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

"Zhuge Kongming, you're just a kid who hasn't even grown a single hair yet, how dare you spout such nonsense..."

"If we're talking about seniority, who among you can compare to Lord Changsun? Let's ask him to say something fair."

Kongming turned his gaze to Changsun Wuji.

In fact, Changsun Wuji was also taken aback by Kongming's good appetite, but he had always been optimistic about Li Guangling.

So he cleared his throat and said, "In my opinion, His Majesty's handling of this matter is the most appropriate. Does anyone have any objections?"

Changsun Wuji's sharp gaze swept over all the officials present, and none of them dared to speak, after all, these were the words of Empress Wu herself.

"This matter is settled. Anyone who objects again will be killed!"

Finally, Empress Wu's words were as chilling as ice, instantly freezing the atmosphere in the entire hall.

The courtiers fell silent, none daring to speak again, including Du Ruhui.

On the contrary, Kongming was somewhat surprised by Wu Guo's decisive decision, which seemed to be quite different from the cunning and vicious old woman he had imagined.

"King Yuliang, remember this: what I give you is not just gold coins, but the great trust the Tang Dynasty places in you. I hope you will not disappoint my expectations and will pacify the three prefectures as soon as possible." Empress Wu's voice was soft, but it carried an undeniable authority.

"Anyone who attempts to divide our Great Tang will be punished, no matter how far away they are! No matter who it is, An Tingjing, as a former subordinate of my father, is even more guilty of unforgivable crimes!" Li Guangling's tone was firm, and he probably had something in mind when he said this.

After the court assembly ended, Li Guangling happily left the palace with 500 million gold notes.

"Your aunt doesn't seem as heartless as I thought!" Kongming said with a smirk on the way.

"The most poisonous heart is that of a woman. When she becomes ruthless, she will even kill her own children. Perhaps she wants to pacify the three states as soon as possible, which is why she acted so readily today! Could it be that you, Immortal Master Zhuge, have really taken a liking to her?"

Upon hearing this, Kongming glared at Li Guangling, who clicked his tongue and dared not continue talking nonsense.

"Master Zhuge, are we planning to leave Chang'an directly, or linger for a few more days?" Li Guangling quickly changed the subject and asked.

"Go and inform my sworn brother. This man's intentions are unclear, and he has always been a thorn in my side!" Kongming said coldly, waving his feather fan.

"Didn't the Immortal Master say that his target might be Jinshan County? Presumably, this person will definitely make a trip to our Jinshan County!"

"Hmph! We'll deal with him slowly when we have time!" Kongming snorted coldly and rode his flying spirit beast toward Duanmu Qing's residence.

……

"Brother, I've come today to say goodbye."

Upon arriving at Duanmu Qing's residence, Kongming acted as if they were very familiar with each other.

"My dear brother, you've come and gone in such a hurry. I'm sure your trip was worthwhile!"

Duanmu Qing hurriedly came out to greet him and said.

"Ah! It's a long story, and who can say for sure what happened next!" Kongming shook his head and said.

"Could it be that you've encountered some difficulties, my dear brother? Tell me about it. I believe I have some reputation and might be able to help you!"

"To be honest, elder brother, the purpose of this trip to the capital was twofold: first, to receive the title of prince, and second, to prepare for recruiting soldiers and horses to conquer the three prefectures of the An family."

Kongming spoke frankly, after all, given Duanmu Qing's network of connections, he might already know why Kongming had come to Chang'an this time.

"That's great! If we take over the three prefectures of the An family, my brother will truly be a local emperor!" Duanmu Qing said.

"It's not that simple. An Tingjing has the backing of the Biyou Sect, and his strength is extremely formidable. I'm afraid he won't be easy to deal with!" Kongming waved his hand, looking worried.

“Brother, there’s no need to worry about this. Just think about how big a piece of meat the An family’s three prefectures are. How could the Jade Cauldron Sect and the Thunder God Sect behind you not be tempted?”

"Even if the cultivation forces can check and balance each other, I need to expand my army by a million and urgently need a large amount of equipment, which is difficult to gather in a short time!"

As Kongming spoke, he glanced at Duanmu Qing without leaving a trace.

"Hmm! Weapons and armor are relatively easy to handle, but warhorses are a problem. In recent years, the Great Yuan Kingdom has been very strict about exporting them! Warhorses are all registered, which is indeed a problem!" Duanmu Qing said after pondering for a moment.

"So, I would like to ask you for a favor, brother, to see if there is any way to get my warhorses out of the Great Yuan Kingdom."

“Brother, your expansion of the army by a million is probably difficult to manage. If it is only a small number, I can make some arrangements and perhaps get it.”

"How much can you get, brother?" Kongming asked, looking like he was just trying to get whatever he could.

"This number, I can't guarantee it will be any more than that!" Duanmu Qing said, holding up one finger.

"One hundred thousand horses? That's great! I was planning to organize a cavalry force of three hundred thousand, but I didn't expect you to solve one-third of my warhorse needs in one go, brother." Kongming said excitedly, pulling Duanmu Qing along.

“Brother, you misunderstand. A thousand horses is the most I can get,” Duanmu Qing shook his head and said with a wry smile.

"This...this difference is too big!"

"Why don't you ask Zhao Jingmo of Leizhou for help, Brother Zhuge? They originally belonged to the Great Yuan Kingdom, and perhaps they can help!"

"To be honest, when I came to Chang'an, I spoke with him. The Emperor's vigilance against these regional officials is no less than his vigilance against other countries. Especially regarding strategic resources like warhorses," Kongming said, waving his feather fan.

Although the Yuan Dynasty earned a large amount of gold coins through the export of warhorses, it kept it within a certain range and would never allow the cavalry strength of other countries to threaten its own.

Furthermore, all the warhorses on the ranches are registered, and ranches are strictly prohibited from privately buying and selling warhorses in bulk.

Furthermore, the Tang Dynasty's national strength has been declining in recent years. The Yuan Dynasty probably couldn't wait for the Tang Dynasty to perish so that it could get a share of the spoils. So why would it sell a large number of warhorses to the Tang Dynasty?

“This is difficult, brother! There’s an official in the Great Yuan Kingdom who’s in charge of this area. I’ve met him once before. How about I accompany you on a trip to the Great Yuan?” Duanmu Qing looked troubled.

"That would be wonderful! I'll rely on your reputation, brother! As for the commission, we'll calculate it however we see fit, and I promise I won't let you suffer any loss!" Kongming bowed to Duanmu Qing, holding his feather fan.

"There's no need for formalities between us brothers. Once I've settled things here, I'll come to Wolong Manor to find you."

"I await your arrival at Wolong Manor."

Kongming didn't waste any more words; after speaking, he rose to take his leave...

……

Wolong Villa.

"Zhuge Kongming, 500,000 warhorses is no small number. It will be very difficult to secretly smuggle them out of the Yuan Kingdom's borders!" Elder Qingyang of the Jade Cauldron Sect said, staring at Kongming.

“Yes, Brother Zhuge, purchasing such a large number of warhorses from my Great Yuan will likely attract the attention of the three major sects of Great Yuan. Although I am a member of Great Yuan, I am even more likely to be discovered!” Gu Zhenzi of the Heavenly Thunder Sect shook his head, looking troubled.

"Once we take over the three prefectures of the An family, I think you two should understand the significance of this!" Kongming said, waving his feather fan.

He then increased the demand for warhorses to 500,000, his aim being to squeeze more money out of the two factions...