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

[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.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning gave a sublte nod toward Meili's direction in return in understanding. He was thankful that A Yuan was an obiendant child and often meant well in his actions. He knew that A Yuan wasn't trying to be disobient with not bowing down properly, he just didn't know how to with the rabbit in his arms.

"Yes, we can arrange for that to happen. I'm sure they would be honored. I believe you've briefly met his father on a few occassions already. He had been with me when I first went to meet you, and again in the end to help escort Meili to here." Wen Ning stated. They were going ot have to discuss a few things prior to the official meeting, but he didn't want to bring the subject up in front of the children.

"Would it be okay for A Yuan to meet the sixth princess? I'm sure he would be honored to meet the rabbit's owner. After all, he did help pick out the rabbit. The rabbit came from his sect."

[snowbirdprincess]

Yes, Meili would agree that it was good Yuan was so obedient. Also the fact that the Imperial family had so many children now that they were aware children did odd things because it worked in their mind and not because they were trying to be disobedient.

"Hmm... that may be," the Emperor said. "I do believe I remember someone from Gusu Lan."

"Yes, I do believe that would be a wonderful idea. Meixui is talking down a little so she needs practice," the Empress said. "A-Yuan, would you like to carry Bunny to give him back to the princess?"

"Yes, please!" A-Yuan said with a bright smile.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning smiled. He was glad that A-Yuan had the opperutunity to meet the young princess and that he was making a good impression on the Royal Family. It would help him later on in the future.

Remembering that he was still holding the rabbit, Wen Ning moved to let A-Yuan carry it, once he was done eating.

"I can talk with his parents tonight and let them know so we can arrange some time later this week before the events happen." Wen Ning finalized. "Today should be for resting and catching up on everything."

[snowbirdprincess]

Once A-Yuan was done with his snack, he took the rabbit back when Wen Ning handed it to him, settling the rabbit carefully in his arms.

"Good," the Emperor said with a nod, pleased that they would be moving forward with having them meet A-Yuan's parents officially.

"Your Majesty," the Empress said. "Would you care to go with us to return Bunny to the Sixth Princess?"

Yes, they might be able to get the idea that 'Bunny' was the rabbit's name according to the princess.

"Of course, we can all go." He stood up and moved to stand beside the Empress. Well, that was until they beckoned A-Yuan and Jianshi to stand between them. The attendants were clearly leaving space for Meili and Wen Ning to walk with them as well.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning smiled and holding his wife's arm they moved to join them. He enjoyed seeing the Emperor and Emperess taking time to visit their children. Now he was including in such gatherings. If only A-Yuan had an idea of what the honor was behind meeting the Sixth Princess. Not many got such a priviledge. Perhaps, the purity behind it made it more special.

"Does the rabbit cause a lot of trouble?" Wen Ning asked, curious. They obviously bonded if they went through the effort to bring the rabbit with them.

[snowbirdprincess]

Yes, he was definitely considered part of their family now. He was allowed to join them for something like this. Granted, it also helped that it was his castle so it made sense. It was also true that A-Yuan wouldn't know how special it was to be able to meet Sixth Princess. Boys played with boys, girls played with girls in the palace for the most part so unless a prince or princess intentionally went to see a brother or sister, they didn't interact much.

Jianshi reached up to hold the Empress's hand as they walked. A-Yuan was too busy holding the rabbit, but he was walking closest to the Emperor, the attendants filing after Wen Ning and Meili, walking properly and quietly.

"Not at all," the Empress remarked. "Bunny and Sixth Princess get along well and they enjoy playing together. Her mother assigned one of the maids to be Bunny's attendant so when they go outside to play, some is there to carry Bunny for the Sixth Princess."

Yep... Bunny was definitely the rabbit's name.

Also as they were leaving and heading back towards the rooms assigned to the princes and princesses, Wen Ning would probably notice WuXian and WangJi relatively nearby. Whether they had lost A-Yuan or knew he had gone to return a rabbit they had found in the castle wasn't clear, but they at least weren't far away.

[raddishpeddler]

"I'm glad to hear that Bunny wasn't a problem. Being so young can be rather lonely at times and I had hoped the rabbit would have been a good companion for her." Wen Ning stated, glad that his decision on the rabbit wasn't a wrong choice. It did amuse him that the rabbit even had it's own attendant. Although, Meili's cat was taken care of by her maids. The pets of the Royal Family were well taken care of.

He did spy A-Yuan's parents near by. Normally, he wouldn't have hesitated to call upon them especially in his own castle. But the fact that the Royal Family wasn't prepared to know who A-Yuan's mother was, he didn't want to create an unexpected scene. They were going to have to tell them soon. He believed that if they were really concerned, Lan Zhan or WuXian would have sent a servant or disciple to get Wen Ning.

For now he simply focused on the rabbit and seeing Meixu. The last time he had seen her she was starting to babble. It would be cute to see what words she had learned and how many sentences she could form. While Bunny was a simple name it was better then naming the rabbit 'blue' or another silly term that kids were known to do.

[snowbirdprincess]

It wasn't uncommon for pets to be cared for by maids. If there was one maid who knew everything about the pet, easier to take care of them. Also probably an easy and rewarding task for the maid whose job it was to take care of them. She wasn't going to complain if the animal was easy to care for and didn't cause a problem.

It wasn't that long of a walk to the room Meili had given to the youngest princesses and when they entered, everyone stopped what they were doing and bowed, most of them attendants though there was one consort with them.

"Greeting to his Majesty, her Highness the Empress, Eleventh Prince."

They were the most important of the group. Though the Third Princess and Fourth Princess both did say, "Eleventh Brother" instead of "Prince". The nanny holding the Sixth Princess greeted everyone for her.

"Ah!" The consort said, spotting A-Yuan and what is he was carrying. "Is that Bunny? Meixui, Bunny came."

"Bunny?" the little princess said clear as day.

"Yes, Meixui," the Empress said. "Bunny came too."

"Bunny!" the little princess said excitedly, clapping her hands a few times, then immediately said "Hi!"

"Sixth Princess," the girl's mother said. "Can you greet your Royal Father? Say, 'Greetings to Royal Father'."

Well, she didn't say that, but after a moment of behaving like she was shy, Meixui said, "Royal Father."

"Ah! Good! Very good!" the Emperor said and as though to reward his daughter for learning to say that or help her understand who that was, he came over and held out his hands to take her from her nanny, who of course handed her over.

"And who is this that brought Bunny to us?" the consort asked with a smile.

"Lan Yuan!" A-Yuan said with a bright smile then realizing he hadn't yet greeted, said, "Greetings to your Highness."

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning smiled, proud of how well A-Yuan was handling himself. He made sure as well to greet everyone properly and watched the interactions between father and daughter. He looked forward to being able to hold his own child one day.


"Bunny seemed to be inspecting the castle to make sure it was safe for his princess when A-Yuan found him." Wen Ning explained. While the story wasn't true it was still entertaining for the princess. She didn't need to know her bunny got lost.

[snowbirdprincess]

Meixui's mother smiled, giving a slight bow to Yuan. "Greetings to young master Lan," she said in response. Then she came over to get Bunny while Wen Ning was saying that. "Oh, how nice of Bunny. He really is very good."

Yes, all the adults knew that the rabbit had been lost, but it was cute to say that and there were other children, mainly Fourth Princess who also was young enough to believe that.

"Wah!" she said excitedly, bouncing a little, holding onto her older sister's hand. The third princess smiled, old enough to know better, but nice enough to let the little ones believe it.

"Good Bunny," Meixui said with a smile.

"Meixui," Meili said. "Want to come see your older sister and A-Yuan?"

"Yeah," Meixui said.

The Emperor relinquished his youngest daughter to the second one and Meili moved to stand next to her husband and A-Yuan came over to see her.

"Hello, Meixui," A-Yuan said looking up at the princess.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning moved slightly to allow the children to interact. He didn't have much to say, letting the children have their time. At least Bunny was returned safely and Meixui was happy.

While the princess seemed to be more bashful about speaking, it was still fun listening to them chatter. It was also good practice for her. A-Yuan was never a shy child and was curious about everything.

[snowbirdprincess]

"Hi," Meixui said when someone greeted her.

There was some very easy banter between them, A-Yuan trying to get her to talk, which was good since she needed the practice. It also made the adults happy to see that the royal children had a friend. Friends were harder for them as it was mainly the children of ministers who lived in the city as well and that didn't necessarily mean they'd always be there if their father was required elsewhere.

As such, Jianshi seemed unwilling to give up his friend as well, slowly slinking closer and closer to A-Yuan and his older sister holding his younger sister. Since he wasn't interrupting and A-Yuan and Meili weren't bothered by the random but silent intrusion, no one said anything to him.

At least the two other princesses didn't seem intent on interrupting either. They just watched.

Meili didn't interrupt either for the longest time before she finally said, "A-Yuan, is the Sixth Princess cute?"

"Very cute," A-Yuan said.

[raddishpeddler]

It looked as if they were going to have to arrange some play dates later if both parents agreed to it. It was true there weren't many children around. It was the same among the sects. Children almost seemed to be a rare thing and were highly valued. Now that Wen Ning's group was growing up and getting married they would all be having their own families soon.

"Perhaps, we can arrange some play dates later among if both parties are okay with it." Wen Ning suggested after a while. He also noticed the silent intrusion. At least during their stay here they could all play as long as somoene was watching them.

[snowbirdprincess]

"Yes, that would be good," the Empress said. "It looks like Eleventh Prince is quite taken with A-Yuan and wants to be his friend."

A-Yuan looked over at the prince and smiled when she said that. Jianshi smiled back.

"We will have to of course meet A-Yuan's parents before that can be arranged at the palace, but we had already thought of trying to arrange a meeting here."

Meili nodded her head before she thought of something. "My dear husband. As most disciples will be involved with the hunt and not training as normal, is there a garden or a training field the children could use to play?"

[raddishpeddler]

"Understood," Wen Ning responded and then turned to his wife thinking for a few seconds.

"Yes, they can use one of the gardens to play in and we have some kites they can fly too. We may have some toys as well they can use outside. I'm sure the children wouldn't mind running around for a bit. We can use the time to catch up on some more and discuss a few things."

[snowbirdprincess]

"Yes, that is a good idea," the Empress said as the Fourth Princess again tugged at her older sister's hand, clearly excited by the idea. "Yes, let's gather the princes and princesses and let them play. They have spent quite a long time sitting."

"Agreed," the Emperor said before turning to an attendant. "Go tell the nannies and attendants to have the princes ready to go out shortly. Make sure there are enough maids and attendants to watch over them while they are outside."

"Of course," he replied and bowed before heading out of the room.

"We will ensure everything is ready for them," Meili said, handing Meixui back to her nanny. "Once everything is arranged, we will return."

Meili took Wen Ning's hand so they could leave, but before they could even take a step, the two princesses and Jianshi bowed. "Thank you, Second Sister," all three of them said. "Thank you, Sect Leader Wen."

"Of course," she said. "We will take our leave."

And once they were out of the room, she said, "If there are any disciples not training that you trust well, it would be good to have a few near the garden to stand guard."

[raddishpeddler]

"It's our pleasure," Wen Ning replied and bowing to everyone, he collected A-Yuan and they headed back out. "Let's go find your parents and let them know where you'll be, A-Yuan. Then we can get the garden ready for your new friends..."

He then turned to his wife. "Yes, I can summon a few of them to help watch over the children. It will be good practice for them and keep them on their guard. It won't surprise me if a few will try to slip out of sight to explore. I think having them go outside for a bit was a good idea, Meili. They all seemed to be excited."

[snowbirdprincess]

A-Yuan nodded eagerly in agreement to let his parents know and then getting to play with new friends. He walked alongside them obediently, maybe with a bit more spring in his step than normal... if that was possible.

"I'm sure a few of the younger ones would. There should hopefully be enough maids and attendants. They will always take up positions of easiest possible entrance... or escape in some cases. But the disciples will help assure that the royal children are safe from other threats that they may not be aware of." She smiled. "Not that I believe anyone would. But you can never be too careful and the royal family is very good at being paranoid."

She can say it. She's one of them.

[raddishpeddler]

"I have a few discples that are used to dealing with children having come from big families. They'll know what to watch out for and not be easily mislead. I wouldn't expect Wen Zhuliu to be part of this. He made it clear after his personal experience, he would appreciate not being on guard duty. I'm sure your family will eventually get used to the chaos here." Wen Ning stated.

He then spoted A-Yuan's parents and called them over. He let A-Yuan tell them about the new friends he made. Then he chimed in about how the Emperor wished to meet with them later on if possible.

[snowbirdprincess]

She smiled. "That would be good since most of them are young boys and there are not enough girls to keep them in check. Third Princess will try very hard to help keep them in line though."

But she would also have her younger sister in tow as the younger girl liked being around her older sister.

WuXian and WangJi were both agreeable to A-Yuan playing with the royal children. The comment though about the Emperor wanting to meet them, WangJi glanced over at WuXian as WuXian hesitated a moment.

"You will let them know about our family?" WuXian asked.

"Of course, Master Wei," Meili said. "I don't want to surprise them with that as it will be uncomfortable for everyone."

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning gave a nod as well."We were going to explain everything to her family later. We didn't want to discuss everything with the children around and wanted to give them a chance to interact.

We do appreciate that you arrived early to help us get the event set up. Is there anything you need?"

While they were frequent guests, Wen Ning still wanted to make sure everything was okay. He also planned to set aside time to spend with them as well. He knew that Meili would want to be with her family and he could use that time to spend with them.