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]

"I hope that she has been adjusting well," the Empress Dowager remarked. "Princesses end up with a certain standard even if they try to be understanding. They are very much unaware of life outside of the palace as they are the most protected of any of the royal heirs. Even if they ride, they do not go far and they always have guards.

It is good that your sister also gets to be with someone that she loves. It is not given enough consideration in a life such as ours."

She was quite used to the gardens, but if she had known that he was also watching to make sure she didn't trip, she would have appreciated it. Such was the dilemma of getting old.

"Thank you. She did spend a lot of time with me when I was working with the gardeners. I taught her some of what she knows, but I cannot take all the credit. She has also been an intelligent child."

[raddishpeddler]

"I believe we are learning. Right now it's been rather chaotic. I think once we establish a routine that will help.

I want Meili to feel comfortable and to be part of the world as well. I know she had voiced concern wanting to help where she can and not be someone that just sat behind the scenes.

We both have a handicap against us. Myself for being a new leader and my wife for not knowing the cultivation world. I believe she has made a strong and favorable impression among the sects already. We had many that are supporting us. It's above what I had hoped for." Wen Ning carefully explained.

He didn't want to go into too much detail and he didn't want to alarm her saying that he was incapable. He also wanted her to know that Meili was adjusting. He believed she would understand the daily challenges a new leader/couple would have to face.

He smiled at her comments about Meili with the garden."I had fashioned a garden just for her to retreat to. I'm hoping to show that to her once we return."

[snowbirdprincess]

"She has always rather disliked simply sitting around and letting the world happen around her," the Empress Dowager remarked. "I suppose that is what happens when a princess is born alongside a prince and they are allowed to be raised together. She always knew her place, but she also took the idea from her brother always learning and helping that this was what she needed to do as well. Of course, they are the first that we know of so we don't know for sure."

The Empress Dowager looked over at him. "I'm sure she will like that."

She was quiet for a moment as they walked. "I'm sure you are probably wondering about what happened between the two at the banquet."

[raddishpeddler]

"I can see that being a strong connection." Wen Ning replied. "I believe that Meili means well. She had some wonderful teachers."

He paused before he nodded. "I was aware there was some tension. I assumed that this was long before our marriage? They seemed to use the marriage as grounds to start the situation up again?"

[snowbirdprincess]

"She did. I and the Emperor both feel that she has done her teachers proud."

Since in the long run, the mother's thoughts, even if the mother was the Empress, were biased. They were less so.

"No, it is not a new thing. Her Highness the Empress is not the first Empress of the Emperor. Empress Zuan Huiqing was the first, giving his Majesty Second Prince, First Princess, and eventually Fifth Prince.

When an Emperor ascended the throne from the late Emperor, the first birth of a royal heir is always considered auspicious. It was the current Empress who found herself with child first, then low-ranked. Dragon and phoenix twins are particularly auspicious, thus making them even more special to be the firstborn to the Emperor. Of course, he paid particular attention to them, needless to say. And it gained their mother considerable rank in a short period.

When the late Empress became ill when the twins were eight and Fifth Prince was seven, Second Prince had already proceeded her and she knew that she didn't have long left herself. Naturally, it was very upsetting to First Princess and Fifth Prince, but they handled it far differently. Fifth Prince took solace with Fourth Prince as First Prince and Third Prince were so much older than him. First Prince and Third Prince made themselves quite unpopular at this time as their mothers wanted the Empress spot, eventually so much so that the Emperor removed them from the heirdom. First Princess also became very bitter about her mother's impending death.

So when the Empress did finally pass, the Emperor took the recommendation of the late Empress herself and promoted Consort Qin to the current Empress. As the three eldest princes had either passed or been removed, the Emperor and his advisors agreed that the children by the current Empress be considered legitimate heirs even though they had not been born when she was Empress, thus making Fourth Prince officially more likely to inherit than Fifth Prince. The current Empress also adopted the Fifth Prince as her own son and attempted to adopt First Princess as well so that they would both be well-cared for.

This was apparently the last straw for First Princess and she quite publicly denounced that Fourth Prince, Seventh Prince, and Second Princess should not be legitimate heirs. She even went and knelt to try and get the Emperor to listen to her. Of course, even though he eventually spoke with her, he did not take back his decree. Since she was at the age to marry, the Emperor and Empress turned their attention to that, hoping that distance and becoming a wife would help her. But it seems that she has not let it go yet and continues to be jealous of Second Princess.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning quietly listened to the lengthy exlaination. It was a bit of a challenge to keep in line who was who, but he was able to put the picture together. Overall, it did explain the tension that was displayed today and probably would never disappear either.

There was a long pause before Wen Ning finally spoke as he wanted to digest everything that was explained.

"In the long run it doesn't sound like First Princess and her husband are going to approve of our pressence. What would you say be the best way to handle things? I feel that simply ignoring them isn't going to be a solution but help agitate. I'm certain they will probably try other means."

[snowbirdprincess]

"I don't believe they have any issue with you, Sect Leader Wen. And I doubt Yangir has any issue with the Second Princess aside from what his wife says. Being a member of his clan's royal family, he is surely aware things happen. Besides, most people know the one who really has a right to be upset with the decree is Fifth Prince as it put his older brother officially ahead of him. Not that he wasn't to begin with, mind you.

The main issue is between your wife and your sister-in-law. Unless you have reason to nurture relationships between his clan and your sect, or reason to travel that far north, I'm sure occasional contact will be survivable. I suppose though, treating First Princess with the respect that she deserves being the firstborn princess will help. Your wife, unlike your sister-in-law, is far more understanding of that and willing to accept that. I'm sure that had she not said anything first, your wife still would have thanked her sister for coming, only without the intention of getting her father to say something.

But you are right. Ignoring will probably only make the situation between them worse."

[raddishpeddler]

"Understood. I'll see what I can do to help keep things civil. I appreciate you taking the time to explain everything to me." Wen Ning replied with a bow of thanks.

"Would there be acceptable topics to discuss with them? I'm sure at some point I will have to converse with them during our stay."

[snowbirdprincess]

"Of course. The royal family is more complicated than most with so many children. We are at twelve princes and six princesses having been born and another consort is pregnant so there will be more."

Nineteen children. Granted, not all had survived, but at least nineteen.

"Hmm... I'm not sure what Yangir's preference of conversation would be, but he and his clan are fighters. I hear that sects are as well so you might be able to find some conversation there. As for First Princess, we will cater to her during her stay, but if you should happen to find yourself with her, gardens or art might be a good topic. Her attendants during her stay are well aware of what she says and will let us know if she begins to turn the conversation away from appropriate topics in public."

Appropriate topics meaning anything except her issue with the legitimacy of three heirs.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning gave a nod of understanding. All topics that he were familiar with. He could survive this and found himself relaxing a little.

He would have to make sure to not discuss about how he wasn't originally in line to be sect leader. That would be more annumination to use against his wife.

"Is there anything I can do in the mean time?" Wen Ning questioned, unsure of what to do or say at this point. He knew that he was to enjoy his time here, but he felt like he should also be doing something else as well. It felt stragnge to have a lot of idle time.

[snowbirdprincess]

She figured those were safe topics for anyone of a station. Besides, she knew a little bit about Wen Ning already from Meili when she had spent time with her grandmother.

"Set the example for both First Princess and Yangir to think in the present or the future by talking of things now or you are planning. Don't dwell on the past as it will likely make them as well," the Empress Dowager said, adding one final warning to it. If the First Princess was given an opportunity to reflect on the past, she would surely take it. "It is something that all the consorts are encouraged to do if they should interact with First Princess."

"Hmm... if you would like to meet with the Emperor to discuss what your sect can offer to the palace, I doubt he would object. But today is a day to celebrate. Unless it is dire, he won't talk about it today."

Little did either know that Meili was breaking this to tell him about the rogue sect... but she was also being a good daughter to make sure he was prepared so it wasn't quite the same.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning found them to be wise words for anyone. It was always better to focus on the present and the future, never dwell on the past. He had seen many get lost in the past and never return and others allow themselves to get ruined for trying to keep the past.

"I believe that shouldn't be a problem. There should be plenty of things to discuss and keep them focused on the topics." Wen Ning stated.


"Very well. I have a few suggestions I would like to discuss with the Emperor, but those can wait. I wish to think on them some more and research the proposals with my advisors."

[snowbirdprincess]

She had been around quite a long time and in the palace no less. She knew how things worked. She knew how people were. More importantly, she knew her granddaughter even if she hadn't spent that much time with her.

"Good," she said. "I think that considering your options is a good idea. The Emperor is not expecting you to speak to him about it on this trip as this is so soon after your wedding."

Finally, they arrived at a manor house that was draped in red fabric, much like the palace she had left from had been.

"This is yours," the Empress Dowager said. "The Emperor has granted it to you and Second Princess so whenever you stay here, it will be ready for you."

[raddishpeddler]

"Thank you," Wen Ning replied with a bow. He couldn't give the Emperor and his wife a manor like this one in Qishan, but he was able to at least give them a whole wing to themselves at the castle. With how things were laid out there was no suitable space to build a large mannor. With his wife's help he'll have everything they need ready when they come to visit.

"Would you like some tea?" Wen Ning offered as he moved to step into the manor curious to see what it looked like inside. It was also a chance for the Emperess to decide if she done conversing with him or she was ready to retire for the night herself.

[snowbirdprincess]

She would certainly accept the bow on behalf of the Emperor. It had been partially her idea to comfort him with the prospect of his favorite daughter leaving. If she and her husband had a place to stay inside the palace, they would be more able to visit when the mood struck them.

"You have some freedom to decorate it how you wish on the inside. Anything outside will, of course, be scrutinized by many so care should be taken. Inside, the only ones who will see it when you are away are a few dedicated maids who will be responsible for cleaning, decorating when required, and preparing it for when you are coming to visit."

Probably the easiest job for a maid there was in the palace. No one to attend most of them and just a building to take care of.

"Thank you. That would be most kind."

The maids, having been waiting patiently for the arrival of the manor's owners, bowed when hearing tea was requested and went to get it.

The manor itself was a fairly large building. The main entrance hall with a room directly next to it for sitting and visiting. The other side had the table for dining. Off from the visiting room was the bedroom, bed already arranged for them to sleep in tonight.

"The maids can show your staff to their room once you are ready to sleep for the night," the Empress Dowager said as her maid helped her over to the visiting area, taking a sit and beckoning for Wen Ning to join her. Even though it was his manor, she was still very a presence.

[raddishpeddler]

"Thank you," Wen Ning replied and moved to sit down near her. He was slightly disappointed he didn't get to make the tea, but he chosed to not say anything on that. His staff was used to him cooking on his own or serving tea. The staff here were not.

"I'll have to let Meili do the decorating here. She'll know what's acceptable. I'm terrible with decorating..." Overall, Wen Ning was impressed with what he had seen. It was better then what he and his sister had lived in before everything happened.

"I look forward to when things calm down. I want to take the time to cook a meal for Meili as I had done for my family. I don't get to cook as much as I used to. But every so often I still would make the time to do it usually for my family or close friends." Wen Ning commented.

[snowbirdprincess]

Yes, they would eventually learn that he was able and willing to make tea. The maids were trained to handle that for their masters and mistresses so it wasn't a question for them to go and do it as soon as "tea" was mentioned. It was also the first time that they had met. He could always tell them that occasionally he would make tea on his own and it was not a fault on them. Of course, having Meili around would help with the conversation so that the maids did not believe they had done something wrong.

The Empress Dowager chuckled softly. "Yes, it is likely good. Meili will be given more leeway to defend her decoration choices." She sighed fondly, as though remembering something nice, before looking at Wen Ning. "It may not surprise you to hear, but Princess Meili has pretty much had her Royal Father wrapped around her finger from practically the moment she was born. He always saw her as an auspicious sign, arriving with her brother. She has also been a filial child so he's never had a reason to rethink that."

The maids came in with cups of tea in porcelain cups that were only allowed in the palace, the color and pattern on these allowed for members of the royal family since Meili was a princess.

"That is most kind. It is not often that we have food that isn't cooked by the cooks here. Of course we do when we are on tour, but we still have cooks."

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning smiled as she spoke about Meili and her bond with her father. It was nice to see such a connection especially among royalty. He never had that connection with his parents having lost them at a young age. But he had that connection with his sister and Grandmother.

"I had gathered quickly how fond the Emperor was of Meili and how protective he is of her, same with her brother. I don't want to take away from that. I already informed her that she is able to visit as much as she wants as long as it doesn't interfere with anything major. Even then I would still try and make an effort so she can find time for her family. Her family is welcome to visit as well when ever they wish. I think we are lucky to be so close."

As he spoke, Wen Ning couldn't help but study the detail work on the tea cup knowing how porcelean was valuable.

"I would consider it an honor to cook for you."

[snowbirdprincess]

Well, he would kind of have a father figure now. Meili was a favored princess so of course, Wen Ning would be a favored son-in-law. He was a very busy father, but a father none-the-less.

"They will be happy to hear that. Jianli is very close to her. Many of the consorts consider them to be of one mind since when they were younger, they would finish each other's statements without hesitation. It will be nice that she is able to visit. And allowing us to visit as well, his Majesty will surely take you up on that."

She smiled. "I would certainly like to try your cooking. Perhaps when we come to visit." And since he was looking at the porcelain, "The color and pattern is specifically for members of the royal family. It is not as bright as the Emperor's but most of the consorts aren't provided the same pattern."

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning smiled back pleased by the response. He only hoped that things would go smooth and there wouldn't be too many problems....nothing that couldn't be solved right away. Meili and Jianli would be able to help make sure everything was correct and set. He only hoped the other sects would behave properly if they were visiting as well for what ever purpose.

"I had wondered if there was some kind of status pertaining to the various patterns and colors," Wen Ning commented. He had started to take note of it when he had been visiting the palace to see Meili. They were nothing like the ones he had at home or had used prior to him becoming Sect leader.

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili would certainly help with getting things organized for her family to visit. She was used to the space they took up and all the requirements everyone had. At least it wasn't going to be immediate. Even if Wen Ning had told the Emperor today, he wouldn't have planned it for a while. Let his daughter get settled in after all.

The sound of the curtain moving aside heralded the arrival of Meili, her temporary attendants in tow. The two maids who had been standing nearby to see if Wen Ning or the Empress Dowager needed anything bowed to her as she came in.

"Greetings to Royal Grandmother," Meili said, bowing to the two of them. "Greetings to Husband."

The maids behind her bowed.

"Rise. You have finished speaking with your Royal Father?" the Empress Dowager said.

"Yes, for tonight at least," Meili said.

"Then I will take my leave so you and your husband can rest. It has likely been a long few days."

"It has," Meili replied. "Seeing Royal Grandmother off," she said properly as the older woman rose, her own maid coming over to help her so they could depart.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning smiled upon seeing his wife. He didn't realize how much time had past sine they left the banquet. He then stood up and bowed before her grandmother saying the proper greeting to see her off.

Once he saw that her grandmother had left he turned to Meili and smiled. "Did your conversation with your father go well?" he asked as he offered her to sit next to him along with some tea? "There's one thing I had wanted to discuss before we retire for the night. I don't need this situation becoming a problem."

Wen Ning then called for Wen Zhuliu to join them. It was time to get the full story. With some reluctance Wen Zhuliu came foreward and instead of sitting across as Wen Ning had suggested, he decided to kneel before them in an apologetic manner.

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili waited until her grandmother had left and went to her seat, one of the maids bring her a cup of tea.

"It went well. I wanted to talk to him a bit and also tell him about the rogue sect so that they do not begin to believe they can come to speak to him."

She was a little surprised as Wen Zhuliu knelt in front of them. After a moment, she looked up at the maids still waiting nearby. She might have allowed Zhelan to remain, but none of these were staff she knew. "I understand. You all withdraw for now."

The maids all replied to acknowledge and then turned and left, going outside.

"We are alone now," she said.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning gave a nod and waited till the maids had left before he asked Wen Zhuliu to rise. He only refused to leave his kneeling position.

"I'm going to foreward and say that I'm disappointed by this. I don't understand why you didn't tell me any of this and let me find out now. What would have happened if they made a big scene over your pressence? How would that have effected us? Did our previous leader know?"

There was a long silence before Wen Zhuliu spoke and looked up at both Wen Ning and Meili. "They knew. That was part of why they brought me into the Wen sect.They thought they could use it as leverage. Joke's on them. It wouldn't have worked.

I had hoped that when I joined the Wen sect that my past wouldn't catch up with me. I didn't want you to judge me for my past....You had been the first person to not judge me and accept me for who I was. I was afraid if you learned you would want to replace me.

My father and I never got along. I was considered to be an ilegitmate heir. Everything had gone to my brother. I believe the only reason why they had kept me around was in case they never had my brother. It would have been a matter of time before they disowned me."

Wen Ning frowned as he listened to Wen Zhuliu's story. He glanced at Meili to see what she would have to say. She was familiar with royality and how things worked.

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili listened patiently. Even though he didn't specifically say who his family was, she could make an assumption considering the only person she didn't know of rank in the banquet had been Yangir and they looked alike.

"It is potentially troublesome," Meili remarked. "However, I don't think it is impossible to deal with. Yangir is the prince, next in line to be the ruler of his clan. It is possible he could say something about it. Here in the palace, I think it is a non-issue if we don't make it one. If Yangir says something, my father would be quick to point out Wen Zhuliu's position in the Wen sect. So, at least publicly, he shouldn't say anything.

However, traveling through territory held by Yangir and his clan might be more troublesome if we ever found the need to do so."