12 Facts About Zeik-Bye

Zeik-Bye was a key figure responsible for Razadarit's ascent to power.

Zeik-Bye was not part of Maha Dewi's inner circle; she was closely allied with her nephew-in-law and alleged lover Smin Maru.

Zeik-Bye plotted to put Prince Binnya Nwe, the king's eldest son and Maha Dewi's adopted son, on the throne, and marry his two young daughters to the prince.

Zeik-Bye served the new king's chief minister for the next four years.

Zeik-Bye became the new king's father-in-law as he gave his two daughters, Mi Kha-Dun-Mut and Mi Hpyun-Gyo, in marriage to the king.

Zeik-Bye, who was already in his 60s, did not go the front in any of the campaigns between 1385 and 1391 against the northern Ava Kingdom and the rebel forces of Martaban and Myaungmya.

Zeik-Bye was part of the embassy led by Byat Za and Dein to Siam to receive a white elephant for Razadarit presented by the king of Ayutthaya in the early 1390s.

In 1401, when Razadarit invaded Ava, Zeik-Bye was entrusted to govern the capital Pegu in the king's absence.

Zeik-Bye, who was at least 79, took command of the garrison at Nawin, south of Prome.

All three regiments defending the garrison were lost; Zeik-Bye himself was captured.

Zeik-Bye was returned to Pegu after Ava and Pegu signed a peace treaty in 1403.

Zeik-Bye received a new title, Smin E Bya-Ye but his influence had greatly diminished.