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

"Is the Ancient Ancestor truly so devoted to cultivation that she's detached from worldly affairs?" Zuo Yuxuan couldn't help but murmur in admiration. "Her insight and skill don't seem at all like someone detached from worldly affairs..."

"Watch your words!" Zuo Xiuxian glared at him, then sighed, "Perhaps this is what makes someone capable of becoming a True Lord. Not only are they exceptionally talented, but their temperament and wisdom are also beyond the reach of ordinary people."

Little did they know that Zuo Qingqiu's words were merely a combination of the essence of those "leadership speeches" from his past life, along with his understanding of the rules of this world, and a comprehensive solution he came up with after careful consideration.

She may not know the specifics of managing a large cultivation family, but she knows how to grasp the main contradictions, how to draw red lines, how to win people's hearts, and how to position herself on the moral and economic high ground.

This is enough.

"Very well, since the Ancestor has given the order, we will comply." Zuo Xiuxian finally made the decision. "Zhaocheng, you are responsible for drafting specific regulations to restrain the clansmen. They must be strict to serve as a warning to others. Yuxuan, you take the lead and discuss with the elders of each branch to come up with a new set of rules for resource allocation and promotion assessments. These rules must balance fairness and efficiency to shut up those who rely on their seniority and hold positions without doing their job. As for treating ordinary clansmen well... leave that to Chunqiu. You are young and energetic, and this is a good opportunity to establish your authority and also to get to know the lower-level clansmen better."

Zuo Chunqiu's spirits lifted, and he quickly bowed, saying, "Your grandson obeys and will certainly not fail the elder's trust!"

"Hmm." Zuo Xiuxian nodded, then looked at the other Purple Mansion disciples. "You all heard that. When you go back, restrain your disciples. Be more discreet in the near future and don't run into the Ancient Ancestor's blade. Although the Ancient Ancestor is a member of my Zuo family, he is also a Golden Core True Monarch. If he gets angry, no one can protect you."

"Yes!" the crowd responded in unison, their expressions solemn.

"Alright, everyone disperse." Zuo Xiuxian waved his hand, looking somewhat tired. "Ancestor Gu will probably be returning to the sect soon. We need to present the general outline of the plan to her before she leaves, and ask her to review and make her decision."

The group bowed and withdrew.

Only the three elders remained in the quiet room.

The three remained silent for a moment, and each of them saw a complex emotion in the eyes of the other two.

There is admiration for the methods of the ancient ancestors, there is also concern about the potential impact on one's own position, and there is also a sense of powerlessness and resignation to the fact that the established rules are difficult to shake.

"In the end, it still comes down to strength," Zuo Xiuxian sighed. "She only needs to say a few words, and we have to run ourselves ragged."

"Third Grand Uncle, be careful what you say," Zuo Zhaocheng hurriedly said. "Our ancestor was the embodiment of our Zuo family's fortune for a thousand years. How can we speak of him so carelessly? The most urgent task now is to complete the tasks entrusted to us by our ancestor, stabilize the family, and wait for the right opportunity."

"Yes, let's wait for the right opportunity..." Zuo Xiuxian looked out the window, his gaze distant.

Outside the window, the sunlight was perfect, bathing the majestic mountains in a golden glow.

A new era for the Zuo family seems to have begun with the return of this young True Lord.

But after the prelude, will it be glory, or something else?

Who can say for sure?

-

Three days later.

An old house and courtyard.

Zuo Qingqiu was still dressed in her simple white palace attire, sitting on a stone bench under the old plum tree in the courtyard, closing her eyes to rest.

Sunlight filtered through the sparse plum branches, casting dappled shadows that fell upon her, as if draping her in a golden veil.

Her expression was calm, her breath long and steady, blending seamlessly with the ancient courtyard and dappled shadows of the trees, like a delicate ink painting.

Yesterday, she reviewed the general operating procedures presented by the family's senior management and only suggested a few minor modifications, leaving the rest unchanged.

She didn't need to worry about the specific execution process afterwards.

Now that the ancestral worship ceremony is over, all the necessary tasks have been completed.

She had no more attachment to this place.

It's time to return to Taihua Gate.

Just as I was about to get up, I heard a soft but hesitant footstep outside the courtyard gate.

Zuo Qingqiu hadn't even opened her eyes, but her divine sense had already detected the person who had arrived.

It is Zuo Chunqiu.

He stopped outside the courtyard gate, not coming in immediately, seemingly hesitant.

Zuo Qingqiu slowly opened her eyes, her gaze fixed on the courtyard gate, her voice calm and even: "Come in."

The courtyard gate was gently pushed open, and Zuo Chunqiu appeared in the doorway. He had changed into a more formal blue robe, his hair was neatly combed, and his face showed respect, but also a hint of undisguised nervousness and unease.

He strode into the courtyard, stopped three zhang away from Zuo Qingqiu, and bowed deeply, saying, "This humble one, Zuo Chunqiu, pays respects to the ancient ancestor."

Zuo Qingqiu looked at him, her cousin who had once been one of the "Three Autumns of the Zuo Family" alongside her and on whom the family had placed high hopes. Now, more than two hundred years later, his brows bore the somber look of a cultivation bottleneck and the composure that comes with the passage of time; he was no longer the spirited young man he once was.

"Is something wrong, cousin?" she asked, her tone flat, revealing neither joy nor anger.

Upon hearing this, Zuo Chunqiu stiffened slightly, lowered his head even further, and repeatedly said, "I wouldn't dare! In front of the True Lord, what kind of cousin am I? I... I am not worthy of such a title from the True Lord! You flatter me!"

His voice was filled with fear, and his posture was extremely humble.

The difference between a Golden Core True Monarch and a Purple Mansion cultivator is already that of a mortal and an immortal.

Moreover, Zuo Qingqiu is now the ancestor of the Zuo family, holding an extremely prestigious position.

He absolutely dared not respond to being called "cousin".

Seeing his fearful expression, Zuo Qingqiu felt little emotion. In the cultivation world, strength is paramount, and social status varies greatly; even close relatives must respect their place.

She didn't insist, but instead asked, "What is it?"

Zuo Chunqiu finally breathed a sigh of relief, still bowing, and said cautiously, "Reporting to the Ancestor, there are several juniors in the clan who are exceptionally talented and have excellent character; they are rare talents in recent years. The elders mean to... shamelessly ask the Ancestor to spare some time to give them some guidance before returning to the sect. Even just a word or two of advice would be an invaluable blessing for them, benefiting them for a lifetime."

He finished speaking, feeling uneasy.

He knew this request was somewhat abrupt. What kind of status did the ancient ancestor have? How could he have time to guide the younger generation of the family? But the elders were eagerly anticipating it, and as the leader of the younger generation, he had no choice but to bite the bullet and ask.

Zuo Qingqiu remained silent for a moment.

To instruct or guide the younger generation?

In the past, she would most likely have refused outright.

She doesn't even have enough time for her own spiritual practice, so how can she have the leisure to instruct others?

But now… she is a Golden Core True Monarch, with a lifespan of ten thousand years, and time is no longer as pressing for her as before. Moreover, her three demands at the altar today, especially the second one, are intended to break the monopoly and encourage those who come after. If she doesn't offer any tangible benefits, it will inevitably make people think she's just making empty promises.

After a moment's thought, she nodded: "Okay."

Zuo Chunqiu suddenly looked up, his eyes filled with surprise and delight: "The Ancient Ancestor agreed?"

"Okay." Zuo Qingqiu stood up. "I'll go to Zude Hall first, and you can bring the person over later."

"Yes! Thank you, Ancestor! I will make the arrangements right away!" Zuo Chunqiu's voice trembled with excitement. He bowed deeply again, then backed out of the courtyard before turning around and leaving in a hurry, his steps becoming much lighter.