds the seal — how dare I act on my own?" When Bie'erqiebuhua heard this he was frightened and prepared to go forward. Toqto'a saw he could not stop it and consulted Wu Zhifang. Zhifang said, "This is ancestral law and must not be abolished. Why not speak to the emperor first?" Toqto'a went in and reported to the emperor; when the memorial was submitted, the emperor sided with Toqto'a. Bayan knew Toqto'a was behind it and was furious. He told the emperor, "Though Toqto'a is my nephew, his heart is wholly with the Han — he must be punished." The emperor said, "This is entirely my decision — Toqto'a is not at fault." When Bayan on his own authority demoted the Princes of Xuanrang and Weishun, the emperor's fury overflowed and he resolved to drive Bayan out. One day the emperor wept as he spoke with Toqto'a. Toqto'a wept too, then went home to plan with Zhifang. Zhifang said, "This concerns the fate of the dynasty — secrecy is essential. When you discuss this, who will be at your side?" He answered, "Aru and Tuotuomur." Zhifang said, "Your uncle holds the awe of a man who controls his ruler. If these men, tempted by wealth and rank, let a word slip, the emperor will be endangered and you will be killed." Toqto'a then invited the two men to his house, entertained them with wine and music, and kept them there day and night. He then plotted with Shijieban and Aru to seize Bayan when he came to court. He ordered the guards to tighten control over the palace gates and posted soldiers throughout the outer court at the imperial steps. Bayan was greatly alarmed and summoned Toqto'a to rebuke him. Toqto'a replied, "Where the Son of Heaven dwells, defenses cannot be less than this." Bayan then grew suspicious of Toqto'a and increased his personal guard.

六年二月，伯顏請太子燕帖古思獵于柳林。脫脫與世傑班、阿魯合謀以所掌兵及宿衛士拒伯顏。戊戌，遂拘京城門鑰，命所親信列布城門下。是夜，奉帝御玉德殿，召近臣汪家奴，沙剌班及省院大臣先後入見，出五門聽命。又召瑀及江西范匯入草詔，數伯顏罪狀。詔成，夜已四鼓，命中書平章政事只兒瓦歹齎赴柳林。己亥，脫脫坐城門上，而伯顏亦遣騎士至城下問故。脫脫曰：「有旨逐丞相。」伯顏所領諸衛兵皆散，而伯顏遂南行。詳見伯顏傳中。事定，詔以馬扎兒台為中書右丞相；脫脫知樞密院事，虎符，忠翊衛親軍都指揮使，提調武備寺、阿速衛千戶所，兼紹熙等處軍民宣撫都緫使、宣忠兀羅思護衛親軍都指揮使司達魯花赤、昭功萬戶府都緫使。十月，馬扎兒台移疾辭相位，詔以太師就第。

In the second month of the sixth year Bayan asked that Crown Prince Yanchigusi go hunting at Liulin. Toqto'a, Shijieban, and Aru plotted to use the troops under their command and the palace guards to resist Bayan. On the wuxu day they seized the keys to the capital gates and posted trusted men at every gate. That night they escorted the emperor to the Yude Hall and summoned the close attendants Wangjianu and Shaban and the secretariat and military-affairs ministers in turn for audience, then sent them out the Five Gates to await orders. Yang Yu and Fan Hui of Jiangxi were also summoned to draft the edict listing Bayan's crimes. When the edict was finished it was already the fourth watch of the night. The emperor ordered Central Secretariat Grand Councillor Jierwadai to carry it to Liulin. On the jihai day Toqto'a sat atop the city gate while Bayan sent horsemen to the foot of the wall to ask what was happening. Toqto'a said, "There is an edict dismissing the chief councillor." The guard troops under Bayan's command all dispersed, and Bayan departed south. The full account appears in Bayan's biography. When the affair was settled, an edict appointed Mazhaertai Right Grand Councillor; Toqto'a was made Administrator of Military Affairs with the tiger tally, commander of the Zhongyi Guard, with supervisory authority over Wubei Temple and the Asud Guard thousand-household office, and concurrently Civil and Military Pacification Commissioner for Shaoxi and other districts, darughachi of the Xuanzhong Ulus Guard Command, and Commissioner of the Zhaogong Ten-thousand Households Office. In the tenth month Mazhaertai resigned the chief councillorship on grounds of illness; an edict made him Grand Preceptor and ordered him to remain at his residence.

三年，詔修遼、金、宋三史，命脫脫為都緫裁官。又請修至正條格頒天下。帝嘗御宣文閣，脫脫前奏曰：「陛下臨御以來，天下無事，宜留心聖學。頗聞左右多沮撓者，設使經史不足觀，世祖豈以是教裕皇哉？」即祕書監取裕宗所授書以進，帝大悅。皇太子愛猷識理達臘嘗保育于脫脫家，每有疾飲藥，必嘗之而進。帝嘗駐蹕雲州，遇烈風暴雨，山水大至，車馬人畜皆漂溺，脫脫抱皇太子單騎登山，乃免。至六歲還，帝慰撫之曰：「汝之勤勞，朕不忘也。」脫脫乃以私財造大壽元忠國寺於健德門外，為皇太子祝釐，其費為鈔十二萬二千錠。

In the third year an edict ordered the compilation of the histories of Liao, Jin, and Song, and Toqto'a was appointed chief editor-in-chief. He also requested that the Zhizheng legal code be revised and promulgated throughout the realm. The emperor once held audience at the Xuanwen Pavilion. Toqto'a stepped forward and said, "Since Your Majesty began your reign the realm has been at peace — you should devote yourself to the study of the sages. I hear that many around you discourage it. Even if the classics and histories were unworthy of study, would Kublai have used them to instruct Crown Prince Yuzong?" He immediately had the Directorate of Palace Archives fetch the books Crown Prince Yuzong had studied and present them to the emperor, who was greatly pleased. Crown Prince Ayurshiridara had been raised in Toqto'a's household. Whenever the prince fell ill and took medicine, Toqto'a always tasted it first before giving it to him. The emperor once halted at Yunzhou when a violent storm struck and mountain floods swept away horses, carts, men, and livestock. Toqto'a, carrying the crown prince, rode alone up the mountain and escaped. When the prince returned home at age six, the emperor comforted Toqto'a and said, "Your devotion — I shall not forget it." Toqto'a then built the Dashou Yuanzhong Guo Temple outside Jiande Gate at his own expense to pray for the crown prince's blessing, at a cost of one hundred twenty-two thousand ding of paper notes.

四年閏月，領宣政院事。諸山主僧請復僧司，且曰：「郡縣所苦，如坐地獄。」脫脫曰：「若復僧司，何異地獄中復置地獄邪？」時有疾漸羸，且術者亦言年月不利，乃上表辭位，帝不允，表凡十七上始從之。有旨封鄭王，食邑安豐，賞賚巨萬，俱辭不受。乃賜松江田，為立稻田提領所以領之。

In the intercalary month of the fourth year he took charge of the Bureau of Buddhist and Tibetan Affairs. Chief monks from the various mountains petitioned to restore the monastic registry office, saying, "What the commanderies and counties suffer is like sitting in hell." Toqto'a said, "If the monastic registry is restored, how is that different from building another hell inside hell?" By then his illness was gradually wasting him away, and diviners also said the year and month were unfavorable. He submitted a memorial resigning his post, but the emperor refused. Only after seventeen memorials did he finally consent. An edict offered to enfeoff him as Prince of Zheng with a fief at Anfeng and reward him with vast gifts, but he declined them all. He was then granted fields in Songjiang, and a rice-field supervisory office was established to manage them.

七年，別兒怯不花為右丞相，以宿憾譖其父馬扎兒台。詔徙甘肅。脫脫力請俱行，在道則閱騎乘廬帳，食則視其品之精粗，及至其地，馬扎兒台安之。復移西域撒思之地，至河，召還甘州就養。十一月，馬扎兒台薨。帝念脫脫勳勞，召還京師。

In the seventh year Bie'erqiebuhua became Right Grand Councillor and, nursing an old grudge, slandered Toqto'a's father Mazhaertai. An edict ordered him exiled to Gansu. Toqto'a strongly pleaded to go with him. On the road he inspected the horses and tents; at meals he checked the quality of the food; and when they reached their destination Mazhaertai was content. He was then moved to Sasin in the Western Regions, but when they reached the river he was recalled to Ganzhou to be cared for. In the eleventh month Mazhaertai died. Mindful of Toqto'a's service, the emperor summoned him back to the capital.

八年，命脫脫為太傅，提調宮傅，綜理東宮之事。九年，朶兒只、太平皆罷相，遂詔脫脫復為中書右丞相，賜上尊、名馬、襲衣、玉帶。脫脫既復入中書，恩怨無不報。時開端本堂，皇太子學於其中，命脫脫領端本堂事。又提調阿速、欽察二衛、內史府、宣政院、太醫院事。

In the eighth year Toqto'a was appointed Grand Preceptor, given supervisory authority over the palace tutors, and put in charge of Eastern Palace affairs. In the ninth year Duo'erzhi and Taiping were both dismissed as chief councillors. An edict then restored Toqto'a as Right Grand Councillor and granted him fine wine, famous horses, ceremonial robes, and a jade belt. Once Toqto'a was back in the Secretariat, he settled every score — of gratitude and of grievance alike. At that time the Hall of the Correct Root was opened for the crown prince's studies, and Toqto'a was ordered to head it. He was also given supervisory authority over the Asud and Qipchaq guards, the Inner Secretariat, the Bureau of Buddhist and Tibetan Affairs, and the Imperial Medical Service.

十年五月，居母薊國夫人憂。帝遣近臣喻之，俾出理庶務。於是脫脫用烏古孫良楨、龔伯遂、汝中柏、伯帖木兒等為僚屬，皆委以腹心之寄，小大之事悉與之謀，事行而群臣不知也。吏部尚書偰哲篤建言更造至正交鈔，脫脫信之，詔集樞密院、御史臺、翰林、集賢院諸臣議之，皆唯唯而已，獨祭酒呂思誠言其不可，脫脫不悅。既而終變鈔法，而鈔竟不行。事見思誠傳。

In the fifth month of the tenth year he went into mourning for his mother, Lady Ji of the State. The emperor sent a close attendant to tell him to leave mourning and resume public duties. Toqto'a then took Wugusun Liangzhen, Gong Bosui, Ru Zhongbai, Bo Temur, and others as his staff, entrusting them with his full confidence. He consulted them on everything, great and small, and when decisions were carried out the rest of the court often knew nothing. Minister of Personnel Xi Zhedu proposed reissuing the Zhizheng paper currency. Toqto'a believed him and ordered officials from the Bureau of Military Affairs, the Censorate, the Hanlin Academy, and the Academy of Gathered Worthies to discuss the plan. All merely assented, but Academician Lü Sicheng alone objected. Toqto'a was displeased. In the end the currency system was changed, but the new notes never took hold. The full account appears in Lü Sicheng's biography.

河決白茅堤，又決金堤，方數千里，民被其患，五年不能塞。脫脫用賈魯計請塞之，以身任其事。出告群臣曰：「皇帝方憂下民，為大臣者職當分憂。然事有難為，猶疾有難治，自古河患即難治之疾也，今我必欲去其疾。」而人人異論，皆不聽。乃奏以賈魯為工部尚書，緫治河防，使發河南北兵民十七萬役之，築決堤成，使復故道。凡八月功成。事見河渠志。於是天子嘉其功，賜世襲荅剌罕之號。又敕儒臣歐陽玄製河平碑以載其功。仍賜淮安路為其食邑，郡邑長吏聽其自用。

The Yellow River burst the Baimao Dike and then the Jindi Dike. Over thousands of square li the people suffered, and for five years the breaches could not be sealed. Toqto'a adopted Jia Lu's plan to seal the breaches and took personal charge of the project. He told the ministers, "The emperor is troubled for the people — as his chief ministers it is our duty to share that burden. Yet some tasks are hard to accomplish, as some illnesses are hard to cure. Since ancient times river disasters have been just such an illness, and I am determined to cure it." Everyone had a different opinion, but he would hear none of them. He then memorialized appointing Jia Lu Minister of Works with overall charge of river defenses, mobilizing one hundred seventy thousand soldiers and civilians north and south of the Yellow River. The breached dikes were rebuilt and the river restored to its old course. The work was completed in eight months. The full account appears in the Treatise on Rivers and Canals. The emperor then praised his achievement and granted him the hereditary title of Darqan. He also ordered the scholar-official Ouyang Xuan to compose a stele commemorating the river's pacification. He further granted Huai'an Circuit as his personal fief, and local magistrates were to be appointed at his discretion.

已而汝、潁之間妖寇聚衆反，以紅巾為號，襄、樊、唐、鄧皆起而應之。十一年，脫脫乃奏以弟御史大夫也先帖木兒為知樞密院事，將諸衛兵十餘萬討之。克上蔡。既而駐兵沙河，軍中夜驚。也先帖木兒盡棄軍資器械，北奔汴梁，收散卒，屯朱仙鎮。朝廷以也先帖木兒不習兵，詔別將代之。也先帖木兒徑歸，昏夜入城，仍為御史大夫。陝西行臺監察御史十二人劾其喪師辱國之罪，脫脫怒，乃遷西行臺御史大夫朶兒直班為湖廣行省平章政事，而御史皆除各府添設判官，由是人皆莫敢言事。

Before long, rebel bandits between the Ru and Ying rivers rose in force under the banner of the Red Turbans, and uprisings spread through Xiangyang, Fan, Tang, and Deng. In the eleventh year Toqto'a memorialized appointing his younger brother Yexiantemur, Censor-in-Chief, as Administrator of Military Affairs and dispatching more than one hundred thousand guardsmen against them. He captured Shangcai. He then encamped at Shahe, where the army panicked one night. Yexiantemur abandoned all army supplies and equipment, fled north to Bianliang, regrouped scattered troops, and encamped at Zhuxian Zhen. Deeming Yexiantemur unfit for command, the court ordered another general to take his place. Yexiantemur returned directly, entered the city under cover of night, and retained his post as Censor-in-Chief. Twelve supervising censors of the Shaanxi Branch Secretariat impeached him for losing the army and disgracing the state. Toqto'a was furious. He transferred Branch Secretariat Censor-in-Chief Duo'erzhiban to Pacification Commissioner of Huguang and demoted all the censors to additional assistant magistrate posts in various prefectures. From then on no one dared speak out.

十二年，紅巾有號芝麻李者，據徐州。脫脫請自行討之，以逯魯曾為淮南宣慰使，募鹽丁及城邑趫捷，通二萬人，與所統兵俱發。九月，師次徐州，攻其西門。賊出戰，以鐵翎箭射馬首，脫脫不為動，麾軍奮擊之，大破其衆，入其外郛。明日，大兵四集，亟攻之，賊不能支，城破，芝麻李遁去。獲其黃繖旗鼓，燒其積聚，追擒其偽千戶數十人，遂屠其城。帝遣中書平章政事普化等即軍中命脫脫為太師，依前右丞相，趣還朝，而以樞密院同知禿赤等進師平潁、亳。師還，賜上尊、珠衣、白金、寶鞍。皇太子錫燕于私第。詔改徐州為武安州，而立碑以著其績。

In the twelfth year a Red Turban leader known as Sesame Li seized Xuzhou. Toqto'a asked to lead the campaign himself. He appointed Luluan Pacification Commissioner of Huainan, recruited salt laborers and able townsmen — twenty thousand in all — and marched out with his own troops. In the ninth month the army reached Xuzhou and assaulted the west gate. The rebels sallied out and shot iron-feathered arrows at his horse's head, but Toqto'a did not flinch. He waved his troops forward, routed the enemy, and pushed into the outer city. The next day reinforcements converged from all sides and pressed the assault. The rebels could not hold; the city fell and Sesame Li fled. They seized his yellow imperial parasol, banners, and drums, burned his stored provisions, captured dozens of rebel thousand-household commanders in pursuit, and then put the city to the sword. The emperor sent Secretariat Pacification Commissioner Puhua and others to the camp to appoint Toqto'a Grand Preceptor while keeping him as Right Grand Councillor, ordering him to hurry back to court while Associate Administrator Tuqi and others pushed on to pacify Ying and Bo. On the army's return he was rewarded with fine wine, pearl-inlaid robes, silver, and a jeweled saddle. The crown prince hosted a banquet at his private residence in his honor. An edict renamed Xuzhou Wu'an Prefecture and erected a stele commemorating his victory.

十三年三月，脫脫用左丞烏古孫良楨、右丞悟良哈台議，屯田京畿，以二人兼大司農卿，而脫脫領大司農事。西至西山，東至遷民鎮，南至保定、河間，北至檀、順州，皆引水利，立法佃種，歲乃大稔。

In the third month of the thirteenth year Toqto'a, acting on proposals from Left Councillor Wugusun Liangzhen and Right Councillor Wulianghatai, ordered garrison farming in the capital region. Both men were concurrently appointed Ministers of Grand Revenues while Toqto'a himself headed the ministry. From the Western Hills in the west to Qianmin Zhen in the east, from Baoding and Hejian in the south to Tan and Shun prefectures in the north — irrigated fields were opened by law, and the year brought a bumper harvest.

十四年，張士誠據高郵，屢招諭之不降，詔脫脫緫制諸王諸省軍討之。黜陟予奪一切庶政，悉聽便宜行事；省臺院部諸司聽選官屬；從行稟受節制。西域、西番皆發兵來助。旌旗累千里，金鼓震野，出師之盛，未有過之者。師次濟寧，遣官詣闕里祀孔子，過鄒縣祀孟子。十一月，至高郵。辛未至乙酉，連戰皆捷。分遣兵平六合，賊勢大蹙。俄有詔罪其老師費財，以河南行省左丞相太不花、中書平章政事月闊察兒、知樞密院事雪雪代將其兵，削其官爵，安置淮安。

In the fourteenth year Zhang Shicheng held Gaoyou. Despite repeated summons he refused to submit, and an edict put Toqto'a in overall command of the armies of princes and provinces to subdue him. Promotions, dismissals, rewards, and punishments — all routine administration — were entirely at his discretion; branch secretariats, the Censorate, military bureaus, ministries, and all other offices could choose their own staff; and everyone on campaign was subject to his command. Troops were dispatched from the Western Regions and Tibet to assist. Banners stretched for a thousand li and war drums shook the countryside — never had a campaign been launched on so magnificent a scale. The army halted at Jining. Officials were sent to Queli to sacrifice to Confucius, and at Zou County to sacrifice to Mencius. In the eleventh month they reached Gaoyou. From xinwei to yiyou they won victory after victory. Detachments were sent to pacify Luhe, and the rebels were driven into a corner. Suddenly an edict blamed him for keeping the army idle too long at ruinous expense. Henan Left Grand Councillor Tarbuka, Secretariat Pacification Commissioner Yuekuochae'r, and Military Affairs Administrator Xuexue replaced him in command; his titles were stripped and he was confined at Huai'an.

先是，脫脫之西行也，別兒怯不花欲陷之死。哈麻屢言于帝，召還近地，脫脫深德之，至是引為中書右丞。而是時脫脫信用汝中柏，由左司郎中參議中書省事，平章以下見其議事莫敢異同，惟哈麻不為之下。汝中柏因譖之脫脫，改為宣政院使，位居第三，於是哈麻深銜之。哈麻嘗與脫脫議授皇太子冊寶禮，脫脫每言：「中宮有子將置之何所？」以故久不行。脫脫將出師也，以汝中柏為治書侍御史，使輔也先帖木兒居中。汝中柏恐哈麻必為後患，欲去之。脫脫猶豫未決，令與也先帖木兒謀。也先帖木兒以其有功於己，不從。哈麻知之，遂譖脫脫於皇太子及皇后奇氏。會也先帖木兒方移疾家居，監察御史袁賽因不花等承哈麻風旨，上章劾之，三奏乃允；奪御史臺印，出都門外聽旨，以汪家奴為御史大夫；而脫脫亦有淮安之命。

Earlier, during Toqto'a's western campaign, Bie'erqiebuhua had sought to destroy him. Hama had repeatedly urged the emperor to recall Toqto'a to a nearby post. Toqto'a was deeply grateful and now appointed him Right Secretariat Councillor. At this time Toqto'a put his trust in Ru Zhongbai, who from his post as Left Department Director effectively ran Secretariat affairs. Officials down to the rank of Pacification Commissioner dared not contradict him — only Hama refused to bow to him. Ru Zhongbai slandered Hama to Toqto'a, who transferred Hama to Commissioner of the Xuanzheng Academy — a third-rank post — and Hama deeply resented it. Hama had once discussed with Toqto'a the ceremony for investing the crown prince with the seal and regalia. Toqto'a would always ask, "The empress has a son of her own — where would you place him? For this reason the ceremony was long deferred. When Toqto'a was about to take the field, he made Ru Zhongbai Investigating Censor to assist Yexiantemur in holding the capital. Ru Zhongbai feared Hama would become a future threat and wanted him removed. Toqto'a hesitated and ordered Yexiantemur consulted. Yexiantemur, because Hama had done him a service, refused. Hama learned of this and slandered Toqto'a to the crown prince and Empress Gi. Just then Yexiantemur was convalescing at home. Supervising censors Yuan Saiyinbuhua and others, acting on Hama's veiled instruction, submitted impeachments; only after three submissions was the charge approved; Yexiantemur's Censorate seal was seized and he was ordered to wait outside the capital gate for further orders; Wangjianu was made Censor-in-Chief; Toqto'a received the same order to be confined at Huai'an.

十二月辛亥，詔至軍中，參議龔伯遂曰：「將在軍，君命有所不受。且丞相出師時，嘗被密旨，今奉密旨一意進討可也。詔書且勿開，開則大事去矣。」脫脫曰：「天子詔我而我不從，是與天子抗也，君臣之義何在？」弗從。既聽詔，脫脫頓首謝曰：「臣至愚，荷天子寵靈，委以軍國重事，蚤夜戰兢，懼弗能勝。一旦釋此重負，上恩所及者深矣。」即出兵甲及名馬三千，分賜諸將，俾各帥所部以聽月闊察兒、雪雪節制。客省副使哈剌荅曰：「丞相此行，我輩必死他人之手，今日寧死丞相前。」拔刀刎頸而死。初命脫脫安置淮安，俄有旨移置亦集乃路。

On the xinhai day of the twelfth month the edict reached the army. Consultant Gong Bosui said, "A general in the field may disregard the sovereign's orders. When the chief councillor set out he received a secret edict. Obey that edict and press the attack — that is enough. Do not open the edict yet — once opened, all is lost. Toqto'a said, "If the emperor commands me and I refuse, I am resisting the throne. What then becomes of the bond between sovereign and subject? He would not heed him. After hearing the edict, Toqto'a kowtowed and said, "Your subject is utterly unworthy. Honored with the emperor's trust and charged with affairs of army and state, I have been vigilant day and night, fearing I could not prevail. To be released from this heavy burden in a single day — the emperor's grace is beyond measure. He then distributed armor and three thousand fine horses among the generals and ordered each to lead his own troops under the command of Yuekuochae'r and Xuexue. Vice Commissioner of the Guest Office Haracha said, "On this journey we shall surely die at another's hand. Better to die before the chief councillor today. He drew his sword and cut his own throat. At first Toqto'a was ordered confined at Huai'an; soon an edict transferred him to Yizhinailu Circuit.

十五年三月，臺臣猶以謫輕，列疏其兄弟之罪，於是詔流脫脫于雲南大理宣慰司鎮西路，流也先帖木兒于四川碉門。脫脫長子哈剌章，肅州安置；次子三寶奴，蘭州安置。家產簿錄入官。脫脫行至大理騰衝，知府高惠見脫脫，欲以女事之，許築室一程外以居，雖有加害者可以無虞。脫脫曰：「吾罪人也，安敢念及此！」巽辭以絕之。九月，遣官移置阿輕乞之地，高惠以脫脫前不受其女，故首發鐵甲軍圍之。十二月己未，哈麻矯詔遣使鴆之，死，年四十二。訃聞中書，遣尚舍卿七十六至其地，易棺衣以殮。

In the third month of the fifteenth year the censors still considered the punishment too lenient and submitted a memorial listing the brothers' crimes. An edict then exiled Toqto'a to Zhenxi Road in the Dali Pacification Commission of Yunnan and Yexiantemur to Diaomen in Sichuan. Toqto'a's eldest son Qarajang was confined at Suzhou; his second son Sanbaonu was confined at Lanzhou. The family's property was inventoried and confiscated. When Toqto'a reached Tengchong in Dali, Prefect Gao Hui offered him his daughter in marriage and promised to build him a dwelling a day's journey away, where he would be safe from harm. Toqto'a said, "I am a condemned man — how dare I entertain such a thought! He declined politely but firmly. In the ninth month officials were sent to transfer him to Aqingqi. Because Toqto'a had refused his daughter, Gao Hui was the first to dispatch armored troops to surround him. On the jiwei day of the twelfth month Hama forged an edict and sent an envoy to poison him. He died at the age of forty-two. When word of his death reached the Secretariat, Palace Provisioner Qishi'er was sent to replace the coffin and shroud for burial.

脫脫儀狀雄偉，頎然出於千百人中，而器宏識遠，莫測其蘊。功施社稷而不伐，位極人臣而不驕，輕貨財，遠聲色，好賢禮士，皆出於天性。至於事君之際，始終不失臣節，雖古之有道大臣，何以過之。惟其惑於群小，急復私讎，君子譏焉。

Toqto'a was tall and imposing, standing head and shoulders above any crowd, with a breadth of vision none could fathom. He served the state without boasting, rose to the pinnacle of power without arrogance, cared little for wealth, shunned pleasure, and honored the worthy — all by nature. In his service to the throne he never once failed in the duty of a minister — even the greatest ministers of antiquity could scarcely have surpassed him. Only in trusting petty men and rushing to settle private scores did men of worth find fault with him.

二十二年，監察御史張沖等上章雪其冤，於是詔復脫脫官爵，并給復其家產。召哈剌章、三寶奴還朝。而也先帖木兒先是亦已死，乃授哈剌章中書平章政事，封申國公，分省大同；三寶奴知樞密院事。二十六年，監察御史聖奴、也先、撒都失里等復言：「奸邪構害大臣，以致臨敵易將，我國家兵機不振從此始，錢糧之耗從此始，盜賊縱橫從此始，生民之塗炭從此始。設使脫脫不死，安得天下有今日之亂哉！乞封一字王爵，定諡及加功臣之號。」朝廷皆是其言。然以國家多故，未及報而國亡。

In the twenty-second year Supervising Censor Zhang Chong and others submitted a memorial to clear his name. An edict then restored Toqto'a's titles and returned his family's property. Qarajang and Sanbaonu were summoned back to court. Yexiantemur had already died by then. Qarajang was appointed Secretariat Pacification Commissioner, enfeoffed as Duke of Shen, and posted to the branch secretariat at Datong; Sanbaonu was made Administrator of Military Affairs. In the twenty-sixth year Supervising Censors Shengnu, Yeshi, Sadushili, and others memorialized again: "Wicked men framed a great minister and replaced the general on the eve of battle — from that moment our armies lost their edge, the treasury began to bleed, bandits ran rampant, and the people began to suffer. Had Toqto'a lived, how could the realm have fallen into today's chaos! We ask that he be granted a princely title, a posthumous name, and the designation of meritorious minister. The court approved the memorial in full. But the state was beset by crises, and before the honors could be granted the dynasty fell.

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