The Yuen pao, which as
everybody in China knows, is equivalent to fifty liang (taels) of
silver, is the same as the ancient ting, and the character Yuen
indicates that it dates from the Yuen Dynasty." - H. C.]
[3] This is also, as regards Customs payments, the system of the
Government of modern Italy.
[4] The first edition of this work gave a facsimile of one of this unlucky
minister's notes.
[5] On both sides, however, was the Mahomedan formula, and beneath that
the words Yiranjin Turji, a title conferred on the kings of Persia
by the Kaan. There was also an inscription to the following effect:
that the Emperor in the year 693 (A.H.) had issued these auspicious
chao, that all who forged or uttered false notes should be summarily
punished, with their wives and children, and their property
confiscated; and that when these auspicious notes were once in
circulation, poverty would vanish, provisions become cheap, and rich
and poor be equal (Cowell). The use of the term chao at Tabriz may
be compared with that of Banklot, current in modern India.
CHAPTER XXV.
CONCERNING THE TWELVE BARONS WHO ARE SET OVER ALL THE AFFAIRS OF THE GREAT
KAAN.
You must know that the Great Kaan hath chosen twelve great Barons to whom
he hath committed all the necessary affairs of thirty-four great
provinces; and now I will tell you particulars about them and their
establishments.
You must know that these twelve Barons reside all together in a very rich
and handsome palace, which is inside the city of Cambaluc, and consists of
a variety of edifices, with many suites of apartments.
