u/Dyonyos

I need help with an Iron Run.

I'm the Emperor of Japan (Empire stretching from Amur to Srivijaya).

China (the Song Dynasty) dissolved 5 years ago. I'm now considering attacking the individual Chinese empires, but I've stumbled across the Conquest Era in the cycle. What should I expect?

Could I avoid direct conflict as long as I don't claim the Hegemon?

Additional info:

Own religion (of Shinto origin)

Own culture (of Frankish origin)

Conqueror

Max legitimacy