Kublai went on as if he had not spoken.“Before you all, in the lands of my enemies, I declare myself great khan of the nation, of the khanates under my brothers, Hulegu and Arik-Boke, of the Chagatai khanate and all others. I declare myself great khan of the Chin lands and the Sung. I have spoken and my word is iron!

You have a powerful army, Kublai, but the best force is one you do not have to use.

My word is iron," Kublai said to the guards, as Meng Guang was led away. "Your people will come to know this, in time.