Announcing
network and provisions of beckon fire site
Beacon fire site is a very important defence installation of the Great
Wall, forming itself into a complete network at early stage. Definite
provisions have been laid down governing the selection of site, architectural
form and the making of smoke or fire. The book "WuJing Zong
Yao" written by Zeng Gongliang of the Song Dynasty, has
a detailed account, in which he quoted Tang Dynasty beacon fire system
and referred to a passage from chapter "Shou Ju Fa"
in the book "Tong Dian" by Duyou of Tang Dynasty.
Provisions
for soldiers
A slip of bamboo (written by someone with a note in Han Dynasty) discovered
in Dunhuang says that soldiers in the border region are not allowed
to leave even an inch of ground in the beacon fire site. A provision
laid down in the second reigning year of Cheng Hua says that it is deemed
necessary to check on the soldiers in the beacon fire site and to provide
adequate supply of dry hay. Constant watch is maintained day and night.
During emergency smoke must be made by day and fire by night as' signal
of military intelligence. This must not be violated. In case of victory
those who send intelligence quickly will be rewarded. Those who fail
to do so will be prosecuted under martial law. It can be seen from this
that reward and punishment are duly maintained. The management of beacon
fire site can be said to be very strict indeed.
Provisions
of making fire
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