Al-Maqrizi vs Yan Song

Al-Maqrizi was appointed muhtasib, responsible for regulating markets, weights, measures, and public morals in Cairo. This position gave him insight into economic conditions and corruption, which he later criticized in his writings.

Al-Maqrizi wrote a treatise on the famines and plagues that struck Egypt in the early 15th century, analyzing their causes including government corruption, currency debasement, and agricultural decline. He blamed Mamluk policies for the suffering.

Al-Maqrizi resigned as chief judge of the Maliki school in Cairo, citing corruption and interference by Mamluk officials. This act reflected his principled stance and disillusionment with the political establishment.

Al-Maqrizi completed his monumental topographical history of Cairo and Egypt, detailing the city's districts, mosques, markets, and monuments. The work includes economic and social history, documenting the decline of the Mamluk state.

Al-Maqrizi compiled a chronicle of the Mamluk sultanate from 1250 to 1440, focusing on political events, plagues, famines, and monetary crises. The work is a primary source for the decline of the Mamluk state in the 15th century.

Yan Song was appointed to the Grand Secretariat of the Ming dynasty. He gained the favor of the Jiajing Emperor through his skill in drafting ceremonial texts, beginning a period of dominance in the imperial court that lasted over a decade.

Yan Song was dismissed from his position as Grand Secretary after losing the favor of the Jiajing Emperor. His son Yan Shifan was executed for corruption. This ended his political dominance and marked the rise of his rival Xu Jie.

Following his dismissal, Yan Song was formally accused of corruption and abuse of power. His vast wealth was confiscated by the state. The accusations solidified his historical reputation as a quintessential corrupt official of the Ming dynasty.