Previously…
The sight of Chan's arm around Sun's waist caused many people to stare in amazement. Of course those people were mostly Yao, Shang and the rest of Chan's extended family.
Now for the new stuff! (I just thought I'd put that previously stuff in just for grins, and it might help if you understood the first line of this chapter…just so you don't think Mulan is randomly smiling because she's crazy or something:)
A General's Son
Chapter 11
Mulan just smiled. "I was wondering when something like this was going to happen," she said to Shang.
"You knew?" he said in disbelief, still watching the two young people.
"Woman's intuition," she said teasingly, before rushing on to inform Mei of the good news. Yao was standing next to Shang by then, and they observed their wives hug each other excitedly and jump up and down. Su and Ting-Ting soon joined them, and their exclamations of joy were easily heard by most.
"I'll be keeping an eye on your boy," said Yao, turning towards Shang, "Make sure he doesn't try anything."
"So you approve?" asked Shang in amazement.
"Of course, don't you?"
Shang saw the look on Chan's face and easily understood its meaning. He looked towards the Emperor and the Emperor quickly returned his gaze. Shang knew that the Emperor had also recognized Chan's expression, just by the way that the old man's eyes twinkled and the corners of his mouth curled slightly. Shang laughed softly and shook his head. The Emperor would have made an excellent matchmaker, he thought to himself. He seems to have taken it upon himself especially to ensure the future of the Li family.
Shang was glad for the emperor's meddling. Chan had inherited many things from his father, including the inability to use coherent speech in front of a girl. Shang and Chan had just needed a gentle push in the right direction. Meanwhile, Yao was still waiting expectantly for his answer.
"Well?" asked Yao, "What do you think?"
"Sun is a fine girl." Shang said, choosing his words carefully, very aware of to whom he was speaking, " I know she will make him very happy." Then Shang grinned mischievously and clasped Yao over the shoulder. "Besides, it won't be long before we're in-laws now will it?" Yao's expression had changed to confusion.
"What? He proposed? How did you…? You couldn't possibly…"
"No," Shang explained, "he didn't propose." He glanced again at the contented smile on his son's face before continuing. "Yet. But I know he will."
"How do you know?" asked Yao.
"I know, because I know Chan. We're not so different really. I can tell when he's in love."
"Love?" repeated Yao, hardly believing his ears. "Are you sure?" Just then, Mulan came hurrying back to her husband.
"I'm so happy!" she squealed, sounding again like a young girl. "Chan has finally found someone, and on top of that, it's Sun! I had always hoped…but I never thought…" she trailed off, and then sighed happily. Then she snapped out of her trance as quickly as she went into it. "Now there's so much to do! I have to plan a wedding, hire a caterer, a florist, and of course there'll be children to take care of…" She walked off, jotting down mental notes as soon as they popped into her head. Shang grinned.
"That answer your question?" he said to a flabbergasted Yao. "She knows how Chan feels too. She's probably planning their entire lives as we speak."
"Oh," said Yao, still trying to process all that had been said. He started to walk away, but then quickly turned back to Shang as something Mulan said dawned on him. "Wait…did she say children? What children?" Shang couldn't help but look in the direction of Chan and Sun. Yao's gaze soon followed, and they both watched as Chan drew Sun close to him and whispered in her ear. Yao scowled and narrowed his eyes, reevaluating his position on the Chan/Sun relationship.
"Like I said, I'll be watching your son very carefully."
Hmmm…I'm still debating whether I like this chapter or not. It's good because it shows the family's reaction, I'm just not sure if it's the right reaction. It seems sort of cheesy I know. Oh well I'll post it anyway… I think Yao's part is pretty funny. It amuses me. So if this chapter doesn't exactly go with the feel of the following chapters, just keep in mind that I agree with you. So there's no need to point it out more then necessary…not that I'm saying I don't appreciate reviews, because I do. Immensely! So review, darn you! (sirens approaching) Oh no, here come the language police! Just kidding…(no I do not think darn is a bad word, I'm just typing randomly now, bear with me) Anywho, sorry this took awhile to post, I was going to over the weekend but my family and I went up north and I had no access to a computer. In case you're wondering, "up north" is something we Minnesotans do. A lot. You pretty much pack up the car and start driving north. If you hit Canada you've gone too far. And then you stay in your cabin, which is code for lots of bugs and no cable. Oh and the lake. That's probably the most important part. You must be near a lake. I think that's written in the state bylaws or something…anywho it's fun and I saw like 12 deer. And a mouse. It was cute. Wow this is a really long author's note. So I'll stop. Need more info on the strange land of Minnesota? Or me? E-mail's the answer! (Or a review :)
