A realm without its owner was simply like free real estate for somebody like Sofony who was backed by the system.
At first, she wanted to play it safe and not reveal herself since she was more than certain that a system user like Mao would leave some dangerous items to his descendants.
The plan was to become a director behind the curtains, giving background support to the dignitaries and royalties of the smaller countries. As a goddess, it would be perfectly justifiable to not directly meddle with the affairs of the mortals. It was the followers' task to offer the empire to their beloved deity and guardian which would only be gained upon the defeat of the current emperor.
However, with the string of bad news the system delivered, Sofony knew she could not afford to tarry any longer.
