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]

Yes, it was untraditional in the palace at least, but it was still a kind gesture and was not an inappropriate gift. Ladies in the palace were allowed to keep pets though she was most definitely the youngest. Besides, they didn't know if that was a more common thing among the cultivation sects.

Zhelan bowed back to Wen Ning as he entered with Wen Zhuliu, the servants holding open the curtain. Meili smiled behind the veil, still able to faintly see him through the fabric and he could likely faintly see her face as well. But she was not to see him officially until after the wedding when he removed it in their private quarters.

"That is very kind of you," Meili said from behind the veil, confirming that it was in fact her. "Yes, you may give her that gift."

Zhelan smiled, coming over to accept the gift from Wen Zhuliu since she had been given permission by her mistress. "This humble servant thanks Sect Leader Wen for his generous gift."

"My brothers intend to be there to say goodbye so one of the attendants can hand out the gifts to them," Meili said.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning gave a nod and smiled in response to the maid's comments. Bowing once more, he then handed Meili her end of the ribbon. The remaining gifts were handed to one of the attendants. It was finally time. He waited for Meili to join his side, the giant bow centered between them. His hands were trembling from excitement and nervousness. He did his best to hide it but Meili might feel the slight trembling from the ribbon.

He lead the way toward the carriages with some help on where to go. He still wasn't quite familiar with were everything was. Wen Zhuliu trailed behind them glad to be back on guard duty. Wen Ning took his time so she could get a last look and say her goodbyes, but he was also mindful not going too slow either. They still had the journey ahead of them.

[snowbirdprincess]

The other maid who was newer to serving Meili came around to help Zhelan with her necklace before running to her spot. The maids help Meili up as she took the ribbon from Wen Ning. The attendant at the door took the offered gifts and after Wen Ning and Meili began to walk towards the courtyard where the carriages were, Zhelan and the other maid helping Meili since she couldn't see so well at the moment, he fell in line behind them, having heard they were gifts for the princes (since the princesses had all been given gifts already).

As they headed back out, the walkway was lined with servants of various ranks and departments as well as consorts with their maids. As the party began to pass, everyone bowed deeply in as much unison as they could.

"Congratulations, Sect Leader Wen. Congratulation, Second Princess. May you have a harmonious union that lasts one hundred years." This was said by everyone as they were passing by.

It would take far less time to reach the courtyard this time. When they returned, the carts had been packed and the less fancy carriage at the four younger maids who were going to come to assist the princess. One of them was peeking out the curtained window. Probably the first time they'd gotten ride in a fancy carriage. Jiang Cheng had positioned himself near the front of that carriage to guard it.

But before Wen Ning and Meili could get to their carriage, there was the Emperor and Empress... and quite a line of young boys. The oldest seemed to almost be Jianli's age. The youngest was the young Twelfth Prince, Jiangyong. Jiandong was the youngest child not being supervised by a nanny or a eunuch.

The oldest was the one who led the group, beginning the bow. The others followed in kind, the youngest ones needing prompting or just plain helped, like Jianyong.

"Congratulations to Sect Leader Wen. Congratulations to Second Sister. Wishing you good health. May you forever be of one mind."

The youngest stumbled over it, but they tried.

"We are all very happy to have this union taking place," the Emperor said, holding the Empress's hand as he spoke. "We wish you a harmonious marriage that lasts until your hair turns white. But as you depart, I want to promote you, my dear daughter, who has always been filial and kind, to Princess Jingshou of the First Rank."

"Thank you, Royal Father," Meili said, clearly happy about that, bowing carefully to her father and mother, her maids helping to make sure she didn't fall over.

Then they moved aside, nothing keeping them from leaving now.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning smiled and made sure to bow in return to everyone. Seeing the brothers lined up was a sight to see and it he couldn't help but smile wider at it. He then thanked the Emperor for giving his wife a new title.

Once he saw that Meili and her maids were safe in their carriages, Wen Ning climbed onto his own horse taking up the lead. Jin Zixuan and Wen Zhuliu rode with him up front while Jiang Cheng and WangJi stayed near the back. Most of the main sects were represented here. He knew that disciples were stationed a long the way as well.

They were finally on the way back home. The journey itself was almost smooth until halfway through there was a skirmish that ended before it could progress. Luckily it didn't cause their party to hault as Wen Ning continued to push through. He already figured out who the trouble makers were and weren't surprised by their meager attempt. Disappointing at best.

He only stopped briefly to make sure everyone was okay before they were on their way and Qishan's view could be seen.

[snowbirdprincess]

Jin Zixuan, seeing the couple coming with two more maids to help the bride, positioned himself to help the young ladies up into the carriage. Zhelan climbed up first to be able to help guide Meili inside the carriage. Once the three young ladies were safely inside, the other cultivators mounted their horses and headed out with the wedding party.

For cultivators, it was an uneventful trip, even with the disruption. The group that tried to intervene was no match for the Qinghe Nie disciples waiting along the path towards Qishan Wen and for Lan WangJi and Jiang Cheng. They put down the issue without the carriages or carts even being delayed.

For the young ladies in both carriages, it was rather exciting. They were sheltered ladies for the most part, well-protect from violence and ruffians, so even that little bit of squirmish was interesting. Of course, since they were in no real danger, it was okay to be curious about it. Since she was outside of Wen Ning's line of sight... and that of all other men for that matter, Meili did allow herself a peek from under her veil to watch, but she lowered it back down once they were completely beyond it.

The cat could care less.

The ladies were all doing well on the travel. Probably a bit bored, but other than that, no worse for wear.

But as they neared Qishan Wen, when the carriage windows had a good view of it, Wen Ning would most definitely hear the maids excitedly talking about it, the place that would be their new home while they served the princess.

[raddishpeddler]

As they arrived in Qishan Wen, a troupe with a Chinese Lion greeted them. Loud music and cheers also sounded around them. It was safe to say most of Qishan was there celebrating and eager to meet to their princess. All of them bowed as Wen Ning lead the party through. It had been a long time since Qishan had anything big to celebrate or someone important arrive in their city. Their gates had been closed for a long time. It was a promising way to start a new reign.

He could hear the girls chatter behind them and he was pleased to know they were having a good time. He knew the journey had to have been boring and a bit rough, but now they would be able to have some time and enjoy the sites around them.

Soon enough the castle came into view where the rest of the ceromony was waiting to take place and more people waiting.

[snowbirdprincess]

The young ladies certainly were excited about this. The music of the lion troupe was certainly distinctive enough that they knew what it was even if their view wasn't the best, at least for the four in the back. The two maids with Meili had a pretty good view through the front curtain, which they peeked through.

Since they had arrived, Meili could no longer peek. But soon she would be married so it was all good.

The maids were certainly going to need a break to recover from the journey tonight, which was fair and very easy since once all parts of the wedding ceremony were completed, Wen Ning and Meili wouldn't be disturbed.

As they got closer to the Qishan Wen Castle, there were a lot more cultivators lined from different sects, the highest-ranking of whom would be waiting inside the hall where the wedding would take place along with Wen Ning's family. Or at least most of them.

[raddishpeddler]

Once they arrived at the castle Wen Ning climbed off the horse headed over to help Meili and her maids out of the carriage. Servants were already taken care of the rest. Even though he was exhausted and hungry he couldn't help but grin with excitement.

They were finally home and she would be meeting his family and friends. With the ribbon, Wen Ning lead Meili up the long staircase and down the corridors toward the main banquet hall.

It used to be considered a dark and dismal room meant to terrify their guests, but Wen Ning and his staff had worked hard to change it around so it was no longer recognizable. This was where the main ceremony take place and were they would feast right after.

[snowbirdprincess]

Everything had been carefully laid out as it should for a wedding so nothing was amiss. Jin Zixuan offered a hand to the two maids who had ridden with and Meili herself so she could get down that much easier. Jiang Cheng meanwhile, helped the four maids down from the other and they would pointedly wait until the princess and Wen Ning had gone inside before they followed the other servants to their quarters and to find where the princess would be staying.

Meili walked beside Wen Ning, excited that in only a few minutes, she would be married to a man she enjoyed so much being with.

The highest-ranked cultivators were in the banquet hall with his family, sect leaders and those related to them like HuaiSang, Yanli with Jin Ling fast asleep in her arms, and WuXian with Yuan. Yuan had been the most patient little boy, currently standing at WuXian since he didn't want to be held.

And as Wen Ning and Meili were approaching the altar they would need to bow to, Yuan had decided that now was a good time to run away from WuXian.

"Weh!" WuXian choked out trying to grab the boy, but he was too fast and almost in an instant he was almost directly in front of Meili.

"Hi," he said with a smile.

Meili smiled, pausing to look at the child who had come over. "Hello."

"You look pretty," Yuan said.

For all of his embarrassment at Yuan tearing away from him, at least he hadn't said anything improper. Yanli just gave her brother a smile from where she was standing.

"Thank you so very much," Meili said with a smile even though no one could really see it at the moment.

"What's your name?"

Aaaaand that was when WangJi put an end to that, sweeping forward to scoop up his child, giving a bow in apology before quickly disappearing to return him to WuXian.

"Such an auspicious sign," Xichen said pleasantly, trying to ensure no one commented about WuXian later. "A young boy felt compelled to come to you. Surely, it will mean good things."

"I certainly think so," Meili said quietly, really just for Wen Ning to hear.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning hid his smile with the cuff of his sleeve at A Yuan's greeting. "I have to agree she is very pretty..." Wen Ning stated as WangJi moved to pick up his son. He wasn't upset at all by the child's honest interruption. For a young child he was really well behaved and this was not a major issue to worry about.

He bowed his head slightly in Xichen's direction understanding what the sect leader was saying. He really did believe it was a good sign for many things.

Once A Yuan was safely back with his mother, Wen Ning continued to head up to the altar with Meili at his side.

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili was not at all offended by the sudden interruption. She had plenty of younger siblings and she knew how they were at that age. She couldn't help but blush at Wen Ning's compliment, but at least no one could see that.

WuXian now had a hold of Yuan again, WangJi staying by his side now. WuXian smiled faintly at the thought that his son was being considered an auspicious sign because he had decided to run up and talk to the pretty lady. Well, he did know most cultivators of high-rank already at his age. Maybe he had just thought to get to know her too.

As Wen Ning and Meili arrived at the altar, both maids falling back to stand respectfully away, the official presiding called out, "Kneel." After they had knelt, he called out, "First bow, to the Heaven and Earth." This was a full bow to the floor. "Second bow, to the high altar." This was a slight bow. "Newly married couple, bow to each other."

That was when they turned to each other and bowed.

"The ceremony is completed."

Behind them was a flurry of congratulations, all muddled together from so many people. But tonight was for Wen Ning and Meili. Individual congratulations would begin tomorrow.

As news that the ceremony had been completed reached outside, disciples began to set off firecrackers and light fireworks.

But even as Qishan Wen would begin to serve the wedding night feast for the guests who had arrived, Wen Qing and Granny would come over to lead Wen Ning and Meili to their bridal suite for the night, the maids moving to follow.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning couldn't believe that they were finally married. The actual ceremony was quick compared to all the work leading up to the event. All the faces despite being familar all seemed to blur together and all the noise from the celebration was getting louder. All of this he was expecting, but at the same time it was overwhelming. Wen Ning wasn't used to all the attention focused on him.

He was thankful when his sister and grandmother rescued them and began to lead them to their bridal suite. His hands shook a little from nervousness and excitement and he felt his sister briefly place a comforting hand on his shoulder smiling proudly at him. Her smile calmed him down.

By then the maids had helped Meili sit down and he went to pick up the stick used to lift up the veil. Gently, he lifted the veil up as best he could and tried to be mindful of not messing up her hair as well. "Meili," Wen Ning murmured in a soft voice. He smiled upon seeing her face for the first time today trying to memorize the moment.

He then went to pour the two of them the glasses of wine and after toasting the glasses they drank from each other's glass. Wen Qinq and his grandmother then congratulated the two of them before they bowed and left with the maids following, leaving the two of them alone for the first time.

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili was glad for the rescue as well. It was nice to be able to leave the insanity for now. After a long day of travel, she was sure she wasn't at her best to be the center of attention. After an evening alone with her new husband, she was sure that she would be much more prepared for the feasting and meeting his friends and family.

Her maids helped her over to the bed so that she could sit before bowing and moving to the side, waiting patiently as Wen Ning removed her veil. She looked up at him and smiled, glad to see him finally so clearly after not being able to all day. "Qionglin."

And the two ladies in the room with them. She would guess that they were his sister and grandmother based on everything that he had told her. She gave them a smile as well before Wen Ning poured the wine, knowing that she would meet them properly tomorrow. She drank with him and thanked his sister and grandmother before they left, the maids bowing again and following them out. Zhelan made sure that their door was properly closed leaving them alone.

Meili gave Wen Ning another smile now that they were alone. "I have something for you," she said, standing and going to one of her boxes that had been brought in. Even though it was red like all the others, she had put a stripe of red paper across where it opened so she would know which one it was.

What she came back with was the scarf that she had shown him on their second visit. The trees did have leaves now in colors one might call jade-colored since "qiong" meant "fine jade". So it was a forest "lin" of fine jade "qiong" trees with the stylized sun for the Wen sect's symbol. And in one of the trees, there was a little snowbird sitting on one of the branches. She sat down beside him again and offered it to him.

"I hope that you like it."

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning smiled upon seeing the scarf.She did finish it in time for their wedding. His hands shook slightly as he took hold of the scarf and studied the detail she put into it. He admired all the careful detail she had put into the scarf and the meanins behind each one. He remembered the beginnings of it and was amazed to see how it came out in the end. She had even added his request.

"It's beautiful," Wen Ning proudly commented and then placed it around his neck draping it over his shoulders for now. "I'll be sure to wear this tomorrow." There was a slight hesitatation before he moved closer and pulled her into an embrace to kiss her.

[snowbirdprincess]

She had been working diligently at it when she had the time since it was a way she could show how much she cared for him, making him something that no one else would have.

She leaned in to kiss him when he initiated. It was her first real kiss. It was nice. Granted she had no comparison, but that was fine. After they kissed, she - carefully - rested her head against his shoulder (her hairpieces could be considered a weapon right now).

"I'm glad that you like it."

[raddishpeddler]

It was an awkward kiss. Wen Ning had a little bit of experience kissing, but it had been hesitant at first. He became more passionate as she leaned into his kiss. He had been wanting to kiss her for a long time now and now they could finally do this in private with no one watching.

The scarf meant everything to him and something he would treasure. She had made it specficially for him and it was something no one had ever done for him.

He placed a protective arm around her letting Meili rest her head against his shoulder. "I would say that's an underestimate. The scarf has become a very important item to me. We should eat while the food is still warm."

He kissed her forehead. Only reluctantly he left her side to bring the two trays of food, that had been placed aside out of view, over to the table so they could eat together.

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili had no experience and she was perfectly fine with his kiss. It was nice, finally getting her husband. A man who loved her for her and not just where she came from.

"I'm glad. I want to make something that was special, that only you would have."

At the comment about food, she gave a slight nod of her head. "That sounds food. I am very hungry."

It had been so long since she had eaten this morning - before they had done her make up. Sure, she'd had a few snacks but not enough to hold her long term. She happily accepted the food, smiling at him before beginning to eat.

[raddishpeddler]

His own stomach growled at the mention of food. Wen Ning gave a sheepish grin as he settled down to eat. There was a comfortable silence as the two of them concentrated on eating the meal before them.

Wen Ning tried to arrange foods that Meili was familiar with and done in the manner she was used to. Their food was slightly different, but it was something he could eat. He figured later on he could learn to cook those meals on the nights he wanted to cook instead of having the staff do it. It had taken a while for the staff to get used to it, but once they learned it was a regular thing they didn't stop him. Especially when they saw he was interested in learning from them as well.

He saw as well that they left some wine along with some cakes and fruit for dessert. He brought them over once they were done eating.

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili began sampling the foods that Wen Ning had brought over. All foods that were celebratory and meant to bring good luck, as it should be on a wedding night. As was traditional, the dough for the dumplings was not completely cooked.

"It's raw," Meili told Wen Ning, which was the proper reaction since 'raw' to 'give birth' were the same character. She wasn't at all offended since it was supposed to be good for their chance of having children.

"It is all very good," she said as he went to get the cakes and fruit.

[raddishpeddler]

While customary, the comment caused Wen Ning to blush. He did his best to hide it behind his sleeve and tried to focus on the foods before him.

Especially since he knew what was expected of them tonight to fully seal their marriage. He had been excited and nervous over the whole event itself.

"The staff worked really hard putting this together. I had asked them to try to cook foods you were familiar with as well." He commented quite proud of his staff.

[snowbirdprincess]

She just smiled at how he blushed at that, blushing a little herself even though it was harder to see with her makeup on. Yes, she had been told what she should expect on their wedding night. So many ladies had told her what to expect. So she was prepared even if she had only basic ideas of what this action would be like. She knew how it was supposed to work... physically.

"They did. I am very happy with all the work they put into it," she said as she began to work on the dessert which included cakes made with lotus seeds, also a good thing to have on their wedding night.

[raddishpeddler]

He looked up and smiled, the blush still visible but not as vivid as it was earlier. So many people had given him advice for tonight. He had even read various spring books as well. He understood the basics and what was expected, but he never really experience any of it himself.

He was aware most guys his age had some experience, but he had always been naive and never sought it out. Wen Zhuliu had never pressured him especially once the arranged marriage had been set. They had bother agreed to wait till after the wedding was done especially when Meili had been kind enough to accept their relationship and let it continue.

There was so much importance on having children that a lot of references were placed with in the wedding itself to promote goodluck. He knew as well that it would be checked later to see if they had followed through. He didn't want to be embarrassed by not going through with it.

Yet, nothing really seemed to help with leading up to iniating it. Nothing about this was natural. He nervously tugged at the cuff of his sleeve a habbit he had yet been able to stop. He tried to figure out something they could talk about.

[snowbirdprincess]

She was nervous about that as well. But that wasn't something that they needed to do that sort of thing right this moment and luckily, she had an idea for at least something to talk about.

"Who was that sweet little boy who came over to say hi?"

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning brightened up at the change of topic and the question at hand. "His name is A Yuan and he is Gusu Lan's heir to the sect. You met his father earlier. He was the one wearing the blue travel robes and the one retrieving him. His mother is WuXian, the young man he was standing with. He's going to be the one helping teach you about the various sects and cultivation history. You will be seeing a lot of A Yuan as well."

He reached to pour them more wine as he waited for the inevitable question. How could Wuxian have A Yuan? The number one question everyone had no answer to. Either way he was grateful for the discussion and it was better to have that one now then later.

[snowbirdprincess]

Well, that was certainly a way to get the topic off what they were expected to do for the wedding night: literally, throw it way off into left field. Meili nodded pleasantly hearing about Yuan and his father, but the comment about his mother...

"How... how is a young master the mother to a child?"