Closed PSL for Q

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning was extremely nervous as he approached Cloud Recesses. He had arranged to meet with the Sect Leader to discuss an important proposal that he had recently recieved from the Emperor himself. The proposal had caught him off guard and something he didn't think was imaginable. It was rare that the Emperor even showed interest in the cultivation world. It was something he couldnt take lightely as it would helpp bridge the two worlds together. Yet, if he was honest with himself Wen Ning simply wanted to hide. He never imagined that becoming a Sect Leader would bring in oppurtuntiies he didn't realize were possible. He needed sound advice and one that wasn't judging or demanding.

This visit would also allow time for him to see his friends and get a small break. Once he arrived, Wen Ning still had time before he was able to talk with the Sect Leader. He chose to seek out WuXian for the time being.

Comments

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning wrapped his hand around hers, pleased with how everything was going. After a while though, he felt a weird sensation one he associated with around strong magic or the dead. For those paying attention his eyes changed colors briefly. He tightened his hold of Meilie's hand briefly and then looked to Lan Zhan.

"Can you do an inquiry check, Lan Zhan? Something doesn't feel right." Wen Ning soflty asked before slumping down in his chair.

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili happened to look over when he tightened his grip on her hand, seeing the brief change in his eyes, holding onto his hand in return.

The odd request prompted Zhelan to step closer. On her person, as she always did because Meili asked her to, she had the pouch with the talisman that was supposed to help him. It was nicely decorated as a fragrance pouch and Meili often told people that she asked Zhelan to carry it for her as she liked the design, but it did not match her robes. Since they were always together, Zhelan having it was the same as Meili having it.

WangJi didn't even look over, just nodded his head and carefully held out the rabbit for someone to take. The maid who had been carrying the rabbit when they walked in immediately came over to take the rabbit back. The nanny hesitated, wondering if she should take the princess back, but WuXian quickly reassured her, "It's fine. She can stay," as WangJi produced his guqin from seemingly nowhere.

In reality, if there was something weird, the princess was probably safer in WuXian's arms than anyone else's.

But the royal family got to watch as WangJi settled the guqin on his lap and began to play a few notes, pausing to see if he would receive a response.

[raddishpeddler]

A maid quietly disappeared to go retrieve Wen Zhuilu when it was evident that something odd was going on. There was no obvious threat, but it was best to reac to the situation and have an extra guard around in case something happened. In cases like this Wen Ning would have requested his bodyguard.

Wen Ning was more apprehensive at this point as he waited to see what was going on. Why was he suddenly feeling a pressence in the room when there had been nothing for ages around the castle. He watched as the guqin did recieve a response.

"Greetings Lan Zhan and Wei WuXian, I had hoped to see you one more time. You knew me as Lan Yi when we spoke briefly a few years ago. I apologize to the Royal Family for my deciption." the spirit replied. Bunny appeared to have sat up in the maid's hands to look up at the two.

[snowbirdprincess]

Having the maid go get Wen Zhuliu on her own spoke to how well they understood his issue and who was likely to help. Meili would definitely reward her for that.

Everyone in the room looked as the guqin began to play itself. The royal family and attendants were naturally more alarmed by this, but the fact that neither WangJi nor WuXian were at all confused by it helped calm them before they panicked.

WuXian, for his part, didn't speak qin language. He just watched with interest as the guqin played itself. Quite a long response for a spirit. Almost like it was playing its own song. Finally, when it stopped, WuXian looked over at WangJi. "What did it say?"

WangJi didn't answer immediately, just looked up, glancing around the room, his eyes finally coming to rest on the rabbit in the maid's arms. It also made sense, he thought, since the princess didn't seem at all concerned about the spirit using its powers to control the guqin and she was sitting almost right next to it.

"Seems that your rabbit is more than we suspected," he commented. "Do not be alarmed by it," he added before anyone could react. "The spirit of our former sect leader means no harm."

Given it was a Gusu Lan sect leader, pacifism was almost a guarantee unless otherwise needed.

Now, everyone was looking at the rabbit, including WuXian. "Who would have thought," he remarked with a smile.

[raddishpeddler]

It took a moment for Wen Ning to digest what he just heard. But when he understood he automatically relaxed. It also helped that Wen Zhuilu had quietly slipped into the room behind the maid returning. He had placed a hand on Wen Ning's shoulder to let him know he was beside him. Prior to that he bowed before the Royal Family to acknowledge their pressence. He sensed the greetings could wait. Judging from what he just heard and what was explained, Wen Zhuilu felt he didn't have to react and just remained at Wen Ning's side.

Wen Ning also noted that the maid was responsible for bringing him and would have to acknowledge her quick thinking later.

Regardless, the news was still quiet a surprise. He was just thankful that it wasn't a vengeful spirit. He didn't understand why he didn't sense her the first time. At best he figured she just hid her pressence at that point and now wanted to be noticed.

"Sixth princess is aware that I've been around, but I don't thinks she fully understood the concept and just accepted it was Bunny the entire time. Now that it is certain she has the Golden Core I wanted to come foreward and explain why I arranged this. I would like to continue watching over her and her siblings and also help train her." The spirit explained.

It was difficult holding the conversation through the qugin, but it was also the more comfortable way to communicate. It would also help the Royal Family understand how the cultivation world worked especially with the Gusu Lan sect.

Wen Ning currently just watched the conversationg going on, having no questions to ask right now. He gave a gently squeeze around Meili's hand to let her know he was okay and in no threat.

[snowbirdprincess]

It was definitely very surprising for all of them. WangJi hadn't been quite expecting to hear that from his guqin at this time, but it was apparently happening. Luckily he was the more rational person in the group so he didn't show any alarm in what he was hearing. Also that he knew it wasn't a spirit tricking him. He was so skilled with Inquiry that a spirit approaching him could not lie. Because this would be one heck of a lie.

As the guqin started to play again, the princess clapped happily, giggling, clearly finding something pleasant about this spirit. The fact she did was probably what kept the Imperial family and their attendants from freaking out right there. The maid was definitely holding the rabbit even more carefully than she had before.

This time once the music stopped, WangJi translated exactly what the guqin had said since it was something that the family needed to know.

Meili glanced over at Wen Ning and smiled, before looking back.

There was silence for a moment after WangJi finished talking. Since the spirit seemed to understand them well enough, WangJi didn't feel the immediate need to play any responses unless the spirit didn't seem to be understanding the responses.

Finally, the Emperor spoke. "I suppose that we can allow that. It is not something that we are familiar with after all. Frankly, all of this is new."

Understatement of the year if there ever was one.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Zhuilu had a hard time keeping a neuteral expression during the whole exchange. It was a hard thing for him to acknowledge and also having been so easily tricked too. That was the hardest part for him to accept. He had carted the rabbit around and was feeding it carrots during the trip.

"I apologize for not even thinking to check the rabbits before we brought one over. I had never thought that such a thing would happen," Wen Ning finally stated. "The rabbits belonged to Gusu Lan so we figured they were all safe."

The rabbit attempted to what look like a bow in direction toward the Royal Fmaily. "Thank you, it is an honor to assist your family."

[snowbirdprincess]

Surprise! You had been carrying around the reincarnated former sect leader of Gusu Lan and didn't even know it. To be fair, they had all been tricked, even Gusu Lan.

"It was not something any of us expected," WuXian remarked. "I mean... the rabbit was in our sect and none of their cultivators realized."

The princess giggled again as the rabbit seemed to bow and the guqin played again. Yes, she was very familiar with the spirit here.

WangJi again translated the guqin and the princess's mother gave the rabbit a slight bow, which had to be weird for the consort bowing to the rabbit and for the maid who just so happened to be holding said rabbit since consorts didn't bow in her general direction.

"I'm sure she will be in good hands," WangJi remarked.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning gave a wary smile. "I'm just glad no harm has been done. I was merely thinking a companion for her never thought I would also bring a teacher as well."

He made a note that any animal being brought into the castle or to the Royal Family would have to be checked as best as possible. He had heard of stories before where things didn't go as nice as they had here. They were very lucky.

After the bow, Bunny appeared to be acting like a regular rabbit once more. Wen Ning gave a nod in Lan Zhan's direction singaling that he believed things were cleared. He no longer seemed to feel her pressence.

[snowbirdprincess]

"I don't know that anyone could have predicted that, Sect Leader Wen," the Empress remarked. "And I don't think it has done any harm. Sixth Princess was very happy even when it was speaking to us."

WangJi nodded his head once, beginning to put his guqin away. Everyone was still watching the rabbit at least somewhat, but it seemed to be behaving more like a normal rabbit now.

"Bunny," the princess said with a smile. Yep, she liked Bunny... even if Bunny was actually a reincarnated sect leader.

[raddishpeddler]

"I suppose not." Wen Ning agreed after a pause. He still wasn't fond of having been tricked, but the intentions overall were meant to help. He could forgive that. He had been involved in too many pranks for his tastes.

He was also glad that this incident didn't cause him to loose favor. It at least helped that Lan Zhan and Wei WuXian were there as witnesses and who were also used to dealing with such situations. Nor would the news leave the room.

He then chose to stear the topic into something more light hearted to ease the tension in the room. He only hoped the excitement was done for the day,

[snowbirdprincess]

A change of topic was definitely appreciated. Everyone soon relaxed again, the two boys still playing on the floor. Eventually, the Sixth Princess was ready to go back to her nanny and her mother decided it was time for them to leave so the princess could rest.

"It does seem to be getting late," Meili remarked after the consort and entourage had left. "We don't want to keep you as I'm sure that you'd like to rest up."

"Agreed," WuXian said. "We should also help with preparing for the tournament."

"Of course," the Emperor said. "Then we will not keep you."

And after bidding the royal family goodbye, they'd be able to leave... and A-Yuan specifically added an additional goodbye to his new friend.

[raddishpeddler]

"We should take our leave as well and let you rest too. It has been quite an exciting day. Hopefully the rest of the days leading up to the tournament will be quiet." Wen Ning stated and as he stood up, he gave them a proper farewell. He then helped up Meili and held out his arm for her. Wen Zhuilu and maids followed behind them.

The next few days were spent celebrating the news of the child and Sixth Princess having a Golden Core. As promised Wen Ning allowed his wife to spend time with her family. He focused on helping prep for the tournament and let the Lans know some of the basic information on Wen Zhuilu so they were no longer left in the dark.

To ease some stress, Wen Ning strayed away to practice some archery. It was one of the few times he could forget everything.

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili had indeed been spending a fair amount of time with her family while Wen Ning prepared for the tournament. He was certainly busy with it and there wasn't much that she could do to assist so she had spent time with her brother and parents. It was nice that they were so close and willing to come to see the cultivation world that they were able to spend time together.

Of course, now there was some news that had distracted the Imperial family from spending time with her... at least for a bit and she had thought to come share the good news with Wen Ning.

She waited patiently off to the side at the practice range where she was not in the way and waited until after Wen Ning had fired his shot.

"Greetings to my husband," she said when there was a moment to do so safely for everyone.

[raddishpeddler]

Vageuly he had heard her footsteps as Meili had approached. The scent of her perfume easily gave her away. He could easily recognize her and the few people he was close with by various ways. Usually the weight of their step, how they stepped, their scent, and other subtle ways. It usually unnerved his family he always knew who was coming before they announced.

He was grateful she had waited till he had fired the arrow to announce her pressence. "Greetings to my wife," Wen Ning greeted with a smile and bow. He then strapped his bow over his back with his quiver. He walked over toward his wife. The loose arrows can wait later.

"Is everything okay?" he questioned. He couldn't help but be easily alamared. With his wife being pregnant and her family over.... Anything could happen. Or it could have been he was needed somewhere, but usually a disciple would be sent.

[snowbirdprincess]

She had been surprised at first that he had been able to recognize her, but now it was old news. She knew he recognized the perfume that she used, but she didn't know if there was anything else. Either way, it didn't bother her anymore.

She was smart enough to know not to distract someone who had something dangerous. Swords were a bit safer from a distance if the person was practicing against a dummy, not against another person. Arrows could easily go wild and then no one was safe. So it was better to wait.

She smiled. "Consort Fa sent word from the palace. I have a new baby brother," she said with a smile. "She says both mother and baby are doing well so there is no need for anyone to hurry back. Royal Father told her to keep taking care of them and he will take care of everything else when they return."

[raddishpeddler]

"Congratulations! We shall have to send them a gift. Perhaps later we can visit, so you can see your new brother." Wen Ning replied and seemed to be excited for the news. New life was always a reason to celebrate and be happy. He pulled her into a hug.

"Update me on everything that's gone on at the palace," he said as they headed back to the castle.

[snowbirdprincess]

"I know they would appreciate a present from Qishan Wen. Of course, you will get to see him the next time we visit the palace."

She hugged him back, happy that he was as happy about this as her family was. Currently, there were congratulations to her father all around for having another son. Funny, her child's currently youngest uncle would only be a few months older.

"Of course. I'd be happy to." And of course, she did as they walked back inside: all of the gossip she'd overheard from the consorts who had come and a little bit of what Consort Fa had reported back to the Emperor in her letter.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning merely smiled, happy to listen to his wife talk about her family. While he wasn't big on gossip, he enjoyed listening to the little things that his wife would talk about. Plus, her family was also his family too. Now he would have another brother!

"Wen Qing and her husband should be arriving today along with the rest of Lotus Pier. The Nei brothers are also here too. The castle is getting quite crowded. I plan to have two of my disciples help your family out just in case they need help navigating all the various sects. They're the ones that helped watch over your brothers and sisters earlier." Wen Ning stated after she finished talking.

[snowbirdprincess]

"It'll be good to have them all here," Meili remarked. "I'm sure that you want to have a chance to see your sister." Just as she waited for the chance to see her siblings. "I will do my best to take care of things so that you can spend time with her."

She smiled. "I think they liked them. Of course, it is easy when you win over the little princes and princesses."

If someone got their favor and behaved properly in front of the Emperor and his wives, then it was hard for them to disapprove.

[raddishpeddler]

"I'll be glad to see my sister it's been forever. Plus, once she sees you are doing well she might stop worrying and calm down. I think too she's still hasn't let go of the fact that I'm no longer hiding behind her all the time. She doesn't have to keep looking after me." Wen Ning stated more in an amused tone then annoyed.


"I'm glad that the children liked them. They admitted that they enjoyed being around the children. It was good to see so many around something castle hasn't seen in a long time."

[snowbirdprincess]

"I hope that she will as well. I suppose it is always hard for family to let go when one marries. I know my brother wonders after me and I'm sure I will wonder after him as well when he marries and all of my younger siblings marry."

She smiled, pleased that the disciples seemed to have enjoyed being around the kids. There were so many boys of similar age groups that they could get rowdy, but it also made it easier for one person to keep the attention of a group. "The older princes would probably enjoy showing off their archery and getting some pointers while they are here."

"But, Husband, I had a thought and I wanted to run it by you first before I considered approaching it to others. Since my youngest sister has cultivation abilities... would it not be beneficial for her to marry into a cultivation sect?"

[raddishpeddler]

"Yes, you have some very good points as expected," Wen Ning stated with a smile. "I worry about my sister often even though I know she is in good hands. But this has always been her home so I would imagine the transition would have been hard adjustment. I always sent her care packages so she could feel somewhat at home. Perhaps, that's something you can do for your brother?"

He stopped walking to think for a few minutes on what Meili had suggested. He had similiar idea as well, but hadn't a chance to discuss with her. She beat him too it. "Are you thinking of suggesting to arrange A-Yuan with the Sixth Princess? I think Gusu Lan would approve of it. It would help her more as well being associated with someone who knows her abilities."

[snowbirdprincess]

"I suppose that is something I can do. He said that he will soon be moving into his own manor and be married himself. Fifth brother won't be far behind." She sighed. "It seems like they shouldn't be old enough for that, but they probably felt the same way on the day I married."

She stopped, looking over at Wen Ning, and smiled. "We really are of a like mind. Yes, I was thinking that it might be good for her and they are of the right ages."

[raddishpeddler]

"Ineed. Granny had to have a long talk with my sister before our marriage about having to let me go. Besides that she would have a husband herself to take of. Your brothers will have their own wives taking care of them as well. When we visit we can find time to see them.

The fact that we think a lot says much." Wen Ning stated. "We can talk to both parents about it and see what they think, but I imagine both would be happy ont he arrangement. I also imagine that 'Bunny' would approve too.

And there's time for the children to bond as they grow older. Eventually, A-Yuan would be Gusu Lan's sect leaader."