Bayan (1236-1295) was a renowned general of the Yuan Dynasty. His great-grandfather and grandfather had accompanied Genghis Khan on his campaigns, and Bayan himself was born during the Western expeditions. Growing up, he was known for his striking appearance, exceptional intelligence, and bravery. His talents brought him to the attention of Kublai Khan, who kept Bayan in his service after being impressed by his demeanor during a mission to deliver military reports.
Leading the campaign against the Southern Song
In 1274, Kublai Khan appointed Bayan as the Left Chancellor of the Central Secretariat and entrusted him with commanding an army to conquer the Southern Song Dynasty. Before he set out, Kublai offered him advice steeped in history: “When Emperor Taizu of the Song Dynasty sent General Cao Bin to conquer Southern Tang, he refrained from unnecessary killing and peacefully unified the region. You must understand my intent and follow his example — spare my people from needless suffering.”
Bayan and General Aju led a formidable force of 200,000 soldiers in a combined land and naval assault, decisively defeating the Song armies. When his forces reached Jiangzhou, Song official Lü Shikui surrendered without a fight and hosted a banquet for Bayan. In an attempt to curry favor, Lü presented two women from the Song royal family as gifts. Bayan, however, was outraged. “I come under the emperor’s command to uphold justice and righteousness,” he declared. “How could I let such temptations sway my resolve?” Lü, terrified, immediately begged for forgiveness.
Compassionate leadership during wartime
Bayan upheld Kublai’s orders throughout the campaign. During the war, an epidemic broke out, leaving the local population impoverished, sick, and starving. He ordered his troops to open the grain stores to feed the people and distribute medicine to treat the ill. His compassion earned him gratitude from the people, who praised his army as one of justice and virtue.
The following year, Bayan laid siege to Lin’an (modern-day Hangzhou), the capital of the Southern Song. Emperor Gong of Song surrendered the imperial seal, marking the end of the Southern Song Dynasty.
Integrity in the face of wealth and power
Lin’an was a bustling and prosperous city filled with treasures and luxury goods. However, Bayan remained steadfast in his principles. Upon entering the city, he immediately ordered the sealing of the state treasury and the registration of all assets, including gold, silver, and grain. He also strictly forbade his soldiers from looting or entering the city without permission. Violators were subject to military law. Thanks to his leadership, Lin’an’s markets remained lively, and commerce continued uninterrupted.
Two months later, Bayan transported ceremonial artifacts, imperial regalia, and valuable records from the Song imperial palace to the Yuan capital. Members of the Song royal family were escorted to Shangdu. When Kublai Khan praised Bayan for his accomplishments, Bayan humbly replied: “This success is due to your wise decisions and the bravery of the soldiers. I have done nothing worthy of merit.”
Unwavering loyalty amid false accusations
On his triumphant return, Bayan was congratulated by the influential official Ahmad Fanakati, who sought to ingratiate himself with the general. In a gesture of appreciation, Bayan gifted Ahmad his jade belt clasp, saying: “The treasures in the Song palace were indeed plentiful, but I took nothing. I hope you won’t find this gift too modest.” However, Ahmad interpreted his remark as an insult and harbored resentment.
Later, Ahmad falsely accused Bayan of stealing a priceless jade cup from the Song treasury. Kublai Khan ordered an investigation, but no evidence was found, and the matter was dropped. Years after Ahmad’s death, someone presented the jade cup to Kublai, who remarked in shock: “I nearly wronged a loyal servant.”
A model of virtue and leadership
Bayan’s legacy is one of integrity, discipline, and compassion. He rejected wealth and temptation, cared for the suffering, and remained loyal to his emperor. His exemplary conduct made him one of the most respected generals of the Yuan Dynasty, embodying the qualities of a noble leader.
Translated by Audrey Wang
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