In fact, Duyang Star can be viewed as a giant kingdom, under the control of the Great River Academy, where the Emperor is the Dean of the Great River Academy. However, compared to a kingdom in the Mortal Realm, it is much more decentralized here.
Apart from the Dean, there are several Vice Deans who also hold great power. Combined, they could even overthrow the Dean!
They are equivalent to ministers overseeing territories, without an absolute superior-subordinate relationship with the Dean. It's just that the Dean's faction is slightly stronger, allowing them to ascend to the highest position, or perhaps some Vice Deans are more low-key and don't wish to compete for the position.
No rule can exist without order and laws, and it's the same here.
