by Robin Brown
Handsome trees and meadows fill the open spaces between the walls, and stags, musk ox, roebuck, fallow deer and other species roam here. The roads traversing these pastures are raised some 3 feet and paved so that no mud or rainwater collects on them, indeed they act as conduits to help water the abundant grass.
Within the 4-mile enclosure stands the palace of the Grand Khan, the largest I or anyone else has ever seen. It bridges its north and south walls leaving a single opening which is used by military guards and persons of rank. The building is of a single storey with a very high roof. It is raised on a platform some 30 spans high bordered by a 6-foot wide marble wall. The wall serves as a terrace for people to walk about on. There is a handsome balustrade and pillars that the public may approach along the outside of the marble wall.
The towering sides of the great halls and apartments are decorated with carved dragons and gilded figures of warriors, birds, beasts and battle scenes. The four sides of the palace are served by grand flights of marble steps from ground level to the marble terrace.
The palace’s grand hall is big enough to hold dinner parties for huge multitudes of people. There are a number of other chambers, all exquisite; indeed it would be hard to suggest how they might be improved. Even the roof is decorated with a variety of glazed tiles coloured red, green, azure and violet. The windows are glazed with I know not what, but whatever it is is so fine and delicate as to be as clear as crystal.
To the rear are large buildings with several apartments where Kublai keeps his private treasure; a fortune in gold and silver bullion, precious stones, pearls and gold and silver plate.
The wives and concubines occupy the apartments and here, in complete privacy, Kublai is able conveniently and without interruption to conduct the business of the state. Opposite the Emperor’s palace and very similar is another palace which is the residence of his eldest son, Genghis. The court observes all the ceremonials befitting a prince who is to succeed to the government of the Empire.
About a bow-shot’s distance from the palace a huge artificial mound of earth rises to a height of at least 300 feet with a circumference of about a mile. It has been planted with the most beautiful evergreen trees. Whenever Kublai hears of a handsome tree growing anywhere (no matter how large and heavy) he has it dug up, roots, earth and all, and has it transported to the verdant mound by means of elephants!
On the summit of what is known as the Green Mount is an ornamental pavilion also bright green. The view from here – the lovely trees and elegant, decorated buildings – is truly wonderful.
In the northern corner of the city precinct, where the earth was removed for the mound, is a large fishpond, also used for watering cattle. The small stream that feeds it passes then along an aqueduct, past the Green Mount into a much larger excavation between the palaces of Kublai and Genghis. (The earth from here was also used to heighten the mound.) This lake is full of fish, providing Kublai’s table with an unlimited abundance. The stream flows through the lake and there are iron or copper grills to prevent the fish escaping. A bridge spans the lake from one residence to the other. This is most certainly a great palace.
Kanbula is situated near a large river and was in ancient times the most magnificent and royal of cities. The name means ‘the city of the sovereign’, but Kublai was told by his astrologers that it contained rebellious elements and he elected to build another city, the one I have just described, on the other side of the river. The new city was called Tai-du and Cathayans were forced to move from the old city to the new. That proved difficult because old Kanbula was vast, so inhabitants who were judged to be above suspicion were permitted to stay where they were.
The new city forms a perfect square 24 miles in extent with each of its sides exactly 6 miles long. It is enclosed by walls of terracotta, 30 feet thick at the base and about 9 feet at the top surmounted by brilliant white parapets. Inside, the streets are so perfectly aligned if you stand on the wall above one of the gates you can see the gate opposite you on the other side of the city. The public streets have shops and stalls of every kind. Houses are lined up on perfectly square plots spacious enough for handsome buildings, generous gardens and courtyards. The heads of each local tribe have one of these mansions assigned to them and these rights are passed on.
The entire interior of the city looks exactly like a chessboard. I find it difficult to describe how beautiful is the effect of this precision.
The vast outer wall of the city has twelve gates, three on each side of the square. Over each gate is a handsome building where they keep the city’s arms. Every gate is guarded by one thousand men. This is really an honour guard for the Grand Khan and does not reflect any perceived danger to the city. (That is not to say that the astrologers have not caused him a degree of suspicion about the Chinese.)
A great bell hangs in a lofty building in the centre of the city. It sounds a curfew of three strokes every night after which woe betide anyone out on the streets unless their business is urgent, like a man falling sick or a woman requiring help in labour. Even these people are required to carry a light.
There are suburbs spreading out 3 or 4 miles from the city walls. The number of people in these suburbs exceeds that of the city itself. A mile or so out, inns and caravanserai provide accommodation for merchants. These are segregated just as, for example, we would provide different billets for Lombards, Germans or French.
In the New City and suburbs there are some twenty-five thousand prostitutes and they are supervised. Each hundred and each thousand have their own officers who are responsible to a captain-general. This kind of control is necessary because here the ladies of the night are allocated out. When an ambassador who has business with Kublai comes here it is customary for him to be entertained at the Grand Khan’s expense. The captain-general allocates to each member of the embassy one girl every night. The girls do not get paid – it is their tribute to the sovereign.
Guards in parties of thirty and forty patrol the streets throughout the night keeping an eye open for people not observing the curfew. Any trouble and the offender is immediately detained for the night, appearing before magistrates in the morning. Depending upon the seriousness of the delinquency they are flogged and this can sometimes result in death. Flogging is a traditional way of punish-ment for these people, because they are encouraged by their astrologers not to shed blood.
But, as I have said, these people have a rebellious disposition. Here is one famous story. The disposition of land, government and everything belonging to the state was in the hands of a committee of twelve, one of whom was a Saracen named Achmac. He was a crafty, bold man with more influence over the Grand Khan than any of the others, to such a degree that Kublai was much taken with him and indulged him royally. Indeed, it was discovered after his death that he had beguiled his majesty with spells obliging him to hear and grant anything he asked. By the same means he did whatever took his fancy.
Government and public offices were given away, judgment pronounced on offenders and, if he encountered ill-will in anyone, he had only to say to the Grand Khan, ‘This person has committed an offence against you and deserves to die,’ and Kublai would reply, ‘Do as you judge best.’ Immediate execution followed!
Kublai believed in him so absolutely that no one dared say anything against him. Everyone stood in awe of him. Even those accused of capital crimes had little hope because they could not find an attorney who would represent them. No one dared oppose the will of Achmac and numerous people died unjustly because of him.
Similarly, any handsome woman he desired, and who became the object of his lust, he had; if she was single, he took her as a wife, otherwise he simply compelled her to yield to his desires. Fathers of beautiful daughters were particularly vulnerable. He would send emissaries to ask, ‘How do you see you daughter’s future? You cannot do better than give her in marriage to the Lord Deputy or the Vice Regent (meaning Achmac who used these titles). Moreover we will guarantee you a three-year government appoi
ntment.’ Achmac then arranged with the Grand Khan for the job to be made available. The fathers are thus tempted to part with their child. Many a young, beautiful girl was sacrificed to be the slave of his pleasure by these means.
He had twenty-five sons holding the highest offices of state, some of them using his influence to indulge too in his lecherous habits and committing many other unlawful and atrocious acts. Those who obtained appointments gave him a generous kickback and he accumulated great wealth. For twenty-two years he exercised uncontrolled sway until finally his people rebelled against the wickedness committed against their families and held a meeting to decide how they might bring about his and the government’s demise.
A Chinese chief named Chen-ku had an army of six thousand men and he burned with resentment at the multiple violation of his mother, wife and daughter. He proposed an uprising to one of his countrymen, Van-ku, who commanded one thousand men. They determined to rise when Kublai and his son had completed their three-month stay and left Achmac in charge of Kanbula.
The two conspirators spread word of their intentions to other leading Chinese and through them to friends in many other cities. A fire was designated the signal for all to rise up and kill those who wore beards. (The Tartars, Saracens and Christians have beards but the Chinese are naturally beardless.)
Understand that because the Grand Khan had obtained the sovereignty of Cathay not by lawful means but by force of arms, he lacked confidence in the people and all the important officers – magistrates and provincial governors – were Tartars, Saracens, Christians and other foreigners who were trusted members of his household. It is true to say that his government was universally hated by the locals, who found themselves treated as slaves by the Tartars and still worse by the Saracens.
When all their plans were laid, Van-ku and Chen-ku made their way into the palace at night in secret, lit the lights and Van-ku settled himself on one of the royal thrones. A bogus message was sent to Achmac who lived across the river, bidding him come to the palace because Genghis had returned.
Achmac was very surprised at the news but, being in awe of the prince, instantly obeyed. Passing into the New City he met a Tartar officer, Kogatai, the commander of a guard of twelve thousand men, who demanded to know where he was going at so late an hour. When Achmac informed him, Kogatai said it was impossible that Genghis could have arrived in secret and without raising any of the guards to attend him.
The Chinese plotters knew nothing of this encounter, of course, and felt sure that once they had finished off Achmac their troubles would be at an end.
Achmac hurried on to the palace leaving Kogatai at the door to the throne room. With the lights blazing in his eyes Achmac mistakenly prostrated himself before the figure on the throne. Hitherto concealed to one side, Chen-ku then stepped out and lopped off his head.
Kogatai saw the whole thing and with a cry of ‘Treason!’ despatched an arrow which caught Van-ku upon the throne and slew him. His guards captured Chen-ku and then marched into the city with orders to kill everyone they found out of doors. The Chinese, however, realising their plot had failed, stayed inside. The Grand Khan was contacted, informed of what had passed and sent Kogatai an instruction to investigate and punish according to their degree of guilt, those Chinese who were proved to have been involved. Kogatai moved swiftly and by the end of the following day had arrested all the principal conspirators and had them put to death. The same was done in other cities.
Upon his return to the New City, the Grand Khan wanted to know what had caused the rebellion. He quickly established that Achmac and seven of his sons (to a greater or lesser degree) were guilty of the enormous crimes I have described.
Kublai promptly confiscated the family fortune (an incredible treasure) and had it deposited in his own cellars. Achmac’s body was taken from its tomb and thrown into the street to be torn to pieces by the dogs. The most guilty of the sons he had flayed alive.
He also read the riot act to the Saracens, calling their sect an ‘abomination’ which condoned the murder of people of other faiths, and warning them that he regarded them with contempt and guilty of behaviour that made the infamous Achmac and his sons look innocent. Saracen leaders were ordered to appear before him. He banned many of their religious practices such as the blooding of animals by cutting their throats rather than opening the belly and commanded that in future they follow Tartar customs of marriage. I can vouch for all this because I was there when it all happened.
Now let me tell you about the Grand Khan’s court. His bodyguard comprises twelve thousand horsemen known as the ‘Kastian’ which means soldiers devoted to his majesty. Not that Kublai is particularly apprehensive, this guard is a matter of state. Four senior officers command units of three thousand men of the guard with each taking turns to be on duty in the palace for three successive days and nights. The off-duty guards stay in the palace, however, unless they are given leave of absence or are engaged in some other service for the Grand Khan.
When Kublai holds a grand and public court he sits facing south at a table before his elevated throne with the Queen on his left. His sons sit, on seats somewhat lower, on his right hand as do any other relatives of imperial stock. With the exception of his eldest son, Genghis, their heads are about on a level with Kublai’s feet. Other nobles are seated at progressively lower tables, as are wives of sons and grandsons below the Queen on the left-hand side. Essentially everyone is seated at a level representing their status in the royal pecking order.
Most of the officers, including nobles, sit and eat on the carpet. Multitudes of people from different countries wait outside for an audience. They bring with them many rare and curious articles. On feast days or on royal marriages petitioners who have had their possessions taken away appear in the hope of restitution.
Near the Grand Khan’s table an odd piece of furniture is placed. A square coffer, it is exquisitely carved and gilded with figures of animals and each side is almost 10 feet long. It contains a huge jar made of precious stones holding about a ton of rice wine. Then there are three smaller vessels filled with mares’ milk, camels’ milk and a local beverage. They are served in large royal cups and flagons of beautiful gilt plate, sufficient for eight to ten men. Each pair of guests at the tables is given one, together with a kind of ladle shaped like a cup with a handle, which is actually used for drinking. Ladies are served likewise. The quantity and richness of the Grand Khan’s gold and silver plate are quite incredible.
Officers of rank wait on the guests. Strangers not familiar with court etiquette are found places and these stewards prowl the hall ensuring everyone has all they want in the way of wine, milk, meat and other delicacies.
Whenever Kublai moves around the hall he is accompanied by two giants with staves. Woe betide anyone who attempts to get too close to the Grand Khan for these guards either confiscate an item of clothing (which can be redeemed for money) or they are ordered to deliver a prescribed number of blows.
Strangers have to be warned of these rules by specially appointed officers. They are, however, strictly observed because it is regarded as a very bad omen if anyone gets too close to the royal presence. I should add that everyone is very merry at the end of an evening and the rule is then not strictly enforced.
The many people who serve the Grand Khan with his food and drink are required to cover their noses and mouths with beautiful veils of worked silk so that their breath may not affect his victuals. There is a complicated ritual for serving Kublai his drinks. A page presents it then backs off three paces and kneels. The whole hall then prostrates itself in a like manner. On cue the band strikes up and continues to play until Kublai finishes his drink. Then all the guests get up. This happens every time Kublai has a drink!
There is always an excessive abundance of food, then the tables are removed and the guests are entertained by comedians, tumblers, jugglers and lots of musicians. Everyone has a high old time.
The entire Empire celebrates Kublai’s birthday
on 29 September. Apart from the New Year’s Day celebrations, which I will tell you about in a moment, this is their greatest festival. The Grand Khan makes a very grand appearance clad in a superb robe of cloth of gold. He supplies rich silk outfits to some twenty thousand nobles also coloured gold (although not as rich as his) with chamois leather belts and boots delicately worked with gold and silver thread. The closest of his courtiers (Henry of Quiecitari) he rewards with garments embroidered with pearls and precious stones worth thousands. These outfits are also worn for the thirteen festivals commemorating the thirteen lunar months of the year. When the Khan and his court appear in this splendid regalia it is truly a royal spectacle, reflecting the status of the Grand Khan as the ruler of the world.
On his actual birthday all the Tartars and the people of every kingdom and province throughout the Empire send him valuable presents. He also receives presents from people seeking favours and Kublai hands over these decisions to a tribunal of twelve experts in such matters. Upon this day also, Christians, Saracens and idolaters all offer up devout prayers calling on their various gods to bless and keep the Sovereign and give him wealth, health and a long life.
Now let me tell you, as I promised, about the White Feast which takes place on 1 February, the date that marks the start of the year. This time Kublai and his subjects in various countries dress in white, the emblem of good fortune, hopeful of good fortune, pleasure and comfort through the rest of the year.
Silver, gold and precious stones rain down on the Grand Khan from the entire Empire, along with many pieces of white cloth denoting ample love and plenty of money. Nobles, princes and indeed all ranks of society stage festivities at which they also exchange white gifts and wish each other good fortune and embrace joyfully.
Great numbers of white horses are presented to the Grand Khan at this time. Some are not entirely white but white horses are not uncommon in this country.