etitions to the emperor to take note of certain problems. If the proposals were useful,Khubilai would reward the person who made them, hoping to encourage honesty, loyalty,and sincerity. Khubilai knew these new policies would create some tension, especiallybetween the Confucians. In order to gain their favor, he built the Great Temple near hispalace in Ta-tu, signifying that he intended to continue some of the rituals that were basicto Confucian philosophy.14 Besides Confucians, Khubilai also welcomed Muslims,Buddhists, Taoists, and Christians at his court. Khubilai’s good works and the support ofvarious religious groups put him in good favor with much of the population. By 1279, the high point of Khubilai Khan’s rule, he had established himself as theEmperor of China, and as both an intellectual and a skilled warrior.15 He enjoyed thecompany of scholars and intellectuals, and worked out a new script with them. He nowsaw wisdom in taxing people rather then killing them. Khubilai knew the importance offair laws rather than trying to bribe people. He realized that there is only enough moneyto satisfy some, even with the few, there is no end to their greed, so it is better to havejustice.16 He was tolerant of various religious groups. Khubilai had appealed to a widevariety of occupational and social groups, and to the various religions of his empire. Hehad created a capital in China and re-established rituals associated with Confucianism. Allof these accomplishments had helped him a great deal to win the support of the Chinesepeople.Soon after 1279, Khubilai Khan’s rule began to deteriorate. To demonstrate thathe ruled the world, Khubilai launched two very costly and disastrous attacks on Japan. Hehoped a victory against Japan would support his image as a triumphant world conqueror,not a Chinese bureaucrat. The 25,000 men he sent against Japan were defeated, largely bya typhoon.17 Again he tried in 1281,...
