The Cold and Aloof Palace Master's Daily Demon-Slaying Life

Chapter 103: Wouldn't saying this be too hurtful to him?

Encouraging commerce injects liquidity and competitive vitality into the rigid landlord economy system;

Setting a bottom line is to provide basic protection for the vulnerable underprivileged and to maintain the stability of ordinary society;

Popularizing education broadens the foundation of the system, cultivates talent, and enhances the level of civilization.

These measures may not create an "ideal state" overnight, but if they are implemented solidly and accumulated little by little, they may truly improve the living conditions of countless ordinary people and make the foundation of Taihua Gate even more solid.

As for whether Jiang Shaoling can understand it, whether he has the courage to implement it, and how much resistance he will encounter—

That's not something she needs to worry about.

She is only responsible for giving "advice".

As she said, whether to adopt the proposal, how to adopt it, and how to adapt it to local conditions after adoption are all matters for the sect leader.

Her role is perhaps more about providing a different perspective, a pebble that might spark positive change.

The road to immortality is long and winding, and the path to immortality is rugged.

On this long and lonely journey of cultivation, may one occasionally reach out and cast a ray of light into this bustling world.

Perhaps, it is also a way to maintain one's own "humanity".

After leaving Zixu Peak, Jiang Shaoling did not immediately return to Taihua Peak to handle government affairs, but went directly to the "Welcoming Peak" guesthouse inside the mountain gate, which was reserved for temporary accommodation for visitors.

Jiang Zhoumian and his daughter were placed in a quiet courtyard.

Jiang Zhoumian barely slept for days and nights, waiting with a mixture of excitement and anxiety for news from his ancestor.

Hearing the sound of the courtyard gate, he rushed out immediately. When he saw Jiang Shaoling walking in with a solemn expression, his heart tightened, but he still stepped forward with anticipation and bowed: "Grand Ancestor! You're back! How is it?" He lowered his voice and his eyes scanned Jiang Shaoling's face anxiously, trying to find some clues.

Jiang Shuiyin followed, standing timidly behind her father, looking at the ancestor.

Jiang Shaoling glanced at them, but did not answer immediately. Instead, he went inside and sat down in the main seat.

Jiang Zhoumian hurriedly followed in, carefully closed the door, poured spiritual tea for the ancestor, and then stood aside, holding his breath.

The atmosphere inside was somewhat oppressive.

Jiang Shaoling picked up his teacup but didn't drink. He just stared at the shimmering green tea in the cup, remained silent for a moment, and then slowly spoke, his voice hoarse with weariness: "I saw the True Lord."

Jiang Zhoumian's eyes lit up.

"I consulted the True Lord on some strategies for governing the newly acquired territory of the sect," Jiang Shaoling continued. "The True Lord has a broad vision and extensive knowledge. His suggestions are insightful and far-sighted, and I have benefited greatly from them."

The joy on Jiang Zhoumian's face faded somewhat.

The old man's words sound like he was only talking about official business.

"Then—about Yin'er—" he couldn't help but ask tentatively.

Jiang Shaoling put down his teacup and turned his gaze to Jiang Zhoumian. His gaze was no longer as gentle or calculating as before; instead, it became somewhat sharp, even carrying a hint of alienation and warning that Jiang Zhoumian could not understand.

"Zhou Mian," Jiang Shaoling's voice turned cold, "Do you really think that with Yin'er's talent, she'll definitely catch the True Lord's eye? Do you really think that someone like the True Lord would easily change his mind and accept a disciple just because of my words?"

Jiang Zhoumian was taken aback: "Ancestor, didn't we agree that we would just take this opportunity to bring it up and observe the True Lord's reaction? If the True Lord is not interested, we won't force him, but at least—we tried! Didn't you—bring it up?"

A hint of unease flashed across Jiang Shaoling's face, but it was quickly masked by an even deeper coldness and solemnity.

How could he say that he was overwhelmed by the True Lord's vision and magnanimity, and felt ashamed of himself, to the point that he was too ashamed to utter those private thoughts?

"What the True Lord discussed with me was the eternal foundation of our sect, the well-being of trillions of lives!" Jiang Shaoling's tone intensified, carrying a strange emotion, as if he wanted to vent the shock and shame in his heart. "In the face of such a grand vision, to engage in scheming and probing for one's own selfish interests—don't you think that's too despicable, and too—laughable?"

Jiang Zhoumian was completely stunned.

He never expected that instead of news of success or failure, he would receive a complete 180-degree change in his ancestor's attitude and these almost reprimanding words!

"Ancestor! How could you say that?" Jiang Zhoumian was both anxious and angry, his face flushed red. "We're doing this for the Jiang family! Yin'er's talent is right before our eyes; she's truly gifted!"

"We're just trying to seize an opportunity! How does that make us petty and scheming? Is it noble to watch a great opportunity slip away right before our eyes?"

"Ancestor, you practically watched Zhenjun grow up, and Great-Grandmother doted on her, showing her great care on numerous occasions! Does our Jiang family have no regard for Zhenjun whatsoever?"

"Shut up!" Jiang Shaoling slammed his hand on the table and stood up abruptly. The pressure of his late-stage Purple Mansion peak power was released instantly. Although it was only a fleeting moment, it made the air in the room seem to freeze!

Jiang Zhoumian felt as if he had been struck by a heavy blow, and he staggered back two steps, his face turning deathly pale, and his spiritual energy almost came to a standstill.

Jiang Shuiyin was so frightened that her face turned pale. She clung tightly to her father's clothes, not daring to breathe.

Jiang Shaoling's face was ashen, his gaze icy cold as a knife. He stared intently at Jiang Zhoumian and said, word by word, "Jiang Zhoumian! If you dare to utter another word of disrespect for the True Lord, don't blame me for disregarding blood ties and killing you on the spot!"

That chilling killing intent was no mere empty threat.

Jiang Zhoumian had no doubt that if he dared to say anything disrespectful to Zuo Qingqiu again, this ancestor who had held power in the sect for hundreds of years and always put the overall situation first would not hesitate to take action to clean up the sect!

He had never seen his ancestor so furious, so resolute.

A chill ran from his feet to his head, instantly extinguishing all his anxiety and resentment, leaving only fear and confusion.

He opened his mouth, but no sound came out.

Jiang Shaoling felt a mix of emotions as he looked at his dejected appearance.

There was anger at the younger generation's lack of discretion, lingering fear of almost making a mistake, and an indescribable weariness.

He withdrew his oppressive aura, his voice regaining its calmness, yet carrying an undeniable decisiveness: "Want to become a disciple of the True Lord? Sure!"

"After you return, tell Yin'er to cultivate diligently so that she can enter the inner sect in the future and achieve first place in the inner sect competition! Prove with her strength that she is worthy of the title of True Lord's disciple! In this way, there may be a chance for her to meet True Lord and express her aspirations."

"Besides that, any other wicked thoughts, get rid of them! Otherwise, before outsiders even have a chance to act, my Jiang family will clean house first!"

"Did you understand?"

Jiang Zhoumian trembled, lowered his head, and squeezed out three words: "—I understand."

He knew that this matter was over.

The path our ancestors followed has been completely severed.

"Take Yin'er and return to the family immediately. Teach her well and supervise her cultivation. Do not reveal a single thing about today's events to anyone, especially not any disrespectful words towards the True Lord!" Jiang Shaoling gave his final order, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"Yes." Jiang Zhoumian bowed in response, pulled up his still dazed daughter, gave a hurried bow, and left the guesthouse courtyard almost as if he were fleeing.

Watching their hurried departure, Jiang Shaoling stood alone in the room for a long time without moving.

Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a play of light and shadow on his face.

He slowly raised his hand and rubbed his temples, where the chill of a night of wind and snow still lingered, as did the lingering heat and stinging from the True Lord's words, "peace and tranquility."