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]

Given that her origins were fairly humble for an Empress, she knew well customs outside the palace, at least what they used to be when she was younger. Surely, it couldn't have changed that much. But she no longer spoke of such things. Back then, it was not potentially offensive for someone other than her husband to call her by her first name. Even Consort Fa had to be careful when she used her first name and would never do so with company.

Jianshi immediately ran over to play with A-Yuan, one of the attendants and his nanny providing them with toys to play with.

Meili smiled, accepting the help over to a seat, sitting down as Zhelan moved to stand out of the way. She was also watching WuXian, knowing that once he relaxed, he'd likely start getting more boisterous. He had done so with her once he had gotten to know her. Nothing offense, but perhaps more... familiar than one would have expected. And WangJi was quiet, prompting his husband to pick up the slack.

They didn't quite get to that, fortunately. Probably around the time where she could see WuXian starting to get into his element again, they were interrupted, this time by the Sixth Princess, the consort who was her mother, the nanny, and a maid who was carrying the rabbit.

This, of course, started the cascade of greetings that were proper: consort greeting everyone; nanny greeting on behalf of the princess; Jianshi and Meili greeting the consort and princess; and also meant WuXian, WangJi, and Wen Ning had to greet them as well.

Boy, it really was good to be at the highest rank in this situation as the Emperor and Empress didn't have to move at all except to tell everyone at their ease once greetings had been exchanged.

"We heard that you were meeting with the family that provided Sixth Princess's rabbit," the consort said. "So we wanted to come and thank them personally."

[raddishpeddler]

This was certianly becoming a hectic day and one full of surprises. At least so far the meeting was going well. Everyone seemed to be doing well and no one was crossing any line that may bring discomfort.

Wen Ning smiled and introduced the Lans to the Sixth Princess and the consort. He believed the consort wouldn't comment on the obvious and would save any questions for later. Leave it to the Lans to be so popular! Prior to this he had just been sharing how he had met Wei WuXian and Lan WangJi.

"Sixth Princess, would you like to let the Lans hold Bunny?" Wen Ning suggested.

[snowbirdprincess]

The consort certainly didn't comment. If the Emperor and Empress had no issue, then it was certainly not her place to say anything. Also not knowing WuXian was A-Yuan's mother helped with that. She could think whatever she wanted and be blissfully ignorant.

"Yeah!" the little girl declared.

With permission from a princess granted, even though she was very young, the maid offered the rabbit to either one of them. WangJi, of course being the rabbit whisperer, took the rabbit carefully in his arms, holding it so the princess could still see the rabbit.

Meixui, however, then began to get fussy, reaching towards the Lans who had her rabbit. Neither her nanny nor her mother seemed to be able to console her. After a few long moments, the Empress offered, "Perhaps she'd feel better if Master Wei held her so she could still be close to Bunny."

There were some surprised looks that she was offering for someone outside the palace to hold a royal child and a man at that, but the Emperor, understanding why she didn't think this was an issue, agreed with her. Well, having the Emperor's permission meant the servants couldn't really object... so they offered her to WuXian to hold.

"Come here, pretty lady," WuXian said with a smile. "You can see your bunny from here."

Meixui easily went over to WuXian's arms, smiling. "Bunny... Hi!"

"Hello to you too," WuXian said.

It was all very cute, but after a moment, WuXian got a curious expression on his face as he looked at her before he glanced over at WangJi and Wen Ning in turn. "Lan Zhan. Wen Qionglin. I think the Sixth Princess might have a Golden Core."

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning smiled glad to see that the Royal family were trusting the Lans, especially Wei WuXian to hold the Sixth Princess. It showed how much they were willing to accept them and to trust them.

Now his expression became curious at Wei WuXian's statement. He looked to the Emperor and Empress for permission to make a confirmation. Only when he did receive the permission did he examine her by placing his fingers over her center where the Golden Core would be.

"Wei WuXian is correct, the Sixth Princess has a Golden Core," Wen Ning announced once he had Lan Zhan confirm as well. This was a huge deal, especially for someone from the Royal Family to have someone with a Golden Core. Now the cultivation world couldn't complain about them being involved in their affairs.

[snowbirdprincess]

That statement also got the Royal Family and A-Yuan curious, everyone watching as both WangJi and Wen Ning assessed WuXian's conclusion. The Emperor, of course, gave a gesture indicating that Wen Ning could examine her when he looked over. The little girl was a little surprised by the sudden attention, but since WangJi had stepped closer, closing his eyes to do his own assessment his way since he didn't needlessly touch others, she reached over to try and touch her rabbit where it was still in WangJi's arms.

WangJi himself just nodded his head in agreement.

"So what does that mean for the Sixth Princess?" the Emperor asked.

"Eventually she'll be able to manipulate her spiritual energy," WuXian remarked, WangJi staying near the princess so she could pet the rabbit. "In a few years, she'll be able to start training-"

"She is a princess," Emperor said firmly, interrupting WuXian who at least actively tried to not look put upon at that. "She will not learn things that are unfitting to her."

"Gusu Lan cultivates with music," WangJi remarked. "We could teach her. We have female cultivators who would be able to come here to teach her."

"There, that is certainly better," the Empress said reassuringly. "Music is appropriate for her to learn."

[raddishpeddler]

"Yes, Gusu Lan would be the better fit to help train the Sixth Princess." Wen Ning stated agreeing with the others. "At least so she understands the basics and can control her abilities. That way she won't accidentally hurt herself or others by not understanding what's going on.

During the competition you'll get to see what all the sects are able to do with their cultivation skills and markmenship. It'll give you a good understanding that not all of it is connected with dealing with the dead. My sister and I use our cultivation skills to help with healing is another example."

Wen Ning tried his best to help reassure the Royal Family that it was a good thing to have a Golden Core and that their daughter didn't have to deal with the typical things like a Night Hunt.

[snowbirdprincess]

"Yes, I think that would be a good idea," the Empress said, still trying to get the Emperor actually concede without demanding it. "We do not want Sixth Princess to be unable to control this. It would be more unseemly if she wasn't."

Finally, the Emperor relaxed again. "Yes, it would be good to see this for ourselves. See what she might be capable of."

"Is it common?" the princess's mother asked, "For someone has to no abilities to have a child with them?"

Given that she was the mother, it was no unexpected for her to ask.

"It is possible for someone with no abilities to have a child with them," WangJi remarked. "Rare, but possible. Just as having a golden core doesn't guarantee a child with ability."

WuXian grinned. "I guess your Majesty and your Highness just that connection."

Some of the attendants looked briefly shocked he'd say something like that, but the Emperor laughed only a moment later. "You have an interesting way with words."

Personally Meili thought that he was asking for it, but at least her father had been in a good mood now. The fact WuXian was holding the princess might have helped.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning gave a deadpan expression in respone to Wei WuXian's comment. He had wondered how long he was going to be able to behave. This was pretty tame, but now the Royal Family got a small view of what Wei WuXian can be like if left unchecked.

"Yes, my body guard came from a family that wasn't part of the cultivation world. He had to learn on his own how to use his powers." Wen Ning pointed out. He was careful to leave out who the family was and not too much personal information as well about Wen Zhuliu. Yet, finding someone they could connect with would help them understand how unpredictable having a Golden Core can be and what one can do.

"At least now the Sixth Princess won't be on her own and have plenty of people willing to help her."

[snowbirdprincess]

Yep, they had seen it and at least they hadn't been mad at him. If the Emperor was amused, then it was fine. And to be fair, the consort hadn't seemed upset by it. It had been more the attendants shocked on their behalf.

"Oh I see," the Empress said with a smile. "So it is not so unusual."

WuXian and WangJi both glanced at Wen Ning as this was news to them, but they didn't say anything, looking back over at the royal family, WuXian soon distracted having to play with the princess when she wanted to do something else than let people stare at her.

"Yes, she will have help with her abilities," WangJi confirmed.

"A-Yuan help too," A-Yuan said from where he was seated on the floor, beaming brightly.

"What a good boy," WuXian said with a smile.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning made it a note to explain to them later while they had tea. He hadn't had a real chance to explain to them the recent knowledge he had learned the last few months. And to be fair he wasn't going to be telling Wen Zhuilu's secrets to everyone. If Wen Zhuilu wanted to tell them the whole story he could, but at best he was going to give them a simpliflied explaination. The little bit of information served it's purpose.

Overall, Wen Ning was glad that things were going well. He did wonder if the Emperor having laughed was going to encourage Wei WuXian's cheekiness.

"I think it's something worth celebrating as well." Wen Ning stated.

[snowbirdprincess]

Yes, it would be good if they knew at least a little bit more, but they didn't need all of the details. Just because they knew so little about Wen Zhuliu, it was all pretty surprising to them.

WuXian eventually settled back into the chair, the princess sitting on his leg which seemed to relax the attendants more. WangJi also sat back down, positioning his chair so he could put the rabbit on his legs and let the princess see her rabbit when she wanted. A-Yuan and the prince went back to playing now that the fuss was over.

And the conversation was not so bad. WuXian didn't get particularly cheeky now. Maybe that was because he had the princess and he wouldn't risk corrupting her. A boy was fine. A little girl was not.

Meili smiled, reaching over to put her hand on Wen Ning's leg.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning wrapped his hand around hers, pleased with how everything was going. After a while though, he felt a weird sensation one he associated with around strong magic or the dead. For those paying attention his eyes changed colors briefly. He tightened his hold of Meilie's hand briefly and then looked to Lan Zhan.

"Can you do an inquiry check, Lan Zhan? Something doesn't feel right." Wen Ning soflty asked before slumping down in his chair.

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili happened to look over when he tightened his grip on her hand, seeing the brief change in his eyes, holding onto his hand in return.

The odd request prompted Zhelan to step closer. On her person, as she always did because Meili asked her to, she had the pouch with the talisman that was supposed to help him. It was nicely decorated as a fragrance pouch and Meili often told people that she asked Zhelan to carry it for her as she liked the design, but it did not match her robes. Since they were always together, Zhelan having it was the same as Meili having it.

WangJi didn't even look over, just nodded his head and carefully held out the rabbit for someone to take. The maid who had been carrying the rabbit when they walked in immediately came over to take the rabbit back. The nanny hesitated, wondering if she should take the princess back, but WuXian quickly reassured her, "It's fine. She can stay," as WangJi produced his guqin from seemingly nowhere.

In reality, if there was something weird, the princess was probably safer in WuXian's arms than anyone else's.

But the royal family got to watch as WangJi settled the guqin on his lap and began to play a few notes, pausing to see if he would receive a response.

[raddishpeddler]

A maid quietly disappeared to go retrieve Wen Zhuilu when it was evident that something odd was going on. There was no obvious threat, but it was best to reac to the situation and have an extra guard around in case something happened. In cases like this Wen Ning would have requested his bodyguard.

Wen Ning was more apprehensive at this point as he waited to see what was going on. Why was he suddenly feeling a pressence in the room when there had been nothing for ages around the castle. He watched as the guqin did recieve a response.

"Greetings Lan Zhan and Wei WuXian, I had hoped to see you one more time. You knew me as Lan Yi when we spoke briefly a few years ago. I apologize to the Royal Family for my deciption." the spirit replied. Bunny appeared to have sat up in the maid's hands to look up at the two.

[snowbirdprincess]

Having the maid go get Wen Zhuliu on her own spoke to how well they understood his issue and who was likely to help. Meili would definitely reward her for that.

Everyone in the room looked as the guqin began to play itself. The royal family and attendants were naturally more alarmed by this, but the fact that neither WangJi nor WuXian were at all confused by it helped calm them before they panicked.

WuXian, for his part, didn't speak qin language. He just watched with interest as the guqin played itself. Quite a long response for a spirit. Almost like it was playing its own song. Finally, when it stopped, WuXian looked over at WangJi. "What did it say?"

WangJi didn't answer immediately, just looked up, glancing around the room, his eyes finally coming to rest on the rabbit in the maid's arms. It also made sense, he thought, since the princess didn't seem at all concerned about the spirit using its powers to control the guqin and she was sitting almost right next to it.

"Seems that your rabbit is more than we suspected," he commented. "Do not be alarmed by it," he added before anyone could react. "The spirit of our former sect leader means no harm."

Given it was a Gusu Lan sect leader, pacifism was almost a guarantee unless otherwise needed.

Now, everyone was looking at the rabbit, including WuXian. "Who would have thought," he remarked with a smile.

[raddishpeddler]

It took a moment for Wen Ning to digest what he just heard. But when he understood he automatically relaxed. It also helped that Wen Zhuilu had quietly slipped into the room behind the maid returning. He had placed a hand on Wen Ning's shoulder to let him know he was beside him. Prior to that he bowed before the Royal Family to acknowledge their pressence. He sensed the greetings could wait. Judging from what he just heard and what was explained, Wen Zhuilu felt he didn't have to react and just remained at Wen Ning's side.

Wen Ning also noted that the maid was responsible for bringing him and would have to acknowledge her quick thinking later.

Regardless, the news was still quiet a surprise. He was just thankful that it wasn't a vengeful spirit. He didn't understand why he didn't sense her the first time. At best he figured she just hid her pressence at that point and now wanted to be noticed.

"Sixth princess is aware that I've been around, but I don't thinks she fully understood the concept and just accepted it was Bunny the entire time. Now that it is certain she has the Golden Core I wanted to come foreward and explain why I arranged this. I would like to continue watching over her and her siblings and also help train her." The spirit explained.

It was difficult holding the conversation through the qugin, but it was also the more comfortable way to communicate. It would also help the Royal Family understand how the cultivation world worked especially with the Gusu Lan sect.

Wen Ning currently just watched the conversationg going on, having no questions to ask right now. He gave a gently squeeze around Meili's hand to let her know he was okay and in no threat.

[snowbirdprincess]

It was definitely very surprising for all of them. WangJi hadn't been quite expecting to hear that from his guqin at this time, but it was apparently happening. Luckily he was the more rational person in the group so he didn't show any alarm in what he was hearing. Also that he knew it wasn't a spirit tricking him. He was so skilled with Inquiry that a spirit approaching him could not lie. Because this would be one heck of a lie.

As the guqin started to play again, the princess clapped happily, giggling, clearly finding something pleasant about this spirit. The fact she did was probably what kept the Imperial family and their attendants from freaking out right there. The maid was definitely holding the rabbit even more carefully than she had before.

This time once the music stopped, WangJi translated exactly what the guqin had said since it was something that the family needed to know.

Meili glanced over at Wen Ning and smiled, before looking back.

There was silence for a moment after WangJi finished talking. Since the spirit seemed to understand them well enough, WangJi didn't feel the immediate need to play any responses unless the spirit didn't seem to be understanding the responses.

Finally, the Emperor spoke. "I suppose that we can allow that. It is not something that we are familiar with after all. Frankly, all of this is new."

Understatement of the year if there ever was one.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Zhuilu had a hard time keeping a neuteral expression during the whole exchange. It was a hard thing for him to acknowledge and also having been so easily tricked too. That was the hardest part for him to accept. He had carted the rabbit around and was feeding it carrots during the trip.

"I apologize for not even thinking to check the rabbits before we brought one over. I had never thought that such a thing would happen," Wen Ning finally stated. "The rabbits belonged to Gusu Lan so we figured they were all safe."

The rabbit attempted to what look like a bow in direction toward the Royal Fmaily. "Thank you, it is an honor to assist your family."

[snowbirdprincess]

Surprise! You had been carrying around the reincarnated former sect leader of Gusu Lan and didn't even know it. To be fair, they had all been tricked, even Gusu Lan.

"It was not something any of us expected," WuXian remarked. "I mean... the rabbit was in our sect and none of their cultivators realized."

The princess giggled again as the rabbit seemed to bow and the guqin played again. Yes, she was very familiar with the spirit here.

WangJi again translated the guqin and the princess's mother gave the rabbit a slight bow, which had to be weird for the consort bowing to the rabbit and for the maid who just so happened to be holding said rabbit since consorts didn't bow in her general direction.

"I'm sure she will be in good hands," WangJi remarked.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning gave a wary smile. "I'm just glad no harm has been done. I was merely thinking a companion for her never thought I would also bring a teacher as well."

He made a note that any animal being brought into the castle or to the Royal Family would have to be checked as best as possible. He had heard of stories before where things didn't go as nice as they had here. They were very lucky.

After the bow, Bunny appeared to be acting like a regular rabbit once more. Wen Ning gave a nod in Lan Zhan's direction singaling that he believed things were cleared. He no longer seemed to feel her pressence.

[snowbirdprincess]

"I don't know that anyone could have predicted that, Sect Leader Wen," the Empress remarked. "And I don't think it has done any harm. Sixth Princess was very happy even when it was speaking to us."

WangJi nodded his head once, beginning to put his guqin away. Everyone was still watching the rabbit at least somewhat, but it seemed to be behaving more like a normal rabbit now.

"Bunny," the princess said with a smile. Yep, she liked Bunny... even if Bunny was actually a reincarnated sect leader.

[raddishpeddler]

"I suppose not." Wen Ning agreed after a pause. He still wasn't fond of having been tricked, but the intentions overall were meant to help. He could forgive that. He had been involved in too many pranks for his tastes.

He was also glad that this incident didn't cause him to loose favor. It at least helped that Lan Zhan and Wei WuXian were there as witnesses and who were also used to dealing with such situations. Nor would the news leave the room.

He then chose to stear the topic into something more light hearted to ease the tension in the room. He only hoped the excitement was done for the day,

[snowbirdprincess]

A change of topic was definitely appreciated. Everyone soon relaxed again, the two boys still playing on the floor. Eventually, the Sixth Princess was ready to go back to her nanny and her mother decided it was time for them to leave so the princess could rest.

"It does seem to be getting late," Meili remarked after the consort and entourage had left. "We don't want to keep you as I'm sure that you'd like to rest up."

"Agreed," WuXian said. "We should also help with preparing for the tournament."

"Of course," the Emperor said. "Then we will not keep you."

And after bidding the royal family goodbye, they'd be able to leave... and A-Yuan specifically added an additional goodbye to his new friend.

[raddishpeddler]

"We should take our leave as well and let you rest too. It has been quite an exciting day. Hopefully the rest of the days leading up to the tournament will be quiet." Wen Ning stated and as he stood up, he gave them a proper farewell. He then helped up Meili and held out his arm for her. Wen Zhuilu and maids followed behind them.

The next few days were spent celebrating the news of the child and Sixth Princess having a Golden Core. As promised Wen Ning allowed his wife to spend time with her family. He focused on helping prep for the tournament and let the Lans know some of the basic information on Wen Zhuilu so they were no longer left in the dark.

To ease some stress, Wen Ning strayed away to practice some archery. It was one of the few times he could forget everything.

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili had indeed been spending a fair amount of time with her family while Wen Ning prepared for the tournament. He was certainly busy with it and there wasn't much that she could do to assist so she had spent time with her brother and parents. It was nice that they were so close and willing to come to see the cultivation world that they were able to spend time together.

Of course, now there was some news that had distracted the Imperial family from spending time with her... at least for a bit and she had thought to come share the good news with Wen Ning.

She waited patiently off to the side at the practice range where she was not in the way and waited until after Wen Ning had fired his shot.

"Greetings to my husband," she said when there was a moment to do so safely for everyone.