Introduction

Lord Chin sat on his throne impatiently. The envoy from China should have been here hours ago. Then again, his new advisor wasn't helping matters either.

"The kingdom of Qui Gong has been under China's thumb for entirely too long." Galyn Khaan could barely contain his anger. But as an advisor, he had to.

"It's a tributary relationship." Lord Chin tried not to shake. This barbarian could scare anyone, but also knew the ways of China and the surrounding peoples. Few people had that knowledge. "We'd be at a loss if we fought."

"If we can't strike their head, we can strike their heart." Galyn Khaan countered.

Lord Chin listened as his advisor explained...

"The emperor has three daughters - beautiful young princesses of marrying age. He loves them as any father would. If we can use them as pawns in a treaty, he'll have to choose between peace and his beloved daughters."

Lord Chin nodded.

"If he chooses peace, he'll have to send them off to marry your sons, so he can seal the treaty. If he chooses his daughters, he'll face hell. I can rally the surrounding peoples to fight his troops, and we can outnumber them."

"Lord Chin, I apologize for not coming earlier." An assertive yet respectful voice came from the open doors. Lord Chin gestured for Galyn Khaan to hide. The guards stepped aside, allowing the Chinese envoy to step in. He was thin for an official - athletic thin, not underfed thin. His clothes weren't of noble appearance either, more of a refined horseman.

"Enter…" Lord Chin began, then realized he didn't know the young man's name. "What's your name?"

The envoy bowed his head, then looked up. "My name is Li Jiahao." he said. "I bring a message from the Emperor. He does not wish to wage war against Qui Gong, but the last few envoys have not returned with good news."

In the background, Galyn Khaan nodded at Lord Chin. Lord Chin told a scribe to start recording the message.

"I am willing to offer peace, then." Lord Chin responded. "But there is a condition that must be met. Otherwise, the surrounding peoples from whom you collect tribute shall revolt. China's forces will be outnumbered."

Li Jiahao thought this over. Outnumbered usually meant a losing war. "If I may ask, what is this condition?"

"I hear that China has three princesses of marrying age. In order to seal the peace, the Emperor must send them to Qui Gong, where they shall marry my sons." The scribe handed Lord Chin the message with a low bow. Lord Chin then handed it to Li Jiahao.

There was an uncomfortable silence. Lord Chin grew suspicious. Wouldn't an envoy be used to this kind of message?

"As you wish, Lord Chin." said Li Jiahao. It sounded like he was trying to mask sadness. "I shall deliver the message." He bowed and left.

Once outside the borders of Qui Gong, Mulan took off her loaned official's cap and sighed. This was not the news she wanted at all! She knew the world was an unjust place for women, but this was too much. Khan sensed her sadness.

"Khan, let's go home. I don't think I can deliver this message." She gave Khan a squeeze with her legs and started the long ride home.

On the way back, Mulan saw another envoy. She slowed Khan to a walk. Then she hastily arranged her hair and put the cap back on. Nobody needed to know a lone woman was in these parts.

"I must return to China - empty handed." said the envoy with disappointment. "None of the nobles of this land have any regard for us."

Without thinking, Mulan asked the envoy if he needed a message. The envoy brightened up. Mulan passed on the message from Lord Chin. Glad to head back with a message, the envoy thanked Mulan and galloped off.

Mulan took off the cap again. Her hair came down and settled at the top

of her chest. Cross-dressing certainly had its drawbacks. She continued on her way back.

"How did it go?" asked Fa Li as Mulan stepped in the tub. A hot bath would melt the soreness of such a long journey.

"Not well." Mulan answered quietly as she settled in. She just wanted to drown her sorrows in the hot water and soft bubbles. Forget about talking. Fa Li took the hint.

TO BE CONTINUED...