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

"Also, when did Zhuge Liang acquire such a powerful general? Have the three of you heard of it?" Du Ruhui glanced at the three men with a meaningful look. The intelligence network had been making mistakes lately, which greatly displeased Du Ruhui.

"I've heard of this person before. He used to be a subordinate of Qu Qianchou, the general of Fengling Pass, but for some reason, he joined Zhuge Liang's camp," Qin Yizhou replied.

"Hmph! No matter how powerful this person is, once he falls victim to the Five Poisons Sect's unique secret technique, he is doomed!"

"You three go back and make preparations. I will soon report to Empress Wu that we must first pacify the internal situation before we can repel external threats. I will not be able to eat or sleep in peace until Li Guangling is eliminated!"

Du Ruhui's face darkened, and he said sternly...

Inside the Tang Dynasty palace, a woman of unparalleled beauty, dressed in a dragon robe, sat gracefully before the imperial desk, her brows revealing a unique charm.

The candlelight flickered in the hall, illuminating her deep eyes, which seemed to see through everything in the world, or perhaps she was pondering Du Ruhui's remonstrance.

Empress Wu nodded slightly, a thoughtful look flashing in her eyes: "Zhuge Kongming... an interesting name. He actually helped Li Guangling break the deadlock. He must be no ordinary person. But how can they easily shake my empire?" After speaking, she gently tapped the imperial desk, as if weighing something.

"Your Majesty, Li Guangling must not be allowed to live. Although he only controls one prefecture now, he will surely become too powerful to control in time."

"I presume that Minister Du already has an idea? Why don't you tell me?"

"Your Majesty is wise; this humble subject does indeed have some unfortunate opinions."

Du Ruhui bowed to Empress Wu and continued speaking.

"Li Guangling commands hundreds of thousands of troops, which is no less than the military strength of a prefecture. The court must curb his momentum. However, our Great Tang is currently constrained by the other three kingdoms, so it is not advisable to carry out a large-scale annihilation. Therefore, I believe that we should take a two-pronged approach at present."

Empress Wu narrowed her eyes upon hearing this, and an interesting look appeared on her face. "Let's take a two-pronged approach. Minister Du, tell me, how should we proceed with the first step?"

"Regarding this first matter, I believe that Li Guangling should be granted the title of Prince of the Great Tang. He is a member of the Li Tang imperial family, and the world is still nominally under the rule of his Li family. He will certainly not refuse the title. This move will firstly appease the people of Jinshan County, and secondly, although the title of Prince is prestigious, it is also a constraint."

Empress Wu nodded slightly, her red lips curving upwards. "This plan not only demonstrates the boundless grace of our dynasty but also serves as a means of checks and balances. So, what about the second tube?"

"This second one is of utmost importance. As long as he is granted a title, the court will further appoint him as the General Who Conquers the North, and send him to lead troops to conquer the An clan and recover the three northern prefectures for the Tang Dynasty."

Du Ruhui's face revealed an expression that was difficult to detect.

If Li Guangling can successfully pacify the three prefectures, it will not only weaken their strength, but also eliminate the threat to the court, achieving two goals at once.

At the same time, he had secretly contacted several generals on the border to provide Li Guangling with "unexpected" "help" at a critical moment, which would surely put him in a dilemma, and then completely solve the problem that had been weighing on the Du family's mind.

Actually, he had another trick up his sleeve; it all depended on whether Li Guangling would take the bait...

Upon hearing this, Empress Wu, with her intelligence, naturally knew what Du Ruhui was up to; it was a completely open conspiracy.

Li Guangling has always used the banner of restoring the Tang Dynasty to his cause, so he let An Tingjing go and recover the north, since it was the territory of the Li Tang Dynasty. Moreover, as his father's subordinate, An Tingjing had an even greater responsibility.

"As you say, Minister Du, I'll entrust this matter to you!"

Empress Wu waved her hand, signaling the female official to draft the imperial edict.

Upon seeing this, Du Ruhui was overjoyed and bowed again, saying, "Your Majesty, I will certainly live up to your expectations."

……

"What has Ganglie been busy with these days?" Kongming asked softly, waving his feather fan.

Since Zhao Yun's breakthrough, the two of them have been inseparable, appearing and disappearing like a mysterious dragon.

Even Zhao Yun was corrupted by this guy, and when asked, he knew nothing.

"I guess Master Pig saw that General Zhao Yun was highly skilled in martial arts and was asking him for advice!" Li Muling said from the side.

“If Ganglie has such thoughts, then I am truly happy for him.”

Kongming appeared noncommittal, but a hint of amusement flickered in his eyes.

Zhu Bajie has never been interested in cultivation. Apart from beautiful women and delicious food, Kongming really couldn't find any reason why he and Zhao Yun could be so inseparable.

After all, Zhao Yun's passion for martial arts was far beyond what ordinary people could match, which must have driven Zhu Bajie crazy, unless the two found a common interest!

Just then, Li Guangling hurriedly arrived at Wolong Manor and saw his sister pouring tea and water for Kongming. He then coughed lightly.

"What brings Your Highness to my Wolong Manor? Do you intend to send some new trinkets this time?" Kongming put down his feather fan and glared at him.

Upon hearing this, Li Guangling felt somewhat embarrassed.

"Master Zhuge, you may not know this, but a few days ago the Demon Queen suddenly issued an edict bestowing upon me the title of Prince and ordering me to lead troops on a northern expedition to recover lost territory. That's why I came here without delay to seek your advice."

Li Guangling took the tea offered by Li Muling, took a sip, and spoke to Kongming.

"Oh! Is that so? What do you think, Your Highness?" Kongming asked, waving his feather fan.

"Whether I'm a prince or not is irrelevant. I'm determined to punish the traitors, but the situation in the court is complicated, especially with people like Du Ruhui who have long considered me a thorn in their side. This northern expedition is likely a trap set by these treacherous officials, but as a member of the Li family, I cannot shirk my responsibility!"

Upon hearing this, Kongming gently waved his feather fan, a thoughtful glint in his eyes. "Since I can't refuse, I might as well accept!"

"Could it be that Master Zhuge approves of this move?"

Li Guangling asked in confusion, "On the way here, I didn't know how to bring it up with Kongming. After all, the 500,000 troops in Leizhou were borrowed by Kongming himself, and I was worried that it would disrupt Kongming's plans."

"If you're offered a piece of fatty meat for free and you don't eat it, wouldn't that be incredibly disrespectful?"

Kongming said with a mocking expression, leaving Li Guangling wondering whether this sorcerer agreed or disagreed.

“Master Zhuge, if we are to attack the three states of An, I’m afraid the military expenses will be…” Li Guangling asked tentatively.

"Is there any need to worry? Just ask for it directly. This is a perfect opportunity to line your own pockets. Your Highness must not let this opportunity slip by!"

Seeing that Kongming didn't seem to be joking, Li Guangling continued, "Then, according to the Immortal Master's opinion, how much would be appropriate? I'm afraid they won't give you more!"

Let's set two small goals first!

"Wh...what small goal?" Li Guangling didn't understand Kongming's meaning for a moment.

"Two hundred million!" Kong Ming smiled and said.

After hearing this, Li Guangling clicked his tongue in amazement, "Master Zhuge truly has a grand vision!"

"The Northern Expedition is no small matter; it involves complex and intertwined interests among sects. Two hundred million is too cheap for them!"

Upon hearing this, a flash of understanding crossed Li Guangling's eyes: "Master Zhuge is indeed far-sighted; I admire him. However, two hundred million is a huge sum; how could those people in the court agree so easily?"

"You won't agree? Then it'll be five hundred million, until you agree!" Kongming said seriously...