Wang Jianguo, a former programmer on Earth and now a prospective teacher on another planet, has become a microcosm of the rise of the first generation of "intellectuals".
He was freed from heavy physical labor and, together with a dozen other survivors who possessed the corresponding skills, formed the "prototype of the Ministry of Education" of the shelter.
Their task, under Tang Bao's initial coordination, was to integrate the remaining knowledge of Earth in their minds and combine it with the alien survival exploration reports provided by Li Xiangbin and others to compile a unique set of teaching materials applicable to alien planets.
Their workspace was set up in a spacious and bright office in the administration building.
When Wang Jianguo first received a thick stack of "paper" made of alien plant fibers and emitting a faint fragrance, and "charcoal pencils" made of alien minerals, he was so excited that tears welled up in his eyes.
This long-lost sense of sacredness and mission in engaging in mental labor caused his admiration for Lin Feng to reach a new peak.
He vowed to raise the best and most loyal next generation for the leader and the sanctuary.
As more and more rescued survivors joined the shelter, the population exceeded 3,000 in just half a month.
Such a large population base brings vitality, but also unprecedented management pressure.
The unified distribution of food, the allocation of resources, the distribution of labor, the adjudication of internal conflicts, the maintenance of public facilities...
All the issues, the myriad of things, weighed heavily on Lin Feng and the initial core members.
Although some newly promoted team leaders are assisting, the entire management system still presents a rough and primitive state.
Lin Feng was well aware that while the worship built on personal prestige and miracles was the most efficient tool for governance, it required a stable and sophisticated bureaucratic system to extend and support it.
Otherwise, this "god" would have to personally deal with the trivial matters of his subjects, which would not only damage his authority but also be a huge waste of efficiency.
An empire needs a functional framework.
It was time to reorganize the power structure and "appoint" his most loyal subjects.
That evening, as the tricolored moonlight climbed back into the sky and the entire shelter was immersed in tranquility, Lin Feng's villa was brightly lit.
He ordered the kitchen to prepare the most sumptuous dinner.
The sizzling, oily "Armored Beast" ribs were drizzled with a sauce made from a sweet and sour red berry.
The steamed "lake whitefish" has tender flesh that melts in your mouth. It is a delicacy caught by Qin Lan's reconnaissance team in a freshwater lake a hundred miles away.
The bread, made from "Golden Fox Rice" grown by the shelter itself, has a rich aroma.
There is also tea made with snowmelt and a plant called "Ning Shen Hua" (凝神花), which can invigorate the spirit and relieve fatigue after drinking.
Only four people were invited to this dinner.
Qin Lan, Pang Dahai, Li Xiangbin, and Tang Bao.
This was the first truly meaningful "core high-level meeting" since the shelter was established.
When the four people who received the invitation entered Lin Feng's luxurious restaurant with feelings of trepidation, excitement, or perhaps calm, they were all shocked by the scene before them.
A pristine white tablecloth covered the long dining table, the exquisite tableware gleamed under the lights, and the air was filled with the enticing aroma of food.
Lin Feng sat in the main seat, watching them with a smile.
"Please sit down." Lin Feng gestured to the seats next to him. "Today, there are no leaders, no subordinates. We are family who created all of this together. Thank you for your hard work these past few days."
The word "family" warmed the hearts of all four.
Pang Dahai grinned widely and plopped down on the floor without any hesitation: "Hehe, boss, you're too kind! It's all worth it to work hard and eat and drink well under your guidance!"
Li Xiangbin appeared much more reserved. He carefully pulled out a chair, only sitting on half of it, with his hands on his knees, looking ready to listen to instruction at any time: "Serving my elder brother and the shelter is my honor, not hardship."
Tang Bao sat timidly next to Li Xiangbin, curiously looking around at everything, like a little girl attending a high-society banquet for the first time.
Only Qin Lan maintained her icy expression.
She calmly took her seat, her posture upright, like a sharp sword ready to be drawn at any moment, even at the dining table.
She showed no interest in the food, her gaze always following Lin Feng.
Lin Feng took in the four people's reactions, smiled slightly, and raised his wine glass. Inside was a deep red fruit wine made from alien fruit.
"This cup is a toast to our lost homeland, Blue Star."
Upon hearing this, all four men became solemn and silently raised their glasses.
No matter how glorious their foundation may be, that blue planet will forever remain an indelible mark on their hearts.
"The second cup," Lin Feng refilled it, "is a toast to what we have now on this alien planet, and... the future we are about to create."
"Respect Mr. Lin!" This time, the four of them spoke in unison, their eyes fixed intently on Lin Feng, and they drank it all in one gulp.
After several rounds of drinks and five courses of food,
The atmosphere gradually heated up under the influence of alcohol and delicious food. Pang Dahai was already gnawing on a rib with his mouth full of oil, and Li Xiangbin had also relaxed a lot.
Lin Feng put down his knife and fork, wiped his mouth with a napkin, and coughed softly.
The restaurant fell silent instantly.
Everyone knew that the main event was about to begin.
"The shelter now houses 3,127 people."
Lin Feng spoke slowly, his voice not loud, but carrying an undeniable authority: "The population is increasing, and the territory is expanding. The old way of making decisions on everything, big or small, by just a few of us, is no longer suitable. We need to establish a clear, efficient, and well-defined management system."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone present.
“An empire needs its pillars. And you are the first pillars I have chosen to support this empire.”
His gaze first fell on Pang Dahai, who was eating the most heartily.
"A vast sea."
"Ah? Here! Mr. Lin!" Pang Dahai stood up abruptly, his face flushed with excitement, not even having time to wipe the grease from the corner of his mouth.
"From today onwards, I appoint you as the head of the shelter's 'logistics department'," Lin Feng said. "You will be in charge of the shelter's catering, food storage, and resource collection and distribution. Simply put, you will be responsible for the food, drink, and daily needs of more than three thousand people."
"boom!"
Pang Dahai felt as if a thunderbolt had exploded in his head.
Minister of Logistics? In charge of everyone's food, drink, and basic needs?
This official position is way too high!
This means that, apart from Mr. Lin, he was the most powerful "food official" in the shelter! Everyone's hunger depended on his whim! What immense power that was!
He was so excited that his whole body trembled, his lips quivered, and he couldn't utter a word for a long time.
Lin Feng looked at him and chuckled inwardly.
He was well aware of the weight of this position, and he also knew that with Pang Dahai's petty scheming, he would inevitably engage in some corrupt practices and abuse of power for personal gain in the future. For example, he might keep more of the good meat for himself and give more cooking oil to his close associates.
But Lin Feng didn't care at all.
There are three reasons.
First, everything in the shelter was his private property. What Pang Dahai had coveted was also his. He could take it back at any time if he wanted. It's like an emperor who wouldn't care if the head chef of his imperial kitchen stole a few extra pastries.
Secondly, Pang Dahai is not inherently bad; he is greedy but has his limits, and he is also cowardly. Giving him small favors will make him even more devoted to serving you. Water that is too clear has no fish; absolute incorruptibility is actually detrimental to the stability of a rule. A minister with whom one has leverage is the most reliable to use.
Third, and most importantly, Pang Dahai harbors an almost blind, deep-seated worship and fear of Lin Feng. He might dare to take small advantages, but he would never dare to shake the foundation of Lin Feng's rule. He knows very well who gave him everything. With just a single thought from Lin Feng, he, the logistics minister, would instantly become a dried-up corpse in a slave labor camp.
"What? Not confident you can do it well?" Lin Feng's tone was slightly playful.
"No, no, no! I have! I have confidence!" Pang Da shouted hoarsely, "Please rest assured, Mr. Lin! I, Pang Dahai, will make sure everyone is well-fed and watered, even if it costs me my life, and I will never let you down!"
"Very good." Lin Feng nodded in satisfaction. "Sit down, Minister Pang."
The moment Pang Dahai heard the word "Minister Pang," he felt like he was floating on air. He sat down with a silly grin, feeling like he had reached the pinnacle of his life.
Lin Feng's gaze turned to Li Xiangbin.
"Li Xiangbin."
"Here!" Li Xiangbin immediately stood up, his posture much more standard than Pang Dahai's.
"I appoint you as Minister of Construction," Lin Feng said. "From today onwards, you will be responsible for all infrastructure construction, housing planning and maintenance, mining, and the research and development and manufacturing of new tools for the shelter. Your mission is to build the strongest walls, the most comfortable dwellings, and... the sharpest weapons for my empire."
This appointment was entirely within Li Xiangbin's expectations, yet it still made him incredibly excited.
"Thank you for your trust, Brother!" Li Xiangbin bowed deeply, his voice choked with emotion. "I will dedicate myself to this cause until my dying breath!"
“I need to see results.” Lin Feng tapped the table. “Within a month, I want to see the power system coverage of the shelters increase by another 30 percent.”
"Yes! I guarantee I'll complete the mission!" Excitement gleamed in Li Xiangbin's eyes.
Next, Lin Feng looked at Tang Bao.
The little girl immediately stood up nervously, her hands nervously clutching the hem of her clothes.
“Tang Bao, you are meticulous, patient, and kind.” Lin Feng’s tone softened considerably. “I appoint you as the Minister of the ‘Ministry of People’s Livelihood.’ You will be responsible for population registration and management, the implementation of the education system, the establishment of the medical system, and the mediation of daily disputes among the people. Chen Jing and her medical team, as well as Wang Jianguo’s education group, will all be under your leadership.”
This appointment came as a surprise to everyone.
Tang Bao is too young and has a weak personality. Is it feasible for her to be in charge of such complicated and trivial matters concerning people's livelihood?
But Lin Feng had his own considerations.
People's livelihood is a department that directly deals with all the people, and it needs to have a friendly and harmless face.
Tang Bao's kindness and gentleness were the best disguise. She could appease the people and resolve conflicts to the greatest extent possible, becoming the "soft" side of the imperial order.
Meanwhile, behind her stood Lin Feng. Anyone who dared to challenge her authority was challenging Lin Feng. This stark contrast only served to highlight Lin Feng's unquestionable will.
"I...I'm afraid I won't do well..." Tang Bao said softly, sounding somewhat unsure.
“I believe in you.” Lin Feng gave her an encouraging look. “Moreover, I will have Chen Jing assist you in the early stages. Remember, your task is to ensure that my people live in peace and prosperity. To let them feel the warmth of a sanctuary, so that they will be more supportive of my rule.”
"Yes... I understand!" Tang Bao nodded vigorously, his eyes gradually hardening.
Finally, Lin Feng's gaze fell on Qin Lan, who had remained silent throughout.
The atmosphere suddenly became heavy.
If logistics, construction, and civil administration are the three pillars of the empire, then the next appointment is the sharpest sword of Damocles hanging over everyone's heads.
"Qin Lan."
"Yes." Qin Lan stood up, her voice cold and clear.
"I appoint you as the Minister of the 'Discipline Department'," Lin Feng said, emphasizing each word. "You will command the shelter's only armed force—the 'Discipline Guard.' Externally, you will be responsible for reconnaissance, eliminating threats, and... warfare. Internally, you will be responsible for maintaining order, punishing criminals, and... suppressing all voices and thoughts that are unfavorable to me."
He looked into Qin Lan's eyes and continued, "The labor camp is also under your jurisdiction. I authorize you to take any means necessary to maintain absolute order in the shelter and my absolute authority. You have... the right to act first and report later."
"hiss!"
Pang Dahai and Li Xiangbin couldn't help but gasp.
This power is too great.
It was so big it was terrifying.
He controlled the army, police, secret service, and prisons all in one person, and even had the privilege of "acting first and reporting later." This was equivalent to Lin Feng giving half of his "divine power" to Qin Lan.
But neither of them felt any jealousy, only a deep-seated fear and awe.
Because they knew that only Qin Lan, a woman whose eyes were only on Lin Feng, was worthy of and could bear this terrifying power.
Qin Lan's face remained expressionless. But a fervent flame ignited in her icy eyes.
She neither expressed gratitude nor pledged loyalty.
She simply knelt on one knee, placed her right hand on her chest, and, with an ancient gesture seemingly etched deep within her soul, said in a deep voice:
"Your will, my blade."
Lin Feng smiled with satisfaction.
Logistics, construction, civil affairs, and discipline.
With the establishment of the four ministries, the framework of the empire has been completed.
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