Anne of Brittany vs Bayan of the Merkid

Anne married King Charles VIII of France, effectively ending the Breton War of Succession. The marriage was forced by French military pressure, but it preserved Brittany's autonomy under the Treaty of Verger. Anne became queen of France at age 14.

After Charles VIII's death, Anne married his successor Louis XII. This marriage ensured Brittany remained united with France. Anne negotiated terms that preserved Breton laws and institutions, including the right to appoint Breton officials and maintain a separate parliament.

Anne was a major patron of the arts, commissioning illuminated manuscripts, tapestries, and religious works. She supported the development of the Breton language in literature and promoted the cult of Saint Anne. Her court at Blois became a center of Renaissance culture.

Anne successfully lobbied Louis XII to confirm the Treaty of Verger, which guaranteed Brittany's separate administration, tax system, and legal code. She appointed Breton nobles to key positions and resisted French centralization, maintaining Brittany's distinct identity within the kingdom.

Anne died at Blois, likely from kidney stones. Her death left Brittany without a direct heir, as her surviving children were all daughters. The duchy passed to her daughter Claude, who married Francis I of France, ensuring the permanent union of Brittany with France.

Bayan ordered the abolition of the Confucian civil service examinations, which had been reinstated by earlier Yuan emperors. This move was part of his policy to reduce Chinese influence in the government and favor Mongol and Semu officials.

Bayan of the Merkid was appointed as chancellor (chengxiang) under Emperor Toghon Temur. He quickly centralized power, becoming the de facto ruler of the Yuan dynasty.

Bayan issued decrees forbidding Chinese from learning the Mongol script and requiring them to adopt Mongol names. These measures aimed to suppress Chinese cultural identity and reinforce Mongol dominance.

Emperor Toghon Temur, with the help of Bayan's nephew Toqto'a, staged a coup that removed Bayan from power. Bayan was exiled and died shortly thereafter, ending his anti-Chinese policies.