You became an emperor by letting me AFK.

"Your Majesty has always acted with benevolence and righteousness, so I have no objection."

"I don't want to be a Khan anymore. There are so many responsibilities, and I'm always on edge. Changing careers is a good thing."

"Haha, count me in."

"In that case, let's set off quickly. I can't wait to go to Xiayi."

The tribes of the northern deserts unanimously agreed without any resistance. This was partly because they trusted Feng Tianyin wouldn't discard them after using them, and partly because the Great Qian Dynasty was powerful; could their resistance possibly be effective? It would only mean gaining a few more conditions.

If someone is honest and law-abiding, even if they have some shady dealings, they won't be driven to the brink of disaster; usually, they'll just turn a blind eye.

The political stability of a temple provides a sense of security.

For nearly a century, there has been no serious factional strife, nor has there been the frequent execution of entire families. How many people with outstanding achievements have still died peacefully and left behind a good reputation? The leaders are so reliable and dependable.

"Let's set off."

The feudal lords quickly set off from Linchun, their massive caravans heading south.

The people along the way saw it and knew that something big was about to happen; it was estimated that northern Mongolia was about to undergo a major change.

They looked at each other, unsure of the specifics. Although the temple had a long-standing tradition of issuing announcements, the feudal lords would certainly have known the news earlier and set off first.

"Speaking of which, this round of Heavenly Dao Festival is almost here, isn't it?"

"Indeed, it will be very lively."

"I dare say it's even more magnificent than the one that was said to be the largest in history. You know, our Great Qian is now the richest country in the world."

"Yes, things are different now. I heard that you can see the sea at the southernmost point, but it's warmer."

"It's so far away."

The vastness of the Great Qian makes one feel that the distance between places is so great. If you go all the way north, you can see the icy sea, and if you go south, you can see the warm sea. The geography, landscape and cities are completely different. Listening to the rumors from afar, it is like another world.

Only when a chariot of feudal lords sets out does it give the impression of a unified whole.

Such a vast and abundant land is something to be proud of.

After all, they can eat fruits and vegetables from farther away, buy other handicrafts to enrich their meals, and often get novel gadgets.

The most direct way to experience a sense of identification is through the Heavenly Ritual.

When it is held, golden auspicious signs can be seen, and the scene of everyone worshipping is full of sacredness.

almost.

It is now the spring of the 90th anniversary of the Enlightenment. There is still a chill in the air in the northern desert, with frost and ice hanging in some places. There is still some time before summer, so take this opportunity to make good preparations.

They each continued to work with hope in their hearts.

The caravan of the feudal lords also broadened their horizons, only to discover upon arriving in the area of ​​Kurong Mountain that the border city had expanded once again.

Local officials naturally gave them a warm welcome, but upon meeting them, they were immediately met with curious questions:

"Why is the temple still being invested in when it's clearly a mountain town?"

"Because of the forest farm."

"The 'Kurong' in Yiku Rong Mountain is just a distinction between the semi-arid and humid areas; in reality, there is a large amount of high-quality timber. Not only should it be harvested, but it should also be planted, as it will supply the massive timber demand in the south. In His Majesty's plan, the entire mountain range is considered a forest farm."

Upon hearing this, everyone was stunned, estimating that the number was far greater than that.

Other forest farms in the south are also potential candidates, all of which will be used as shipbuilding materials. The Fengtianyin Iceberg Plan, even if only a small part of the plan is implemented in the Kurong Mountain area, can create a medium-sized city and develop in synergy with Linchun.

The high priest's power is that exaggerated.

In the coming decade, she will dedicate herself to seafaring, putting other tasks aside for the time being.

There are also commands from Heaven.

Although Feng Tianyin didn't say it explicitly, everyone could guess the revelation from Heaven. Thinking of this, the feudal lords discussed among themselves: "Indeed, to more fully integrate the resources of the Great Qian Dynasty, there's no need for enfeoffment." "We just happened to catch a brief window of opportunity." "What a pity."

The city lord smiled and reassured him, "It's alright. In reality, the changes in the Great Qian Dynasty are always significant. If we take the initiative to adapt, we can establish ourselves."

"Your choice is correct, and His Majesty will be pleased."

That person doesn't show any joy except when it comes to matters related to the Heavenly Dao; they're like a wooden statue.

So be it.

The city lord appointed by the temple represents the will of those above, and it can be considered that they made the right choice. If there is any resistance, the danger at Mount Kurong will be eliminated.

Even if the High Priest didn't mind, Lord He Huang's style was still impeccable.

The southern coastal region of Daqian.

For the lords of Qingzhou, Minyue, and even the southern part of the Great Plains, the response was lukewarm. They lost their fiefdom status? It seems the Manchus only lasted a few years.

A significant number of feudal lords did not even pass down to the third generation; they were all newly enfeoffed.

They have a clear understanding of their own position, knowing that Daqian's initial attempt to win them over was merely a delaying tactic. Both sides are fully aware of this, and today's readjustment is entirely expected.

normal.

It would be frightening if the temple authorities did not publicly announce the cancellation of the fiefdom.

After all, with Feng Tianyin's control, it didn't matter whether she was a feudal lord or not; a single order was enough to hold life and death in her hands.

Her authority has grown unshakeable over the years.

The development of spiritual energy and medical technology in the Great Qian Dynasty has increased life expectancy considerably, but few of the previous generation lived to be 90 years old. This person, who has been in the high position for so long, has passed away before the end of his generation.

It has been deified.

An ordinary person from the Great Qian Dynasty grows up listening to the High Priest from birth; it is part of their worldview and one of the foundations of order in their subconscious.

No special promotion was needed; the support for Feng Tianyin was immeasurable.

When such a superior decides to remove you from a title, it's best to cooperate obediently. Besides, she's offering generous benefits, including the option to exchange part of your fiefdom for property, though you'll lose some privileges.

"Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty."

The various feudal lords in the south shared a common answer to this question.

One of the bellwethers was Nanqiu City, a crucial city-state that played a key role in the past.

Lord Lü Bo was also one of the feudal lords, but he was happy about the position he was about to lose.

"His Majesty allocated a number of nomination slots to the temple, and I submitted your name."

His son, Lü Wen, who was being pointed at, was stunned and looked completely bewildered. Even this young man, who was known for his talent, was deeply puzzled.

"Why didn't your father recommend you?"

“I’m getting old, I should stay home and look after things. This old face of mine can’t handle the bumpy ride to Xiayi and the long hours spent at the temple. You don’t know the intensity of their work, they’re a bunch of monsters.”

Lu Wen gave a wry smile, the unspoken message being that he had to get busy.

"Don't be too happy yet, kid. The Temple's principle is that everyone who enters will be tested. Go back to your studies."

"This recommendation quota only allows you to start working immediately after completing the necessary training at the academy. You still need to accumulate experience little by little, but you don't have to wait for a vacancy. It's difficult."

Lu Bo immediately poured cold water on the idea.

Even so, he cherished the opportunity, since there were other available spots.

The kindness of helping and supporting.

Your subordinates will remember your kindness; it is His Majesty's reward. After all, in the Great Qian Dynasty, mentorship and promotion relationships are very important.

Its purpose is to reduce internal communication barriers and prevent rebellion.

Feng Tianyin isn't afraid of forming cliques; she'd much rather you all establish your own consensus and work efficiently. That's human nature. Because elite groups wield so much power, legal consensus is nonexistent; instead, they rely on seemingly illusory means like brother-in-law relationships, oaths, and sworn brotherhoods—mere pledges of allegiance. It's all just a pledge of loyalty.

The more immoral a place is, the more barbaric and outrageous the acts of loyalty become. People indulge in eating, drinking, gambling, whoring, and smoking together; some even go so far as to eat people.

The High Priest welcomed the establishment of a standard process for building consensus among the elite groups of the Great Qian Dynasty.

She wasn't afraid; in fact, she couldn't be happier.

The various lords, being astute as they were, naturally understood this well-intentioned gesture. They discerned the benevolence within and unanimously agreed: "The High Priest is truly kind-hearted; we are deeply honored." "I support Your Majesty's decision." "The lords will be more at ease once they step down."

Since the temple has presented a choice, they are happy to accept it.

Simultaneously.

The latest batch of warlords in the distant Qingzhou and Minyue regions were somewhat dissatisfied, after all, they had only been in power for a few years.

However, the intelligence system of Daqian had already noticed their dissatisfaction, so the local garrison of Daqian took the initiative to "communicate" but in reality to intimidate them, making them keep their tails between their legs and accept whatever benefits they wanted.

Not just anyone can negotiate with a temple.

According to He Huang's design, the benefits for Mobei are the highest, after all, they have worked hard, made great contributions, and have seniority.

Secondly, the various vassal states on the plains can also be treated with appropriate preferential treatment.

Forget about the South.

Many so-called feudal lords from Qingzhou and Minyue regions were merely "surrendering at the mere sight of the wind"—a euphemism for their actions.

They would have been beaten up if they had been even a step too late.

Since you didn't take the initiative back then, you won't get good conditions now. Don't think that the Great Qian is being merciful to you; this is a notification. Moreover, the greatest mercy is that they proactively sent the army to deter the situation and prevent it from escalating to the point of bloodshed.

That is true kindness.

He Wan, as the mastermind behind the scenes, grasped Feng Tianyin's meaning: she hoped for a smooth transition and to avoid bloodshed among her own people on the eve of the Heavenly Dao Festival, as it would be a disgrace.

She turned what could have been a turmoil into a gathering.

Beneath the turbulent surface of the water, the undercurrents have also been tamed.

His colleagues had to admire him; he was truly capable of being His Majesty's chief scribe, and had finally accomplished a great task.

He truly deserves to be the most important minister of the Great Qian Dynasty.

However, He Wan kept humbly saying, "I was just issuing the notice; it was all thanks to His Majesty's grace in calling for action."

As for what the various lords actually thought, it didn't matter at all. In particular, those lords in the south who had been reprimanded by the garrison commander could only reluctantly head to Xiayi, and their fleets sailed straight to the capital.

A presentable appearance is essential.

After all, this was the last time he would travel as a feudal lord.

From now on, the Great Qian Dynasty will not even have any related rituals, so of course we should enjoy it one last time. In particular, the large ships in the south do look majestic and imposing, which amazes people along the way and is hard not to attract attention.

"So many feudal lords are going to Xia Yi together, could the rumors be true? Has the Great Qian Dynasty stopped granting fiefdoms?"