"Thank you, Emperor, for the decree!!"
When Huang Chengyan heard the words, a smile appeared on his face. He was clearly very satisfied with the outcome.
He had followed the Da Yi Dynasty since it rose from obscurity, witnessing every step of its growth—from village settlements to a full-fledged Emperor Dynasty. Without doubt, he was a founding contributor of the highest order. With immense contributions and a status few in the Emperor Dynasty could rival, his merits spoke for themselves.
This conferral of titles had actually been discussed with him beforehand, and the decision to relinquish his position was his own. Moreover, entering the Hall of Heavenly Virtue was a prestigious arrangement. With the rank of First-Class Meritorious Official, his honor remained untouched. As a Grand Elder in the Hall, his status would even rise, further demonstrating his magnanimity.
"Indeed. Elder Huang has rendered great service. In the future, Da Yi will still rely heavily on your guidance,"Yi Tianxing nodded and said solemnly.
"Master Lu shall enter the Hall of Heavenly Virtue, with the rank of First-Class Meritorious Official, relinquishing the position of Head of the Heavenly Works Pavilion."
Cao Zhengchun continued.
Over the years, Master Lu's countless inventions had played a pivotal role in the development of Da Yi. His contributions were irreplaceable. Being granted the title of Grand Elder was more than justified.
Furthermore, under Da Yi law, official positions could not be held concurrently. Still, by entering the Hall of Heavenly Virtue, Master Lu could continue visiting the Heavenly Works Pavilion freely—it wouldn't hinder him at all.
"Thank you, Emperor, for the decree!!"
Master Lu was all smiles. In truth, he had never intended to hold the Pavilion Master position long-term—it had only continued due to the lack of a suitable replacement. Now, he could enjoy the rank of a First-Class Meritorious Official while dedicating himself to research and invention freely—a dream come true.
"Li Kui shall enter the Hall of Heavenly Virtue, with the rank of First-Class Meritorious Official, and vacate the position of Minister of Justice."
"Your servant accepts the command."
Li Kui responded with a smile.
The legal code he had compiled became the Da Yi Law itself—a monumental achievement. Now entering the Hall of Heavenly Virtue, his honor was fully deserved, his contributions officially recognized.
"Xun Yu is hereby appointed Minister of Personnel, with the rank of First-Class Official," Cao Zhengchun continued to announce.
"Your servant accepts the command. Thank you, Emperor!"
Xun Yu stepped forward confidently and bowed deeply. He didn't decline. In Da Yi, false modesty was not encouraged—those with talent should rise, those without should step down. Displaying one's ability was the true path to governance.
"Xi Zhicai is hereby appointed Minister of Revenue, with the rank of First-Class Official," Cao continued.
"Humbly accepting the Emperor's great favor!"
Xi Zhicai stepped forward. He had long since entered Da Yi's service, eager to serve the human race. Though his current position lacked the political control he had under Cao Cao, the scale of Da Yi far surpassed anything before. The recognition stirred deep loyalty within him. He was fully prepared to make the most of this role.
"Mao Sui is hereby appointed Minister of Rites, with the rank of First-Class Official."
"Thank you, Emperor!!"
Mao Sui bowed in gratitude. His position remained unchanged, but it was well-earned. His achievements were evident to all.
Da Yi upheld the principle of claiming responsibility without hesitation.
"Bao Zheng is hereby appointed Minister of Justice, with the rank of First-Class Official."
"Your servant accepts the command. Thank you, Emperor."
Bao Zheng, with his dark complexion and crescent moon mark on his forehead, bowed solemnly—no hesitation at all. With Li Kui entering the Hall of Heavenly Virtue, this role was clearly prepared for him.
"Pei Ju is hereby appointed Minister of Works, with the rank of First-Class Official."
"Your servant accepts the command. Thank you, Emperor, for the decree."
Pei Ju bowed calmly. The Ministry of Works managed infrastructure and construction—roles that demanded true talent. As the top scholar of Da Yi's second imperial exam, Pei Ju was more than qualified.
"Su Shi is hereby appointed Minister of Censure, with the rank of First-Class Official."
"Your servant accepts the command. Thank you, Emperor."
Su Shi responded respectfully, his heart stirring with excitement. To hold such a post was already more than he had hoped for. This was a position that could echo through the ages.
With that, the Six Ministries were now fully assigned.
"Zhuge Liang is hereby appointed Head of the Grand Council, with the rank of First-Class Official."
"Your servant accepts the command. Thank you, Emperor."
Zhuge Liang gently shook his feather fan and stepped forward to bow.
The Grand Council was of paramount importance. It needed someone who excelled in all domains. Zhuge Liang, who had been the top scholar in his year, ranked among the best in both civil and military matters. His ability to coordinate all affairs was unmatched. He was the ideal candidate.
Though Jia Xu was considered, his strategies were often ruthless and venomous—not suitable to lead the Grand Council. As for Yang Ye, his original appointment was merely provisional. The Council had grown too large and beyond his ability to manage. Discussions with Yang Ye had already confirmed his willingness to step down and focus on the Vermilion Bird Army.
"Jia Xu is hereby appointed Head of the Heavenly Strategy Bureau, with the rank of First-Class Official."
"Your servant accepts the command. Thank you, Emperor."
Jia Xu smiled as he bowed. The position suited him well. Yi Tianxing had asked him to choose between the Grand Council and the Heavenly Strategy Bureau—and he had chosen the latter.
"Zhuge Zhengwo is hereby appointed Head of the Six Doors Bureau, with the rank of First-Class Official."
"Your servant accepts the command. Thank you, Emperor."
Zhuge Zhengwo, as calm as ever, bowed in thanks. Under his leadership, the Six Doors Bureau had undergone a complete transformation. With Da Yi's vast population, conflicts were inevitable. The bureau had become essential.
"Jiang Ni is hereby appointed Chief Astrologer of the Celestial Observatory, with the rank of First-Class Official."
"Jia Yucun is hereby appointed Head of the Heavenly Records Hall, with the rank of First-Class Official."
"Lai He is hereby appointed Head of the Gourmet Hall, with the rank of First-Class Official."
"Xue Jin is hereby appointed Head of the Treasure Hall, with the rank of First-Class Official."
"Qiu Weiming is hereby appointed Head of the Divine Medicine Hall, with the rank of First-Class Official."
"Tong Huang is hereby appointed Head of the Calamity Hall, with the rank of First-Class Official."...
Decree after decree was swiftly delivered. Each appointment came with a natural blessing of fortune. Some roles remained unchanged; others saw slight adjustments. A few individuals had limitations, but in the absence of better candidates, they were retained. Da Yi was teeming with talent—within a few years, many outstanding figures would certainly emerge.
Unknowingly, the round of appointments had concluded.
Inside the grand hall, ministers beamed with joy and contentment.
Rankings were set, rewards distributed—it was indeed a time of celebration.
"Alright, the conferments are complete. This marks the first major task since Da Yi's elevation to an Emperor Dynasty—and a complete success. However, we must now deliberate the path forward for Da Yi," Yi Tianxing said, glancing around the hall.
This was now the most critical matter.
Though Da Yi had closed its borders, it could not remain shut off indefinitely. Without internal development, other powers would soon catch up or surpass them. Stability was welcome—but complacency was dangerous.
"Emperor, in my opinion, Da Yi should prioritize rest and recuperation. The border closure provides an excellent opportunity to fully consolidate control over our territory. Even if we can't claim the entire wilderness, Da Yi's influence should permeate most of it, forging a solid, unified domain. Though we have ascended to an Emperor Dynasty, we still lack the depth of time. This is the perfect chance to build that foundation. Just like a child, we need time to grow. For us, peace is the greatest blessing."
Huang Chengyan stepped forward.
Indeed, rest and recuperation were critical for Da Yi's future.
With a safe and stable environment, the people would settle. A wave of marriages and family-building would sweep the land. Countless new families and descendants would arise. This was the instinct of the human race.
Heaven and Earth may be vast, but inheritance is paramount.
Within just a few years, Da Yi's population would explode—newborns would flood the land in staggering numbers.
"Indeed, Emperor," Jia Yucun said, stepping forward. "According to the Celestial Records Hall, Da Yi's population has already surpassed 10 billion, with newborns accounting for a quarter of that number. Marriage registrations are skyrocketing. We estimate that next year alone, over a billion newborns may be added."
His voice trembled with excitement.
The sheer scale of this growth could make anyone dizzy. Every statistical report left one emotionally stirred.
Hearing this, the other ministers were all stunned and thrilled.
Population is power. That's the bottom line.
At this rate, Da Yi's population could double in just a few short years. This was no exaggeration.
"Excellent. Rest and recuperation are indeed necessary. Border closure will serve that purpose. As for the ongoing struggles among the three races, Da Yi will avoid involvement if possible. I hereby decree: Da Yi will rest for three years. Within the first year, we must stabilize the Da Yi wilderness. In the second, focus on civil development and internal growth. By the third, avoid all conflict if possible and encourage our soldiers to marry and have children. They have shed blood for Da Yi—we cannot allow them to die on the battlefield without heirs. This must be addressed urgently."
Yi Tianxing's tone was firm.
The soldiers of Da Yi had sacrificed immensely. Now it was time to remove their worries. Military camps left little room for courtship—this period of peace would allow them to build families and secure the future. It was a top priority.
"On behalf of all soldiers, I thank the Emperor for his benevolence," Zhuge Liang said with a solemn bow.
Without doubt, this policy would earn the undying loyalty of Da Yi's troops. They would gladly give their lives for such an Emperor.
"Esteemed ministers, are you aware of the Netherworld?"
Yi Tianxing suddenly asked, scanning the hall.
"The Netherworld?"
The ministers all froze slightly, their minds flashing with grim associations. Though mostly based on hearsay, the Netherworld (Underworld) had never been known for anything good.