We are here for Britain.

—Arthur Hastings, title page of the Metropolitan Police Service Policing Manual.

On a foggy morning, the sky is just dawning, and the streets of London are still immersed in a solemn atmosphere.

Located in the heart of London, near Trafalgar Square, St. Martin's Church, the ancient and majestic Gothic spire stands in the morning light, gradually emitting a little light, like a watchman who has just opened his eyes, silently surveying the surrounding emptiness.

The silence lasted for an unknown amount of time, and in the cobblestone alleys that surrounded the church, the balance of silence was broken by the sound of uniform footsteps, and the sound of hard riding boots hitting the cobblestones was like a heavy requiem.

The iconic navy tuxedo with glittering epaulettes, a towering black bowler hat, and even the white gloves have been deliberately replaced with brand new. Police forces organised from various London districts are converging here.

It is customary in Scotland Yard that every police officer of the Anglican faith must march to church in the early hours of the morning on Sunday morning, according to internal regulations.

However, unlike the usual service, all police stations in Scotland Yard have chosen St. Martin's Church as the venue for today's service.

The service was attended not only by police officers who believe in the state religion, but also by police officers from other Protestant denominations such as Lutheranism, Methodism, Calvinism, and Baptism, and even attracted a Catholic who has never been keen on religious worship - Officer Arthur Hastings.

Or rather, the officers are actually here for Superintendent Hastings.

And they also understood that Superintendent Hastings, the big man in Scotland Yard and the role model of the police force, was lying quietly in the dark, cramped coffin of St. Martin's Church.

The footsteps gradually subsided, and the agitation calmed down, and the police officers formed a neat phalanx outside St. Martin's Church from west to east on their own, as if they had rehearsed it countless times in advance, and guarded the road on both sides of St. Martin's Church.

Each of them had a statue-like expression on their face, and their eyes were solemn towards the closed door. The figures of the police officers are reflected on the blue-gray stone wall, which adds a bit of majesty to the scene at this time, and reveals a little sadness in the majesty.

The senior officers in charge of leading the police force each held a heavy police knife, and at the top of the police knife, even in the fog, the shining Great London Metropolitan Police Department's unique insignia still shone very clearly.

Metropolitan Police, Inspector General of Police, Charles Rowan.

Deputy Commissioner of Metropolitan Police of Greater London, Inspector General of Police, Richard Mayne.

Assistant Inspector of Police, Assistant Inspector of Police, Head of Special Operations, Greater London Metropolitan Police.

Assistant Superintendent of Police, Head of Police Patrol, Greater London Metropolitan Police.

Head of Crime Investigation Division, Greater London Metropolitan Police, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Michael Kresman.

……

Two Inspectors of Police, five Assistant Superintendents, 18 Superintendents, and more than 50 Superintendents, almost all of the senior figures of Scotland Yard were present today.

They stood at the front of the line, facing the large closed oak door of the church, and there was no change in their eyes or expressions, just like their subordinates.

It was clear to every police officer present that what they were waiting for was a final tribute to a commander who had died heroically in the line of duty.

The Sir, who died in an act to defend peace and order, will be etched in the glorious history of Scotland Yard and will be remembered forever by all his colleagues.

Just as the Scotland Yard Police Force in front of St. Martin's Church was solemnly lined up, the crisp sound of horses' hooves could be heard in the distance, beating like a drum on the old stone road, attracting everyone's attention to the source of the sound.

A gust of wind blew through the early morning fog, and several richly decorated royal carriages appeared at the end of the view, approaching the wide streets surrounded by cavalry convoys.

Its body is painted in a deep violet color, a symbol of prestige and power, gold ornaments and carvings shine on its surface, and four strong horses draped in intricate and delicate harnesses, stepping in unison, their manes fluttering in the wind, every detail shows the solemnity and magnificence of the royal guard of honor.

On the roof of the car, the royal flag, formed by the overlapping of the United Kingdom flag and the coat of arms of the Hanover family, is gently swaying in the breeze, indicating the prominent status of the passengers in the car.

The car stopped in the open space specially cleared in front of the church, and the attendants quickly stepped forward and carefully pulled the car door.

William IV, dressed in formal dress, slowly stepped out of the carriage, followed by the same costumed dignitaries.

William Howley, Archbishop of Canterbury, Archbishop of England,

Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington, former Prime Minister, former Commander-in-Chief of the British Army, Chief Magistrate of England,

Lord Breham, Lord Royal, Speaker of the House of Lords, Chairman of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council,

Home Secretary, Viscount Melbourne, Chairman of the National Public Safety Council,

Sir Robert Peele, Tories leader and former Home Secretary,

Prince Augustus Frederick, Duke of Sussex, President of the Royal Society, President of the Royal Society of Arts, and brother of the King......

The presence of a group of bigwigs instantly lifted the officers' emotions to an exciting level, and after the high-intensity attack of the Fleet Street news media, such a scene was really needed to boost their mood and morale.

In that breathlessness, all eyes were on King William IV and Sir George Elliott, the royal attendant who followed.

George Elliott had a solemn face, holding a scarlet tray with a knight's sword in the style of the Middle Ages, a long swallowtail banner symbolizing honor and loyalty, and a knighthood of lower ranks, gilded spurs, and a crimson cape.

Everyone looked forward to seeing His Majesty bestow this supreme national honour on the deceased officer, not only as a personal recognition of Superintendent Hastings, but also as a reward for the hard work of the entire Greater London Police Force.

In a solemn and solemn environment, only the golden bells on the carriage sounded softly in the breeze, as if whispering about the lives lost for justice and peace.

Standing in the middle of the road in front of St. Martin's Church, William IV looked up at the rising sun in the distance, and then turned to the Archbishop of Canterbury beside him and nodded slightly.

Knock knock!

The holy bell rang three times, and the police officers present involuntarily took off their hats and bowed their heads slightly in respect.

Only the sound of a rattle was heard, and the solemn and ancient oak door of St. Martin's Church quietly opened at this moment.

Divine light flowed out from the crack in the door, like the first rays of dawn in the sky, instantly illuminating this foggy gray morning, and also lighting up everyone's expectant and sad eyes.

In the church, the sound of the piano lingers and the sound of chanting is looming, which adds a bit of mystery and solemnity.

Everyone's heartbeat seemed to slow down at this moment, and the tension seemed to be pulled to the extreme by an invisible force. However, in the midst of this silence, an unexpected sound of footsteps sounded.

From that bright beam of light, a jet-black hard riding boot stepped out, followed by white gloves that swung with his footsteps, a straight tuxedo, a police officer's knife that rose and fell with his steps, and the shining St. Edward's badge that bloomed on his shoulder.

Arthur's face looked a little pale, perhaps due to blood loss, or perhaps because he had not been in the sun for so long, that even his steps were a little stiff.

But that didn't stop him from calmly putting on his black top hat in the stunned gaze of the crowd, and Arthur held the officer's knife in one hand and walked slowly along the cobblestone road beneath his feet.

This scene inevitably stunned the police officers present, and the originally painful and oppressive atmosphere was suddenly replaced by disbelief and consternation.

The members of the police force widened their eyes with bewilderment and shock, and some even wondered if their eyes were deceiving them, and even the hats they were pinching in their hands fell to the ground.

Superintendent Hastings, whom they had thought was lost forever, was now literally at the center of the light, as if he had never left.

Arthur walked in front of Director Rowan, and in an instant, two pairs of sharp eyes collided together, without dodging or doubting, Arthur slowly raised his arm and saluted: "The head of the Police Intelligence Bureau of the Greater London Metropolitan Police Department and the London Police School, Assistant Superintendent of the London Metropolitan Police Force, Arthur Hastings, report to you!" ”

Although Luo Wan had received the news as early as last night, it was not until he confirmed it with his own eyes at this time that he finally couldn't help but show a smile of relief, sincerity and relief.

Luo Wan stared at Arthur for a long time before nodding at Arthur: "Arthur, I'm glad to see you rescued." Although most of the time, I don't want to admit it. But I have to say, for this time alone, you're doing a great job. ”

Arthur looked at the boss who had fought with him in the past, and smiled with relief: "Just like you, this is my duty, sir. ”

Luo Wan took a deep breath and patted Arthur on the shoulder: "As I said, your future is bright. However, while this may be the last time, I would like to say ......"

Rowan took a step back, raised his hand and saluted, "Welcome back, Officer Hastings!" ”

Luo Wan's salute was like a thunderclap, waking the officers from this almost impossible scene, almost subconsciously, they also raised their arms in unison: "Welcome back, sir!" ”

When Arthur heard this, he only felt a breath in his chest, and he couldn't help but raise his arm to salute the police officers who had accompanied him for three years from birth to death: "It's an honor to be here, my officers!" ”

William IV and others, who were standing in the rear, couldn't help but smile when they saw this scene.

A simple appearance can win the hearts of all Scotland Yard officers, and that's why Arthur Hastings is so important here.

Although he is not resurrected, perhaps for Scotland Yard, the name Arthur Hastings itself has some ineffable sacredness.

"Arthur Hastings!"

Suddenly, a solemn and solemn shout broke the painting-like scene.

It was George Elliott, the royal attendant, and it was the king calling.

Arthur walked up to the king, put one hand on his chest, and immediately bowed his head and fell to one knee.

There was a slight look of appreciation in William IV's eyes, but he quickly retracted his smile and picked up the knight's sword from the tray beside him.

William IV drew his sword, struck him three times on the neck and shoulders with the back of the sword, and then put the back of the sword on his shoulder and asked solemnly.

"Arthur Hastings!

You are willing to uphold the principle of honor first, regard honor as your life, always adhere to a high standard of conduct, and do not allow any words or deeds to tarnish your reputation.

You are willing to be loyal to the Lord, absolutely loyal to your lord and to your lord, and willing to go to great lengths for him, and not hesitate to fulfill your vows and duties.

You are willing to protect the weak, take responsibility for protecting women, children, the elderly, and the helpless, and show compassion against oppression and injustice.

You are willing to uphold fairness, oppose fraud and prejudice, and maintain social order in dealing with disputes and disputes.

You are willing to fight bravely, face the enemy, be fearless, fight valiantly, but draw your sword only for the right reasons, against needless violence and indiscriminate killing.

You are willing to respect your opponent, even on the battlefield, you should respect your opponent, abide by the rules of war, be tolerant and merciful to the vanquished, and not take advantage of others.

You are willing to be honest and trustworthy, do what you say, keep your promises, keep your words and deeds, and resolutely resist lies and betrayal.

You should be willing to pursue knowledge, not only in martial arts, but also in culture, in order to increase your knowledge and improve your moral character.

You may be willing to restrain your desires, restrain your personal desires, avoid vices such as greed and arrogance, and be humble and self-disciplined.

You can revere God, see yourself as God's servant, be devout in your faith, and act in accordance with God's will. ”

Arthur bowed his head slightly, pressed one hand to his heart, and swore an oath.

"By God's guidance, and with your will, I, Arthur Hastings, hereby solemnly pledge, in the name of St. George, patron saint of England, the great warrior known throughout the world for his courage, conviction, and devotion to the Christian faith:

I will be kind to the weak,

I will bravely face the strong,

I will fight against anyone who makes mistakes,

I will fight for those who cannot fight.

I will help those who turn to me for help,

I will never hurt a woman,

I will help my knight brothers,

I will be loyal to my friends,

I will be sincere in my love.

I would like to bind myself with this sacred vow that no matter what difficulties, challenges or temptations I face, I will faithfully fulfill my promise and never deviate from it or back down. If you break this oath, you will be judged and excommunicated by St. George, and by all the punishment and condemnation that the world deserves.

The above vows are made from the bottom of our hearts, and in the name of St. George, we will never forget them. ”

Hearing this, William IV nodded slightly.

"The enemy is strong, fearless! Be bold and faithful, worthy of God! Geng Zheng said bluntly, I'd rather die than die! Protect the weak, no wonder the heavens! This is your oath, keep it in mind!

Arthur Hastings, I, William IV, by the grace of God, King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and its dependencies and dependencies, and King of the Kingdom of Hanover, protector of the Christian faith, hereby makes you knighted in the lower rank of the United Kingdom! ”

With that, William IV raised the knight's sword horizontally, held it in the palm of his hand, and said, "Avencez, Sir Arthur Hastings." ”

Arthur looked up at the sword that the king held in the palm of his hand, he was a little stunned and a little abrupt, until the king winked at him lightly, and he got up as if he had just woken up and took the sword from the king's hand, which symbolized the status of a knight.

"It is a great honor, Your Majesty."

Sir George Elliott, the Royal Chamberlain, then stepped forward with the tray in his hand filled with knightly ornaments, and handed it to Arthur with a smile: "As your acquaintance and half friend, I am glad to see that your body is actually fine, Sir. ”

Arthur took the tray and took a deep breath and said, "I'm glad to see you're healthy, Sir. ”

The two looked at each other and smiled, but before they could let them say more pleasantries, William IV smiled at Arthur and said, "My dear Sir Arthur Hastings, as a brilliant police commander, do you have nothing to say to your lads at such a parting moment?" ”

Arthur looked at the King, and then at the Duke of Wellington, who was standing beside him, and at Sir Peel, Lord Broughham, and others.

Some of them nodded lightly at Arthur, others smiled slightly.

Seeing this, Arthur couldn't help but laugh softly, and he turned around, only to find that the eyes of the officers had already converged on him.

He saw many acquaintances in the crowd, including Tom and Tony, who couldn't contain their ecstasy, Brendon Jones, who breathed a sigh of relief, Ledley King, who had his eyes rolling, Thomas Plunkitt, who was laughing and applauding him, and a group of agents from the Police Intelligence Bureau and the Criminal Investigation Department.

Arthur's chest heaved and he wanted to speak, but in the end, the gentle smile that was common to the officers of Scotland Yard appeared on his face.

"Brethren, as you know, I am a lover of reading. I read fairy tales, comics, newspapers, news, historical records, and fashion. I have seen many heroes in these stories, they are noble, they are great, they are like stars hanging in the sky, they are incomparable.

However, in this turbulent year of 1832, it suddenly dawned on me that all true heroes are not what they are described in the storybooks. There are no heroes in the world, and there is no such thing as true bravery who is not afraid of death. I don't know how to be a hero, but you've taught me what a true knight looks like.

A true knight never let his fear of death trump his sense of honor, never let fear overwhelm his sense of duty to his homeland and his natural manhood. Each and every one of you here has such a vital role to play, and in times of danger you think only of the honour of your country, of the citizens of London, of your companions and comrades-in-arms, and not of yourself.

Scotland Yard is no place for the cowardly, because even the most timid guy comes here with a manhood that he has never had before. Yes, no one wants to face death and danger, but that doesn't mean we will shrink back from the danger of defending law and justice. The Gospels say, "You are the salt of the world." If salt loses its taste, how can it be made salty again?

If a man hates peace, how can he allow others to keep it? How can a man who defiles his hands with filthy deeds cleanse others of their uncleanness? We often say that if a blind man leads the way, both will fall into the pit. It was also said that night and day could not meet, but I was glad that we carried the dawn on our shoulders.

If I, Arthur Hastings, a country boy from York, have done anything to be thankful about in my short life, I must say that I am indeed glad that in 1832, in this year of passion, I fought with the great Scotland Yard. The years I spent with you were the best sunny days I've ever experienced in my life. ”

With that, Arthur slowly raised his hand in salute.

Behind him, only the sound of an edict trembling was heard.

The Duke of Wellington's majestic voice sounded, and he read the edict on his behalf.

"I, William IV, by the grace of God, King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and King of the Kingdom of Hanover, hereby declare to my loyal subjects:

In view of the importance of maintaining public order and the stability of order in the territory of our kingdom, especially in London, the peace of the country and the well-being of the people, the Great London Metropolitan Police was established in 1829. Since its establishment, the Metropolitan Police has been dedicated to its duties, with its fearlessness, wisdom and justice, to effectively fight crime, protect the innocent, effectively deter evil forces, and defend the dignity of the law and social justice.

His professionalism and dedication have demonstrated his preeminent position as a pillar of the nation's law and order and a model for the police. It has not only won the deep trust of the people, but also the general praise of the general public of London.

In view of this, I am determined to bestow the Royal Title on the Metropolitan Police and its officers in the Royal Honor, in recognition of their merits and to inspire them to perform their duties more faithfully and courageously in the future, serving my subjects and my Kingdom.

Hereby canonized:

With immediate effect, the Metropolitan Police Department of Greater London has officially changed its name to 'Royal Metropolitan Police Department' and has been given the honorific title of 'Royal' as a sign of special recognition and royal favor.

All officers and police officers of all ranks attached to the Department shall enjoy the title of 'Royal', and their titles shall be adjusted in accordance with royal etiquette, and the title of 'Inspector General of Police' shall be changed to 'Inspector General of Police', ordinary police officers shall be renamed 'Royal Police', and so on. The royal coat of arms shall be added to their uniforms, insignia, official documents and logos to show their newly acquired high honors.

This royal canonization not only recognizes the contributions of the past, but also inspires loyalty and diligence in the future. The Royal Metropolitan Police Department shall continue to uphold its fine tradition of upholding the rule of law, ensuring the safety of its citizens and guarding against internal and external threats, in order to demonstrate its royal authority, strengthen social harmony and preserve the prosperity and tranquility of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

I have instructed the Secretary of State and the relevant departments to comply with this edict and to proceed with the renaming and renewal, and to ensure that the Royal Metropolitan Police and its members fully understand and value this honour and are committed to serving in the name of the Crown and living up to our expectations.

May God Almighty continue to protect my Royal Metropolitan Police and give it wisdom and strength to protect my territory and subjects in a new glory.

This edict.

At St. James's Palace,

William IV,

King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, King of Hanover and Guardian of the Christian Faith,

Calendar of the Lord, June 9, 1832. ”

(End of chapter)