釋鑑稽古略續集 1.17

1.17

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).