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

[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."

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili chuckled softly at that, that her sister-in-law had gotten the talk that Wen Ning would have a wife to take care of him before they had gotten married. Maybe she wasn't so different, worrying if her brother's wives would take care of them, if her sister's husbands would be kind to them. Perhaps that was one of the reasons she thought A-Yuan and Meixiu would be good. She would be closer to their world and his parents were kind people so surely A-Yuan would grow up the same way.

"I think they would as well. Royal Father wants to find a good place for his daughters, where their marriage strengths the bonds of the empire, but also where they will be treated well. Based on Lan WangJi and Wei WuXian, A-Yuan will likely grow to be a kind man. And being sect leader would also be good as well."

[raddishpeddler]

"I believe your father would make the right choices for your brothers as well just as he's careful for your sisters. We can't really base what happened to your older sister on what the rest of the marriages would be like. I also feel that he at leasts gives everyone a chance to speak before finalizing things as well. I believe your assumptions are also correct." Wen Ning softly stated.

"Let's go and great my sister and her husband before they start looking for us."

Wrapping his arm around hers he lead her back into the castle.

[snowbirdprincess]

"I know that he will, especially since it is likely he will pick one of the two to be his successor, the next Emperor. Luckily, both of their main wives will be from good families with some political backing. Their second wives are consorts maybe those they have more of a connection with. But he tries."

She smiled. "Yes, let's go greet her." She leaned a bit closer to him as they started to head back inside the castle.

[raddishpeddler]

"Yes, he really does try. I can see how much he cares for everyone especially when he took the time to meet Lan Zhan and Wei WuXian." Wen Ning stated.

Once inside the castle, they were greeted by a harrassed looking Wen Zhuilu with Wen Qinq at his side and her entrouge. He looked relieved to see Wen Ning and Meili. He quickly disappeared shortly after they greeted everyone.

"There's my favorite brother and sister n law," Wen Qinq stated and reached over to pull them both into a hug. "We would have been here a little sooner, but we had a few things to take care of over at Lotus Pier. Tell me everything that's been going on."

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili smiled seeing Wen Qing had arrived with her own entourage. It was expected for married women of their station to have attendants so it was not unusual to see. Also she was not surprised to see Wen Zhuliu looking a little haggard after having to deal with them, but she'd never say that.

She happily hugged her sister-in-law then waited patiently for Wen Ning to give her the details of what had been going on in Qishan before she mentioned anything else. "I have a new younger brother. Only just recently."

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning happily returned the hug and gave her a summarized version of what has happened. He then let Meili share her good news as well. Wen Ning assumed that Wen Zhuilu also had a run in with Madam Yu and was trying to hide from her before she could call for his audience later. Although, she was eventually going to get her way.

"Give my congratulations to the Emperor!" Wen Qinq happily replied. "That will mean your child will have a playmate about the same age. I trust that my brother has been doing everything I've said about how to take care of you during this time?" As she spoke she gave her brother a firm look that he returned with an exasperated one. Of course she couldn't wait to have this discussion later.

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili was fairly certain that he had gone off to hide from someone as well and she would be willing to run interference at some point if he needed to. No one in their right mind was going to burden the pregnant wife of a sect leader.

"I will certainly let him know." She nodded her head. "It will be nice that they are so close in age." And a little weird since technically the consort's baby was her little brother, which made her child his niece or nephew. She chuckled. "Of course, he has. He has been most attentive."

[raddishpeddler]

"I am pleased to hear this. Naturally I am worried. This is the first child and heir to the Qishan Wen Sect. I will try and not harrass my brother," Wen Qinq stated. "I just hate being away during this important time."

"I know, Jie Jie. But you taught me everything so I will be doing everything correct!" Wen Ning stated. "I'm just as worried and excited to see my child! I never thought I would have this oppurtunity, so I don't want to ruin this chance! Things are different now. It's not like what it was."


"I know, A-Ning. It's a hard adjustment for me. I may be hard on the two of you, but Madam Yu is harder on us and wanting to know why we aren't expecting children yet..." Wen Ning stated.

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili just stood back and listened patiently, not about to get between her husband and sister-in-law. It was, after all, normal. She'd had similar conversations with her brothers. Okay, maybe not about their wives being pregnant as only two were married and they'd been pushed out, away from the princes and princesses, so they never saw them anymore. Surely, they also weren't considered to have more than one wife either.

"Husband has been very good to me," Meili assured her. "I am not unfamiliar either." Having seen her mother pregnant with her little brother and some of the other consorts pregnant as well. "I know it will happen for you soon, Sister."

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Qinq appeared to relax a little more and eventually accepted the statements.

"Let's go and have some tea and snacks," Wen Ning suggested as he lead the group to one of their tea rooms. "I want to hear everything that's been going on for you as well."

He had hoped to later on show his sister some of the medical findings he had over time collected. He wanted her input on it. It wasn't something he could easily explain over a letter and it was easier to show in person.

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili nodded. "Yes, let's get some tea." She turned to Zhelan, telling her to have tea and snacks prepared and brought to them. Zhelan bowed and departed to go and have the maids prepare for them. Since her maid had temporarily departed, Meili took her husband's arm, smiling up at him before looking back at her sister-in-law.

[raddishpeddler]

Smiling, Wen Ning held onto Meili's arm as they walked to the tea room. The they were able to catch up on various topics. Over the next few days, Wen Ning found time to spend with his sister while his wife spent time with her family.

Now it was the official start of the compeition. Wen Ning had been over seeing that everything was ready for the Emperor. He looked to Meili's brother for the final approval. Some of the sects were waiting to be seated, but couldn't until the Royal Family was there. They weren't too thrilled with that little change and voicing it.

[snowbirdprincess]

It was nice to be able to catch up with family. Meili had enjoyed Wen Qing being around the short time between when they had married and when Wen Qing herself had married. Now it was different than before. Not that it was really any quieter. There was always so much going on and the duties of the wife of a sect leader were never finished.

Whether they liked it or not, they didn't really have much choice. Even if Wen Ning had not married into the royal family and the Emperor had simply decided to pay them a visit, it would have been exactly the same way.

Jianli and Jianjing had both approved of everything. Jianli had insisted his year younger brother also assist since they were both likely candidates to be the crown prince. So on the opening day of the tournament, they were the ones who led their father and his consorts out to view the tournament. Meili was, of course, the one to lead the proper greeting to her father.

"Be at ease," the Emperor said, addressing everyone. "It is wonderful to be able to join you for this tournament and to get to know more about the practices of the cultivation world."

[raddishpeddler]

Prior to the arrival, there had been a scuffle. Zixun had insulted Meili once more in front of the both of them and at this point Wen Ning had enough of his behavior. One was forgiveable even if it had been on their wedding.... not the second time. The scuffle ended with Wen Ning punching Zixun in the face knocking him out, surprising everyone who had witnessed it. He then announced that after the tournament Zixun was no longer permitted on Qishan Wen's land or near the Royal Family. The scene for now quieted down anymore rumblings.

Wen Ning had sensed calmed down as the Royal Family arrived and greetings were followed. Wen Ning then gave the opening statement of the ceremony and introduced the sects before Lan Xichen stepped up to explain the rules and what the tournment was going to happen.

As everyone was about to part into the tournament, the rogue sect lead by Yu Shuren arrived. Unfortantely, Wen Ning couldn't turn them away since they were a sect. He did remind them that being punctual was part of the rules and now they would be the last ones seated and the last ones to participate.

[snowbirdprincess]

It was lucky that the royal family had not heard his comments as getting punched would have likely been the least of his and Lanling Jin's worries at that point. There was quite a high likelihood that his pampered life would have disappeared rather quickly and the sect would lose significant face in the world as a whole and responsible for a significant tribute in order to redeem themselves to the royal family for slandering the Emperor's favorite daughter in public.

But since they hadn't heard, at least not directly, there didn't currently seem to be any implication that they knew. Of course, Meili knew well enough that the walls had ears in the palace as there was usually a servant listening. If a servant thought they'd be rewarded or were trying to save their own skin, they'd happily tell on others.

She had also warned her father back when she first married about the rogue sect so the fact that they were among those announced did not go unnoticed. He would at least act like he didn't know anything about them.

After the rules were explained, of course, several of the younger princes asked for permission to participate as well: Jianhuang and Jianhe, the sixth and seventh princes. Jianli and Jianjing did not ask, but did look in the direction of their father subtly. They would want to show off, being the next potential for crown prince, but they also shouldn't be in a competition where they would be so outmatched.

"Perhaps one of the easier competitions," Meili suggested. "Since the hardest one, they will be using cultivation skills."

[raddishpeddler]

"Yes, we've set up some areas were your brothers can participate in," Wen Ning stated.

Even though the family as a whole was there to spectate, he didn't think it fair to leave the brothers out when they were quite capable of some of the events. Wen Ning had worked with Sect Leader Lan Xichen and the others to see where they could be added.

"We thought it would be good for everyone to see both styles competiting."

Wen Ning was a bit nervous himself as this was his first event he was over seeing, let alone participating in as well. Very few had seen him fight or use his cultivation skills. Most knew him as a healer or their leader. He was curious to see where he stood.

[snowbirdprincess]

"If they would like to participate and it would be a fair match, then they may," the Emperor remarked.

Both of the younger princes lit up hearing that, lowering down to their knees properly. "Thank you, Royal Father. Thank you, Sect Leader Wen."

Meili smiled. "I'm sure they will be most skilled at it."

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning gave a nod back in return. Really, they didn't have to thank him, but he understood the formality. He had made sure to arrange various matches that would work with the princes after discussing with each sect leader which disciples would be good for them.

Swordsman ship and archery were a big part of the competition. Then there was various cultivation skills and then the big night hunt in the end. The last two parts they wouldn't be able to competite in. For something new they added in where the sect leaders competited among one another. Especially now that that the leaders were on equal level with one another.

For now everyone seemed to be having fun and the rogue sect appeared to be behaving themselves. Wen Ning was glad that there hasn't been anything to major happening so far. It was great seeing everyone around and seeing what they could do.

[snowbirdprincess]

It was important that they thank him. Their father believed that thanks should be given where it was due. There was nothing that had required Wen Ning to make it accessible to them, but yet he had at least thought of a way so that they could join in.

When they were able, the two younger princes gladly participated, their brothers and Third Princess cheering them on, because of course, they would. Being the wife of a sect leader, Meili had to be more objective even if she could secretly want her younger brothers to win.

She was also glad to see the rogue sect was behaving themselves.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning was quite proud of their skills. It gave the cultivation world a reminder that not everything revolved around having a Golden Core. And that the Emperor and his family were quite capable to hold their own despite their extraveganous. He noted that many of the various sects were more acceptable toward them now after having seem them show case their skills. Wen Ning had hoped that would help ease the tension.

Eventually it was his turn to show his skills. He made sure not to disappoint especially now that Wen Chao wasn't around to humilate him. With the bow in his hand, Wen Ning quickly forgot the crowd around him and focused on the targets before him.

Of course this is where the rogue sect begane to make a scene claiming that he had cheated with his perfect scores.

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili had initially noticed hesitancy by the sects to accept the royal family but as her brothers, at first the two younger who were then later joined by the two older, Jianli and Jianjing (of course wanting to put their younger brothers to shame) and eventually the Emperor himself, all participated in at least some of the events that did not require cultivation skills, they seemed to be gaining in acceptance. That they had these abilities and were not afraid to show them off with the possibility of being beaten was impressive. Also that the Emperor himself and the two older sons accepted being bested with grace and reminded the two younger sons to be good sports when they pouted a bit about not doing so well likely helped too.

Of course, since he was her husband, Meili did cheer for Wen Ning when it was his turn. It was not inappropriate as his wife.

The rogue sect making a scene was not looked on well by the Imperial family nor by Meili. Of course, other sects also game to Wen Ning's defense as well.