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]

Indeed, the maid did come over to assist her when the invitation to view the gardens had been accepted. She just smiled and accepted both of their help, to not be rude, but also not be improper. Made it a little easier to get up also.

The maid did stay by her side as they began to walk towards the door and opened the curtain for her. The eunuch was still there.

"Second princess," he said, bowing to her as they exited. "Sect leader Wen."

"Eunuch Yi," the princess said. "We are going to take a walk in the garden."

"Yes, very good."

As they headed back towards the garden, the maid would fall back so that Wen Ning could walk beside the princess, moving back to the distance Wen Zhuliu was at. Eunuch Yi followed behind them... while trying to seem like he wasn't following? A little hard with the fact they were all going in the same direction.

The princess just gave Wen Ning a smile. "This isn't even the largest entourage in the palace."

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning blushed and stepped back once he realized he had broken protocol allowing the maid to finish the task. He did note that the princess didn't feel the need to reprimand him or call him out for it. She simply accepted his help.

He joined her side as the princess lead the way to the gardens. He was aware that this was indeed a small entourage. The sects had their own versions often never as big as the ones at the Royal Palace. But depending on who you were one did have a large group with them. It was heavily frowned upon to travel alone. He missed that ability.

"I'm sure the entourages I've seen among the sects don't compare to what is required here." he commented. He knew that even if they were such a small group that many were still watching them and ready to do anything for the princess.

[snowbirdprincess]

Neither the maid nor the princess said anything about the fact that he had come over to help or that he had backed down when the maid came over it. It was just the job that she was supposed to do, looking after the princess. Secretly, it made both of them happy to see that he was such a gentleman.

She wouldn't know about that. She'd never had the chance to be able to escape without someone watching her. There was always at least one person with her, which was why the eunuch following at a distance didn't even surprise her. Besides, her brother had given him a command and her brother outranked her. If she were to insist that she didn't need an escort, he would just say that he had been told to stay with her and not leave.

She already knew that.

"That is very true. When Royal Father goes on tour, everyone has to come with. It is quite a scene. To be fair, the traveling palaces have their own staff, but all of the maids have to come with their mistresses and attending eunuchs and guards. I'm sure it's quite a sight."

Not that she'd ever seen it really. She saw the beginning and end of it for the most part.

But as they began to walk, she talked to him about the garden and showed him the plants that she liked.

[raddishpeddler]

He could only imagine what a sight it would be. He was sure that would occur from time to time in Qishan once the wedding happened. Qishan was about to have to get used to more changes soon. He was going to have to deal with a lot of adjustments once he returned. Thankfully there would be time.

Wen Ning eagerly listened to the princess's explainations as they traveled through the garden. Every so often he would stop to ask questions about a particular flower wanting to know more about what it was and where it came from. He truely enjoyed being able to talk with someone who had the same interest and knowledge.

[snowbirdprincess]

Just her moving to Qishan would likely be a sight to see. She would definitely have maids to serve her who knew how to serve her. Eventually she'd have to get new maids in Qishan, but she had to have someone assist her in the meantime.

They were having a good conversation. Most men didn't have plants and their uses as an interest so she was enjoying having someone to share it with it.

As they traveled through the garden, there were mostly servants moving around. Maids who were on their way somewhere knelt when the princess and Wen Ning were close enough, staying on their knees until they had passed. At the very least, the princess was conscious that they were doing this and would move enough away that they would be able to rise again and continue on so she didn't keep them by lingering in one spot.

But finally there were others. There were two older women, wearing slightly nicer clothes, nice enough to not be the lowest class of maid, but certainly not a consort. The two maids and two eunuchs were clearly following them.

Maybe it was the infants that each woman was carrying, both of them dressed rather nicely for babies.

The princess paused for just a moment as they were coming their way before bowing. "Greetings to Twelfth Prince. Greetings to Sixth Princess," the princess said, speaking in a tone louder than she had the entire time they had been walking, clearly telling Wen Ning who was approaching.

[raddishpeddler]

She would eventually learn that Wen Ning was different from most men. His interestes tended to be what women mostly focused on. Having been sick most of his child hood, he was often viewed as frail and weak. It didn't help with how much his sister had shelted him and kept him at her side. It added more reasons to make him a target among the guys. Then everything was turned upside down, forcing Wen Ning to step away from his sister's shadows and be his own person.

He clung to the bit of familiarity the gardens had offered. Upon the announcement, Wen Ning followed the princess in bowing and greeting the young prince and princess. He was grateful for her lead as while he could tell they were of some importance by the clothing, he didn't know how to greet them. "Greetings Twelfth Prince. Greetings to Sixth Princess."

Among the cultivators he would have been allowed to hold the babies, but he knew here it probably wouldn't be allowed. He allowed himself to smile when he greeted them.

[snowbirdprincess]

The princess's maid and Eunuch Yi would also bow to the babies and all of the attendants for the young children bowed to her in return.

"Greetings to Second Princess from the Twelfth Prince," one of the nannies said.

"Greetings to Second Princess from the Sixth Princess," the other said.

The babies, having no clue yet they were royals, were having a good old time with the attention.

Seeing how Wen Ning smiled, the princess turned to one of the nannies. "May I hold her?"

The nanny easily passed the little girl over to the Second Princess, trusting her with the baby girl since she was her older sister.

"Hello, little princess," she said to her sister. "Say hello to Sect Leader Wen."

This was also name-dropping as the attendants who had been walking with the babies gave a slight bow to him at this point.

"Greetings to Sect Leader Wen from Twelfth Prince," the nanny holding the prince said.

The other nanny didn't say anything... since she wasn't holding the princess at the moment.

[raddishpeddler]

Behind Wen Ning Wen Whuilu had also given a slight bow to the young prince and princess. He had tucked away the notebook he had been writting in and returned to being a bodyguard. So many people around made him a little wary.

Wen Ning had been grateful for the princess taking the time to acknowledge his pressence. Granted, he didn't expect it and he also figured it was more for their benefit then his. It allowed them to know who he was and why he was with her.

He gave a little wave in the princess's direction, being mindful to stay where he was and not reach other to play with the child as he would have with A-Yuan.

[snowbirdprincess]

Luckily, Wen Zhuliu wasn't expected to actually interact with them. Attendants weren't expected to do much when those of higher rank were talking. The nannies did more mainly because their charges were too young to acknowledge anyone beyond wanting to play or wanting food.

Speaking of which, the little girl giggled happily as Wen Ning waved at her, reaching out her hands playfully, all from the safe arms of her older sister.

"These are the youngest royal children at this time," the Second Princess told Wen Ning. "They were born around the same time. Last I heard, Twelfth Prince still liked his toy horse and Sixth Princess liked butterflies."

Ah, it was so simple being so young.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning smiled and wiggled his fingers near the sixth princess's hands. He realized that the princess was giving her an invitiation to interaact with the baby.

"The young heir to Gusu Lan is also into butterflies. He seems to favor them the most." Wen Ning softly commented.

He was doing his best to be mindful of the baby and to not give any kind of alarm as well. He seemed at ease with the child.

[snowbirdprincess]

The baby was very happy about this and when his hand got close enough, took one of his fingers, holding onto it and giggled. The second princess just smiled, glad to see the little girl so happy. For now, she was very trusting of others. Unfortunately, she'd learn that she could always be in the future.

"Does he? Then they'd have much to talk about when she is old enough to do so."

[raddishpeddler]

"Perhaps! Who knows what his interests may be later on. His interests constantly change as expected with one so young. He's a smart and mischievous young toddler. You may meet him soon enough." Wen Ning cheerfully explained.

He simply let the young princess do as she pleased with his fingers. He didn't have any kind of toys to occupy her with. Usually he kept a few around when he knew he would be visiting Gusu Lan.

[snowbirdprincess]

"Of course. And he is older than her obviously so his interests may change faster than hers."

Of course that would be if they were allowed to interact. Perhaps after she and Wen Ning were married, it would be easier for that to happen.

Since the little princess seemed so happy, her nanny pulled out a grass butterfly on a stick and offered it to Wen Ning so he could play with her. The little prince didn't seem at all broken up by this, leaning back against his nanny and yawning. It was probably going to be nap time soon.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning was grateful when the nanny handed him the toy butterfly. He thanked her and then returned his attention to both princesses.

"I think butterflies will stay with him. He's been fascinated with them for quite some time. Granted rabbits are another animal he loves. Gusu Lan has a field of rabbits that his parents take care of. Are you allowed to have pets here?"

He had always wanted a pet cat, but his sister didn't believe in the practicality of it. It was also another mouth to feed and take care of. Even though it was considered to be a very independent animal.

[snowbirdprincess]

The little princess was definitely happy with watching and reaching for the toy butterfly. She laughed at it and giggled.

"That is sweet that he will continue to like butterflies. Really? Rabbits? How nice. Sounds like a lot of rabbits if they have a whole field of them."

She thought for a moment as she considered all of the animals that were in the palace.

"We are. There are birds. Grandmother has a cat. One of the consorts was gifted a peacock. A few others have small dogs. Royal Father gave Royal Mother a cage with two snow birds. I think that's the nicest one."

She might have been a little biased about that.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning would let the princess have the butterfly every so often.

"We have some koi fish in the ponds. There are some dogs used to help with hunting, and there are a few birds that my friend has brought over. He's very good at catching birds and has a large collection baack at his sect." He eagerly explained.

He made a mental note about the snowbirds and would have to research them later. He couldn't help but snort though at the mention of peacocks.

[snowbirdprincess]

The little princess was very happy to be able to "catch" the butterfly once in a while and would examine it to the best of her abilities when she did. It was clearly something she liked.

"We have koi as well," the Second Princess said. "They just unfortunately aren't very well-trained." She said this with clearly mock exasperation which actually made her maid, Eunuch Yi, and the other attendants chuckle though doing their best to hide it.

"I'm sure there are hunting dogs as well, but they don't mingle in the palace since they have a job. I should like to see the birds that your friend has caught or at least hear more about them."

She wasn't sure what he found amusing about the peacock, but it was something that she would probably ask later at some point, when there weren't so many servants and the young royals.

[raddishpeddler]

"They clearly need to be trained more. Food always works best, bugs are their favorite," Wen Ning gently teased. He was highly amused by her statement and did his best to try and not laugh, but there was amusement in his tone.

"We feed our koi certain points of the day and usually they are waiting for their meal at those times. Sometimes they'll jump up to eat the food. Just like how Sixth Princess here catches the butterfly!"

As he spoke he allowed her to catch it.

[snowbirdprincess]

The Second Princess chuckled as he played along with her comment. She would have normally put her hand over her mouth, but she was holding the youngest princess still so she was unable to do that.

"Hmm..." she tilted her head slightly to the side as though she were considering it. "I wonder if that is something they could try here for the koi."

She wasn't serious at all about it and no one seemed to have taken her seriously.

The Sixth Princess did indeed catch the butterfly almost right after he said that and giggled, babbling gibberish at it.

"Meixiu, did you catch it?" the Second Princess asked, using the Sixth Princess's name.

[raddishpeddler]

In the background Wen Zhuilu simply shook his head as he watched Wen Ning lauhg along with the princess. He could easily see those two were a perfect match for one another. He wasn't jealous of the fact or worried about it. He more or less supported the idea more. They both had the same sense of humor, similar interests, and could match each other intelligence wise. She also seemed like someone who would treat their people well despite not being a cultivator.

"Oh that is a lovely name that the sith princess has." Wen Ning commented as he let her continue to hold the butterfly.

[snowbirdprincess]

"It is. Father and Consort Shu thought it was the best for her."

"Ah, Second Princess Meili's groom-to-be is so kind to the Sixth Princess," the Second Princess - Meili's maid said.

Clearly, they seemed to be experts at name-dropping because not only had the maid revealed Meili's name since they hadn't mentioned it yet, but also telling the other servants his relationship there.

And at that moment, it seemed like the other servants seemed to relax even more. He was someone that the advisors and Emperor had already looked into and invited him in with the intention that the princess would eventually live with him.

"Congratulations to Second Princess. Congratulations to Sect Leader Wen."

[raddishpeddler]

"Meili is beautiful name," he stated with a shy smile as he learned her name. Wen Ning knew his ears had turned pink at the name dropping and acknowledgement. It was still something he was adjusting to and it had just reminded him what was going on. He had just gotten comfortable.

This also told him that they were pretty well informed of what was going. At least certain staff did. He gave a brief bow of acknowledgement thankging them.

He noted that Mei seemed to be the main part of their names for the princesses. Since her name was dropped he felt it was best he should give her his. "M-my full name is Wen Quionglin." Bringing his attention to the Second Princess.

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili smiled slightly, looking down with a faint blush as well. Yes, it was definitely something to get used to. She knew that it happened. It was mainly because her maid was happy for her and that it was something to be acknowledged, but there were too many people here in the palace.

He was correct though. Mei was a part of every princess's name. He might be able to guess if from that the princes all had Jian in their names. This was true, but Twelfth Prince's name hadn't been given.

"Wen Qionglin... that's a nice name," Meili said.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning ducked his head to hide his blush that had deepeed. He knew the staff meant well. They were happy it was clear. The princess was also happy despite the awkward change in the conversation. He decided to try and redirect the topic a little.

"You said that you enjoy helping with the gardens here. What else do you enjoy doing when given the change?" He questioned, feeling it was a safe topic.

[snowbirdprincess]

They were just trying to be helpful, which was why Meili didn't say anything to her maid.

But since the conversation was going back to between them and the young prince was snuggling even more into his nanny, clearly wanting for a nap, the nanny for the princess spoke up.

"It seems Twelfth Prince is not ready to interact with others right now. We will take our leave."

"Of course," Meili said, carefully passing the Sixth Princess back to her nanny, grass butterfly and all.

The servants gave them a slight bow before departing and the Sixth Princess babbled just a bit at them like she was telling them goodbye.

"Hmm... I enjoy drawing, reading. I also do embroidery."