Chapter 1750: Emergency Mechanism

"This time, when the gunpowder depot was lost to fire and Yanqing Ward went up in flames, it was only thanks to the Patrol Inspection Office's decisive dispatch and swift action that the blaze was brought under control in time, averting further losses and casualties!"

Emperor Liu shifted his posture and said slowly, "By rights, Patrol Inspector Zhang Yongde, who took on the task with courage and shouldered responsibility, rendering service in averting disaster, ought to be commended."

"However, that very night he came to me to confess his fault — because, without receiving orders from above, he moved troops on his own authority, contravening court regulations. I feel the same way. The court establishes so many statutes and institutions precisely so that order prevails, that every move has law to rely on and precedent to follow. Once rules are set, they are not ornaments — they are to be obeyed.

"What do you ministers think of this matter?"

The assembled ministers below, hearing Emperor Liu speak such words, all had trouble reading his pulse. At a time like this, surely he wouldn't still make an issue of it and seize on Zhang Yongde's fault.

They had already dismissed one Minister of War — could he really strip Zhang Yongde of his post as well? If so, then Zhang Yongde's actions this time could truly be said to have gained nothing but loss. Quite a few people cast their gazes toward Zhang Yongde, but Zhang Yongde appeared very calm.

Zhao Kuangyi had recently been very active whether before the throne or within the court. After a moment's thought, he took the initiative to speak: "Your Majesty, matters have their priorities and degrees of urgency — when crisis strikes, Patrol Inspector Zhang, heedless of personal gain or loss, bravely bore responsibility and rescued the people from disaster. This is the greater righteousness.

"Though he slightly overstepped his bounds, there was cause behind it. If he is punished for this, I fear the court and the realm will find it hard to accept. In the future, when officials encounter matters, they will also become timid and hesitant, inevitably slow, missing the moment and losing effectiveness."

At this point, Zhao Kuangyi paused, then continued: "However, the rules established by the court cannot go unenforced. I believe this matter can be treated as a special case — Your Majesty may extend grace beyond the law and pardon Patrol Inspector Zhang's overstepping. Once Your Majesty's golden words are spoken, both ends can be satisfied!"

"That would not be a bad solution!" Hearing Zhao Kuangyi say this, Emperor Liu gave a light smile and said, "However, while special matters can indeed be handled specially, once this precedent is set, if everyone henceforth uses it as an excuse — claiming crisis, acting first and reporting later — then over time, would the institutions and rules not become empty forms?"

When words reached this point, how could they not know that Emperor Liu had another purpose in mind? Having guessed this, Zhao Kuangyi directly cupped his hands and asked: "Your Majesty is wise. Forgive your servant's dullness — I beg Your Majesty to instruct us, to teach us ministers a proper solution!"

Zhao Kuangyi was being modest again — with his intelligence and wisdom, how could he not think of one? He was merely flattering Emperor Liu. Emperor Liu did not beat around the bush either. The corners of his mouth curled up slightly as he said, "This matter can be done — as a special case. But only this one case!"

"As for the future! We shall find other means!"

Having said this, Emperor Liu suddenly looked toward Liu Jichang of Kaifeng Prefecture, whose days had recently been very difficult: "How many fires occur in the Eastern Capital each year?"

Upon being asked, Liu Jichang dared not be negligent and immediately answered: "In reply to Your Majesty, according to what your servant has investigated, the Eastern Capital sees all kinds of fires, roughly three hundred or more each year."

"That many?" Emperor Liu was somewhat surprised.

Liu Jichang answered: "Your Majesty, though fires are many, none can compare with this disaster!"

"Is that what I asked you?" Emperor Liu shot him a glare and said, "On ordinary days when fires occur, how are they handled and dealt with?"

"In reply to Your Majesty!" Liu Jichang answered with a stiff neck: "According to the public security regulations promulgated in the Qianyou era, the prefectural office maintains a firefighting brigade that deploys immediately upon a fire. At the same time, minor officials in each ward and quarter also keep watch, and water reservoirs and water vats are regularly maintained in the streets and lanes against fire. Thus, though fires are many, they have not grown into great disasters."

Liu Jichang's words again skirted the heavy and dwelt on the light. With so many fires in the Eastern Capital each year, the property losses and the dead and wounded before and after were truly considerable — it was merely spread thin.

For such a great city, a few fires breaking out was clearly quite normal. Even if the losses were heavy, it was the common folk who suffered — sometimes even bringing it on themselves. Reported only as routine records, it never disturbed Emperor Liu.

Though Emperor Liu was somewhat aware of the tricks within, he did not pursue the matter to its roots or continue making things difficult for Liu Jichang — that was not his purpose. Of course, what Liu Jichang had mentioned about the public security regulations regarding fires had now begun to register with him.

Taking up Liu Jichang's words, Emperor Liu said with feeling: "Clearly, from the court to the government offices, there has been no lack of vigilance in the past. But judging from this incident, the old regulations only apply to small fires and minor disasters, to routine matters. When faced with a great blaze and urgent crisis, they prove insufficient!"

"In my view, under the framework of the Patrol Inspection Office, a separate unit should be established, dedicated to responding to such urgent situations — not only fires, but floods, heavy rains, and riots as well, able to deploy as the moment demands!" At last, Emperor Liu spoke his mind.

As soon as Emperor Liu put forward this proposal, the assembled ministers — whatever they truly thought — displayed extremely proper expressions, all praising his wisdom and sound consideration.

Perhaps somewhat weary of it, Emperor Liu found such reactions rather dull and sighed: "Only after experiencing such unforgettable pain can one reflect and seek change. A fall into a pit, a gain in your wit. So many scholars and common folk perished in Yanqing Ward — if only to give them an accounting, measures must be taken, lest disaster repeat. This is a lesson bought with lives!"

"Your Majesty's concern for the state and the people fills us with admiration!" Wang Zhu spoke up first this time, continuing to sing praises to Emperor Liu. Beside him, Zhao Kuangyi had just opened his mouth, but glancing at him, swallowed his words.

"Your Majesty's proposal is excellent — it can fully strengthen the court's response to such sudden emergencies!" Liu Yang also rose and said solemnly.

Looking at Liu Yang, Emperor Liu said, "The number — for now, set it at one thousand men. The specific regulations and organizational details will be drafted jointly by you, the assembled ministers, the Bureau of Military Affairs, and the Patrol Inspection Office. Let us see how it works!"

"Yes!"

"As ordered!"

"All of you, withdraw! Crown Prince, remain!" Emperor Liu increasingly felt his energy failing — after deliberating only this short while, he was already weary. His posture slumped, and he waved his hand at the assembled company.

The ministers filed out, and Chongzheng Hall quickly fell quiet. Emperor Liu leaned slightly against the imperial desk, propping up his head, silent. Seeing this, Liu Yang called softly: "Father!"

Emperor Liu rubbed his forehead, looking at him: "Sit!"

Once Liu Yang was seated, Emperor Liu spoke slowly: "Remember this — so-called institutions and rules are only meant to restrain ministers and the common people. As a sovereign, one may be strict with oneself, but one cannot be utterly trapped within them. In all matters, weigh the benefits and harms!"

Liu Yang was briefly startled, then said somewhat gravely: "Yes, your son remembers!"

Whether Liu Yang truly took it in or not, he had only spoken from feeling. Sitting up and shifting his posture, he sighed lightly: "That Han Derang has been staying in the Eastern Capital for quite some time now, hasn't he!"

Liu Yang nodded: "Twenty days have already passed!"

Emperor Liu said unhurriedly: "Do you know why they have come?"

"According to the report of Xiao Siwen, Commissioner of Tributary Affairs, they have come to submit to the Great Han as vassals and seek peace, to restore diplomatic relations between the two states, intending to forge eternal friendship with the Great Han and never conflict again!" Liu Yang recalled Xiao Siwen's report from a few days prior and answered slowly.

"It seems they can no longer hold out in Mobei!" Emperor Liu smiled, then said coldly: "But the Tangut calamity is right before our eyes. The court spent over twenty years and still could not transform them — how much less the Khitan? Their coming south these several thousand li is nothing more than seeking something from the Great Han. As for talk of eternal friendship — how can it be lightly believed?"