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 gave him a bow in response before he turned to leave, Eunuch Ying escorting him back to the hall where he had started out the day. She couldn't help but smile at the idea that Wen Ning wanted to see her again before then.

She did, however, stand in the garden watching him retreat until he was completely out of sight. Only then did she accept her maid's assistance in heading back to her palace.

Given that she didn't really have a schedule that she had to keep aside from festivals and holidays, which everyone else kept as well, the next visit was entirely whenever Wen Ning was able to make his way back there. The palace was going to allow him entry with the only restriction being Eunuch Ying would have to accompany him to ensure he did not go anywhere he was not supposed to. He was as good as family by this point.

On the day when he did return, Eunuch Ying would escort him to one of the palaces, which happened to be the Empress's residence, but he likely wouldn't be told in advance. But Eunuch Ying would enter first, two others holding the curtains open for them to pass through.

"Your highnesses, Sect Leader Wen has arrived."

The room was a large entry hall with chairs set up and several women doing different things. One woman was showing a girl younger than Meili how to do needlework while a few others worked on their own. Another was playing with a baby sitting on her lap. If Wen Ning recognized the nanny, he'd realize it was the Twelfth Prince (who was most definitely awake this time). The Empress and Meili were both watching this while another young boy doted on the baby.

But as Wen Ning was announced, Meili almost jumped up from her seat. "Ah, Greetings to Qionglin," she said, giving him a bow.

The women all looked up, including the other girl. The baby and the young boy didn't look up. Wen Ning might have been able to see that the Empress then glanced over at another woman and gave her a knowing look. Ah, young love.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning gave the proper bows to everyone as he entered. He smiled as Meili greeted him using his name. The smile he shared would later be known as one he shared only for her. He had been eagerly waiting for their next time to meet while preparing the castle for her arrival later. He couldn't wait to tell her about all the changes especially in the gardens. Let alone how excited everyont was to learn they would have a princess among them.

"Greetings to Meili," Wen Ning stated. He then presented her two small packages that contained a jade bracelet and jade hairpieces. "If it is okay I had a few gifts for your siblings as well."

Having remembered from his time meeting her, he wanted to make sure to always have a few trinkets for her younger siblings. He tried to keep those gifts simple and neuteral. Since he knew her siblings were of various ages. He didn't want to leave them out and also hoped to get to know them eventually.

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili's maid stepped forward to accept the packages for her, holding them so she could open them. She was, of course, very excited about the presents and showed them off to the other women in the room to much approval.

"Sect Leader Wen is very generous," one of the ladies said as Meili put on the bracelet she had been given and her maid helped her with the hairpieces. They were gifts from her husband-to-be. It was okay for her wear them as she was showing off his love for her.

"That is most generous of you," the Empress said. "Yes, it is okay to give them gifts."

NOW the young prince playing with the baby looked up. Of course he did after hearing he'd get a present.

"Let me introduce everyone," Meili said. "You, of course, remember my Royal Mother."

The Empress gave a slight bow.

"Consort Ban. Consort Guo." The two ladies stood and gave a slight bow when introduced. "Consort Fa and Third Princess." Both stood as well, gave a slight bow and returned to their seats. "And Consort Ke, Eighth Prince, and I'm sure you remember the Twelfth Prince."

Consort Ke, for obvious reasons, didn't stand since the Twelfth Prince was very happy where he was, but Consort Ban prompted the Eighth Prince, calling him "A-Dong." Once she did, he stood and gave a very proper bow to Wen Ning. "Greetings to Sect Leader Wen. Eighth Prince wishing you good health."

"Very good," the Empress said. Clearly he was still learning etiquette.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning smiled widely as he watched her showcase the gifts he had given her. He had worked hard to pay for the design he had placed on the jade bracelet. The hard work was well paid as it looked elegant on her. He could have easily just used the funds toward the wedding expense be added for the craftmasnship, but he wanted to pay for it himself to add more weight to the meaning. He had spent many nights working on various night hunts to earn the money to pay for comission. His pressence in the various night hunts had also added more morale as well to his disciples. So it worked both ways.

He noted the children perked up at the mention of gifts and being allowed to have them. He didn't seem to mind that they had been ignoring him. He wasn't of importance to them at that point and they were probably used to being ignored by most adults especially those visiting. He then in turned handed the gifts to them as they were introduced and also made sure to bow in return. He as well had bowed an to each consort and the Empress. He also made sure to greet them in turn saying their names in effort to remember them.

[snowbirdprincess]

Eighth Prince could be forgiven. He was still young and playing with his baby brother was a higher priority than someone not from the palace, but at least he had said the right thing when prompted.

The third princess took her gift when he handed it to her, thanking him for it, her mother, Consort Fa taking her needle-work hoop so she could look at it. The Eighth Prince thanked him as well and took his gift and went to sit by his mother, Consort Ban's feet to look it over. Twelfth Prince was very excited about his and started waving it about after looking at it with awe before babbling at it. His mother, Consort Ke smiled and asked the young prince what he had.

"If you two wish to talk privately, you may use the side hall. We will have snacks and tea served," the Empress said.

"Thank you, Royal Mother," Meili said, giving a slight bow before turning to Wen Ning. "It is this way."

And she'd lead the way to a room a little ways down with a table. Maids were already moving to set up tea for them.

"It'll be quieter in here," she said, her maid helping her kneel at the table.

Faintly, the sound of the consorts with the young children could be heard from the other room, but it was not too loud.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning simply smiled glad to see the children having fun with their gifts. It wasn't much, but he wanted to make sure they were acknowlegded. Seeing them happy was enough for him.

"Thankyou, Empress," Wen Ning replied and with a bow he turned and followed Meili and her maid. He settled down across from the princess as her maid helped her kneel.

"Tell me how things have been?" Wen Ning started, unsure of how to start the conversation. He figured as well this would give her a view of what her routines were like. He knew things would be added to her routine later once she moved, but he would like to keep them as close to what she was used to as possible.

[snowbirdprincess]

It was certainly nice, Meili thought, that he had thought of the younger children and brought them presents as well. They normally had to be careful accepting presents, especially from people who were not known by their mothers, but the consorts all knew by now he was the Second Princess's groom-to-be so it was okay as the palace didn't allow just anyone to court a princess.

"They have been well," she said as the tea was served. "Royal Mother and I have been working on needlework. I've been working on teaching Third Princess needlework as well. Consort Fa assists Royal Mother in managing the Inner Court so she is often busy as well. Fourth Prince has been studying hard and assisting Royal Father. Seventh Prince is going to be learning how to ride soon. Fourth Brother and I went to see the horse that was being picked out for him. Oh, and another consort is pregnant. Royal Mother and I were making her dishes for her to help strengthen her constitution. It is her first."

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning nodded to what she had to say as he moved to hold his cup of tea, letting it cool a bit before he took a sip. He knew Wen Qinq did some needlework as well, but it wasn't something she heavily enjoyed or focused her energy on.

"May I see some of your needlework?" he questioned. He wasn't sure if it was appropriate, but he always enjoyed seeing the intricate designs and the time spent in it. "Congratulations to the consort!"

He knew that such news was always good and he hoped that her pregancy would be go well and no troubles would happen along the way.

[snowbirdprincess]

"Of course. Zhelan." She turned to look at her maid. "Would you go and get the scarf that I have been recently working on for Qionglin to see?"

"Yes, Mistress." Zhelan gave Meili a slight bow and left to go get the needlework. Since she was in the Empress's palace with the Empress and four other consorts present in another room and the obligatory eunuchs and guards outside, there was no concern with leaving them alone for a few minutes.

"Yes, it is very good. It is too soon to say if it will be a prince or a princess, naturally, but," she smiled. "Royal Father is perhaps hoping for another princess. As much as he enjoys spending time with his princes and teaching them, he likes spending time with the princesses too."

And he was going to be down one soon, but she didn't say that.

[raddishpeddler]

"It's good to hear that he enjoys spending time with all of his children. I've seen things go wrong because of favoritism." Wen Ning stated.

He thought it was good that her father accepted both genders and didn't simply favor the male as most typically would. Typically the male always brought more to the family especially with status, so often the females were considered a burden. Wen Ning knew he would be happy with either even though it was important to have a son to take over the sect later. There was time to worry about that and it was the least of his worries right now. He decided to shift the topic a little, afraid if they lingered on the topic he might accidentally offend someone by saying something wrong.

"I've been putting a lot of work into the gardens at home using the recommendations you suggested. Hopefully they'll be completed by the time you arrive and even then you will be welcome to add more touches to them."

[snowbirdprincess]

"It is. He is very fair to his children."

She was glad that her father tried to spend time with all of his children. It was hard given the number and his other duties, but he still tried. She had spent time with him in his library when Jianli had been there and he had shown her paintings and poetry books.

"That's wonderful. I can't wait to see them. I'm sure it looks beautiful."

[raddishpeddler]

"Qishan is very excited about your arrival. This had been some exciting good news for everyone. Even the rest of the sects have gotten swept into the excitement." Wen Ning couldn't help but smile as he spoke of the people.

This had been met more with acceptance then when he took over as sect leader. There had been a lot of disarray then. It had been disheartening and terrorfying to learn how much many were discontent with his ruling when he started. He was glad that marrying a princess was met with acceptance. He had worried for a while how this news would be recieved.

[snowbirdprincess]

She smiled. "I'm so glad. I am looking forward to meeting them as well. Both the people of Qishan and the other sects as well."

It was nice to know that others were excited for her to join them. She had been worried about that at least a little. What would the people she would be joining think of her before she even arrived? To hear that they were excited eased some worries.

A few moments later, Zhelan returned with the scarf that she had been working on, handing it to her mistress.

"It's still in progress," Meili said as she showed it to Wen Ning.

What it was a small forest scene, a couple of trees currently without leaves and a sun in the corner. But the sun was more of a stylized sun.

"The advisors said your sect's symbol was the sun so I put it here. And 'lin' means forest."

From his name, Qionglin.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning looked at the work, surprised by the amount of detail and thought she put into the scarf. He was deeply touched by the symbolism placed on the scarf. He wasn't used to the care and detail she took in regards to honor him. Wen Ning was so used to going unnoticed.

He also didn't mean to ruin her surprise by asking to see her work. His hands shook slightly as he carefully held the scarf to study the work closer.

"Your work is beautiful. I'm honored by representation," Wen Ning said as he carefully handed her the scarf back. He bowed his head briefly as well in thanks.

[snowbirdprincess]

She smiled. She could have chosen anything to have her maid bring her to show him, but she had specifically chosen to have her bring the scarf. Even if he now knew that she was making it for him, he still didn't know how it would turn out in the end. The trees on the scarf were still unfinished currently. So the surprise wasn't completely ruined.

"Thank you. I'm glad you like it," she said, taking it back when he returned it and handed it back to Zhelan, who bowed slightly and left to return the scarf back to her room so that it wouldn't get dirty. "I will have it finished by our marriage so that you will be able to wear it then."

[raddishpeddler]

"I'll be honored to wear it our wedding," Wen Ning proudly replied. Pride for her showed in his expression. Even though it wasn't completed, the fact that it came from her meant the world to him. He wondered if he could ask her to add a small snowbird to it.

"...C-Can you add a small sn-snowbird to it?" he hesitantly questioned unsure how she would take the request or not. He knew that he was blushing at this point and tried to hide it behind his sleeve.

[snowbirdprincess]

She smiled, glad that was so willing to wear it and on their wedding. It was something that made her happy. At the request, she certainly looked surprised but after a moment smiled.

"Yes, I will certainly see if I can add it to the scarf."

[raddishpeddler]

He smiled, glad she wasn't upset by his request. He wanted her pressence among the scarf too.

Wen Ning decided to discuss how he was preparing the castle by providing a wing for her and a wing for her family when they came to visit. He wanted to assure her that her family was going to always be welcomed so she would never feel seperated from them. His family as well were eager to meet her.

[snowbirdprincess]

It made her happy that he remembered that. Her parents had a love of snowbirds. It was their thing. The Empress made something for him with them and the Emperor bought her something or paint something for her. Even before their official marriage, it had been their thing.

As such, she and Jianli had a fondness and understanding of that meaning. Having him wear a scarf with it not only included her but would make her parents happy when they saw it.

Meili listened eagerly as Wen Ning started to talk about everything that he was doing to prepare for her, to prepare for her family to visit. Oh, how nice that would be! Her mother couldn't leave the grounds without her father and a team of servants and likely a few other consorts if only because it was typical. Her brother would have more freedom to travel if given permission, at least for a while.

And he was the one that she was closest to since they were twins.

Also hearing that his family was eager to meet her made her smile.

"Tell me about your family." Since she would be calling them her family soon.

[raddishpeddler]

"Well outside my sister, I'm most familiar with Granny and Uncle four. We have a bunch of aunties and a few uncles and cousins. But I spent most of my time with Granny and Uncle Four if I wasn't around my sister. Granny is quick witted and will be sure to put you in your place if she feels she deserves it and does it in a manner you didn't realize it had happened till it was too late. She taught everything Wen Qing knew with medicine and me as well. She's also always provided me with good advice. She also has a very keen eye and you can't hide anything from her.

Uncle Four is usually quiet and likes to make his own wine. He's the one who taught me the basic to horse back riding and archery. He tends to be laid back but very loyal to those he cares about and to Qishan's ways.

Wen Qinq is very strict and may seem harsh at first.But she means well in everything she says and does. She can be very stubborn which is both good and bad at times. I know with out her and my family I probably wouldn't have made it this far. I'm sure they'll be all just as happy to show you things too."

Wen Ning explained. He was quite excited to talk about his family. He only focused on those he was familiar with as he didn't spend a lot of time with the others save for special occassions. He would have been better having stayed with them but the oppurtunity to live with the Sect Leader's family was too much to pass up status wise. So they went, but he always tried his best to spend time with his family. And now they all moved in at the castle.

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili smiled as she listened. He described them so well she could almost picture how they'd react to certain things, could see why he loved them so much. It was nice that he had such a good relationship with them. As much as she loved her life here and could never picture having grown up another way, she knew it was not typical and it would be nice to be apart of a family that was smaller and so close. She barely knew some of her brothers. Her younger sisters she knew best because she was now the oldest and even though it wasn't expected, serving as an example to them had made her father and grandmother happy.

"That is nice. I can't wait to meet them. It sounds like you care a lot about them."

[raddishpeddler]

"They are important to me after having lost my parents they had raised me. I don't want to disappoint them, which leads up to situation I wish to discuss. Is there a chance we can speak in private?" Wen Ning stated and took a few breathes in between before he could stutter. He nervously played with the edges of his sleeves as he knew that what he needed to discuss could make things worse.

But his family and Sect Leader Lan Xichen had advised he discuss this with her before their wedding. While he didn't ruin the good things going on now, he knew that this was vital and it was better to be upfront about it then for her to learn later. He could loose some face in this, but it wouldn't hurt her as it would have later.

He still couldn't help feel guilty for it, but he also couldn't keep it a secret either for too long.

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili tilted her head to the side in curiosity when he said this but nodded her head once after a moment. "Of course. We will go to the garden. No one will overhear us there."

Zhelan helped her mistress to stand and she led the way back to the main room, assuming that he would follow. When they reached the main room with the consorts, she said, "Your Highnesses. Sect Leader Wen and I are going to walk around the garden."

"Of course," the Empress said, the third princess having gone back to her needlework with her mother and the two princes playing with their gifts from Wen Ning together, sitting on the floor with two of the palace maids. "Remember to take Eunuch Ying with you."

"Yes," she said, giving a slight bow.

Even without asking, when they left, Eunuch Ying would follow them anyway. And of course, Wen Zhuliu was able to follow them at that point again.

But as they arrived at the garden, Meili said, "We wish to speak about something privately. Please, wait here. We will not leave your line of sight."

Essentially they could still see them, but no one would be in ready earshot of a normal conversation. The only way to truly guarantee a private conversation.

Eunuch Ying and Zhelan both agreed and Meili would take Wen Ning's arm for support as they walked further into the garden. Once they were a good distance from them, Meili asked, "What is it that you wanted to discuss?"

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning followed her and nervously followed her out to the gardens. By now he's already worn a small hole in the cuff of his sleeves from agitating it in his nervousness. Even though Wen Zhuilu could have followed only he chose to remind behind realizing what Wen Ning was planning to do. He didnn't want to add tension to the situation and felt they were safe regardless.

Once they were safe in the gardens, Wen Ning bowed before her making sure to kneel in the process. It had been a long time since he had to do this and it brought bad memories that made the situation more tense. "P-please f-forgive me. I wish to explain a matter that I hope you will un-understand."

[snowbirdprincess]

She was certainly surprised as Wen Ning suddenly knelt in front of her. Clearly, it was something very important that he felt he had to kneel to tell her about it.

"Wen Qionglin? What is it?"