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]

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.

[raddishpeddler]

It had been extremely impressive to see the Emperor take part of the event. Wen Ning hadn't expected to see him to join in. Watching him spar against Nei Mingjue was impressive as it wasn't an easy match. He lost with grace to the sect leader. Many of the sects nodded in approval of how the Emperor handled himself and taught his sons.

However many weren't happy with the rogue sect's behavior. "He's cheating!" Yu Suren loudly claimed. "I was with Qionglin in the classes we had in the past. He always did poorly!"

Wen Ning kept his face neuteral despite his irriation toward the sect. He was going to reply when Wen Zhuiliu stepped forward.

"You seem to forget that Wen Chao was also part of the lessons and between you and him it was spent bullying and belitting Qionglin. How do you expect one to perform under such pretense?" Wen Zhuiliu commented in a soft tone, but still loud enough for those to hear. "Wen Chao targeted him for the fact he gained favor by the teachers. He didn't like the competition. Up till Wen Chao chose to target him he was gaining favor and lost it after the bullying started.

Furthermore, when Quinglin became the new sect leader he was taught by all the sect leaders in a vigarous training courses. Yu Suren, let's see what you can do since you have yet participated in any of the event."

Wen Ning had stepped back to his seat allowing Wen Zhuiliu to comment and challenge the rogue sect leader. It was rare for him to inituiate a fight let alone say a lot. Nor was he out of place to say such things.

If Wen Zhuliu hadn't stepped up to speak he knew others were going to having seen them quickly stand up in an attempt to retailite. Wen Ning was honored by this as he was used to for along time no one stepping in. He had seen that his sister was among ones about to speak, but remained silent when she saw who spoke. It was clear she was furious at the rogue sect for their behavior.

Most of the sects were listening closely to what Wen Zhuiliu had to say as many had never really heard him speak. Or speak ill of Wen Chao for that matter. They were all also eager to see how this fight would unfold.

Yu Suren a few times made an attempt to speak, but held back and simply glared at everyone, as he clutched his sword. At the challenge he knew he couldn't deny and stepped forward to accept the challenge bowing in front of Wen Zhuiliu before taking his spot.

[snowbirdprincess]

WuXian had been one of those on his feet, ready to jump at Wen Ning's defense. If he hadn't that probably would have been more surprising. WangJi had been, of course, willing to let him, having taken A-Yuan into his arms as soon as the exchange started, a subtle way of letting WuXian be ready to help. As soon as it was clear Wen Zhuliu was challenging the rogue sect leader, he sat back down, but WangJi didn't return A-Yuan, just in case WuXian needed to step in. WangJi was the best swordsman of any sect. WuXian was easily his second so he would let WuXian be ready to fight.

Meili clearly looked unimpressed by all of the talk from the rogue sect and the Imperial family was interested in where this was going to go. Obviously, they were routing for Wen Zhuliu, but they wouldn't say so out loud.

[raddishpeddler]

Most were familiar with Wen Zhuiliu under Wen Chao's rule and Wen Ruohan. The Rogue sect weren't exactly favorites among the great sects and it was clear when most were cheering for Wen Zhuiliu. At least the fight was being held in front of an audience where there would be an audience. The Rogue sect wouldn't be able to twist the story around to their favor.

Wen Ning did his best to keep neuterual through the fight, especially keeping an eye on it from getting too brutual. It looked like that the fight wasn't going to end till there was indeed some bloodshed.

He tried to get ahold of Wen Zhuiliu's attention subtley, but he was too focused on the fight before him. He didn't want to cause him to loose face or to seem like he was favoring his bodyguard. He was also familiar with Wen Zhuiliu's fighting style and knew that he was planning on crushing Yu Suren's golden core. That was not acceptable in the competition. Granted had it been under Wen Rouhan's ruling it would have been allowed regardless of what others felt.

[snowbirdprincess]

WuXian was also keeping a close eye on the fighting, even moving from his spot with WangJi up towards the front of the Gusu Lan section. Even though he was friends with Wen Ning, he was as close to an objective third party as they could get... and one who could survive if he had to get in between them.

He glanced over at Wen Ning, looking for a subtle indication that he wanted him to step in. He wouldn't do it unprovoked unless he had to, but if Wen Ning gave him the signal, he would. Just give him a signal and he'll help out.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning saw WuXian get up and glance at his direction. He gave a slight nod giving him permission. He knew that WuXian would be able to disarm them and handle them in a way where neither would really loose face. He also saw in the corner of his eye Madam Yu standing up, but was held back by her husband. She didn't appear to pleased with what was going on and he assumed it was something over the connection she had with his bodyguard in the past.

Wen Zhuiliu was too focused on the fight before him, forgetting that this was a competition. It didn't help that Yu Suren was goading him with his taunts and insults. They had never gotten along both viaing for Wen Chao's attention. Wen Zhuiliu always got it in the end, which made Yu Suren more bitter.

[snowbirdprincess]

WuXian was more than willing to make himself the bad guy in this situation. He wouldn't let Wen Ning take the blame for this. That was the good thing about him being the one to do this. Besides, he had an easy excuse to be able to use and he wasn't above doing it.

Once he had that silent permission from Wen Ning, probably unseen by most, WuXian jumped from his vantage point into the fray. Of course, some of the spectators in this "friendly" match were alarmed, but no one from Gusu Lan reacted to stop him. WangJi did, however, pass his son to Xichen and stand, moving carefully towards where WuXian had jumped from. This was really only because if one of the two should lash out at WuXian, he would be there to protect him.

But WuXian jumped down nearly between the two of them, using his sheathed Suibian to block both Wen Zhuliu and Yu Suren alternately to keep them from attacking each other and also prevent them from hitting him either.

"What sort of masters are you?" WuXian proclaimed rather loudly. "Behaving like this in a friendly match, especially when there are children watching."

It was definitely true. There was A-Yuan, Jin Ling, and all of the princes and princesses. There were also noble ladies, but he wasn't going to say women specifically because Madam Yu might kick his butt for that and didn't want that.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Zhuiliu froze in his movements once Subian intercepted his attack. It took him a second to realize what was going on and he stepped back mortified by his own actions. Was this what Yu Suren really wanted to humiliate him infront of everyone?

Yu Suren simply sneered and stepped back at the interruption. He glanced in WuXian in annoyance. "Tch, if this had been led by Wen Ruohan, he wouldn't have cared what happened. All of you are weak and pathetic!" He made a point to shove WuXian as he stalked off mumbling something about always meddling in things he shouldn't.

Wen Ning stood up at the comments, but didn't say anything not wanting to fall into his trap. His glare said enough. He knew that Yu Suren was trying to goad him and to try humilate him in some way. If others wanted to say something they could, but he knew enough of how it would go.

Once Yu Suren left the field, Wen Zhuiliu stepped forward and apologized to the Wen Ning, the Royal Family, and the sects for his ill behavior.

[snowbirdprincess]

WuXian made a disgusted scoff at Yu Suren's comment, crossing arms. He stumbled when Yu Suren pushed him and sneered at him as he turned and walked away, not saying anything to possibly make him turn around and continue the banter.

The Emperor nodded his head to accept the apology from Wen Zhuliu, the royal family at least appeased by that.

WuXian turned and started to bow to them as well, but was stopped by the probably rather amusing of WangJi basically dragging Yu Suren back into the ring. He had pushed his "wife"; WangJi now felt he had free reign to be included in this. No one touched his Wei Ying harshly. Sure, WuXian was not weak by any stretch of the imagination, but it was the principle of the thing and his responsibility of the husband.

"Apologize," WangJi told Yu Suren firmly.

No matter whether he apologized or not, Jianli turned to him. "Sect Leader Wen," he said. "We have a belief in the Imperial City of clearly distinguishing between reward and punishment. If someone does something good for you or worked harder than required on something then you praise them for the work they have done. If someone shows disrespect for someone of rank or breaks the rules, the punishment that comes is swift and justified."

Yes, this was a hint that he was suggesting Wen Ning do something.