Mulan sighed and caressed the medallion given to her by the Emperor. She couldn't believe how far she had gotten. She joined the army, defeated Shan Yu, and fell in love all at the same time. Things had immediately gone back to the way it was before she saved China, though the villagers' attitudes didn't change towards her. She tried to ignore the odd looks she had gotten by young men when she went to the market and the whispers she had heard from women. But it was uncomfortable being around everyone now especially the matchmaker.

Her mother ordered her to go the market and she intended to after she admired the medallion one more time. Its beauty struck her and she still couldn't believe that the priceless piece of gold belonged to her now. She sighed dreamily, her thoughts drifting off to a certain young general. His handsome features and muscular build made her drool mentally every time.

The new General Li flopped himself down on the bed. It was a tiring day indeed; with Chi Fu yelling and having to come up with battle strategies almost every 6 minutes it was no wonder his father came home tired almost every day. The worst thing about it was that he had to be away from Mulan. He would be delayed for another week. His younger sister, Mai di xun and his younger brother, Shan slept quietly in their rooms. He could tell how they felt. Since his mother's death when he was young and his father's recent death he was like both parents now.

It was hard especially since they were only 10 and 11 but he had to do it. His thoughts drifted to Mulan. He still couldn't believe that a young woman of her size managed to defeat the Huns' ruthless leader. His parents would've been proud to know that their son had trained China's first heroin. Shang closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.

Mulan tried hard to remember what her mother told her to buy. She scanned the aisles and her memory returned to her. "Well, hello there, Mulan," Ji Nuo greeted snobbishly. Ji Nuo was the daughter of a rich merchant, who was staying in Mulan's village, preparing to visit the matchmaker. Mulan ignored her and continued scanning the aisles.

"What should I call you now, since you've decided you want to play soldier," Ji Nuo said.

"I don't have time, Ji Nuo I have plenty on my mind," Mulan replied, controlling her anger.

"Thinking about your boyfriends back at the army camp? I say, General Li Shang is quiet a handsome man with high honor. I guess Baba will deem him worthy of marrying me."

Mulan gasped silently. How did Ji Nuo know about Shang? It was probably the gossip going around her village. "And what makes you think that he'll want you instead of me?" Mulan asked, forgetting to control her anger.

"Don't flatter yourself, Mulan. I know what men want in a woman. Beauty, refinement, grace, obedience, and silence, things that you seem to be lacking."

"Get over yourself, Ji Nuo. I'm sure General Li wants someone who can do tasks other than bragging about her father's jewels."

"I'm sure General Li wants a wife who's not a clumsy peasant girl or boy to have the audacity of taking a man's role," Ji Nuo snapped. "But don't worry if I feel like it I'll tell Baba to convince one of the farmers to take you in." With that she walked away and Mulan was left standing there angrily.

Author's Note: I know it's not great but it gets better. Plus school starts on Tuesday. DAMN! DAMN! DAMN!