Bayan of the Merkid

Bayan of the Merkid (1280–1340) was a Mongol general and the dominant minister of the late Yuan court. He won distinction campaigning against Kaidu and the title Baturu in 1307, and as governor of Henan he helped enthrone Tugh Temür in 1328, becoming left chancellor.

After supporting Toghon Temür's accession in 1333, he had the sons of his rival El Temür executed in 1335 and placed his nephew Toqto'a to watch the emperor. He became grand chancellor in 1339, abolished the Confucian examinations and curtailed Han officials.

He is said to have once urged the emperor to kill Han bearing the five commonest surnames. In 1340 Toqto'a ousted him with the emperor's backing while he was hunting, and Bayan died on his way into exile that same year.