You became an emperor by letting me AFK.

Even after the majestic will had receded into the distance, everyone was still trembling. It was terrifying. The scene that seemed to descend with a galaxy was too shocking, and some people didn't dare to look up.

Insignificant.

This is a shared feeling, and it also sparks a thirst for knowledge.

The people of Daqian have always grown up in an atmosphere of pioneering exploration, and the Way of Heaven is their greatest encouragement.

With lofty aspirations, we yearn for the starry sky.

For the guests who had traveled from afar, it was simply awe-inspiring; their legs trembled with fear, and they remained kneeling in worship. It wasn't so much out of reverence or piety, but rather because they couldn't stand up. What if they started rolling around on the ground and made a fool of themselves? So they remained frozen in place.

However, no one made any other extra movements, because the meeting was not considered over until the high priest announced the end, and she was still burning incense and praying for their farewell.

------

Xia He had finished her turn, but her perspective was still on the horizon, overlooking the enemy.

She wanted to see how the little robot would perform the supplementary operations.

[Current Leader's Agenda: Defense of Feudal States]

[Description: Conscript military resources from fiefdoms to strengthen rule, influence, and diplomatic maneuvering in specific regions; utilize their garrisoned troops to execute tactical objectives]

[Effect: Regional deterrence +4%, Army organization +4%]

It came in handy.

Since the Great Qian had nurtured such a vassal military force for so long, it was natural to use them to test the strength of the south. Sure enough, Feng Tianyin had already planned it out; she would use this as a tool to infiltrate target areas in the future.

Given the cautious nature of the small machine, it wouldn't easily start a war; using the feudal states to stir up trouble would be the perfect solution.

You already understand how to use "little brother".

[Leaders' Religious Agenda: Attracting Religious Immigrants]

[Description: Launch a missionary propaganda offensive, claiming that all who believe in our religion should belong to the territory of the Great Qian Dynasty, and recruit people from surrounding areas.]

[Effect: Religious believer conversion rate +5%]

Feng Tianyin has never forgotten that the core KPI assessment is population and labor force. Before a further agricultural technological revolution leads to a population explosion, the current stage is one of accumulation.

A talent war.

While Daqian's own growth rate is certainly not bad, the surrounding areas cannot be ignored.

Xia He also observed that the border city-states had also been issued orders to spread religion. Propagation actually meant encouraging them to come to Daqian and contribute to the "effective population control" target.

It is most effective when she has just performed a miracle.

"In the next round, we will probably build new cities to solidify our foundation while tentatively penetrating the southern city-states."

The strategic goals are obvious.

The AI ​​doesn't resort to underhanded tactics; it's more about overt strategy, even using superior operations to overwhelm the enemy with overwhelming force. There's nothing to hide; things are about to get busy.

Xia He nodded with relief and exited the game.

She needs to take a good break and relax a bit, and also maintain the beta testing program...

Feng Tianyin, standing at the Heavenly Dao Altar, seemed to sense something and gazed into the distance. A thought departed into the distance, signifying a true departure. Their formal meeting would have to wait until the next round or even longer.

That's it.

She was quite satisfied this time; it was time to get back to business.

Amidst the watchful eyes of the crowd, the high priest rose from his seated prayer position and proclaimed in a loud voice: "The ceremony has been a complete success!"

In an instant, people slowly stood up.

Many of the spectators were as if waking from a dream, deeply immersed in the magnificent spectacle they had just witnessed. Only when the great bell tolled, the auspicious clouds dissipated, and the profound sound echoed through the heavens did they realize that a decade had ended and a new chapter of the next decade had begun.

Chapter 114 Wanting to Become a Religious Person (6K)

The third day after the Heavenly Way Festival.

After handling a series of follow-up matters, Feng Tianyin finally turned her attention to a large pile of congratulatory messages.

On the desk in the Imperial Study were documents from various vassal states.

Besides the necessary congratulatory messages to mark the celebration, there was also a list of various gifts. After the Heavenly Ritual, some of the offerings were returned to the community, while the rest were accepted by the priests within the inner sanctum.

Feng Tianyin tacitly approved of this.

Because she believes it is essentially a form of taxation.

It may seem that Gegentana received a lot of benefits, but in reality, she kept a close eye on how the money was spent, ensuring that not a single penny was wasted.

Of course.

Having received the money, he couldn't simply refuse to meet with the people involved, especially since it was indeed an obligation. As the high priest, he had to at least communicate with them to stabilize the situation; otherwise, the feudal lords would inevitably become fearful and suspicious.

It's not that I'm worried they'll rebel; they don't have the guts or the strength.

Instead, they are afraid of delaying their work.

Surely someone in officialdom can't be completely oblivious to the situation? If the high priest's refusal to meet with them is interpreted as a signal, it can make subordinates feel that "even the highest-ranking official isn't giving their superiors a friendly look," thus diminishing his authority, which is a matter of vital interest to them.

The various feudal lords actively sought an audience with them.

Feng Tianyin didn't forget or ignore it; rather, these people were a low priority, and she only picked them up again now.

"You guys have had a tough time dealing with those guys these past few days."

Her gaze fell on Yu Xue and Li Zhengxuan, who bowed respectfully, indicating that it was no difficult matter.

The two semi-retired individuals have gradually moved away from their busy daily routines.

Going to social events is actually more relaxing.

The new members of the Temple Council include He Wan, Ke Rong, Bayar, and Du Shaoqian, representing fresh blood. They are high-ranking officials who have risen from the grassroots level and are experienced and capable.

Moreover, he is energetic and possesses certain psionic qualities.

He was fortunate to be born in a good era, and his physical prime coincided with the budding of psychic energy in the classical age. He cultivated to some extent and acquired the qualities valued by the High Priest:

durable.

This is no ordinary bonus; after all, the work of the temple's higher-ups tests both their minds and their physical strength. Ordinary people can't keep up with Feng Tianyin's pace, and they will last longer than the first batch of members.

"Bring them in, as soon as possible."

Upon hearing this, the clerk hurriedly left the study to deliver the message, and soon a group of city lords and feudal lords gathered at the screen in front of the door.

Everyone had been feeling uneasy, but now they're somewhat relieved.

"Greetings to His Majesty."

They entered and bowed eagerly. Feng Tianyin, sitting in the main seat, remained expressionless as always.

However, she seemed to be in a good mood after the festival, bestowing generous rewards and approving a number of new vacancies for the new city. Clearly, the number of clerks would need to be expanded again, benefiting everyone. This was a positive political signal, which was gratifying.

She pointed to the report on the table and said, "You've all done a good job."

Upon hearing this, everyone smiled, and the opening remarks set the tone.

Stable.

As everyone knows, this person always demands strict standards, so even as feudal lords, they dare not be negligent and carefully collect taxes and expand their territory, without daring to be careless.

They were terrified of being punished by the high priest.

Although you may have great power, high status, and high rewards, your responsibilities are equal, and you must create more.

"Tell me about the situation on your side, starting from the north."

Feng Tianyin knew everything clearly through her access information and her informants in various places, but in any case, it was all intelligence based on a single perspective. It was necessary to listen carefully to what they said and let them report on their own.

She doesn't quite understand the complexities of human nature, so she should learn more about it.

Erbala, as the Great Khan, was the first to report: "Your Majesty, we have continued to eradicate the scattered polluting tribes in the polar regions, while also absorbing some barbarian tribes that are loyal to the Great Qian..."

The profits now are meager, better than nothing.

Okay.

He spoke with great enthusiasm, unlike the concise reports of a clerk; his words were vivid and expressive, devoid of oratory skills but brimming with emotion.

Once things are explained clearly, that's fine.

Decades later, the Great Khan Erbala was still full of vigor, though his temples were gray and his face was wrinkled, showing the signs of age. So, after he finished his long speech, Feng Tianyin asked with concern:

"You can rest more, or even relieve yourself of some official duties."

If it were any other monarch, it would most likely be interpreted as an invitation to abdicate, and political enemies would pounce on them like sharks to blood.

But as everyone knows, the high priest is an exception.

She never feared her subjects; when it came to actually dealing with them, it was just a matter of issuing a transfer order, regardless of the number of their protégés or former officials. So her concern was genuine, and there's not much room for interpretation.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. My ancestors have hunted for generations, and I am prepared to fight on forever."

"it is good."

Feng Tianyin concluded the report from the first tribe in the north with a word of praise.

The other tribes added details, mainly about the progress of the Great Wall construction, the defense against barbarian settlements in the northeast, and communication with caravans from the western continent...

They mostly used camel trade routes.

It was clearly a vast, unbroken desert and Gobi plain, and the merchants who came to trade were not necessarily superior, or even forced into it. The profits were enormous, but the dangers were immense, so exchanges between the two continents ended there.

Of course, the tribes of the northern deserts still received a considerable share of the trade profits, and they couldn't help but beam with joy when talking about it.

The lords of the southern city-states couldn't help but look at him with disdain.

Country bumpkin.

For the more civilized city-states of the Great Plains, their northern barbarian counterparts were only just beginning to be civilized. The barbarians who were once on the same level as these people had been thoroughly subjugated by them.

Back then, we had the ability to remotely control the barbarian tribes to launch a joint attack on the Great Qian Dynasty, which was far superior to yours.

How is the South?

After reporting to the North, Feng Tianyin immediately inquired about the strategic frontier, making no attempt to conceal her involvement and concern for them.