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 Zhuliu relaxed a little once he saw the kitten was in good hands and that the kitten got to stay. He noted how Suyin took the time for the kitten to know he was still there. The kitten as well relaxed and began to investigate it's new handler.

"Very well," Wen Qinq stated in defeat. "Just as long as it doesn't tear up stuff and cause trouble." Out of everyone reaching over to pet the kitten, she was avoided it. She had never been much of a cat person or really into having pets. She had put up a fight about owning a dog, but eventually her husband won.

Wen Ning was glad that this wasn't a little yapping dog. He liked all animals, but the little dogs he found yapped too much for his liking.

"Let's let Meili see it," Wen Ning excitedly stated and leading the way he knocked on the door before entering. He was aware she more then likely heard everything, but it was still best to be polite.

[snowbirdprincess]

Suyin smiled, quietly talking to the kitten as it began to try and see who she was. Quite the curious little thing.

"Of course. Let's go," the Empress said, prompting her maid to come back so they could take the kitten to Meili.

"Please enter," Meili called on the other side of the door when Wen Ning knocked. She had definitely heard all of it.

[raddishpeddler]

"Why do you keep collecting animals, anyway, Wen Zhuilu?" Wen Qinq softly questioned as they followed everyone into the room. "I just never pictured you to be that type of person...."

"You only saw me with Wen Chao the majority of the times. It's quick to make such assumptions. Many believed I was lucky and that I should be grateful to be taken into your clan and given the surname. Most felt I should still be on the streets with the animals. Animals don't judge and most don't fear me." Wen Zhuliu answered in a curt tone.

It wasn't a conversation he didn't want to have, but he knew if he didn't answer now she would bring it up again later. Best be said now regardless of who was around. He then ducked his head out of the room seeing that he wasn't needed. The kitten was safely delievered to it's new owners.

Wen Qinq was about to respond, but Wen Ning silenced her with a harsh glare already noting that she had touched a sore topic for Wen Zhuliu. It was also inappropriate to be having this conversation now. It was rare for him to have to reprimand his sister and he hated doing it. He also knew how much Madam Yu spoiled her and she spoke more freely then she had in the past. Wen Qinq made a quick apology and then ducked out as well.

[snowbirdprincess]

The Empress had been giving the slightest of looks over her shoulder for the continued argument as they entered Meili's room. She was with child, two of them, and she needed rest. Continued to bicker was not right. It would only add more stress that she did not need.

But rather quickly both of them left which was at least more tolerable than them fighting in front of the princess.

Once all was quiet again, the Empress spoke. "My daughter, Wen Zhuliu found a young cat and thought that you might enjoy its company."

That was when Suyin came over to hand her said kitten. To be fair, Meili had seen her mother's maid holding the cat and had also over heard the conversation between Wen Zhuliu and Wen Qing. So it was impossible not to know.

"Thank you. It's adorable," she said with a smile, reaching to take the kitten from Suyin when she brought it over. "It was very kind of him to think of it."

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning gave a nod in agreement. "He had hoped the twins and the kitten could grow up together. I do apologize on for Wen Qinq and Wen Zhuliu's behavior. I plan to talk with them about this later. Unfortantely for as long as I've known the two they have never really gotten along too well.

I feel that since my sister got married the tension between her and Wen Zhuliu has gotten worse. I've been trying to find ways to defuse things....but unfortantely not much luck." He shooks his head more in frusteration over the situation.

He watched as the kitten took to exploring Meili and getting used to the new surroundings. "What should we name the kitten?" he asked Meili.

[snowbirdprincess]

"It is fine," Meili remarked. She had become used to her sister-in-law's personality which had become slightly harsher after marriage. Having met the family she had married into, it was not so surprising though. But still, it made it difficult to deal with when she and Wen Zhuliu were together.

She decided to focus more on the kitten for the moment, chuckling as the kitten tried to climb on her and sniffed at her, her maid coming over to help make sure the kitten didn't slip as Meili might not be able to easily catch it at this time if it did.

"What about Tangtang?"

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning gave a nod after he thought about the name for a few seconds. "I think Tangtang will be good."

The kitten looked up at the two of them before it made an attempt to climb up on top of Meili's stomach and curl up on it.

"I wonder if the kitten senses the twins?" Wen Ning asked as he watched the kitten.

[snowbirdprincess]

"Tangtang," Meili said to the kitten with a chuckle as it tried to curl up on her stomach. "What are you doing? Do you know there are babies there too?"

This led to faint chuckles from the women in the room.

"Perhaps it does," the Empress remarked. "Animals are quite remarkable. Or perhaps it just looks like a good spot to lay."

[raddishpeddler]

Tangtang looked up at Meili and blinked its eyes before curling up once more and wrapping it's tail around it's nose.

"I guess we'll know for sure in a few days with how it interacts. Hopefully it'll get along with Meili's current cat. I don't think he liks me," Wen Ning stated with a slight pout.

[snowbirdprincess]

The maids and the Empress smiled as did Meili as she reached to pet the kitten.

"Of course we will. It may take some time for cats to get used to each other. I'm sure that they will get acquainted soon." There was a faint chuckle from the Empress. "You don't think Meili's first cat likes you?"

[raddishpeddler]

"No," Wen Ning shook his head. "I even tried to offer it food and treats, and it still won't accept me. It will watch me and stalk me, but otherwise it won't go near me. I think it blames me from keeping Meili away."

Then Wen Ning pointed to the cat who had crept in while they were talking and was steadily watching everyone from where it was sitting.

[snowbirdprincess]

The Empress chuckled softly at that. "Well, her cat has always been known to be very loyal to her. Which was why we couldn't possibly have her leave the palace without her cat as neither would have been able to stand it."

Meili just smiled.

The group chuckled as the cat was called out, all turning to look. One of Meili's maids went over to the cat, trying to get it to come to her so she could hold it rather than surprising the new kitten or getting herself worked up too close to the pregnant woman.

[raddishpeddler]

"Well that certainly explains things. Such loyalty like that is hard to find and not something I wish to break." Wen Ning stated as he watched to see how the cat would react to the new kitten.

"Hopefully in time it'll come to accept me too and realize I'm not trying to steal Meili."

[snowbirdprincess]

"I'm sure in time, she will. It is still new and you are still a new person. She will accept you in time."

The maid managed to retrieve the cat and carried her over in the direction of Meili. The cat of course spotted the kitten and leaned as far forward as she could, sniffing in the kitten's direction.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning gave a nod in understanding. The kitten opened it's eyes to look up at the other cat, sensing it's pressence. It tensed slightly as it seemed to be more on guard, but wasn't ready to leave her spot either.

Wen Ning began to wonder if it was safe to let the kitten stay where she was during this introduction. Yet, he felt that the maids would know when to step in.

[snowbirdprincess]

It was fine. After the short introduction where they both got to see each other, Meili's maid turned and left with the older cat. Clearly, she had been the one to take care of the cat most often aside from Meili since the cat trusted her.

"There," the Empress said. "They have seen each other, but no chance to quibble about it."

[raddishpeddler]

It wasn't long before the time finally happened when the twins finally arrived. Everyone had been expecting a couple of more weeks but the twins decided to arrive before the designated time. Wen Ning was really relieved that they had arrived early and nothing was wrong with them. It meant some of the stress of waiting was gone. Now he could feel more of use. Every chance he could he was with Meili and the twins.

Those that were close to them came by to see the new addition to the family early. While the rest waited for the one month celebration. Somewhere in between he knew that the Emperor would be arriving as well. Those visits weren't as stressful as they first had been. Wen Ning was getting the one month celebration situated in his spare time. By that point his sister would be returning home and Meili back to doing most of her jobs. Essentially things were returning to normal as can be.

[snowbirdprincess]

Of course, the twins had decided that it was time to enter the world earlier than expected. It had been a hectic night, the physician ensuring that medicines they needed were prepared and the midwife helping both to coach Meili as well as deliver the twins, of course with the help of other physicians and midwives as was appropriate for the wife of a sect leader. Of course, her mother was also with her during the night.

But finally they were both there. Two healthy babies, one boy and one girl. Of course the Empress happily touted that her own daughter had dragon and phoenix twins as well, which was likely part of the reason that the Emperor was planning on visiting when the twins were closer to their one month.

For now though, it was pretty quiet at least in Meili’s room. Her mother would come and stay with her and assist her with anything she needed, the midwife staying around because having twins was harder than one baby, and the nursemaids helping to care for the babies.

After a week or two, Meili was finally feeling well enough to be able to get up and dress in something more put together than evening clothes, even if she wasn’t really going anywhere. But as Wen Ning came to visit her, she smiled.

“Greetings to my husband.”

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning smiled as she greeted him and he moved over to kiss her before sitting beside her. "Greetings to my wife," he replied in return. He waved the maids over to bring over the food he had called for. Sharing meals together was something he always treasured.

He used the time to keep Meili up to date on what was going on. His sister would be returning home after the one month ceremony. He was secretly relieved by the news and would never openly admit it. However, she did create a lot of unecessary tension in the castle and things were more relaxed when she was gone. She would have left sooner but it made more sense to wait till after the ceremony and return with her husband.

"How have things been going for you and the twins?" he asked.

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili smiled as Wen Ning came over, reaching out to take his hand and hold it hers. She was so glad that she had him and she was very glad that they had their family now. The consorts had always said that pregnant women and unborn babies lived in kind of a state between living and dead. There was so much that could pull them away from the world of the living and it was just a normal state of life. A woman in labor was only steps away from death’s door as one of them had said. So she was glad that she had been able to leave that state and still stay with him and they had their beautiful children.

The maids came over when summoned, bringing food and drinks over to them so that they could enjoy. Meili just smiled and waited patiently for the food to be entirely brought over. Her maid came over to help serve her during the meal, remaining quiet while the masters talked.

Meili listened as Wen Ning told her about the goings on around the castle. It was harder for her to hear about it now since only so many people were allowed to visit her. Of course, her husband, her mother, and her maids. The childrens’ grandmother as well basically had a blanket invitation to come and visit her grandchildren any time she liked. Mainly family. Others did not have such permission to come into her room with babies under a month old.

Given everything that had happened with them, Meili was secretly glad that Wen Qing would be returning to her husband in a few weeks. It would make things easier around here, especially when Meili was allowed to be the mistress of the castle again.

“Everything is going well with them. The nursemaids both say they are eating well and Royal Mother is happy with their progress so far. They seem like they are making improvements day by day.”

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning shook his head in agreement, glad to hear that things were going well for her and their children. They couldn't risk anything bad happening with the one month ceremony rapidly approaching. It was still a risky stage for the newborns.

While he waited for the food to be served, Wen Ning pulled out a small parcel and handed it over to Meili. Inside the box was necklace with four pearls woven in the design to signfy their family. He had wanted to give it to her the day the children were born, but with everything going on he felt it best to wait.

"I got this for you in celebration of the children being born. I thought you could wear it for the one month celebration." Wen Ning softely stated. Granted, Wen Ning didn't need any reason give his wife a gift. He was known to give her small trinkets from time to time for just because.

[snowbirdprincess]

She was also worried about that as well, since the babies were so small compared to what she remembered her younger siblings being, but her mother had reassured it was normal for twins to be smaller and there was nothing wrong with it so young. Everyone seemed pleased so that was wonderful.

Meili was surprised, but also not at the same time as he passed her the present. She smiled and opened the box, definitely surprised to see what it was.

"Oh, Qionglin, it is beautiful. I will definitely wear for their one month. I'll have it put away for the moment since it should be worn the first time then."

She closed the box and one of her maids came to retrieve it so she could put away in Meili's jewelry box.

[raddishpeddler]

"I'll be sure to wear the scarf you made me as well." He stated, pleased. Even though she made him other various pieces, the scarf was still his favorite.

He couldn't help but smile widely at her excitement over the gift. He always loved watching her reactions. Her smiles were all he really needed. He was content doing a few ghost hunts to not only stay in practice, but to have funds to splurge on his family. It also looked good that he still lead his disciples on the hunts. He didn't want to be viewed as someone who ignored ghost hunts now that he was a leader.

He had been careful this month specifically not to participate in any. He didn't want to bring possible risks to his new family.

Now that the food was ready, Wen Ning settled down to eat. Then soon he would spend time holding the newborns allowing them to get to know him.

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili had made him many things since they had first gotten married, but she knew that he loved the scarf the most and it made her happy that he did. She had worked so hard on it because it was also a way to show that she would be a good wife.

She knew that he still went night hunting and though she worried about him, it was part of his job as a cultivator. She did appreciate that he had taken a break from leading the night hunts for the time being when she had two young children that she was caring for.

She smiled, eating once the food was brought over to them. After they had finished, the nannies brought the babies back out so that their father could spend time with them.

[raddishpeddler]

Carefuly, Wen Ning held his two children in his arms. It used to take a while for him to get used to it and not worry about dropping them or making them uncomfortable. Now he was used to it. It helped having some practice with A-Yuan and some of the other children he had gotten to know from a young age.

It was going to be a while before the babies became more active. For the most part they were usually sleeping or content to watch everything giong on around them. He quietly talked to them keeping everything short and simple. He wasn't one for baby talk, but knew enough to still make it simple. This time he brought with him some toys for them to hold onto.