You became an emperor by letting me AFK.

Besides genuinely imparting knowledge and skills, it is also a tradition and a legally validated process.

There is a strong mentor-mentee relationship within the Daqian Elite Group.

Feng Tianyin even encourages this culture.

This is called organization level.

She felt that this could reduce the cost of communication and collaboration between different departments, and that her and Gegentana's taking on apprentices also meant a political endorsement that could make things easier for the younger generation.

Dai Qingshuang felt a surge of joy, but mostly a sense of relief, and couldn't help but look back at the distant battlefield.

The fleet had sailed out of the combat zone, but the air still carried the stench of blood; truly a calamity brought by demons.

It's hanging on the mast.

The culprit's head and the retrieved corpse were hung up for preservation, like dried meat. The priests had indeed considered how to preserve the materials before, but they quickly discovered that this stuff was quite durable, so they simply hung it up like this.

When the fleet returned to its home port, the people on shore were dumbfounded.

"Triumphant return? Are those demon corpses?"

"How could it be fake? We won, and even the leader of those monsters became a trophy."

"The pirate war is over, we can continue on the eastern route."

"The Great Qian Navy will surely prevail!"

Who benefits most from the safety of shipping routes in distant waters? It is undoubtedly Daqian, which has the largest number of ships. Local merchants have their own interests, yearn for peace, and are eager for a peaceful and prosperous world.

The areas explored by the navy will become an excellent trading arena.

Business has started.

Their shrewd calculations immediately revealed that the two warring nations, ravaged by war, would certainly need to rebuild, presenting numerous business opportunities.

Some rumors suggest that the temple is already developing plans for future reconstruction.

So many supplies will pass through the port.

The crowd, eager to capitalize on business opportunities, lined the harbor to welcome the fleet. The shore was filled with the sounds of gongs and drums, and the booming of cannons, creating a festive atmosphere. Even if not for business, they were simply wishing their families a safe return.

Just live.

Hearing that a demon had appeared in this war terrified everyone, they not only won but also brought the enemy to justice. Everyone witnessed the demon's corpse being loaded onto a fast ship and hastily sailing north, fearing they would miss their appointed time.

Those people in the inner sanctum are definitely interested in materials related to psionic creatures; there'll be plenty of research to do in the future.

"After returning to Hong Kong, you can rest and recuperate. You can move around in the Hong Kong area, but you need to report in every night."

Lü Wen ordered the temporary disbandment.

The soldiers agreed in unison and gradually left the port.

The remaining work was handed over to logistics. The dockworkers marveled, "I never imagined the ship could be towed back in such a damaged state!" "The fighting was truly fierce!" "It's remarkable that you returned so intact!"

Dai Qingshuang replied with a smile, "It's all because everyone has advanced shipbuilding technology and excellent craftsmanship; otherwise, several more ships would have sunk."

"I like what you said, but there are still some badly damaged ships that need to be dismantled and recycled."

"Leave it to us, our heroes, get some rest."

The dock area is bustling with activity.

Just as the group was exchanging words, a swift horse arrived, a military mobilization from the temple. However, it was not heading towards the returning expedition, but towards another fleet that had been prepared.

The officers who remained exchanged glances, having already guessed most of what was going on.

It's definitely because the war zone needs troops to maintain stability.

Those important figures at the temple are always farsighted; they've probably already devised a solution. The rest can be left to the second-line troops, especially since the fleet that returned to the ferry crossing in Borneo a step earlier will also provide support.

They proved themselves reliable through this war, at least as dependable teammates.

Stable.

"General, I must go to Xiayi to report on my duties. Farewell."

"Alright, I'll be stationed here for a while to handle the aftermath. See you at the victory celebration banquet afterwards."

The two waved goodbye, always decisive and efficient.

Although the journey was long and tiring, I only felt relaxed and comfortable. I should say I was a little unaccustomed to it, probably because my legs felt shaky.

I'm seasick.

Even Dai Qingshuang's legs would wobble as she walked, and she only regained her balance after jumping onto the boat, but she still felt strange. Well, it's because the swaying of the inland river isn't as bad as at sea, and she's not used to it. This feeling amused her.

Looks like I need to apply for a long vacation to get some proper rest.

Northern Medan, the capital of Borneo.

Upon receiving the good news, Zhuang Qing also received letters from two friends in the Imperial Study.

"They were really ruthless, but the price was good."

The letter from Feng Tianyin and Gegentana outlined their plans for dealing with the future war zone, and the two had made clear arrangements for it. The message sent to Brahma was mainly an invitation.

To put it bluntly, it's an invitation to share the spoils.

After all, Saran and Malaya are two small countries that still have influence over the surrounding areas and have a certain sphere of influence. Now, of course, they should be in charge of those with virtue.

It is time for the cities and regions that were once controlled by them to be handed over to the Great Qian and Brahma for their disposal.

It's time to divide the cake.

Although everyone will eventually unite under the banner of the Heavenly Dao Sect into one nation, that hasn't happened yet, has it? Since it hasn't happened, let's settle accounts clearly, even among close sisters, and each of us will share a portion.

Zhuang Qing naturally agreed and replied in writing:

"Stop with this useless stuff. Bring us all the new technologies you have. These untapped liabilities aren't worth the effort..."

She is not very enthusiastic about the eastern islands and only wants to retain a few ports.

Domestic affairs are the most crucial.

Borneo is also catching up with the technological revolution of the new era and is carrying out preliminary industrialization in full swing.

At the same time, expeditions were sent further south, where they discovered a vast ocean and civilizations in continental and peninsula regions that seemed to exist further away, thus requiring better ships.

This war proved that sailing warships were sufficient for use in inland seas.

But not on long-distance ocean routes.

When the plan was first formulated, Zhuang Qingyu and Feng Tianyin all considered bypassing the inland sea, going to the side of the ocean to meander through the eastern island belt and directly into the core. However, the technical conditions did not allow it, and the sailing reconnaissance ships had all stumbled and barely survived.

It's not impossible to use it to explore the open ocean, but then you have to sail along the continent, which is exactly what both countries are doing now.

And indeed, a new civilization was discovered.

However, this is not enough; steamships are preferred, which require a sophisticated manufacturing system.

Zhuang Qing values ​​technology more; as long as it's powerful enough, the prize will be within reach. Of course, why not take advantage of it? In fact, there's already a fleet operating in the combat zone, ready to work with Da Qian to clean up the mess.

She will use that land, which is in dire need of development, as a market to stimulate industrial demand.

That's right.

Feng Tianyin has already demonstrated the successful answer.

However, she was also aware of the differences between the two countries, so she added an order: "We should also promote education, starting with churches running schools to provide basic science education."

"I will give you a detailed plan, and then we will have a meeting."

The ministers immediately responded.

Using the doctrines of the Heavenly Dao Sect for basic education is tantamount to indulging in and conforming to the underlying logic of the Great Qian Dynasty, but no one seems to perceive any difference. On the one hand, this era lacks a sense of cultural vigilance; on the other hand, the Inner Sea has long been part of the Great Qian cultural sphere.

Even setting aside doctrine, they used the writing system, weights and measures, and management processes of the Great Qian Dynasty.

There is no other reason.

It's so useful and convenient.

The text from the Heavenly Dao and the complete set of management, operation, measurement standards, and industry norms from Feng Tianyin are detailed and direct; it's better to just copy them over than to figure them out yourself.

The entire set of advanced plans of the Great Qian Dynasty represents the outermost extension of the cultural sphere.

When you accept its use, you begin to align your views, and then you gradually come into contact with various details such as doctrines and customs...

A smooth little combo.

The Great Qian Dynasty essentially achieved a "cultural victory," integrating the surrounding civilizations into its own.

Therefore, a large number of spiritual Daqian people emerged in the area between the mainland and the surrounding seas. Zhuang Qing, who was laying the groundwork for future mergers, did not mind. As a politician, he naturally understood that the Heavenly Dao Sect was the greatest common denominator among the different civilizations in the surrounding area.

It may even become the foundation of human collective identity in the future.

People are always divided into "us" and "them." How can different civilizations, born from different cultural backgrounds, historical evolutions, and geographical features, find a collective identity, build greater cohesion, and then head towards the stars? Great minds think alike.

Heaven.

The religions He derived are excellent tools.

Zhuang Qing believes that those in the war zones currently engaged in disaster relief will also actively cooperate based on this primal sense of cultural identity.

---

Port on an island in the Kingdom of Saran.

The docks and other facilities, once ravaged by pirates and reduced to ruins, were rebuilt with the help of the Daqian engineers. The local disaster victims also received supplies distributed by the priests, and naturally expressed their gratitude.

"I've heard about the Heavenly Dao Sect's benevolence before, and it's true! Thank you so much."

"I will definitely set up a shrine to Heaven in my home."

Missionary work is that easy; it's better to arrive at the right time than to arrive early. The Heavenly Dao Sect spread rapidly throughout the area without much effort, becoming a beacon of hope for the people and a hero who saved them.

As for the king hiding in the mainland? Nobody cares anymore; they're only concerned with filling their stomachs.

Fortunately, there was enough food.

The Great Qian Dynasty's grain production capacity was already so abundant that it could be used for brewing and storage. Now, by providing food to the disaster victims, it not only saved on storage costs but also won over the hearts of the people—a win-win situation.

Anyone who tries to take advantage of the chaos will be met with a heavy blow from the Great Qian Navy.

They implemented ruthless and efficient methods to restore order.

Stability +3