Zhuge Liang's Journey to Dominate the World: Starting from Another World

This man had sharp, piercing eyes and a warm face, yet beneath which lay an indescribable sharpness. His gaze was like the starry sky, deep and bright, as if nothing in the world could escape his discerning eyes.

He wore a long blue robe with a gold belt around his waist, exuding a unique aura that commanded respect.

Kongming's heart stirred, sensing that the person before him was no ordinary person. Although he was just a mortal, his restrained temperament was like that of a sleeping giant beast, which could awaken at any moment and unleash a world-shaking storm.

"The same type of people."

These four simple words represent the highest praise Kongming gave to this person.

"Who is this person?" Kongming pondered to himself, yet he couldn't find any relevant information about such a person in his mind.

This is either an oversight by the intelligence network, or this person is hiding behind the scenes!

Kongming withdrew his gaze; that brief exchange of glances filled him with wariness towards this man…

With the arrival of the elders of the Heavenly Thunder Sect, the atmosphere of the birthday banquet became even more lively, and people from all walks of life offered their congratulatory gifts.

"A pair of jade screen ruyi scepters presented by the envoy of the Great Ming Dynasty."

"An envoy from the Great Song Dynasty, wearing a suit of golden scale armor."

When it was the turn of the Tang Dynasty envoy to present his congratulatory gifts, Du Qingfeng quickly stepped forward, presented a brocade box, and opened it to reveal a jade bottle shimmering with light.

He then turned and walked down, his eyes filled with a sinister glint as he looked at Kongming, his murderous intent undisguised.

"Hmph! The ignorant fool didn't even know how he died!" Kongming sneered.

Clearly, he was extremely disdainful of Du Qingfeng's performance. If it weren't for his powerful father, such an outward display of emotion would have killed him eight hundred times over in a day.

Finally, after everyone else had presented their gifts, the young man stood up, bowed to Zhao Jingmo, and said loudly, "I, An Lushan, have come today on behalf of my father to offer my birthday wishes to Governor Zhao. May Governor Zhao enjoy boundless happiness and longevity."

After he finished speaking, a servant behind him presented a brocade box inlaid with various gemstones, which shone brightly and made it clear that the contents inside were extraordinary.

Zhao Jingmo's eyes flickered slightly, his face showing neither sorrow nor joy: "Nephew, you have come from afar. Please convey my gratitude to Prince An!"

Everyone present was completely unfamiliar with this young man. Only after Zhao Jingmo mentioned him did they realize that he was Prince An, the son of An Tingjing.

An Tingjing occupied three prefectures in the north of the Tang Dynasty and declared himself Prince An. He was a powerful and ruthless figure, and the territory under his jurisdiction could be described as an independent kingdom.

Although Zhao Jingmo remained expressionless, Kongming still caught a glimpse of her inner turmoil.

Du Qingfeng snorted coldly from below the stage, clearly disdainful of the so-called Prince An, and ultimately he simply refused to recognize Prince An's legitimate status.

At this moment, An Lushan turned around, completely ignoring Du Qingfeng, and walked towards Kongming. "This brother looks unfamiliar. May I ask how to address him?"

"I am but a humble countryman, utterly unworthy of such a position, but I have heard of the great name of Prince An!" Kongming replied calmly, neither humble nor arrogant. Although his attitude was modest, his deep eyes revealed a unique confidence.

"A rustic villager?" An Lushan's lips curled into a playful smile. "Since you humbly call yourself a rustic villager, then I, your humble servant, will speak with you about matters of the mountains and fields. I wonder what your views are on the general situation in the mountains and fields?"

Kongming narrowed his eyes slightly, clearly understanding the implications of An Lushan's words and realizing he had no choice but to acknowledge An's actions. This man, if not an enemy, would be one; but once he became an enemy, he surpassed even Sima Yi of his previous life.

However, Kongming smiled slightly, gently waved his feather fan, and said, "The affairs of the mountains and fields, like all things in the world, have their own laws. I am dull-witted and can only glimpse a little of them, and cannot fully explain their mysteries."

Seeing how smoothly Kongming answered, An Lushan was slightly taken aback, his interest in Kongming growing even stronger. So he continued to ask, "Oh? Then, in your opinion, how will the current state of the world evolve?"

Holding a feather fan, Kongming stepped up from his seat and sighed, "The world, after a long period of unity, will inevitably divide; after a long period of division, will inevitably unite. This is the inevitability of history, beyond human control. However, within this grand trend, there are always some who, either following the tide or going against it, influence the trajectory of the world through their actions..."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Jingmo, seated at the head of the table, gave Kongming a deep look, but he did not intend to interrupt and continued to watch the two of them talk.

"What you say is very true. So, in your opinion, who will be the one to influence the course of history?"

Kongming flicked his feather fan, laughed heartily, and asked in return, "What does Prince An think?"

An Lushan chuckled, glanced at Zhao Jingmo in the main seat, and then said, "Although I am not talented, I am willing to do my part for the general trend of the world. As for who will become the one to influence the course of this trend, there are many heroes in the world, and I dare not say!"

Upon hearing this, Kongming immediately understood.

An Lushan's visit this time was probably for the same purpose as his.

He brought Kongming along to perform, simply to tell Zhao Jingmo what was going on, but Kongming was doing the same thing!

His words revealed An Lushan's ambitious aspirations, but in reality, it seemed to be a strong medicine for Zhao Jingmo.

As a governor of a prefecture, Zhao Jingmo's strength and prestige are enough to make him an important force in the struggle for control of the Central Plains...

It seems that An Tingjing from the north is about to make a big move, otherwise he wouldn't have thought of instigating Zhao Jingmo.

Kongming secretly predicted that An Lushan's attempt to form an alliance with Zhao Jingmo to attack the Tang Dynasty from both ends would ultimately result in the division of fiefdoms.

Now that An Tingjing occupies three prefectures and has the support of a powerful immortal cultivation sect, it is not impossible for him to replace the Li Tang dynasty, provided that the three major sects of the Tang Dynasty are given enough benefits.

Even if the three major sects of the Tang Dynasty do not agree, he will contact the three major sects of the Ming Dynasty. At that time, it will probably be the three major sects of the Tang Dynasty who will panic.

This is based on historical evidence. An Tingjing's rebellion was carried out in the same way, forcibly carving out a piece of flesh from the Tang Dynasty.

Upon hearing the two men's rebellious words, Du Qingfeng's murderous intent began to rise. Once Empress Wu fell from power, the Du family would face utter ruin.

In truth, the Du family longed to live like An Tingjing, but they were locked away in the capital and could not.

Kongming then approached Zhao Jingmo, saying, "I have been appointed by the Prince of Yuliang, Li Guangling, to come and offer my congratulations to Governor Zhao on his birthday. May Governor Zhao live a long and prosperous life!"

Having said that, Kongming took out a brocade pouch and handed it to Zhao Jingmo, whispering, "Governor Zhao, you can quietly observe this when no one is around. It's my lodging..."

Zhao Jingmo gave Kongming a deep look, but he didn't speak. He simply tossed the brocade pouch into the gift tray...

"What right do you, a mere prince, have to represent my Great Tang Dynasty on this mission!" Du Qingfeng shouted when he saw Kongming dare to step forward and declare his identity.

Kongming glanced at him, as if he were looking at a dead man...