釋鑑稽古略續集 1.17

1.17

甲子至元元年　大宋景定五年　秋七月彗出柳。其光燭天長數十丈。自四更見東方。日高始滅　是歲八月。劉秉忠請定都於燕。世祖從之。詔修營宮室城池。以燕京為中都。改元大赦設會度僧。詔請國師扮彌達癹思。登座授祕密戒　八月拜光祿大夫太保。參領中書省事。制曰。長生天氣力皇帝聖旨咨爾。劉秉忠氣剛以直學富。而文雖晦迹於空門。每潛心於聖道。朕居藩邸卿實賓僚。側聞高誼餘二十年。出從遐方幾數萬里。迨予嗣服。須汝計安。不先正名。何以壓眾。宜崇師位兼總政機。可特授光祿大夫太保。參領中書省事。卿其勉輔朕躬。率先乃屬察朝夕之勤惰。審議論之是非。凡有施為並聽裁決。佇看成績別示寵章准此（通載）　以伯顏為中書左丞相。伯顏凝重寡言諸曹白事。有難決者。伯顏一二語斷之。省中讋服以為真宰輔（元史）。

First year of Zhiyuan, jiazi; fifth year of Jingding of the Great Song: In the autumn, the seventh month, a comet appeared in the Willow constellation. Its light illuminated the sky for several tens of zhang. It was seen in the east from the fourth watch, vanishing only when the sun rose high. In the eighth month of that year, Liu Bingzhong requested to establish the capital at Yan. Shizu followed his advice. He decreed the construction of palaces, walls, and moats, made Yanjing the Central Capital, changed the reign era, granted a general amnesty, held an assembly, and ordained monks. An imperial edict invited National Preceptor Phags-pa to ascend the seat and bestow esoteric precepts. In the eighth month, [Liu Bingzhong] was appointed Grand Master for Glorious Happiness, Grand Auxiliary, and Concurrent Supervisor of the Central Secretariat. The imperial patent stated: 'By the strength of Eternal Heaven, the Emperor's sacred decree: Greetings to you, Liu Bingzhong. Your spirit is steadfast and upright; your learning is rich and refined. Though you concealed your traces in the empty gate, you ever devoted your mind to the sage's way. When We resided in Our princely manor, you were truly Our guest and companion. We have known of your lofty integrity for more than twenty years, following Us from distant lands for tens of thousands of li. When We succeeded to the imperial robes, We required your plans for stability. If names are not rectified first, how can the masses be held in respect? It is fitting to exalt you to the position of preceptor and have you oversee the machinery of state. You may specially be granted the rank of Grand Master for Glorious Happiness, Grand Auxiliary, and Concurrent Supervisor of the Central Secretariat. May you exert yourself to assist Our person, take the lead before your subordinates, observe their diligence and negligence from morning to night, and examine the right and wrong of their discussions. In all undertakings, you shall make determinations. We await the sight of your successful achievements to display further signs of favour. Approved according to this.' (Tongzai) Bayan was made Right Chancellor of the Central Secretariat. Bayan was grave and of few words; when various departments reported matters that were difficult to decide, Bayan resolved them in one or two words. The Secretariat was awed and submitted, considering him a true chancellor (History of the Yuan).