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

"I will follow Master Zhuge's advice and propose it when I enter the capital to receive my title," Li Guangling said resolutely.

"What! We have to go to the capital again? Brother, won't that be dangerous?"

Li Muling's teacup trembled slightly, clearly indicating his concern for his elder brother's safety.

"That's alright. This decree has already been proclaimed to the world. If they were to take action, they would definitely not do so within Chang'an City," Li Guangling said, waving his hand.

Li Muling turned to look at Kongming, as if she would only feel at ease if she heard such words from him.

"Your Highness is right, the trip to Chang'an will be worry-free! It just so happens that I also want to take a trip to the capital of the Tang Dynasty!" Kongming said, gently waving his feather fan.

"I want to go too!" Li Muling said hurriedly.

"Nonsense! You think this is a trip back to your hometown?" Li Guangling glared at his younger sister...

Three days later, Kongming, along with Zhao Yun and Li Guangling, set off for the Tang Dynasty capital.

As for Zhu Bajie, it's unclear what's gotten into him lately, but he's shown no interest in the world of pleasures he's always been so passionate about.

Kongming also asked about Zhao Yun, but he didn't mention it at all, saying that he had promised Gang Lie to keep his secret and hoped that Kongming would not bring it up again.

Kongming shook his head, not expecting that this dead pig was so good at winning people's hearts, even managing to drag Zhao Yun into it...

Inside Chang'an, the city was brightly lit and bustling with activity, seemingly unaffected by the decline of the nation's power.

As the saying goes, "A common man does not know the sorrow of a country's destruction." Ordinary people just go about their business. If other countries invade and they do not lead the way, they are already considered to be very good citizens.

After all, in order to stabilize the other three kingdoms, the imperial court has imposed heavy taxes and levies on the people in recent years, which has caused widespread resentment among the populace.

The former palace had long been abandoned, so the three of them checked into the largest inn in Chang'an and waited for Empress Wu's summons.

Although Li Guangling had some reservations about Empress Wu, he was overjoyed at the thought of two hundred million gold coins.

For three days in a row, there was no news from the palace.

On this day, there was a knock on the door of the room where Kongming was.

A beautiful young woman holding an invitation bowed gracefully to Kongming and said, “I am a humble woman, Master Duanmu. My master has learned that Master Zhuge has arrived in Chang’an and has specially sent me to invite you. I hope that Master Zhuge will do me the honor of having a chat.”

After speaking, the woman handed over an exquisite gold-embossed invitation and then turned to wait in the inn's lobby.

Kongming opened the invitation, which read in flowing calligraphy, “I sincerely invite Zhuge Liang to my residence for a gathering.”

Li Guangling and Zhao Yun also came over after hearing the news.

"Mr. Duanmu! Who is he?" Kongming glanced at Li Guangling beside him.

"Master Zhuge, you may not know this man’s full name is Duanmu Qing. He is from no sect or school and was originally a scholar of the Great Ming Dynasty. He moved to Chang’an more than ten years ago. My father visited him back then."

"Duanmu Qing?"

Kongming seemed to have a vague impression of him. He had seen information about this person in the "Qinglan Anecdotes". Although he was a rogue cultivator, he was still a person of some importance.

This person had a wide circle of friends, from immortal cultivation sects in various countries to ordinary people, royalty, and nobles.

Using his personal connections, he connects others with connections and makes a fortune from it. In short, he is a high-level broker.

"Why would Duanmu Qing invite Master Zhuge for no reason? This person has a complicated network of relationships. Could it be that he wants to befriend you?" Li Guangling pondered.

"Since we're here, let's make the best of it. Besides, Duanmu Qing is so famous, he must have some extraordinary abilities. Perhaps he can bring us unexpected gains!" Kongming smiled slightly.

Then he said to Li Guangling and Zhao Yun, "Gentlemen, why don't we go and meet this Mr. Duanmu and see what he's up to?"

Upon hearing this, Li Guangling, though he had some doubts, nodded in agreement.

Zhao Yun remained calm, having always trusted Kongming's decisions and simply following along.

After a brief preparation, the three followed the young woman's directions, passing through bustling streets, and arrived at an elegant mansion located in the east of Chang'an.

The mansion's gates were wide open, flanked by imposing stone lions, and the courtyard was shaded by lush bamboo, exuding an extraordinary aura.

"I have long admired the name of Master Zhuge, but have never had the chance to pay him a visit. It is truly a great pleasure to have you here today!"

At this moment, a refined-looking man approached with a smile; it was Duanmu Qing. He was tall and slender, with a handsome face and an extraordinary air about him that made him unforgettable at first sight.

"Mr. Duanmu, you are too kind. I am but a nobody, and it is an honor to be invited by you!"

Kongming shook his feather fan and said, "Since the other party is being so polite, I might as well reciprocate in kind."

"The Yuan court outwitted Tie Muzhen, borrowed another million soldiers from Leizhou, and marched to take Jinshan County. These are not things that nobodies should do," Duanmu Qing said with a chuckle, his words carrying a deeper meaning.

“Mr. Duanmu’s information network is indeed excellent; it was just my luck that I was informed.” Kongming’s eyes narrowed slightly upon hearing this.

He never made public what he did in the Great Yuan Imperial City. Impersonating a holy envoy was a great disrespect. Even Li Guangling and Zhao Yun didn't know. Yet Duanmu Qing saw right through it.

He used the name of the Holy Envoy to make the Great Yuan Emperor lose face, so they probably wouldn't spread the word casually. It seems that Duanmu Qing is far more than just a 'high-level broker'.

Upon hearing this, Li Guangling couldn't help but feel a deep respect for Kongming, never expecting that borrowing troops from Leizhou would have such a complicated history.

However, if he knew that Kongming was impersonating the Holy Envoy, he would probably break out in a cold sweat. After all, in the Holy State, which is respected by all under heaven, who would dare to impersonate someone else?

Then they'll start cursing Kongming as a sorcerer, accusing him of trying to harm him, and so on...

"Brother Zhuge, please don't take offense. I just have more friends, a wider network, and more inside information. I didn't deliberately try to pry into your affairs!" Duanmu Qing said innocently.

Kongming chuckled after hearing this, thinking to himself that this person was really good at feigning modesty, always keeping a low profile...

Then Duanmu Qing looked at Li Guangling and said, "With a master like Master Zhuge guiding you now, it's hard for the young prince not to succeed! He will surely be able to recreate the glory of the former King of Zhongshan!"

"Thank you for Mr. Duanmu's kind words. I know I am dull-witted. With the guidance of Master Zhuge, I will certainly strive to improve myself!" Li Guangling quickly cupped his hands in greeting, after all, the other party was a person of great renown.

Duanmu Qing nodded, and finally looked at Zhao Yun, who was standing next to Kongming. "This must be the recently famous General Zhao Yun!"

"My humble name is not worth mentioning!" Zhao Yun held the Dragon Gallant Silver Spear, giving off an air of unapproachability.

Seeing this, Duanmu Qing said nothing more and stepped aside to lead Kongming, Li Guangling and Zhao Yun into the mansion.

The interior of the mansion is decorated with both elegance and extraordinary taste, with rare stones and exotic trees arranged in a pleasing and orderly manner, clearly demonstrating the owner's exceptional pursuit of taste.

Zhao Yun's fierce eyes swept over them. He didn't care whether the other party was a high-ranking scholar or not; he only cared about Kongming's safety. Anyone who dared to oppose his Prime Minister would face the wrath of Kongming...