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]

"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.

[snowbirdprincess]

"Understandable," WangJi replied. "We will leave it at your discretion."

Yes, it was a sensitive subject, but there was really saying 'no' to the Emperor. There was even less saying when your son was now apparently friends with the Emperor's children. Your children's friends also determined your friends so they were going to have to go.

"I think we're all set up," WuXian remarked. "Everything is very nice. Maybe some tea this evening."

He glanced over at WangJi and smiled, knowing his husband would like that.

"Of course. We will arrange that," Meili said. "You can always ask if you need anything."

"You know we will," WuXian said with a grin. "But Madam Wen, don't overwork yourself either. You are with child after all."

A-Yuan was glancing between the different parties as they spoke.

[raddishpeddler]

"Have you tag teamed with my sister about being a mother hen?" Wen Ning teased. "You should see the pile of letters I have from her with all the reminders and lists of what to do and not to do! It's almost as if she hasn't moved to Lotus Pier at all!"

Wen Ning couldn't help, but appear to be a little exasperated. He knew his sister meant well and he knew Wei WuXian and everyone else meant well too. He didn't want everyone to think he was incapable of taking care of his wife.

"Meili is quite capable of helping out. We got a while before she has to be on bedrest. Her parents were quite happy with the news."

Wen Ning noticed that A-Yuan was appearing a little restless and trying to quietly remind them about the garden. "We should get the garden ready for everyone. Perhaps, we can join you for tea later."

[snowbirdprincess]

WuXian laughed as Meili smiled. "You forget," he remarked. "I've done this before."

A-Yuan smiled at that, beaming his parents. Yep, WuXian was the most unconventional 'mother' there was.

"So I fall in the category of people who can say that," he continued.

"Of course," Meili replied. "And I appreciate the concern. But it is not so bad yet."

"Yeah, probably should get the garden ready before you have all the princes wondering when they can go," WuXian remarked. "So we won't keep you."

"A-Yuan, listen to your uncle," WangJi said.

"Yep!" A-Yuan said with a bright smile.

And with that, WuXian and Wangji would head off.

[raddishpeddler]

"Hmf....I feel betrayed," Wen Ning teased pretending to appear hurt but really wasn't.

As they worked to get the garden ready, Wen Ning sent for the few disciples that he could trust and would be able to handle the job well. He made sure tea and snacks were also prepared. He found various toys and kites that they could use and had the servants carry them out. Only once Meili approved everything was set they went to go let the Royal Family know things were set for the children.

[snowbirdprincess]

WuXian laughed at his comment of feeling betrayed, simply because that was who he was, amused that Wen Ning had thought to say that.

Luckily it didn't take too long to get everything arranged. Once it was and Meili had approved it did she send her maid to go let the royal family know. It was only a few minutes later that everyone arrived, young princes and princesses with their nannies, older princes with their eunuch attendants. Meixui's mother also came with them, her own maids coming with her. Maids and attendants did keep watch as the children played. The youngest of the youngest played ball with some of the maids and nannies. A lot of the princes and the Third Princess played with the kites, Fourth Princess alternating between the kites and those playing ball.

Definitely, a good way for them to burn off energy.

"Seems like it is going well," Meili remarked to her husband.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning watched for a while as the children played, enjoying their interactions. A-Yuan seemed really happy being with the children for a change and not stuck among adults all the time. Every so often one of the disciples would casually toss a ball back or a toy that escaped or helping to retrieve a kite that got stuck. They didn't seem to be annoyed by it either and Wen Ning believed they were having fun themselves.

"Yes, we'll make sure this garden is ready for them for when ever your family stays. I think the group of disciples we have watching over your family will probably the main ones to continue to do so. Let's go discuss with your parents about A-Yuan's family so that way that's out of the way." Wen Ning stated.

He didn't think her family would oppose of them once they learned. At best it would take them a bit to accept the idea as it wasn't very traditional. But they had chance to see that A-Yuan was a normal child and they would see his parents were normal as well. If the cultivation world could accept the small differences he felt they could too. Especially since his wife had accepted them.

[snowbirdprincess]

It was always interesting, Meili thought. Servants that had to be so serious most of the time, never breaking protocol and rules, were able to run around and play with the children. It was a time when she really got to see them smiling and looking so completely happy. Some of the same maids who had followed them out were now playing with young children or helping to herd the more rambunctious princes as they raced around with kites, nannies, attendants, and maids making sure they were safe. Even Jianli and Jianjing, both old enough to be assisting the Emperor and would soon be expecting wives of their own, were playing with the younger princes too.

They were even watching over A-Yuan as well even though he wasn't one of their charges.

And she saw it with the Qishan Wen disciples. They were looking after the princes and princesses like it was normal for them to be here, helping the maids and attendants retrieve toys.

"Yes, let's go tell them. Better to let them know now so they have a chance to take it in."

She took Wen Ning's arm so they could go.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning took Meili's arm and allowed her to lead him back to her parents. Once this was cleared, Wen Ning believed things should continue to be smooth. When they reached the room, Wen Ning knocked on the door and asked for permission to enter.

"We apologize for interrupting, but we had hoped to discuss a few things that had been interrupted." Wen Ning explained after he properly greeted the Emperor and his wife. He glanced at Meili before continuing, a little nervous with explaining the whole thing. He was worried about saying the wrong thing or describing them in a poor light when his intentions weren't to do that.

"You had wished to meet A-Yuan's parents and we wanted to explain a few things about them."

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili lead the way. At least her parents were still in the same room, enjoying tea and snacks that had been brought up by one of Meili's maids. She had asked them to help serve since they knew palace protocol even though they were no longer there. Only her personal maid was staying with her completely, which was fine.

The Emperor and Empress both glanced at each other at the comment before the Emperor turned to the attendants. "You may leave," he said.

They all bowed and left. Even Zhelan left as well even though she already knew about WuXian. She was of the station to leave when servants were told to leave.

"Sit," the Emperor said, gesturing to other chairs in the room.

Meili, of course, sat down before her parents began insisting since she was pregnant.

"What is it that you wanted to tell us about them?" the Empress asked.

"Well, we wanted to make sure that you knew before meeting them. They are... untraditional."

The Emperor put his cup of tea down. "Oh?"

"A-Yuan's mother... is a man."

There was silence from both of them and then the Emperor said, "Excuse me?" like he had heard wrong.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning moved to help Meili sit down before he moved to sit beside her. The tips of his ears turned red at the confusion from the Emperor in Meili's explaination.

She wasn't wrong in her approach. She was pretty much close to what he was going to say. He just wasn't going to be as abrupt.

"What Meili is saying is correct. A-Yuan's parents aren't traditional. His parents are both men. The cultivation world tends to accept things that can be rather controversial due to what we deal with on a regular bases. The cultivation world does accept same sex marriage, but it is rare.

Both men are outstanding, respected, and well known in the cultivation world. They are also close friends of mine and had been extremely supportive of my transition as a Sect Leader. They have also helped Meili transition into the cultivation world. They are also my confidants." Wen Ning carefully explained. He had to pause from time to time to keep from stuttering. He has found that he hasn't stuttered as much as he had in the past, but in situations like this he would faulter.

"A-Yuan's mother is known to break a lot of rules and do things that tend to be considered hard to do. All in his attempts to achieve his goals. His husband helps balance him out by keeping him on the right path of things. This situation was something that no one was prepared for. It caused quite a stir in the cultivation world.

To be honest none of us are sure how he ended up being pregnant. There are still things in the cultivation world we don't understand so we've come to simply accept it for that. There are other theories as well, but we aren't too sure. The main one that he was possibly cursed and didn't know.

Despite the unnatural birth, A-Yuan is quiet a normal child. Nor do we believe that this can happen to anyone."

He stopped for now letting the Emperor and Empress take in what he just said and allowing Meili to add more to it. He nervously tugged at his sleeves.

[snowbirdprincess]

It was certainly a lot to take in as Wen Ning elaborated on that. At first, the Empress might have made the guess that 'A-Yuan's mother' was simply a man who adopted him when he was very young so he didn't know any better and referred to him as his mother since the other was considered his father. Or the other man was actually his father and the other man had essentially taken up the mantle of being the one to care for him if he was the one doing more of the work.

But that thought was completely dashed when Wen Ning said 'pregnant'. So... he actually was the child's mother based on giving him life... That was not quite what she had been expecting to hear. It certainly wasn't what the Emperor was expecting either. And they were both quiet once Wen Ning finished explaining just kind of staring.

Congratulations, Wen Ning. It wasn't often that one made the Emperor speechless. Meili reached over and put her hand on top of Wen Ning's. It looked very romantic but also hid that he was playing with his sleeves since that told others he was nervous. Even if it was true.

"They are both very nice people," Meili said in support of them. "They taught me much when I first married so that I would know who everyone was and the history of the sects. It has made it much easier to interact with others. And I feel that we have A-Yuan to thank for having a child so soon. He interrupted the wedding to greet me so properly. It was like he was bringing that blessing to us."

She placed her hand on her stomach as though to emphasize this.

"Thank you for letting us know," the Empress said first. "There is so much we still have to get used to when it comes to the cultivation world. At least we know for when they come to see us. Isn't that right, your Majesty?"

The Emperor seemed to snap out of his shock then and coughed slightly before replying. "Yes, exactly. It will be good to meet them in person."

Meili smiled, looking over at her husband. Problem solved.

[raddishpeddler]

That was a first to see someone so high ranked as the Emperor and Empress both speechless. Granted...Wei WuXian could excell in that. He relaxed when Meili had wrapped her hand around his. He knew she was trying to help him. Sometimes he couldn't stop those bad habits.

"Yes, A-Yuan had been very excited to meet Meili and had to run up to her right away. She was the first person he didn't recognize and knew she was important. It was very cute and the highlight of the wedding.

His father retrieved him before he could continue carrying on a conversation with Meili. He got to have that the following day and help give a tour of the castle." Wen Ning smiled as he described what happened and pleased that the tension was smoothed over.

"Perhaps, we can be part of the meeting so there's a neuteral party?" He suggested.

[snowbirdprincess]

"That's very sweet," the Empress said. "Yes, I think he did bring a blessing to you. No wonder he is very important."

The Emperor nodded his head once in agreement with that sentiment before answering Wen Ning. "Yes, I think that would be good. Since they know the two of you and we know you as well."

"Wonderful," Meili said. "We will have the kitchen prepare snacks for the meeting since I'm sure A-Yuan and his new friends will want to be there."

[raddishpeddler]

"Great, we will take leave then and prepare for the meeting." Wen Ning stated. He then moved to help Meili up and after saying their goodbyes they left. He then had a servant go to inform the Lans about the meeting and where to attend it while they went to go alert the kitchen staff.

At least this way the meeting will be done and over with. Then over time Meili's family can get used to them especially if A-Yuan was going to still be friends with the princes. There would also be no distractions from when the other sects be arriving in a few days.

"Let's not tell Wei WuXian how speechless your parents were about the story. He might be forever smug on that triumph. His only disappointment would be not being there to see it." Wen Ning softly commented as they went about preparing for everything. "I'll admit that's when I started to get really nervous."

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili gave her parents proper deference before taking her husband's hand so they could head out to finish arranging the meeting between the Imperial family and A-Yuan's parents. She walked quietly alongside him, Zhelan falling into place behind her as normal. At Wen Ning's suggestion, she chuckled.

"Yes, we should not tell them that. He would certainly be too amused by that. And we can't have him thinking that he got one up on them."

She smiled. "I was worried about that too. I could tell my mother didn't think anything was wrong until you said, 'pregnant'."

[raddishpeddler]

"I had assumed that part was going to be the challenge. It's a hard concept to accept as it goes against the traditional laws of nature. I could have left out that part, but if I didn't explain this to them and they heard from someone else....I don't see that would have gone well. I'm glad that your parents were willing to accept the idea even it goes against everything they knew. There are many out there that wouldn't have easily accepted it. Wei WuXian just knows how to break the rules. Ironic that he's now part of the Lan sect."

Wen Ning smirked at the thought. It was a shame Meili didn't get to know WuXian when he was younger. He was a lot more mellow now compared to what he was. But then...all of them have grown up and changed in many ways. Even if those changes were subtle.

[snowbirdprincess]

"Yes, I'm sure even if it was a shock to them, it is more appreciated that they don't find out by accident. I do not want to sour their opinion of WuXian after meeting him just because of something that he cannot control, or their opinion of the cultivation world for keeping it a secret from them. Besides, A-Yuan is a perfectly normal child. No matter how he came to be here."

She smiled. "They do seem to be very focused on rules with Gusu Lan and WuXian doesn't seem like he fits the mold well."

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning gave a nod in agreement. "Yes, I think Gusu Lan took some time getting used to his ways. Honestly, I think they needed a bit of a shake up and I believe he's a good reminder of whats outside of tradition.

I'm sorry that you didn't get some time with your parents right away. The next few days I'll make sure you can have that time."

Wen Ning pulled Meili close to kiss her. "Tonight we can celebrate with your family."