as the emperor of the unified empire, emperor guangwu's reign was marked by thriftiness, efficiency, and laxity of laws. for example, in 38, his official liang tong (梁統) submitted a petition to restore the criminal laws of late western han dynasty—which were far more severe. after discussion with other officials, emperor guangwu tabled liang's suggestion. but he originated the order that servants in the inner palace must be eunuchs.