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]

She's certainly had a good and informative talk with his sister, but it was true. She was missing the wedding banquets when she should be with her husband. Meili smiled hearing that and Zhelan couldn't help but smile as well.

"He misses you, Mistress," Zhelan said.

"He does." She turned back to Wen Qing. "Yes, we can speak more at a later time. It was good to know."

She stood up and gave Wen Qing a slight bow before she headed to the door. Zhelan followed after her and opened the door. "Hello, husband," Meili said when she saw Wen Ning on the other side.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning greeted her with an embrace. "I was beginning to wonder if I would see my wife again." He then held out his arm for her to wrap her's around.

Wen Qinq hid an amused smile behind her sleeve at his exaggeration. "You would think I was holding her for interrogation. I just had to give my sister in law the basics. You know that's part of the formality. I will be relocating to Lotus Pier soon. I believe I won't have to worry when I leave, as you'll be in good hands."

"I believe your future husband is looking for you," Wen Ning teased as he saw Jiang Cheng entre the corridor heading toward them. Wen Ning smiled when he saw his sister blush, something she wasn't known to do. He was the one that easily blushed.

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili smiled and hugged him back. "You would, you would," she assured him playfully. "I would always find my way back to you." And it was true. She wouldn't leave him forever. They were so wonderful for each other, it would break her heart to do so.

As he held out his arm, she took a hold of it. "It was very informative. I want to make sure that I am doing my best to take care of things here so that Sister does not have to worry and to ease some of your burdens."

She glanced into the hallway when he said this, smiling at seeing the other coming. "He must miss you very much, Sister."

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning simply smiled. "I'm confident that you will do your best at everything you do, Meili." He then bowed before Jiang Cheng before he and his wife headed past him and toward the banquet halls.

"I'm sure he was sent as back up incase I was being stubborn," Wen Qing teased as she joined Jiang Cheng's side and followed her brother. Her future husband appeared to be a little confused on what was going on. Wen Ning only gave a confused look back, which caused him to shake his head in annoyance.

[snowbirdprincess]

"Thank you."

Holding onto Wen Ning's arm, she followed him back to the banquet hall. Zhelan had carefully hidden the pouch when Wen Ning had come to the door, tucking it into her robes so that he wouldn't know she had it. Not that she had really considered there was anything wrong with her having it, but still... it had seemed like the best thing to do.

"Hmm... Perhaps," Meili commented. "Or perhaps he simply just missed you."

[raddishpeddler]

The rest of the celebration went off smoothly much to Wen Ning's relief. Soon they were back on their way to the Imperial Palace were they would be greeted as guests.

This meant more celebration and some time to themselves. Once they returned back to the castle it would mean regular buisness. Wen Ning couldn't help but be nervous since this meant he was meeting more of Meili's family. It also meant he was going to have to get comfortable talking with her parents and siblings.

They didn't have a big entrouge this time since they were simply guests. He did bring Wen Zhuliu and a few disciples to help for the journey to and from. Meili had the necessary help she needed for the trip.

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili was definitely relieved that nothing else happened the rest of that day and the next. She had been a bit anxious, but seeing as how nothing came of it, she allowed herself to relax a little more. The days were busy, but the nights were quiet, everyone expecting that they would spend the evenings together alone.

At least at the palace, there would be nothing for them to worry about at all.

The third day after their wedding, Zhelan woke Meili early so that she could help her dress. Meili had decided that she wanted to ride to the palace rather than taking the carriage. She liked riding, but it had been only a pastime in the palace as there was no real need for a princess to ride.

Unfortunately, that currently meant that Zhelan or any of the other maids couldn't come as they had not learned to ride or were so out of practice that they were concerned. It wasn't a problem, Meili had assured the maids and Wen Ning. She was certain her father would provide her with a maid to attend to her while she was there and it was no fault of the maids as it was her decision to ride.

Besides, then she could spend the time with her husband rather than sitting in a carriage. Much nicer that way.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning had enjoyed the ride to the palace. He had been a little worried when Meili expressed interest in riding and not relying on her carriage. It meant that her maids weren't going to be joining as well. He was also a little wary of having her so out in the open.

Yet, it did make the traveling party smaller and more convient. It also meant she they got to travel together, which made it more pleasant. Later he would have the maids learn how to learn how to ride, just at least for emergancy purposes.

Another bonus with having such a small travel party and no carriage kept them off the radar. They did stop for a little while to eat a brief meal before they continued on.

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili had at least understood the dangers of it and was willing to accept it. There were enough disciples, plus her husband, that she had felt safe riding on horseback rather than in the carriage. Less attention being attracted by the carriage certainly did help. Perhaps once the rogue sect realized she wasn't a pushover, the carriage wouldn't be so much of a target anymore.

She was also completely for her maids learning how to ride or getting more practice with it. In the palace, a carriage was common for young ladies except for recreation and maids never rode. But here it certainly seemed to be easier without.

She sat with Wen Ning when they stopped to have a meal before they headed on their way again. At least it also went faster this way.

It didn't take long for them to reach the palace, where they were met by several guards who escorted them into the palace where the Emperor, Empress, and Jianli were waiting for them along with their own attendants.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning bowed and greeted them with the proper protocol. He was slowly remembering what to say and to whom. His disciples were lead toward another section of the Palace no longer needed now that they had arrived. They would leave for castle and return on the third day to escort them back. Wen Zhuliiu stayed with Wen Ning and Meili, but at the respectful space between them.

Wen Ning assumed that Meili would tell her parents about the rogue sect some point during their stay. At least that way they have a warning of what to watch out for. He wouldn't put it past them to try and gain support some how. He also didn't want to alarm them and make them think they couldn't handle it either. It was a delicate balance.

He glanced at Meili looking for guidance on what was appropriate to say or do at this point.

[snowbirdprincess]

Guards stepped forward to hold the horses for them as they dismounted. Meili practically hopped down, looking very happy.

"Greetings to Royal Father. Greetings to Royal Mother. Greetings to Fourth Prince."

As she started to bow to her family, her father immediately stepped forward and stopped her from bowing. "Rise. Quickly, rise."

The Empress smiled. "Your royal father has been missing you and it has only been a few days. Ah, Meili, where is Zhelan?"

"She is not good at riding so I thought it best that she not attend," Meili said. "I wanted to make good time so that we could spend as much time as possible with you."

"I see," the Emperor said before turning back to his attendant. "Go and summon one of the aunts and several palace maids to attend Second Princess while she is here."

"Of course," the attendant said and bowed before heading off to fetch temporary attendants for the princess.

"Sect Leader Wen," the Emperor greeted his new son-in-law. "It is good that you were able to return so that we could celebrate your wedding here as well."

[raddishpeddler]

"I am honored to be able to share our wedding with you. I would always find a way so my wife can spend time with her family especially for big events. Family is important." Wen Ning replied after he bowed before them.

He worried briefly if allowing her to ride was the wrong thing to do, but seeing that the Emperor didn't appear too upset by the motion and seemed to accept it. He just seemed more excited to see his daughter again. That eased Wen Ning's concerns over the the situation.

If it had been a big deal he would make sure that the carriage was a necessity at all times. He had wanted to make sure Meili had as much freedom in making decisions for herself as possible. It was a good test to see how her family would react.

He was curious to see how such celebrations where held here. He assumed they would be similar and more extravagent.

[snowbirdprincess]

They certainly didn't seem upset at all, all of them more interested in seeing her than how she had gotten there. But it was definitely obvious that the Emperor loved his daughter dearly, unable to keep from giving her special treatment.

"Yes, family is important," the Emperor said. "Your home is located closer than the one for First Princess so we hope that we will be able to see the two of you more often."

"She lives far up north," the Empress explained. "Her family is allied with ours so a marriage is always arranged between the two families."

Neither the Emperor or the Empress said anything, but Jianli, out of sight of both of his parents, gave his sister a look which quite clearly meant something. When Meili picked up on it, she almost deliberately smiled, but Wen Ning might guess it was a very diplomatic smile.

"Yes, the alliance between our two families is good," Meili remarked.

Ever efficient, only a few moments later, the attendant was returning with three ladies in tow, one of them older, probably having been serving in the palace for quite some time and two young maids, dressed as the younger four dowry maids had been dressed. As they arrived, the three came over and knelt down.

"Greeting Second Princess and Sect Leader Wen and wishing them good health," all three said in unison.

"Please rise," Meili said.

"Thank you, Second Princess." The three rose and the older woman immediately took the place that Zhelan usually occupied.

"We have a banquet set up to celebrate your wedding. We would be honored if you'd attend."

If Wen Ning agreed (since there was at least some semblance of being able to refuse), they would start heading in that direction.

[raddishpeddler]

"We'll be honored to attend," Wen Ning repsonded. He didn't see why he shouldn't. Although he did catch the warning among the Royal family. While his arranged marriage worked, Meili's sister wasn't so lucky. He was going to have to bareful of what he said and how he behaved around his wife then. He didn't want to cause further agitation.

Yet, it also added more to his anxiety. He wasn't sure what these people were like and the little he was told wasn't good. This was going to be a painful night for him. He just really didn't hope he made a fool of himself during his stay. Wen Ning gave a weak smile toward his wife as he followed them toward the banquet.

All he could think about were the old celebrations at the banquet halls with Wen Chao and his wife and depending on the mood or how drunk Wen Chao was, Wen Ning could avoid being a target or spent the dinner in humilation barely touching anything. He didn't have his friends here, just his wife and body guard to help.

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili smiled, this time genuinely, and took his hand as they walked, maids and attendants stretching behind them as they went. "I'm sure Royal Father has planned a wonderful banquet for us."

"Of course," the Emperor said. "Only the best for my daughter."

Yes, he truly did love his daughter.

As they were walking, Meili leaned in to whisper to him, "Before we sit, we need to greet Royal Grandmother."

When they arrived at that banquet hall being used, they would find it draped in red with a red carpet guiding the way. The Emperor and Empress led the way through the courtyard walkway past several closed doors. Looking inside, it was clear there were already people there. As they arrived at the last door, which was open, an attendant just inside announced, "His Majesty arrives!"

After that, they walked in. The room was likewise draped in red fabric and there were a lot of individual tables lined up to each side of the room with space for one person to get between each. Men on one side, women on the other. They were entering on the women's side of the room.

There was a low stage near the front of the room with five tables already set. An older woman with all the finery of a woman of means was at the table on the far side as they arrived.

Everyone in the room rose as they walked in.

"Greetings to His Majesty, Her Highness the Empress."

"As you were," Emperor said as he stepped to the front. "This is a joyous day. You have all been invited to celebrate the marriage of our Second Princess and her husband, Sect Leader Wen."

Now everyone responded. "Greetings to Sect Leader Wen and Second Princess. May you have a harmonious union that lasts one hundred years."

Meili smiled. "Thank you. That is very kind."

"Sit. Let's enjoy," the Emperor said.

As the Emperor went to take his seat at the head of the room, the Empress said, "Sect Leader Wen, please have a seat at your table by the Empress Dowager, Second Princess's Royal Grandmother."

This was the point where Meili gave a slight nod indicating that they kneel to greet her.

"Greetings to Royal Grandmother," Meili said.

Once they both had, the Empress Dowager bid them rise so they could sit. Meili would take the table closest to her mother, directly across from Wen Ning.

The room was mostly consorts on the women's side, all dressed in their finest. The two closest to the front. One was wearing a style not normally found in that area and she was almost actively trying to avoid looking up at them. On the other side of her was the now oldest princess still living in the palace.

The men's side was mostly officials, in the back, followed by princes old enough to know how to behave coming towards the front - including Jianli. Apparently, he had slipped away at some point and went to his place. The only person closer than Jianli was a man also dressed in a style that didn't belong in this area. He, too, also didn't see much interest in looking up at them. Maids and servants lined the sides and now that they had arrived, the doors were being opened so it was brighter inside.

[raddishpeddler]

Nothing truely prepared Wen Ning for what he experienced as he entered the room. He really felt out of place here among all of these people. He had a feeling he was never going to feel in place here. This was the world his wife grew up in and he was sure she felt the same among his people. He prayed to himself that he didn't mess things up.

He followed through the motions and kneeled before the Royal Grandmother and greeted her as well. Once he was giving permission to rise, he moved to his assigned seat. From his seat he spotted the older sister and her husband. He noted that they were doing their best to ignore them and also how much he resembled Wen Zhuliu. Wen Ning made a note to discuss this with him later. He never knew anything about the other's past figuring he would be told when necessary.

Behind him Wen Zhuliu tensed but kept his expression neuteral. He could feel a few people giving him curious glances. It had been a long time since he last saw his brother. The irony that life decided now was the best time to bring him back into his life. As long as his brother kept his distance and left his charge alone he would not interfere. Nor would he refrain if his brother did give Wen Ning a hard time. He had no ties with his brother at this point. He doubted his brother even changed from what he remembered of him.Let him gloat over the fact he was no longer someone with title but a lowly bodyguard. Buat least for the first time in his life he felt he belonged somewhere and was given respect. He wouldn't give that up for anything.

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili too could see the resemblance between Wen Zhuliu and her brother-in-law. Then again she could see them almost side by side from her position. She was curious as well but made no mention of it so as not to attract attention.

Attention wasn't really paid to introduce anyone else at the banquet, but no one really seemed to mind. An attendant clapped and servants moved in to begin serving food. Soup, dumplings, vegetables, meats, noodles, cakes, a little bit of everything was brought to the table including a whole fish of each person. And of course, wine.

Almost as soon as the wine was set down, the consort Wen Ning had previously been introduced to as Consort Fa, who was the closest after the princesses, stood up and made a toast to the couple. Everyone not up with the couple stood and repeated the toast and drank from the wine.

"Royal Father is so generous," finally came the less than enthusiastic voice of the First Princess, who was closest to Meili. "Throwing Second Princess a banquet like this when it was too hard to do the same for myself and Yangir."

The husband, Yangir, said nothing but had the look of a man who had been listening to this sort of thing for quite some time and no longer wanted to hear it but also didn't care enough to tell her to stop.

"Meihiu," the Emperor said in a tone that was warning her.

If Wen Ning should try to intervene, the Empress Dowager would reach over and put a hand on his arm, silently stopping him. There was no need for him to intervene in what happened. Nothing the eldest princess could do would earn her favor.

Meili, of course, decided to put an end to it quickly and stood, her attendant helping.

"Thank you, Oldest Sister and Brother-in-law, for coming all this way for my wedding banquet."

"You have been thanked by Second Princess, and at the party being thrown for her," the Emperor immediately said to his eldest daughter. "This is not the place for you to speak that way."

Meihiu looked down at the table for a moment before standing. "I know my mistake," she said, giving her father a bow before sitting back down.

As she sat back down, Meili returned to her seat. Why yes, the smile she gave Wen Ning was definitely one that showed she had been victorious in that. Dancers quickly arrived, summoned by another clap, dancing to the music being played by musicians who had set up by the open doors. So it was fine if there wasn't much talking at the moment.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning had been about to stand up, but refrained when Emperess Dowager placed a hand on his arm. He undersood her warning. He stayed where he was and kept his expression neuteral. He only gave a slight nod in Meili's direction after her victory response. They could discuss this later where it wouldn't draw unwanted attention. He was proud of her for standing up and quickly resolving it.

He had known Consort Fa meant well and appreciated the toast it was a shame that First Princess had to taint it with her remarks afterward. He did note that the husband didn't even bother to stop her. He idly wondered if she would have been reprimanded for this later. He hoped that the food, wine, and the dancers would lighten the mood one more. He found himself starting to relax once he had eaten a little and started to pay a little more attention to his surroundings.

[snowbirdprincess]

There was a weird line in the palace. Sometimes it was better to do something that you didn't have to in order to be the better person in front of others. Meihiu had been pushing the line so Meili had made sure she wouldn't keep doing that all night.

The mood improved now that this had happened of course. Since the eldest princess wasn't going to jump in again, for the risk of being removed from the banquet by her father if she pushed him one too many times, everyone started to relax. The dancers definitely helped, musicians playing various songs for them to dance to.

Throughout the feast, consorts and officials would occasionally stand and make a toast to the couple. It certainly seemed that was the only reason there was wine - for toasts. These were not interrupted like the previous one. When the feast seemed to be nearing its end, Jianli stood and led the princes in a toast. Since some of them were younger, this was quite cute.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning was enjoying everything about him. He wasn't used to the many toasts that they had recieved. The cultivation world had done theirs differently. Although, there were a few speeches here and there. Most of the respects had been paid when they approached them in greeting. He was also glad that the older princess seemed to be the only truoble for the night. Her husband appeared to be doing his est to not interact at all.

He would remember that too. Should the prince ever need aide it was going to come with a cost and it wasn't going to be easy. He couldn't help that Qishan was practically neighbors and they were able to do this celebration. Had they been further he would have understood. Or still made an attempt to go or visit later after things had calmed down.

It seemed clear that the two of them were just there to try and cause problems despite understanding why things were they way they were. No one stopped them from making an effort to visit. There was always going to be a difficult couple somewhere in the family. He was going to have to follow in his wife's example. Tackle the situation right away or they would take that as an invitiation to keep going.

He did find Jianli's toast with the younger princes cute and well done. Meili's brother was going to make an excellant leader. As much as he hated to admit things were starting to blur and he was starting to have a hard time focusing and not keep nodding off. The long chaotic days were catching up with him.

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili had been very happy to see her brother toasting her. Well, most of her brothers since she considered even those from other consorts as her younger brothers too.

Finally, once the dancers had been dismissed and all the toasts said, the Emperor said, "You may stay longer if you wish. I will be returning."

This was the sign it was basically over since there was no more obligation to stay just because he was there. Everyone stood, saying, "Wishing his Majesty well."

This was also really the first time that Meihiu's husband looked up towards the newly married couple.

But there wouldn't be much of a chance for them to interact as Meili quickly said before he could walk out, "Royal Father, could I perhaps speak with you?"

Yes, she wanted to tell him about the rogue sect so that way he was aware as they might refer to Qishan Wen if they were seeking an audience.

"Hmm... Fine. Your husband-"

"Emperor, you don't need to worry," the Empress Dowager said. "I will show him to the manor that you have arranged for them to use. I'm sure they have both had a long few days."

"That would be fine," the Emperor said. "Let's go then."

Meili smiled over at Wen Ning reassuringly as her attendant took her arm so she could leave with the Emperor, the other maids ready to follow.

"Shall we?" the Empress Dowager said. "We can take a walk in the garden on the way there."

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning looked a little surprised by the sudden arrangement, but nodded in agreement. He couldn't say no to his wife wanting to spend time with her father especially after this had been her first time away from her family. This would be his first time interacting with the Empress. He was a little nervous and felt horribly unprepared for this.

Behind him Wen Zhuliu had noted that his brother had finally glanced their way. He continued to act as if he didn't know the other was around. As the others began to depart he took it as his cue to head toward his assigned room. He had a feeling it would be located among the servants, but sought to check in about it. He believed that it wasn't appropriate that he stay at the manor assigned for the newlyweds.

Wen Ning moved to go follow the Empress after bowing to the Emperor and kissing his wife. It didn't dawn on him till later if it was considered to appropriate to kiss his wife in public. It had been an unconcious motion.

At least the fresh air would probably help wake him up a bit. He did enjoy the gardens at the palace.

[snowbirdprincess]

It was also easier for her to speak alone to her father. They both could let down airs a little bit more. He could just be her father and not have to be the Emperor. So it would be easier for her to share about the rogue sect. Also, she wished to spare her husband telling the Emperor himself as he could be rather intense about things like that.

There was almost a collective aww from the consorts and the Emperor, Empress, and Empress Dowager all smiled as Wen Ning kissed Meili. Clearly, they had no problem with it. It was rather cute that he was so willing to show his wife that he loved her. All marriages in the palace had some political motivation in one way or another so the fact that it was more than just that made them happy. If he was so willing to show her he loved her, it meant she should have a good life with him.

Before Wen Zhuliu could leave, one of the Empress Dowager's attendants silently directed that he could follow them. He did not have to leave Wen Ning and there were quarters where they were staying for staff and servants. So much the better that his bodyguard was on hand.

The Empress Dowager waited until the Emperor left with Meili before she also declared she was leaving. This lead to the chorus of "Seeing the Empress Dowager off," from those assembled.

As she and Wen Ning left, she said, "It is nice to see that my granddaughter has someone who loves her so much."

They were heading towards one of the gardens nearby to the banquet hall. At least it would be a leisurely walk.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning was glad that he could still have his body guard with him. Even though he felt safe among the palace, it was still good to have a familar pressence. One could never be too careful.

Wen Zhuliu stayed a respectful pace behind them, allowing them the privacy. He was glad that he got to remain with Wen Ning. He didn't know what the protocol was for this as this was new territory for him.

"I am fortunate to have someone like Meili in my life. I knew by the second meeting that she was the one for me regardless of the fact it was an arranged marriage." Wen Ning quietly replied knowing that the tip of his ears were red. He was thankful that the darkness hid most of it.

"I believe she had mentioned how you liked to tend to the gardens?"

He hesitantly questioned, hoping he had the information right. Conversation was such a weak point for him, but he didn't want to seem like he was incapable of starting one.

[snowbirdprincess]

The sun setting had made a little harder to see the garden but it was still nice to be out in it. Two attendants walked in front of the Empress Dowager with lanterns on sticks so there was some small amount of light. It also made it easier to not walk off the path and into something.

"I feel that she is fortunate as well. The life of a royal heir is often a difficult one. That she can have a happy life with her husband... it is good to see. She often talked about you when she visited me while the wedding was approaching."

Yes, he had left a mark and this might be why the Empress Dowager had wanted to walk with him, to see for herself as she hadn't had much interaction with him when he had been here before.

"I do," she replied. "I have spent time with the floral department to help pick and place some of the flowers in the different gardens. The Emperor wants me to enjoy my retirement, but it is hard to not want to have something to do."