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]

"Ah, archery! Always important. It is something that is taught to all of the princes. There are so many young princes who will soon be at the age to learn."

Jianli's attendant poured the tea for both of the men sitting at the table. After he had put the pot of tea down and stepped back, Jianli spoke as he picked up his cup.

"The oldest princess once said, 'I am the sister of princes'. Well, I like to think that I am a brother of princesses. My twin sister is only the second princess and there are so many younger than her now. I can't ask after the marriage proposals of all the princesses, but I can ask about my sister. I only wish that she is well-taken care of with a man who will respect her."

[raddishpeddler]

"I lost my parents at a young age and was essentially raised by my sister. I can fully understand what it must be for you to want only the best for your sister. My sister means the world to me and I simply want only the best for her." Wen Ning quietly explained as he was also mindful of what to was appropriate. He was grateful for the fact that Jianli went straight to the point. His nerves were already stressed. To play the polite conversations further would have really did a number for his anxiety.

"This one is honored to have been even thought as a possible canidate for your sister. I had never thought that something like this would be ever possible.

I'm not going to waste your time with empty promises. Know that I would treat your sister with equal respect. Her voice would be heard. I would do what I can to see that she is happy. Know that she would always be a queen in my eyes."

As he spoke, Wen Ning met the princes's gaze. He wasn't sure what the protocol was for this....but if he was to be judged for what he was going to say then so be it. Everything he had to say was in genuine honesty.

He also always knew how little girls wished to someday be a princess or a queen and hoped to be treated in such a way. While he was no prince, he would be sure to give her everything he could to hopefully make up for it. They were both giving up alot of things he at least could do his best to make her life comfortable.

[snowbirdprincess]

Jianli had at least learned that in matters of business, one should be straight forward. Arranging marriages was essentially a business contract, just with one party getting a wife and her dowry. If selected, Wen Ning would be related to the Imperial family by marriage so it was even more important. All the more reason to not play around with niceties when one person had an agenda and the other was worried about what was going to be said.

Jianli took a sip of his tea as Wen Ning spoke, looking more at his cup than at Wen Ning. His face was carefully neutral the entire time except for the last sentence, that his sister would always be a queen to him. At this point, he was smiling.

"My sister has said that she never wanted to be a queen because that would mean moving unbearably far away. But... I have always wanted someone to see her as a queen even if she is not. She has always been a great support to me and I owe her that much."

He met Wen Ning's gaze then.

"I think that it would be good to be able to call you my brother-in-law."

That was as good as approval right there.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning was at a loss of words. He wasn't expecting the prince to make such a decision on the spot. He had assumed that it would be sometime before he got a response at all. Had his ears decieved him? The fact the prince was smiling said he didn't hear wrong at all.

He did his best to quickly school his expression into something that resembled a nueteral one. Even though he was sure Jianli saw his shock. Remembering his manners he began to thank the prince. He was at a loss of what to do.

[snowbirdprincess]

The advisors and Emperor had pretty much made their decision at that point. It was only hanging on Jianli's chance to talk with him. As such, Jianli had held all the cards to finalizing the wedding arrangement between Wen Ning and his sister. The comment about her being a queen had won him over. That was exactly what he wanted for his sister.

He wasn't concerned as Wen Ning looked shocked and then began to thank him so profusely.

"It's alright. You're welcome. Let's enjoy our tea."

[raddishpeddler]

Right the tea. He had forgotten about his own cup in front of him. He had been too wrapped up in trying to answer the prince's question. Now was the time to try and relax a little. While the final test was passed, he still couldn't let his guard down completely.

He hoped he would get to know the princess before the actual marriage and it wouldn't be a hateful one. He hoped it would be one that they could learn to love one another over time.

Wen Ning moved to take a sip of his tea, at least it wasn't scolding hot. He used it to recollect his thoughts and try to come up with some kind of small talk.

"You mentioned that the princes's will all be trained in archery. Is this considered a main defence or simply part of their training? I am imagine that you are trained in various fighting methods?" Wen Ning softly questioned.

[snowbirdprincess]

Not completely letting his guard down, no, but the weight of their impending conversation was off both of their shoulders. It would make it easier to have small talk that way.

Jianli took a sip of his tea as well before nodding.

"Yes, the princes are all taught archery. It is not the only skill that they learn. They will also learn to sword fight as well, but given we have an army and guards, that's more as a precautionary thing. Can't always expect the person walking in won't try to pull a knife."

He nodded his head again. "I am trained in archery, short sword, and horsemanship. At least in the way of fighting."

[raddishpeddler]

"Understandable. It's better to be adverse and able to adapt into any situation. My strength is with archery, but I know some sword fighting and horsmanship." Wen Ning replied after he took a sip of his tea.

He neglected to mention he was better using his daggers then his sword. It had been something he adapted to later when he found he wasn't that strong fighting with his sword. Wen Zhuilu had been the one to suggest the different fighting style. He wasn't going to reveal everything. He could fight, but he wasn't great like his sworn brothers were.

Often he was seen with out his sword, aside from when he was traveling. So it was safe to assume that he didn't use it much. The daggers were always on his person though.

[snowbirdprincess]

"All useful skills. As I understand it, cultivation sects pride themselves on having - what are they, disciples? - who are well versed in different variations of fighting."

Jianli was the same way. He was trained in the short sword, but he mostly carried his dagger with him, partially because it was easier to conceal. A short sword was more obvious though so he would carry it when he was in a place where there weren't a lot of guards around him. That was pretty much the state of life here, guards and attendants all with one's beck and call.

"Seventh younger brother will soon be at the age where he will be learning."

[raddishpeddler]

"Correct. We train our disciples to fight and develop their cultivation skills. We will also usually hold an annual competition among the sects to prove our markmanship and cultivation talent. It also hellps build good relationships among the sects." Wen Ning carefully explained.


It used to be tense among the competition due to the friction that Qishan often caused. But now that things have improved the friction was no longer there. Maybe he might invite the prince to come and see the competition, but that wouldn't be till he saw how the marriage went. He was sure that they had never seen such a thing since they didn't pay attention much to the cultivation world.

"Perhaps, we could arrange to help train your princes." Wen Ning suggested. He knew he was going to have to do something in return for them arranging this marriage. This could be a stepping stone.

[snowbirdprincess]

"I see. That sounds like it would be an interesting thing to witness, seeing all of the cultivators competing against each other. I can see how a little friendly competition would help."

It was certainly true that they didn't pay much attention to the cultivation world. As long as they didn't affect the overall peace of the kingdom. But they had recently decided it was too their benefit to start paying attention since they were rather powerful and sects were growing.

"Would you? That would be appreciated. Of course, whoever comes to teach them would have to be properly screened before allowing them to instruct the princes, but a sect that specializes in archery would be able to teach them."

[raddishpeddler]

"I can understand a screening would be necessary. We can work on the processing system for that when the time arrives. I would consider it an honor to be able to teach. I'm also willing to send over new physicians as well or train new healers. I simply wish to help out where I can in return for everything that you are doing." Wen Ning stated.

Again he was genuingely honest. He has been working for some time getting Qishan on the right path among the cultivation world. Now was another path he needed to form. If he was able to help he could.

[snowbirdprincess]

"Yes, there is plenty of time for that determining who. Even the oldest of the youngest princes isn't yet capable to hold a bow for an extended period. There are fewer of us older, but so many younger."

Which if one thinks about it makes sense since the Emperor had fewer consorts to start and now that he had more, there was a greater chance of more children.

"Hmm..." He thought for a moment about it. "We do have some good physicians here, but to be honest, they rarely leave the grounds so they do not see many ailments. Perhaps having someone who comes from elsewhere could add to the knowledge that they have. I'll talk to Royal Father about this."

Yes, it was certainly good that he was offering support. Being offered a princess as a bride rarely came for free. There was usually something, like uniting the Emperor's kingdom with a smaller area that also believed they had the true Emperor. This would help cement ties with the cultivation sects, but also having them come to assist the Emperor and his family was desirable.

At least him offering meant they wouldn't have to approach it later.

[raddishpeddler]

He gave a nod in understanding and finished his cup of tea.

"These were just a few suggestions that I felt that we could assist you with. If you feel there are other matters, please let me know. I'll look into them as well to see what we can do."

These were things he knew that he could offer. He couldn't say what the other sects would or wouldn't do. He wasn't too sure how the other sects would feel about Qishan now being a tie in with the Royal family. Some might be hostile toward the idea while others would welcome the connections. They were simply going to have to learn to accept it.

[snowbirdprincess]

"I think that they are good suggestions. I have no ability to make that call on behalf of Royal Father. He is the one who would have to agree to that so I will approach him. If he has any ideas, I will be sure to let you know at another time."

The royal family had no reason to approach the other sects at the moment. Just having a princess married to one sect was good connection. If the other sects wished to approach or they decided to approach later, that would be something else.

Jianli had finished his tea as well, setting his cup down. His attendant almost immediately came forward to pour more, but Jianli signaled with his hand that he didn't want anymore and the attendant bowed, returning to his place.

"Hmm... I think that we can go so you can meet the Second Princess."

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning could feel his face pale slightly and he knew that his ears were probably a bright pink. He had no clue what to say or do. He had a hard enough time trying to engage in small talk with the prince now to finally meet the princess?

He tried to keep his hands from shaking out of nervousness. He really hoped he didn't start to stutter around her. So far he was able to keep that in check. Only having messed up a few times earlier.

Wen Ning gave a nod as he quietly followed the prince.

[snowbirdprincess]

Jianli stood from his seat and started for one of the nearby buildings. It was a slightly different path to get there, but it was still close to the garden. Of course, his attendant followed him. If Wen Ning decided to glance back, he would see that once they were a good number of paces away, a maid came from somewhere and collected the used cups and the teapot.

It only took a few minutes to reach the building that he had been heading towards. There was a eunuch standing out front of the building.

"Is Second Sister there?" he asked the eunuch. He addressed her as though she was older than him.

"Replying to Fourth Prince," the eunuch replied. "Yes, she is ready to meet him."

"Good." Jianli turned back to Wen Ning. "This is Eunuch Yi. He will be your escort while you are meeting the Second Princess."

Since you know... it was improper for an unmarried lady of her status to be unaccompanied in the presence of man even if he was supposed to be her husband.

Eunuch Yi then opened the curtain for them to enter. As they did, the young woman in very fancy dress and the maid behind her both rose, turning to them bowing, the maid deeper than the princess.

"Greetings to Second Prince," the princess said, also addressing Jianli as though he were older. "Greetings to Sect Leader Wen." She said this before rising up again.

Yes, she had clearly been told who her potential husband was.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning took careful note of everything around them as he followed the young prince. He also noted how most of the staff did their best to remain unseen and out of the way.

He also paid attention to how everyone was announced. He bowed to those he was supposed to and even to those he didn't have to aside from the servants. He was able to tell them apart.

He found himself blushing as he meet the princess for the first time. "G-Gr-Greetings to Second Princess," Wen Ning replied as he bowed and fumbled over his greeting that in turned only made him blush more. He could feel his own heart pounding and he tried to collect himself as best he could. He couldn't afford to mess things up now. "It's an honor to meet you."

He simply wanted to hide in embarrasment. Only, he couldn't.

[snowbirdprincess]

The second princess smiled. "It is an honor to meet you as well," she replied. She didn't seem concerned at all by the fact that he stumbled over that.

"Good," Jianli said. "Now that you have been introduced, I will take my leave."

Jianli and his attendant turned and left, leaving them alone, the princess and her maid giving a bow to them as they departed.

"Would you care for a snack?" the princess asked. "There are some cakes here."

She gestured to the low table where there were a variety of small cakes.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning was briefly startled at the idea of Jianli leaving him. He was just getting used to the prince and having him around offered some sort of familiarity. Yet, he understood that his pressence would also make the conversation more awkward. This was her time to get to know him. At least, Wen Zhuilu got to stay with them. He simply stood by the door way appearing to be aloof to the whole thing. He knew better then to assume he was.

He eyed the small cakes as she pointed them out. He could never say no to sweets and a lot of the cakes that were there he enjoyed. But there were a few that didn't look familiar. He was hungry and his stomach rumbled to remind him and made him blush more. He didn't eat much earlier, his nerves had him too worked up to enjoy the food. He had done his best to eat to not be rude. The tea from earlier had helped.

"Yes, that would be wondeful," Wen Ning replied. He was also grateful that she didn't react to his stuttering from earlier. He was used to people laughing or appeaeraing bothered in his earlier attempts to talk to people or young ladies.

"The gardens here are quite exotic. I've never seen a lot of the flowers and plants that were blooming here." Wen Ning quietly stated, as he tried to push himself to start the conversation with her.

[snowbirdprincess]

Yes, Wen Zhuliu was his guard and his attendant so they wouldn't make him leave and of course, they assumed that he knew the rule that attendants were more to be seen but not heard unless they were needed. It seemed that he did.

The princess gestured to the spot across from her as an invitation to join her before kneeling down, her maid helping her. Her maid went to get some more tea and poured it for them so they could enjoy it.

"They are. Royal Grandmother is quite pleased with them. When she has time, she oversees them. Perhaps once after having a snack, I can show you around the garden. I'm sure Fourth Brother tried, but he's not expected to know anything about them."

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Zhuilu was indeed familiar with the rules. It had been expected of him when he served as bodyguard to Wen Chao. Only under Wen Ning he was given more freedom. He knew when to follow the rules and easily adapted to them.

Wen Ning moved to join her remembering the protocol of how to kneel and where to kneel. This was more elaborate then the cultivation world. A few times he had to be guided on what to do, but it wasn't nothing major that he would embarrass himself greatly over. He was doing his best.

"I would enjoy learning more. I wish to add more to the gardens back home." He also made a note to use this as a chance to see what flowers she loved so he could add them in.

[snowbirdprincess]

Yes, it was very elaborate here and with much higher consequences for messing up, but he was a guest and now he had a guide who may not have known everyone (seriously, there were a LOT of people), but she knew ranks based on dress and colors for those that significantly lower ranked than her. She could certainly help.

Once the maid had poured the tea for them, she moved to stand out of the way, waiting patiently for when her mistress needed her again.

"I'd be happy to. I have spent much time there when I'm not in my studies. Royal Grandmother, Royal Mother, my attendants have all taught me what they know about the gardens." She picked up one of the cakes, using her free hand to help keep her sleeve from hitting the food. "Really? What kind of plants do you have in your garden?"

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning smiled and was mindful with his own sleeve as he helped himself to a cake. He wasn't used to the new robes. He prefered his simple ones. These had been designed specifically for this occassion. He was prone to tripping on his regular robes and had been greatful he hadn't here. He came close to once, but someone had placed a hand on his back to keep him from falling.

He launched into an explaination about his gardens and how he was trying to improve them. They hadn't been a huge focus with the previous sect leader. He hoped through their conversation that he could learn what she liked and add them to the gardens. They were so simple compared to some of the gardens among the sects and paled to those here.

[snowbirdprincess]

She listened intently as he told her about his garden and everything that he wanted to do with them. For the most part, she listened, but would occasionally interject with something about the plants he had just mentioned, such as if she liked them or they looked pretty or asking more about them. She never said that didn't like something at least.

Upon hearing what he already had growing, she did make some suggestions, mentioning ones that she thought would look pretty and perhaps be functional.