CHAPTER 17
EPILOGUE
On leaving Khanbalic, Kubilai had travelled up to Chagan-Nor leaving Chinkin, who was exhausted from the journey to Shang-Tu, at the Summer Palace there. When news came to Kubilai of the murder of his Vice-Regent, he immediately travelled back to Khanbalic.
Chenchu, held captive to answer to the Khan for his transgression, pled that he had rid the world of the devil himself. Sure that Prince Chinkin would intercede to save his life, Chenchu was dismayed at the Crown Prince's non-appearance. With nobody to speak up for him, Kubilai put him to death. He had been unable to light the signal beacon on the Green Mount and the planned massacre of all men with beards never came to pass.
Marco Polo, who had been with Chinkin in Shang-Tu, returned to Khanbalic at Chinkin's command and spoke up on the oppressions he had observed occurring throughout his travels in all the provinces. Kubilai seized supplies of Ahmad's elixir found in the innermost sanctum of his Palace, and a skilled and trusted alchemist was able to extract the substances involved and produce the antidote, thus freeing Kubilai from his addiction. Ahmad's body, which had been buried with honour in the Muslim cemetery outside the city walls was, by Kubilai's edict, disinterred and hung high for all to behold and ridicule in the main Chinese bazaar. Many bitter men came armed with long sticks or clubs and beat the body. When the smell of rotting flesh became offensive, the body was cut down and thrown to the dogs.
Ahmad's great treasure trove was revealed in the vaults of his Palace and was immediately confiscated, and the further iniquities of those of his sons who had chosen to follow their father's evil ways were uncovered. Seven of Ahmad's sons, including Mas'ud and Husain, were executed and the remaining members of his family were banished from the country. It can only be assumed that the survivors made the return journey along the Silk Road back to Bukhara.
Aftab, who had committed countless murders and torturings by Ahmad's command, was hunted down and summarily executed by Kubilai.
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Prince Chinkin died in 1284 at the age of 43, never living long enough to inherit the Mongol Empire. Instead his first son, Timur, became Khan on Kubilai's death in 1298 at the age of 85.
Nomukhan and Minister of the Right An-T'ung were released by Kaidu Khan in 1284. On his return to Khanbalic, An-T'ung again took up his Ministry.
Marco, Nicolo and Maffeo Polo returned to Venice in 1292.
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