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]

It would take some time and eventually they would understand their assigned master's proclivities. For now, they were going with what they knew. Meili and Wen Ning's manor was different in that they weren't going to be present all the time and would bring some of their own staff with them whenever they came, Zhelan and the other maids now considered separate of the palace since they were dowry maids.

Meili chuckled. "I'd be happy to," she said as she set up the board for them. "I will remember that," she added with a teasing smile, before beginning to review the rules.

Color the maids curious; they moved a little closer to watch the game that was going to take place.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning was quite familiar with the game playing it with his sister and family or friends during down time. Sometimes they would make little bets for fun usually costing them chores or being chore free. That had been when he was younger. Now the bets varied depending on who he was with.

There was no surprise that Wen Zhuliu had figured it out right away. It was often hard to read his expressions as he always kept his face neuteral. Wen Ning knew what to watch for. He would eventually
tell Meili later, but he was curious to see how much Meili would pick up.


The game at least was a great solution though as it was fun listening to the banter and the conversation going on. Wen Ning also noted their audience as well so he had to also becareful of what was being said in the process. He then asked for some wine after a few rounds had gone by.

[snowbirdprincess]

It was very true that Wen Zhuliu rather quickly picked the game back up if he was indeed rusty at it. Very quickly Meili was having to think hard about her moves. It was very hard to read him on what he was planning to do next with his moves. She kept her gaze on the board most of the time but periodically she glanced up at him through her lashes to see if she could spot any tells of what he was thinking. It was rather hard.

The maids were used to the conversations that went on around them when they thought that no one was listening. They were essentially supposed to be seen and not heard. So the fact that neither their master nor mistress had dismissed them from watching the game was kind of a treat. Eventually, they began to join in with positive comments about moves, those who didn't understand the game so well taking their cue from the others who did.

"And you said that you were no good at this."

[raddishpeddler]

"I said I was rusty with the game. It's been a long time since I've done anything like this. I think the last time I've played Go was with my brother when we were young." Wen Zhuliu replied in a quiet tone. He was careful not to say his brother's name realizing that they had an audience and didn't need that information to go beyond the manor.

"He never took to loosing well. He always expected me to go easy on him, but I never did. It wasn't often we had been forced to interact with each other as children."

Wen Ning remained quiet as he listened to this new information. He wasn't expecting him to mention anything more about his past. It was rare that he was willing to even converse. It had taken a long time for him to get Wen Zhuliu to fully converse outside of short sentences or one word responses. He had a feeling he was trying to be polite and get to know Meili. Since their interactions had been very limited.

Wen Ning was fine with the maids sticking around. They didn't need them to do much and it seemed they were enjoying themselves too. When they did need anything they took care of the task right away or with out having to be told. He was fine with allowing them some downtime. He also felt it would get the staff a chance to understand them a bit.

[snowbirdprincess]

"Oh, I see," Meili remarked, glad that he had not mentioned his brother as the maids didn't know and shouldn't know that he was related to the first princess's husband. But hearing him talk about his life before gave them more insight to no longer question why they had allowed him to sit and join them. He was someone who came from a good family even if he was working as their bodyguard.

"Well, I promise that no matter the outcome, I will not be a sore loser or winner about it. And you don't need to go easy on me either."

This was also the reason why Meili hadn't commented about the maids watching. Perhaps if they did, they would understand their family a little more.

[raddishpeddler]

"I had believed that wouldn't have been an issue with you, Madam Wen," Wen Zhuliu replied. He smirked a little amused by her light banter. It was probably the only thing close to a smile they would see from him.

Wen Ning felt that he was fairing alright with the game. He wasn't spectular at the game like his wife and Wen Zhuliu were. For him, he was simply having fun. The game was just way to pass their time and to get to know each other better.

A couple of hours later, Wen Ning was finding himself unable to focus on the game and gettting sloppy with his moves. "Alright, you two win. I'm calling it quits for the night. We should do cards tomorrow?" he offered.

[snowbirdprincess]

She smiled, pleased to see that he was smiling as well. Finally though, when Wen Ning mentioned that, she realized how tired she actually was.

"Yes, I think we should call it for the night. We have had a long day." She looked up at the maids. "Will you show Wen Zhuliu to his room?"

"Yes," one of the maids said, giving a small bow, ready to show him to his room.

"Princess," the older maid said, offering her hand to help her back towards the bedroom area she would share with Wen Ning while they were staying here. The others were putting the game away for them. "Sir. I will show you to your sleeping quarters."

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Zhuliu gave them a bow and bid them goodnight as he followed the maid to where his room would be.

Wen Ning followed their maid as well. It was strange to be waited on. He didn't rely on servants a whole lot at home wanting to teach his disciples more discipline and not to be dependent on other people. He had hired on more staff when Meili moved in to help cover a lot of the work now. Yet, from time to time he still wanted to keep those habbits as well. He also didn't want to contridict his expectations.

It looked as if their bags they had packed for the stay were also placed in the room. He moved to dig out his night clothes. This was also something he was going to have to get used to sharing such personal routines with Meili

Since this would be their place now, they could leave these clothes behind to use when they visited. He quickly changed and climbed into the bed grateful to be finally settling down for the night. The last few days were catching up with him and he just wanted to sleep with his arm wrapped around his wife.

[snowbirdprincess]

Maids were something that Meili was so used to she didn't even pat an eye at how much they were assisting. She was sure that it wasn't so much like this outside of that palace, but here, there was the expectation.

As Wen Ning took his clothes to change, Meili's attendant took her a little off to the side behind a curtain to help her change and do her hair for the night. Once that was done, she headed to bed, the attendant following.

"Thank you," Meili said. "You are dismissed for the evening."

"Yes, my princess," the attendant said. "If you require anything, someone will attend."

And as Meili sat down on the bed beside her husband, the maid drew the curtains and departed. Only then did she flop back on the bed next to him and smile.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning smiled and pulling her close he kissed her. He murmured a goodnight before relaxing his hold and settling down for the night. The rest of the time spent in the mannor went by peacefully and really was a much needed break. He was sorry to see that their time ended quickly and it was time to return.

The next couple of months allowed for Meili to get used to the cultivation life and learn about it's history. Wen Qinq's wedding had also been held at one point and she officially resided over at Lotus Piers. It took a while for Wen Ning to get used to that notion as there had been times where he went to seek her out only to remember last minute she wasn't there.

During a visit, they both presented A Yuan and his fathers a gift letting Gusu Lan know of the good news that Meili was expecting. They believed A Yuan to bring them luck especially since they were expecting twins.

It was also time for the annual Night Hunt competition that Qishan Wen often hosted. It would be Wen Ning's first time hosting it and participating it in it. He had invited the Royal family to watch and a chance to visit their daughter. It would also be their first real introduction to the cultivation world.

Needless to say Wen Ning was stressed in the prepartions.

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili had of course been very excited to find out that she was pregnant. Her maids were as well, all of them now dressing in a fashion more befitting Qishan Wen though Zhelan's was fancier as she was the ranking maid. Though the maids had known early, all had kept the secret when asked by Wen Ning and Meili, knowing that it was better to not tell the world too early.

Of course, Meili had urged that they give A-Yuan a gift as he had helped to bring about a child so quickly for them.

As the night hunt began to approach, Meili found that she was having to organize for the cultivators as well as her family all while pregnant. Luckily, WuXian came to offer assistance since he knew all of these cultivation sects. This helped a lot. So she'd spent more time figuring out the wing for her family.

Counting the rooms and figuring out who would be allotted where and what staff quarters would be needed, Meili came up with a number for how many consorts could accompany the Empire, Empress, and the Empress Dowager since they were the priorities. It wasn't all of them naturally, but she was sure her father would decide. Also the princes and princesses, but most could stay in the same quarters as their mothers or in a single room with the attendants.

But finally the day arrived for the Imperial family to arrive. Meili had asked her husband to allow them to arrive early, both to be able to recover from the journey even though it was short, but also to allow her a few days with her family before she had to be Madam Wen again.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning had no problem with letting the Royal family arrive early. It would give them time to settle in before the rest of the sects arrived. For those not accustomed to working with the cultivation world, he knew it would quite a shock and a hard adjustment.

This would also allow them time to spend with their daughter and to enjoy the news of her pregnancy. They had decided it was best to wait till everyone arrived to tell since by then they would be in the safe zone for the baby.

Perhaps on another visit he would cook for her family, but for now he with held the offer. It would have been too much. He only hoped that everything would be to their liking. At least with Meili's help he knew what to have on hand and what they preferred.

Wen Ning woke up early the day of their arrival wanting to make sure everything was perfect. He had stayed up the night before fretting over last minute details to where Meili had to send for Wen Zhuliu and make him go to bed. Which was often the case when he was wrapped up in a project or a big visit.

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili had been worrying about it enough for both of them, but finally had called it, knowing that it was good and her father wouldn't complain since they had clearly done as much as they could with the space that they had. However, when Wen Ning had continued to stay up and worry, she had - of course - called in Wen Zhuliu to help her.

It was quite a procession of carriages as they arrived in the Nightless City. Meili had dressed in her finest to meet them, letting them see that she was a good wife in this sect. As the carriages finally came to a stop and her father exited first, soon followed by her mother and the consorts selected to accompany as well as the princes and princesses of all age, Meili bowed to them, greeting her father first since he was the most important.

Of course, like last time, he was so excited to see her that he stopped her.

"Please," Meili said with a smile. "We will show everyone to their rooms."

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning stood beside her to greet her family as well. It wouldn't be proper of him to not be there. The disciples that were standing guard had bowed as well as the Royal family entered. This was a first for many to meet the Royal Family, let alone them to enter Qishan Wen and stay at the Nightless City's castle. Many were excited, some nervous, and a few were resentful with the new change.

Wen Ning held a big lecture in front of his disciples a few days prior explaining what he expected of them and what would happen if the expectations didn't meet. A few had tried to test those expectations and were swiftly punished to their dismay. Depending on the severity the punishments varied. As a sect leader, Wen Ning had to learn quickly how to be a fair but firm leader. At first it was Wen Zhuliu they were fearing, but soon that fear and respect was given to him.

He was glad that he was able to give them time to spend with the daughter, seeing how much her parents had missed Meili. He allowed Meili to pretty much take care of her family only stepping in when necessary and following protocol.

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili had also made sure that the disciples knew how to act. The emperor's attendants were not shy in calling out someone who was not doing what they should and making them lose as much face as possible. It was a talent they had. The only ways Qishan Wen could be spared losing face: everyone behaved properly or Qishan Wen acted on disobedience immediately, perhaps even before the Emperor's attendants noticed it. If they had seen it, someone else would have as well.

In that way, Meili had been quick to also point out those not following the rules even if she had left it to Wen Ning to deal out the punishment. If someone wasn't going to act right, better for them to be somewhere else and not in front of the Emperor.

Since everyone was behaving themselves and making a good first impression, Meili felt confident and showing everyone to their rooms with Wen Ning by her side. As she showed the Emperor to his rooms first, she mentioned that she wanted to see him and her mother later so that they could catch up.

...And share the news that she was pregnant.

After he agreed once she and Wen Ning had finished showing everyone to their rooms, she and Wen Ning continued to show everyone to their rooms, holding hands with her husband.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning had thought it was nice to see the castle filled with a lot of guests especially those of children. Children had been a rare site at the castle. He and his sister were probably the last pair of children to have entered the castle long ago. Most of the sects were staying at the castle save the for the ones who had rented rooms at the taverns in the nearest city. Those were mainly from the smaller branches. He really hope the rogue sect wouldn't make an appearance. Granted with the night hunt competition they would have been allowed to compete. They just wouldn't be allowed to stay at the castle and would be escorted off the grounds if they caused problems.

It seemed that everything so far was going along smoothly. He only hoped that would continue to be the case. He had even left small gifts for the children that were staying. It would give them something to keep occupied with when things weren't so exciting.

"Do you think everyone is happy with their accomadations?" Wen Ning asked once they saw that everyone was settled in their rooms. "They seemed to be really happy to see you."

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili had left the presents for the children in the room where they would be staying. Since Meixiu's mother had both asked to come, still being favored, the present for Meixiu had been left in her mother's room. Meirong, having come without her mother as one consort was very near giving birth and they had wanted a consort who had been in the harem longer there to watch over everything, she was staying with Meixiang in the room for the princesses so their presents had been left there.

"I think that they did," Meili said. "I can check with them later to make sure that they have everything."

Her father had let her know who was coming in advance so she had made sure the decor was not too extravagant for a lower consort or too plain for a higher consort. Luckily they knew they were traveling and traveling accommodations were always different than home.

Luckily, these ladies were not too picky, which might have been part of the reason they were specifically invited.

"They seemed to be. I'm really glad to see them as well. Well... since everyone is settled, shall we go see Royal Father and Royal Mother and give them the good news?"

[raddishpeddler]

"You put a lot of work into the arrangements. I would have been lost and I don't think even Gusu Lan sect could have helped me." Wen Ning commented.

Dealing with the Royal family was always going to be a learning experience for Wen Ning. He was thankful he had his wife's help in this as he wouldn't have known what to do to prepare save for the basic rules. He knew how to host sects, smaller leaders, soldiers, and traders. He thought this was prbably the last thing he needed to know.

This was also the first time having outsiders particpate in the Night Hunt competition. It was a learning experience for all the sects. While the Royal Family couldn't participate in everything going on, there were some stuff they were allowed to do. Really, Wen Ning felt this was an opputunirty for both sides to gain a better understanding of one another.

That was still a few days away and Wen Ning was quite happy to be finally able to share the more important news. "Yes, I believe now will be the best time to do so before chaos fully ascends the castle," Wen Ning replied with an amused smile. He then pulled Meili close for a quick kiss before they requested permission to enter her parents room.

[snowbirdprincess]

"The Royal Family is difficult to manage sometimes."

Okay, all the time. There was so much to know about them that it was impossible for someone not mildly informed to get it completely right. If Meili had had to work at it and she knew the consorts her father had allowed to come with him. Her mother, father, and grandmother had been the easiest ones as she had spent the most time with them. Consort Fa would have been easier but the reason she wasn't here was more pressing. A wife so close to having a child shouldn't travel and someone had to be there with her and be prepared to make difficult decisions on the Emperor's behalf if it should come to that.

Hopefully, it wouldn't, but the Emperor trusted Consort Fa's decision-making abilities only second to the Empress's.

She smiled, knowing there was already enough chaos with the Imperial Family here (she was a member of them, she could say that), and went with him to her father's room. Naturally, her mother had already come over from her room adjoining his and the Emperor let them in. The Emperor's attendant let them in

"Royal Father, Royal Mother, we have good news."

"Oh?" the Emperor asked as he put his tea down.

"What is it, A-li?"

[raddishpeddler]

Right to the point, not that it surprised Wen Ning. That was one of the many qualities he loved about his wife.

"We had wanted to wait till it was safe to spread the news and since you were visiting we waite a little longer. Meili's is with child." Wen Ning excitedly explained. He tried to be formal about it, but it was pretty hard to contain his own excitement over the news.

What better way to tell her family upon their first visit to the castle. It didn't seem like it was a long time since they had last saw theem. They had a lot to deal with. Now that it was put into perspective he was quite surprised with how much time had gone by.

[snowbirdprincess]

She also knew that her father was a very upfront person, getting business out of the way. Besides, then they would all be able to celebrate.

"Ah?! That's wonderful!" the Empress said getting up and coming over to them. "Congratulations to both of you."

"Congratulations Sect Leader Wen and Second Princess," the servants around them said, bowing properly. "Congratulations Your Majesty and Her Highness the Empress for being grandparents."

"That is still a little ways off," Meili said as her father also got up.

"Nonsense," the Emperor said. "We should celebrate. Next time you come to the palace."

"You should make sure to nurse your health," the Empress said. "It is very important with your first child."

"I know, Mother," Meili said with a smile. "My husband has been very attentive."

[raddishpeddler]

"Yes, we can have a proper celebration then, but I wouldn't say no to having a small one tonight. There are some excellant hot springs near by as well that we can show you later." Wen Ning suggested grinning from ear to ear, unable to controll his excitement. "It's been very hard to not share the news."

He knew that their child was going to be well loved. While they were an arranged marriage their love for one another had come naturally. He didn't care what gender it would be they would be loved equally.

"You can thank my grandmother and sister for all the information they provided, even though I was already aware of some of them. And it seems my sister sends me a new letter each week with more information."

While he knew his family meant well, especially his sister sometimes she could be a little ovear bearing. And she proved that even though she was no longer by his side she still had a way to nag and remind him to do things. He had a feeling once news hit the rest of the sects there would be more letters filled with advice.

[snowbirdprincess]

"We can certainly do that if you don't mind it being just the men. The ladies can enjoy it later," the Emperor said.

Since it was improper for them to share at least in the palace.

"Perhaps," the Empress said, "If our cook could borrow your kitchen and some ingredients, he can make something for all of us to share."

Since that was the easiest way and all of the consorts who had come could join as well.

"I think we should be able to do that," Meili said, glancing at her husband for final approval. "But we are very grateful to his family for all of their advice."

Just then, a familiar voice - to Meili and Wen Ning - could be heard. "Uncle Ning. Uncle Ning. Aunt Meili."

That's two boys almost passed them, but at the last moment spotted them and came in. One of them was A-Yuan, his arms crossed in front of him. The other was the second to the youngest prince, Jianshi. Jianshi immediately walked over and knelt in front of the Emperor and Empress.

"Greetings to Royal Father and Royal Mother," the young prince said.

A-Yuan knelt as well and bowed forward slightly, but didn't move his arms. Meili could see the attendants behind the royal family looking perplexed. This was a child no older than the Eleventh Prince, but he didn't know how to greet the Emperor properly. So Meili quickly jumped in.

"A-Yuan, this is the Emperor and Empress."

"Greeting to the Emperor and Empress," A-Yuan said, still not moving his arms.

"A-Yuan," the Empress asked, using the child's name. "Why do you not move your arms?"

"I don't dare," A-Yuan said. "I don't want to drop it."

"It?"

And it was at that point a rabbit stuck its head out from Yuan's robes, looking around. Now it was understandable.

"Oh... is the Sixth Princess's pet?" the Empress asked, looking to her attendants for confirmation.

[raddishpeddler]

"Yes, I am okay with both suggestions," Wen Ning replied with a nod and then turned at sound of his name being called and the entrance of two young boys. He then stepped over to the A-Yuan. "Here let me hold the rabbit and I can show you the proper protocol."

He then gentally took the rabbit and situated it so he could show A-Yuan the proper steps. He also gave the proper protocal for interacting with the Eleventh Prince. Then he also showed to do for an apology. While he was a child, none seemed to be horribly offended by the interruption, but it was good to show the lesson being taught and in a way where he wasn't over stepping boundaries of the parents.

"A Yuan is the heir to Gusu Lan sect. I believe his family and sect leader had arrived. They had said they would arrive a little earlier to help out." Wen Ning calmly explained. He was quite used to various sects arriving unannounced or sometimes earlier then expected or later. He didn't go into detail about his parents just yet, figuring he would save that for later.

"We were trying to find the owner of the rabbit?" Wen Ning asked A Yuan.

[snowbirdprincess]

A-Yuan handed over the bunny to Wen Ning when he came over to get it, smiling. Clearly, he liked rabbits and knew how to take care of them since he had been more willing to be improper than to let the rabbit possibly fall.

A-Yuan followed what Wen Ning told him to, the servants now at ease that the young boy was learning how to act properly. In the middle of it, they could faintly hear a woman calling for the Eleventh Prince down the hall so the Empress gave a subtle nod of her head to one of the eunuchs who left quietly to go get Jianshi's nanny. They returned a few moments later, the nanny bowing and moving to stand by the door.

To be fair, WangJi would have been fine with Wen Ning teaching his son proper etiquette when it came to the royal family. There was not much cause for that level of formality even in Gusu Lan.

A-Yuan nodded. "A-Yuan arrived with Mama and Daddy and Uncle. I saw the little bunny sitting there and he looked confused like he was trying to find someone so I had took him with me. I met Eleventh Prince too and we went to try and find the bunny's owner."

Since he now knew to refer to the other boy as the Eleventh Prince.

"Well, it is very nice to meet you, A-Yuan," the Empress said. "Thank you for returning the rabbit. I know Sixth Princess would be sad without her friend. Come."

She gestured to both boys and offered them each one of the little cakes that Meili had made sure was in every room since it was such a long trip.

"Thank you, Royal Mother," Jianshi said.

"Thank you, your highness," A-Yuan said, each other them taking a cake and snacking on it.

"A very polite and willing to learn child," the Emperor said. "I should like to meet his parents while I am here."

"Of course," Meili said before giving Wen Ning a subtle look that she'd explain about A-Yuan's 'Mama' before that happened.