لسان الدين بن الخطيب
The famous poet Ibn al-Jayyab was appointed as vizier in 1341, becoming the highest-ranked minister and the mastermind of Yusuf's cautious policy after Río Salado. He was also the royal secretary, therefore he was titled ("the holder of the two vizierates"). The Black Death struck the emirate in 1348 and outbreaks were recorded in its three largest cities: Granada, Málaga, and Almería. The epidemic killed many scholars and officials, including Ibn al-Jayyab who died in 1349. In accordance with his wishes, he was succeeded as both vizier and royal secretary by his protégé, Ibn al-Khatib. Ibn al-Khatib had entered the court chancery () in 1340, replacing his father who died at Río Salado and serving under Ibn al-Jayyab. After becoming vizier he was also appointed to other posts, such as superintendent of the finances. The "preeminent writer and intellectual of fourteenth-century al-Andalus" according to Catlos, throughout his lifetime Ibn al-Khatib produced works in subjects as diverse as history, poetry, medicine, manners, mysticism, and philosophy. With access to official documents and the court archives, he remains one of the main historical sources on the Emirate of Granada.