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[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 Ning was just in the middle of kissing Meili, only to quickly pull away as Zhelan had entered. So much for the little time they had. He moved to retrieve his clothing and quickly pull on his trousers and inner robes, enough to be decent.

He then let her know it was safe to proceed to help his wife. While she was helping her, he went about making himself more presentable. This was something he was going to have to get used to. He believed that over time they would figure out a routine together. Right now it was just trying to get through the rest of the formalities.

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili had been rather enjoying that kiss when they suddenly had to part as Zhelan came into the room. It was far earlier than Meili usually awoke and she had never had a "guest" in her room before so it was strange on all sides. She was sure once the wedding celebrations and feasts were over, they'd get into a routine that would make this all easier.

She smiled at Wen Ning as he got up. Once he had, she retrieved her inner robe, putting it on and tying it closed as Zhelan received permission to begin helping her. Zhelan was quick and efficient, Wen Ning would see, assisting with her mistress's hair and putting the pins from yesterday back in. It was the first day after their wedding. Wearing wedding clothes was still okay. Meili meanwhile did her lipstick and put her earrings in and rings back on, one of them being the one her father had given her to show she was royal. And of course, because she could today, the jade bracelet Wen Ning had given her along with her gold bracelets.

A man of culture never gave up his jade easily so when he gave it to a woman, it meant that he really liked her... so she would show it off.

As Zhelan was helping her back into her wedding robes, she said, "Zhelan, you may wear the necklace Sect Leader Wen gave you. This is a festive occasion."

"Thank you, Mistress," Zhelan said with a smile. "I will put it on once I have finished helping you."

[raddishpeddler]

Once they two of them were ready, Wen Ning then lead them toward the room where they would pray to their ancestors. He helped guide Meili in the process.

After that, he then led Meili to the room where they held the tea ceremony. His family was there waiting for them. There he proudly introduced her to his family members. It was a small gathering. Only a few aunts and uncles outside his grandmother and sister. He knew that his parents would have been proud of him. He had come such a long way. Everyone was eager to meet her and welcome her to the family. But it was his grandmother that got to formally call Meili, Madame Wen.

Only after this was completed he was then able to introduce his wife to his friends and other guests that had stayed.

[snowbirdprincess]

Emerging for the bedroom, it was the first time that Meili had seen the inside of the castle clearly. She was definitely going to need some help at first figuring out where everything was. Then again, wasn't like it was easy for an outsider to figure out where they were going in the palace grounds either. So it would just be a bit of a learning curve.

It was nice to finally meet his family. As they served his family tea, she greeted each person with how she would have if she was a daughter in their family, calling his grandmother "grandmother", his uncles "uncle", his aunts "aunt", and Wen Qing "older sister". The best part was finally being accepted into his family and acknowledged by him as his wife, the wife of the sect leader.

Of course, she was now excited to meet his friends and those who had arrived for their wedding. As they were getting ready to enter the hall, she carefully took his hand so that they walked in with her on his arm, looking very proper. Zhelan would stay further back until Meili needed her.

And of course, as they entered, the one announcing them would say Sect Leader and Madam Wen.

[raddishpeddler]

There was applause and cheering as they were introduce. Wen Ning was grinning and quiet pleased holdin Meili's arm as they entered. He had made sure to wear his scarf proudly around his neck and shoulders. He got a little misty eyed as they announced them as Sect Leader and Madam Wen.

It had been too long since they had a Madam in the Wen sect. He really hoped to continue to change things that their sect had been suffering from. Now with Meili among them she could bring some insight as well and a fresh look.

Wen Ning then began to introduce Meili to his friends, starting with the Gusu Lan sect. As he did so he carefully explained the various color schemes and symbols so she could have something to relate to.

Some point upon their entrance Wen Zhuliu joined them but stayed behind matching Zhelan. While he trusted most here there were a few hard heads that he was leery of and wanted to be near enough in case some one got out of hand.

[snowbirdprincess]

While she didn't know the entire history (for now), Meili could certainly say that her husband and many others seemed happy when they were announced. It was nice to see and to know that she was so important to them.

It was also nice that he had worn the scarf that she had given him. It made her feel important and that he valued the effort that she had put into it. She would certainly be making him more things in the future; she had already decided that early because it was a way she could show she cared. That he was wearing it their first day married made her feel that much more determined.

After the introduction, the food was, of course, served again. A sign of wealth - the more elaborate and longer the feasts could run, the wealthier the sect. Also a good sign of hospitality towards his friends.

Meili listened carefully as he explained how to tell the other sects apart, sitting beside Wen Ning at the head of the room, Zhelan only coming over to pour her drink for her or to help serve her something. It seemed simple enough, and luckily they all seemed to stick their color scheme as far as she could tell.

As Gusu Lan came up to greet her, she rose in order to greet them properly. Sect Leader Lan, his uncle, and behind them... Lan WangJi and the one who must have been Wei WuXian since there was a little boy enthusiastically hanging onto him, tugging on his robes like he was very excited and trying very hard to be patient.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning bowed before them. "This is my wife, Meili. We both thank you for your help and guidance you have provided. Thank you for joining us in our celebration." Wen Ning stated. He then turned to introduce the group to her.

He was amused by A Yuan's impatience to meet his wfe. He probably would have ran to meet her in the morning before the celebration if he had been left unspervised. A Yuan had loved meeting people and was familiar with everyone in the room save his wife. How could a new face slip past him so easily? So he had a major need to get to know her. If permitted he would probably talk with her the whole time.

But then WuXian was like that as well. He had to get to know everyone at Cloud Recess back when they first met long ago. Wen Ning had been thankful that WuXian had even noticed him back then and that had earned the trust of the others that were there. Befriending a Wen had been unheard at the time.

"Okay, A Yuan, it's alright to meet my wife." Wen Ning stated once the the group had a chance to converse with her.

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili smiled. She had no concern with Wen Ning referring to her by that name. Yes, Princess Jingshou was her proper title, but she'd rather be more approachable and have others feel like they could talk to her. She knew enough of the history of Qishan Wen that she didn't want to set herself up on a pedestal when they'd had problems with other members of his family in the past.

She was clearly amused by Yuan as well, trying to ignore him until it was his turn. Which was very hard when there was a cute child who clearly wanted to see her. But he needed to be patient.

WuXian smiled as Yuan was finally allowed to greet her, leading Yuan over so he could see her.

"Hi," Yuan chirped happily, coming over to put his arms on her chair's armrest, but he just stayed that way. No touching unless allowed.

"Hello there, A-Yuan," Meili said. "Do you remember me?"

"Yeah, you had a veil yesterday," he said. "You look prettier today."

She smiled. "Thank you very much. What a sweet child you are." She looked up at his parents. "You have taught him very well."

WangJi nodded his head in thanks as WuXian glanced around for a moment. "Who? Me?" he finally asked, clearly joking.

Lan Qiren quite loudly sighed.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning hid his smile behind his sleeve at WuXian's joking manner and Lan Qiren's agitation. WuXian was forever someone that didn't match up to Gusu Lan's ideals in Lan Qiren's mind set. Wen Ning honestly believed that Gusu Lan needed a bit of a shake up and WuXian was perfect for it.

"A Yuan, would you like to help give my wife a tour of the castle after the celebrations are done?" Wen Ning suggested. He believed it would allow them more time to get familiar with each other.

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili smiled, following Wen Ning's queue about how this was playing out. Clearly, this was nothing new for them... any of them. So she would just go with it.

"Yes, you," she replied to WuXian. "He is a very good boy."

Yuan smiled, wiggling a little bit. WuXian now smiled. "Thanks."

At the question, Yuan began to bounce. "Yes, yes, yes! A-Yuan will give tour!"

"A-Yuan," WangJi said, and when his son looked back at him, he put his finger to his lips as a reminder to be quieter. Yuan just smiled and did the same thing back, a sign that he had understood.

"Thank you, A-Yuan," Meili said. "I'd love that."

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning merely smiled. While he was fine with A Yuan being loud and excited, he understoood Gusu Lan's ways and didn't want to contridict them by saying it was okay.

"Great, we'll let you know in a few days when we can do the tour. We got a lot going on right now so the tour will be best when things are quiet again." He cheerfully stated. He wanted to make sure A Yuan knew it would be later and not now. So that way he didn't bother his parents every day about it or think he had forgotten him.

By this point the Lotus Pier group had walked up to meet Meili. He didn't want to hold them up known how easily agitated they can get. He in turn as well thanked them for coming and participating in their celebration before he introduced each member.

[snowbirdprincess]

WuXian was fine with him being loud as well since he was excited and very young, but there was also a time and a place and somewhere in the middle of most of Gusu Lan's ranking disciples was certainly not the place to comment on that. If WangJi thought Yuan was being too loud, he would follow WangJi's wishes.

Yuan nodded his head to show that he understood that it was not immediate. He'd probably still ask his parents in a few days, but not tomorrow.

But as Yunmeng Jiang approached, Gusu Lan bid their farewell and bowed to Yunmeng Jiang before leaving to enjoy the food. Meili might have just thought that they were really just another sect until she overheard the longest greeting of anyone in Gusu Lan: A-Yuan greeting the sect leader as Grandfather, the sect leader's wife as Grandmother, and the sect heir as Uncle, all on the maternal side.

Ah ha... so WuXian must have been from Yunmeng Jiang first.

And as WuXian led Yuan away with the promise of food, WangJi following like the protective father he was, Meili was finally able to meet Yunmeng Jiang. Jiang FengMian seemed like a nice guy. His wife, Madam Yu, was certainly very pushy and both she and Jiang Cheng were rather abrupt in their way of speaking. Meili, of course, put on her best diplomatic airs and tried not to seem like she of any important status compared to them since people like that didn't usually like people trying to put themselves over them.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning liked the Jiang family for the most part. He often got great advice from Jiang Fendmian and also learned more archery skills from him. It was more Madam Yu that put him on edge. He learned why Jiang Cheng was so harsh over time and simply accepted his ways. He learned when to really take him seriously and when he was just spouting off words in anger. He would have to explain this to Meili later when there weren't others around.

Wen Ning was a little tense when Madam Yu greeted his wife, but he refrained from saying anything. She was inline, but close to stepping outside of it. Saying something would probably goade her into saying more and creating a scene they didn't need.

Next up the Nei brothers approached them. Nei Huaisang seemed to be the most excited out of the two to meet Meili. He also presented her a fan he had painted himself. The flourish had earned an eye roll from his older brother.

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili found that she liked Jiang FengMian as well. The others would take more getting used to. Inwardly, she glad that he didn't step in even though he had every right to as her husband. She was a stranger in this place and she had to show that she belonged here, not just that she was transplanted here and everything would continue as it had in the palace. She had responsibilities now... or she would when the wedding feasts were over.

Qinghe Nie sect definitely seemed to be two sides of the same coin. The older brother was a fighter; the younger one was clearly not. He was someone that Meili very much liked and it was clear that he was excited to meet her as well. When he gave her the fan, she thanked him for it, immediately looking at it and even calling Zhelan over to look as well. Zhelan approved of it as well so for a few moments, they both looked at it (and of course she showed Wen Ning as well) before thanking HuaiSang again for his thoughtful gift as Zhelan returned to her place off to the side.

[raddishpeddler]

Nei HuaiSang diffently helepd lighten the mood that Madam Yu had brought with her. Wen Ning had been surprised by the fan not realizing that he had been working on it for some time. He had been careful with putting a lot of detail in their that he admired. This was one of the more eleborate fans he had made. He was honored by the time spent on it. He knew his friend was probably excited to give a fan to someone who would appreciate it.

Up next was the Jing sect. As Wen Ning was introducing the Sect leader and his wife to Meili he could hear Jin Zixun conversing with his cousin Jin Zixuan, who was trying not to be part of it.Jiang Yanli was trying to politely get him to stop and correct his rude behavor, while holding her son in her arms.

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili definitely appreciated it and would use it often. As Qinghe Nie left to enjoy, she folded it up and put it on the table next to her.

The Jin Sect themselves didn't seem to cause much offense. However, there was one. Yes, she may have just been a wife, but this was specifically for when others were to meet her. Holding a private conversation with someone who was not participating since he was doing the right thing and necessitating a woman who was still tending a child who could not care for himself to try and get his attention...

Meili quite decidedly didn't address any of them while he was still talking, staring right at him and he didn't even notice. It was so obvious that others were beginning to notice as well. Meili began to tap one finger against the arm of her chair, the finger that had the ring showing she was a member of the Imperial family.

It had not been planned at all in advance, but Zhelan seemed to take that as a cue and slipped out. She must have been able to achieve her goal very quickly because it was only moments later that she returned with the other five maids who had come with Meili as dowry maids. She and the other ranking maid each when to one side of the couple, two of the younger maids following each.

And as they arrived, they all knelt and had absolutely no qualm about interrupting the one talking by rather loudly speaking in unison.

"Greetings to Sect Leader. Greetings to Princess Jingshou. Congratulations on your marriage."

And with that, they all bowed.

Well... it was quiet now. Meili glanced over at Wen Ning, silently giving him the cue to tell them to rise. He was the owner of the house after all, even if they were her maids.

[raddishpeddler]

The maids arriving and greeting his wife, certianly got everyone in the banquet hall's attention. There were indeed a lot of people and suddenly all eyes were on them. He wasn't surprised to see who the trouble maker was, and wished they had left him behind. Everyone knew he had married a princess, how could he choose to forget something like that and talk so badly about her? And in front of her.

"You may rise, Wen Ning responded. He then pointed look at the Jin sect. He was extremely tense by this alteration. Confrontations were always a weak point for him, but he was getting better with them. He felt the maids handled the situation well.

By that point the Sect leader had turned to Jin Zixun and had him escorted out of the room by some of their disciples. He looked livid at having to do such a thing. With all the eyes on them what were they supposed to do?

"The Jin sect wishes to apologize for the rude behavior displayed, Princess Jingshou and Sect Leader Wen. We will make sure that this won't happen again." The Jin sect then bowed before them in apology. He normally would have said the sect leader in greeting first, but since the insult was directed toward the wife it was best to state her title first.

[snowbirdprincess]

Yes, they had certainly gotten attention. The four younger were all dressed alike and the older two were in similar colors making it very much eye-catching.

WuXian had himself been getting ready to come over there and beat some sense into Zixun. He didn't care. He had never liked the guy. But the maids did it in a much more appropriate way and attracted far more attention without causing a problem. They were certainly some smart girls there, he'd have to say.

"Thank you, Sect Leader," all six of them said, standing once given permission. Since they had been brought in, the other maids stayed at least for now. Zhelan returned to her original position, the two younger maids following her and standing further back. The other ranking maid mirrored her on the opposite side, standing closer to Wen Ning than Meili, the younger two also following her the same way.

Meili watched with a rather annoyed look as Jin Zixun was escorted from the room by his own sect. The highlight of that was watching Wei WuXian pretend to kick him in the butt as he was passing. It got a snicker from the assembled who saw it... including Meili who had to cover her mouth with her hand to maintain that disapproving air.

"It is good of you to say so, Sect Leader Jin," Meili commented. "It is not the best first impression to provide. Especially when the others have done far better," she added with a sigh. "And requiring the poor madam there with her infant child to try and stop him."

She understood. Really she did. Even if she was not a mother, she had so many younger siblings and had carried some of her youngest siblings around sometimes when they needed someone other than the nanny.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Zhuliu had been about to step in as well, but had waited for a single from Wen Ning to act. It looked as if a few other various sect members were able to approach as well, but stopped in their movement when they saw the maids and the princess were handling things well on their own. The simple movement was enough to diffuse the situation with out bloodshed and make a loud statement at the same time. Both Wen Ning and Wen Zhuliu were impressed. Wen Ning did his best to hide an amused smile behind his sleeve. Wen Zhuliu merely raised an eyebrow at the antics.

Jing Zixuan and his wife Yanli stepped forward.Their son was now awake and making happy babbling sounds to his parents oblvious to what was goin on around him. "I wish to apologize for my cousin as well. He sometimes forgets his place. We will be sure to make sure he understands the situation better next time. It had been an honor to help escort you to Qishan sect. My wife Yanli has been close friends with Sect Leader Wen and his sister. We hope his behavior doesn't cloud your judgement on us."

It was rare for Jing Zixuan to offer an apology especially when his parents had already offered one on his behalf. However, he felt this would hopefully reinforce things. He had also come to respect Sect Leader Wen over time and didn't want to sour the relationship.

Wen Ning was surprised by his statement and bowed back in return accepting their apology. Their apology wasn't necessary after their parents had already taken care of it and removed the problem. Yet, it did help and he appreciated the gesture.

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili couldn't help but look at the baby and smile. It reminded her of her youngest siblings, so happy and babbling, completely oblivious to what was going on around them.

"Thank you... all of you for the apology. It is true that one's relatives shouldn't be what someone is judged on. I hope that in the future, he can understand his faults."

She would at least try to be friendly with the Jin Sect, especially since his wife was friends with her husband and his sister.

[raddishpeddler]

After the Jin Sect left it moved onto the smaller sects that had branched away from the main sects. They carried alot of the color scheme but their symbols were different. Some were just small groups of people that weren't part of a big sect and just formed one on their own.

Things at this point have winded down allowing them to interact with various people at their own pace and enjoy the food as well.

That didn't last too long as a loud commotion could be heard before some discples could be seen running into the banquet hall. Wen Ning stood up alarmed and moved to see what was going on. Wen Zhuliu moved along with him. More of his disciples arrived from other areas and began to form a protective ring around the Meili and her maids. This motion only alarmed the rest of the sects that were there.

"The rogue disciples that had left our sect have arrived and insisted on meeting your wife to pay their respects," the disciple quickly explained. "We tried our best to turn them away, but they persisted anyway!"

[snowbirdprincess]

It was nice to finally have some of it at her leisure. Meili could tell that while the small sects were still important, priority had been given to the larger sects. But she had never imagined there were so many sects. How had she not been aware of this before?

Maybe it was because she was sheltered by her family? Probably.

As the commotion broke out, Meili of course stood up as other disciples came running into the room, Wen Ning moving to find out what was going on. Zhelan quickly gestured for the other maids to leave, other ranking maid leaving first with the younger four following quickly after her. Zhelan, however, didn't and moved closer to her mistress's side.

At the comment about who was there, other sects also drew swords, something that was both alarming and comforting at the same time that there were so many of them. So many that they were easily able to form a shield between those not capable of fighting, like Yanli with the baby. WuXian was, however, not pushed back into that group, depositing his son next to Yanli where he obediently held onto her robes as WangJi and WuXian both got between them, swords drawn.

"It is however you wish to deal with them," Meili said, letting Wen Ning decide if they should be forcibly expelled or allowed in.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning gave a slight nod to indicate he had heard Meili. Before Wen Ning could deny their entrance the group already pushed their way in. The group didn't bother to bow or acknowledge the others around them.

"Sect Leader Wen, we were disappointed that we didn't reserve an invitation. We decided to present ourselves anyway. I am imagine that this had to be a pretty exciting time and a big deal for you. Marrying a princess and uniting the cultivation world with the rest of the world?"

The young man stood before them appearing to be pretty arrogant. He wore similar clothing to the Wens, aside from the black it was white and covered in flames. The stylized sun symbol was missing. Wen Ning noticed a lot of familiar discples that had used to be his, but had left when they didn't like the changes.

"I have to say I don't see you cowering behind your sister or is it because you're Gusu Lan's little puppet?"

"I thought you were here to pay your respects? You're here to simply make a statement and try to lure more people to your new sect." Wen Ning interjected the challenge. "I believe that you have made your point clear when you made an attempt to attack my wife's party as they were arriving here. No, you're not wanted here. You can either leave calmly or be escorted."

To emphasis the point Wen Ning made a motion for them to leave, his discples already attempting to escort the group out.

[snowbirdprincess]

"I certainly see no attempt at respect," Meili remarked, folding her arms properly. "Since you don't want to behave in a civilized manner here or anywhere, then I do not wish to meet you."

Good, WuXian thought. Making her stance known and not letting her lack of relationships within the sects to let her make the wrong decision. Also not contradicting Wen Ning's decision.

"A toddler has shown better manners than you," she added.

Ouch! WuXian couldn't help but smirk, knowing she meant A-Yuan.

[raddishpeddler]

"You heard Madam Wen." Wen Ning stated. "Should anyone attempt to join them let it be known that it won't be tolerated and will not be able to return." He made sure his statement was loud and clear to his disciples around him. He wanted to make sure all of them were put on the spot. Most all returned a quick bow of acknowledgement.

Scowling the rogue sect turned and left understanding for now they had lost this round. If they attempted anything at this point the rest of the sects would jump in. They did get what they wanted so it wasn't a waste of time.

Once they were escorted outside the castle Wen Ning pushed to get the celebration to continue and not let the interruption ruin the event. He tried to enjoy it as well even though the it weighed heavily on his mind.