rain9 THE LONG SPELL OF RAIN
By Pooky

Chapter Nine:

The steady pounding of the horses' hooves only managed to hold half of Mulan's concentration. True, it was her place in the procession to lead the honor guard of soldiers chosen to escort the new Emperor into the city, Taiping had selected her personally. Although Mulan quite liked the other woman by now she was sure that the decision was not one made out of fondness. It was grandeur, decadence, that made a female general more suitable for Taiping's purposes, and that purpose was to leave an impression on the citizens that Li Dan was someone to be held in awe. Spectacle, it was all spectacle.

Foreign musicians and dancers preceded her on the city streets, thronged by crowds of gaping citizens hoping to catch the first glimpse of their new Emperor - or the first glimpse in twenty years if they were old enough to remember when Li Dan had held the throne before. All the color and noise was enough to make anyone's head swim.

Even her costume today was slightly ridiculous, a fitted gold breastplate, a red brocade sash dangling over black pantaloons stuffed into her boots, not to mention the sable fur cloak and red and black feathered helmet. How could they call this armor? It didn't even cover her enough to be of any protection in battle? Armor was worn to save her life, not to show off her charms. But it had all been Taiping's idea. She must look a legend, not the common soldier, men find a sword wielding woman quite thrilling, the woman had said. Really, for a grown woman, Taiping had an unhealthy obsession with playing dress-up. Of course, Mulan did not mind the dance costumes and silk dresses, those were great fun, armor was more serious.

It became even sillier when Lady Jiang got ahold of her. Mulan asked her to draw a second tattoo with the mendhi ink brought from India. The girl thought herself clever when she painted an intricate design just above the top of the breastplate. Somewhere in there, she had drawn the characters for Shang's name, telling Mulan to make him search for it like the woman in the Persian harems.

The other half of her attention was saved for her own thoughts, which centered themselves on Shang this morning. She had heard from the servants that he and Tai-shan had returned to the Palace and done some inquiring on her whereabouts. That gave her hope, only she had left the morning after on the two day ride to fetch Li Dan - or Ruizong as they called him - with no chance to talk to Shang. Taiping had given him orders through her servants to keep order in the Palace until they returned. Mulan wondered if Shang was left bitter over that, forced to be the effectual Emperor for two days. In the tumult of the Court, it was a serious responsibility, more so than being an effigy leading a parade.

Despite her deep upset over the quarrel with Shang, Mulan found that she was enjoying herself in the Palace. She and Lady Jiang had formed a friendship, and Mulan even studied dancing with her and her friends. For the first time in her life, Mulan found some freedom here. There were things here that women could do - writing, painting, dancing, poetry, studying literature, philosophy and even swordplay - things that gained respect among men and women alike, things never of use in a village setting. Here women could go freely into the streets, could play polo, wear men's clothes and clothes that proudly displayed their beauties, not the many restrictive garments of the villagers. Mulan wanted to stay in the Palace forever and learn everything she could. If only Shang could stop taking his noble birth for granted and see how wonderful it was, at least for her sake.

No, of course he couldn't, he was so much better at being tragic, so much more interesting. Suffering flattered him like silk finery. But what could she do, she couldn't ponder falling for another man. No one else could conjure that gravity, the depth of secret inner feelings, which drew her to him in eternal fascination.

But there was one thing that was troubling her, something she had kept from the other women. She had the prevailing feeling that something was different about her body. It had only been two weeks since their marriage, and she would have to wait a few more days still to see if her suspicion proved true.

Once inside the Palace again that afternoon, Mulan did make a point to search for Shang, but instead found Tai-shan of all people, prancing around the Officer's Quarters like he owned the place. She glanced over his silk clothing and sniffed. General Meng now indeed. He smiled slightly when he saw her. No doubt Shang had confided in the man and the gods only knew what else. But Tai-shan did not seem to judging her now, in fact he looked tired himself.

"Where's Shang?" She demanded right away.

The tall man shrugged, tilting his head in that way of his. That made her groan inwardly, at the moment, she didn't care how pretty he was. "He had to meet with some official or another. They aren't too happy about the Palace being under martial law until the Emperor takes the throne. Shang sent for me, seems he could use a friend right now. Things are bad in the Palace, and neither of us ever cared much for Ch'ang-an." Of course not, Mulan wanted to shout, they only cared for each other.

"I guess a wife isn't enough, hmm?" She scowled bitterly. So he could seek out Tai-shan and not her? What was the difference? They were both people who loved him.

Mulan started to turn away angrily, but he grabbed her arm a little less than gently. "Let me tell you something, Lady Li," She glared at him, unsure of whether he was joking or not. He didn't look angry but his eyes were serious. "You don't know Shang as well as you think. Not as well as I do. So I suggest you listen to me now." She wanted to slap him, and not only for his patronizing tone. He and Tie-lin were so different, how did they ever manage to fall in love? "I was hoping you were the kind of girl who knows how to be forceful with a man. From what Tie-lin told me I had the impression that you were brave. I've watched him run for years and don't think that hasn't hurt me. I hope you'll learn the right moment to drag him into bed. The gods know you have more power over him than you realize."

Staring furiously, Mulan shook off his arm and then made her way back to her rooms.

Taiping had left a message for her there with the servant. The Princess had organized a small banquet for the family tomorrow night, and as Shang's wife Mulan was required to attend. Given the state of conflict between her and her husband, the idea seemed frightfully unbearable. They would have to pretend everything was well between them for the evening, and after that they would have to talk. It was not likely that she would see him tonight, he would be busy preparing reports for the Emperor, and would likely choose to stay in the Officer's Quarters with that bastard Tai-shan to work late into the early morning. This time he would enlist no help from her, she was sure.

As long as you serve her, I want nothing to do with you.

Such wretched words, she could never imagine unleashing that sort of cruelty upon him. Sinking into the sofa, she closed her eyes, remembering that horrible night until she was wiping away tears with her sleeve.

~ * ~

"What's wrong, Shang?" Mulan made a clumsy conversation as they made their way to the banquet hall. They had to at least make an entrance together for appearances sake. He had said little to her the entire walk downstairs, beyond who was to replace the officers killed in the rebellion a week ago, as if military matters were the only safe topic of conversation.

His features tensed, not expecting a personal question. What were they, commander and soldier again? "Nothing, I'm tired. I've been awake all night."

"Finishing your reports with Tai-shan?"

He shook his head. "No, we finished early."

Mulan frowned. "Why didn't you come to me then?" Was it so hard to be with his own wife at night? Or had he been out drinking with Tai-shan? He hardly looked ill this evening.

"You were asleep," he had to turn his head slightly to the side to say it. "You looked peaceful enough without me waking you." She sighed, her sleep wasn't peaceful at all, it had been filled with nightmares of Anle and Shan-yu. It might have been nice to have his comfort then. But at least he had come to check on her.

Reaching the banquet hall, they entered and took their places beside Taiping. The Emperor was already at the head of the table, Li Longji at his right, even Lady Jiang and a consort of the new Emperor were there also. Other than Shang's cousin, Li Dan had no other children.

Li Dan bore a great resemblance to the late Emperor, the same tall stately figure wizened by age, but the dark eyes sharp and filled with the wisdom of his years. Zhongzong had been much more grand, his silks, his ornaments, this man wore simple robes, no jewelry save for a round jade pendant. His gnarled hands looked rough with callouses, no doubt from twenty years of tending his gardens. He seemed regretful to have left them.

"Brother," Taiping smiled over her wine. "This is General Fa, a most keen young woman and an asset to the Tang Empire."

The aged monarch raised his wine cup in a toast. "I am no stranger to your accomplishments, Fa Mulan, they often speak of them in the country. You have been a good example, that duty and honor do not stop with sons." Mulan smiled, her cheeks flushing a bit, accepting the toast and compliment graciously. Li Dan chuckled. "Look at her, sister, how she blushes like a village girl. I think that's charming, don't you, nephew?" His eyes traveled teasingly to Shang.

"Indeed, Your Majesty." Shang looked uncomfortable at the jest, clearly he had never had an older relative to razz him before. Mulan frowned at that, she could not imagine life without her grandmother's teasing, even if it did shock her half the time.

The Emperor waved his hand impatiently. "Come now, nephew. I've lived for twenty years without anyone calling me "Your Highness" or "Your Majesty," there is no need to start now. I am the only uncle you have left and we do not even know each other. That is tragic, isn't it?"

"It is, uncle," Shang nodded. Taiping and Li Longji exchanged a worried glance that was not difficult to read. They feared Li Dan too soft to hold the throne, too lenient.

The meal was served, the courses more simplified then what she had eaten at Li Xian's banquet, but Empress Wei was known for her excesses. Shang seemed to be avoiding Taiping's gaze the entire time, answering the Emperor's questions politely yet quietly, the old man seemed to understand he was upset over something, and also seemed puzzled that Shang and his son made no attempt to speak to the other. Mulan was unsure why Shang did not like his cousin, she herself had no opinion on the man either way; he made no effort to speak to her. She suspected Taiping rested at the heart of their animosity for the other.

"When I look at you children I feel almost guilty," the new Emperor mused aloud during the meal. "For twenty years my life has been so peaceful, and yours have been filled with war, intrigue and death. You can't imagine the joy of being just a common man after thirty years in the Palace." A strange look passed over Shang's face, almost dreamy. He lowered his face to hide it.

Taiping gave her brother a sad hint of a smile. "Our three generals are brave, brother, none more than the other. They have devoted their lives so the common man might live in peace."

"I've devoted my life to growing herbs," he picked up his cup again. "So when the armies pass through, and bring their destruction to my beautiful country, I know something green will grow again in their wake. But here, here," Li Dan raised another toast. "I am proud of my generals."

Li Longji was scowling as he went through the motions of the toast. "My father and I have some philosophical differences." There was a clear note of bitterness in his voice. The decorated soldier, and the gardener. A strange family.

"Some of us appreciate life," Shang muttered acidly into his cup, his eyes meeting his cousin's sharply. The room fell into a tense silence as the two men locked stares, but it was Li Longji who first dropped his gaze. Sipping his wine, Shang seemed satisfied.

But the new Crown Prince was not, he turned his own wine glass thoughtfully in one hand, watching the contents swish back and forth. "Allow me to show my cousin about appreciation." Taking a draught from the cup, his gaze strayed across the table. "Lady Jiang," it was a firm command. "Dance for me."

Mulan watched her friend rise nervously, caught off guard by the request. "If that is what Your Highness wishes, I will go fetch the others."

"No," he set the cup down. "Just you."

Bowing again, Lady Jiang waited for a servant to bring her a length of green cloth to mach her gown before moving away from the table and taking a place in the center of the hall. She waited for the change in music, a lively melody of cymbals and bamboo flutes. Seizing one end of the cloth, she began a modest yet intricate dance turning around and weaving large fluid circles with the silk about her head.

"You see, Father Emperor," Li Longji leaned back in his chair, sipping his wine. "How blessed we are. I think I will take her for my first consort."

Li Dan smiled at his son. "A toast then, to the future princess!" He raised the glass and drank heartily.

The Crown Prince's eyes had returned to Lady Jiang, following her movements with an almost lewd fixation. He was utterly and entirely oblivious to anything else. Mulan shivered despite herself, over the past few days she had caught him gazing at Taiping in that very same way.

"Your Majesty!"

Lady Jiang dropped her banner with a shriek and ran to the Emperor.

Every eye that had been so busy appreciating her talent, turned to fix itself in shock on Li Dan. He had slumped in his chair, head stirring fitfully from side to side, his eyes wild as he fought for breath. Shang was the first on his feet, he ran to Li Dan and caught him as he toppled over, dropping to his knees and holding him up in his lap to ease his breathing.

"Uncle... Uncle... " Shang called to him over and over again, panic clear in his face.

The Emperor turned his head towards him, opened his mouth in an attempt to speak but the words came out inaudible and strangled. A last convulsion shuddered through him before he fell limp in Shang's arms.

A stunned silence pervaded for a long moment, an eternity it seemed. All they could do was stare. Mulan felt like she wanted to be ill, the Emperor had died right before her.

Taiping and Longji were frozen, Lady Jiang's hands were still holding up her skirts raised when she had jumped out of Shang's way. Shang was kneeling with his face buried in his hands, struggling with himself. Another member of his family had died, his last uncle. The storm of emotions were tearing him apart then and there.

When he finally lifted his head, he seemed a different man all together, shaken far beyond his capacity to reason. Mulan remembered his solemn and dignified sadness the first time he thought his father had died, the way he had been so strong in leading them. He seemed too tired for strength now, too broken for restraint and too lost for leading. All that remained was the raw anger and pain he had fought so hard to hide. He looked so destroyed.

"That was clever, First Aunt," he was laughing and seething at the same time, almost like Anle, only more dangerous, a madman with lethal skills. "You poisoned his wine... clever." He chuckled unsteadily.

Taiping recoiled physically as if struck. "Is that you what you think?" her voice was heavy with the hurt of his accusation. "I killed my own brother?"

"You may as well have." Shang rose to his feet, glancing from her to the abandoned cup, his eyes hard and cold. "Either way, he died because of you. Because you dragged him here and used him to be your puppet. You heard what he said, he had a peaceful life. You can have the throne now, Taiping. I'm sure your mother would be proud of you. You can make me your next victim if you like. But please, Your Most August Majesty, spare my family."

The Princess was very still, her face whitening. Mulan turned to her in a sense of helplessness. Surely she knew what to do. But she only sat there, tears beginning to collect in the corners of lowered eyes.

"You son of a bitch!" Li Longji kicked back his chair, bounding to his feet with a drawn knife, lunging for Shang.

Mulan waited for him to brandish a knife of his own and tussle with the other man, as he had done with the assassin on the journey from Louyang. But he made no such move for a weapon, he would not grace the other man with that much of his attention, he was too low, too detestable. In some powerful twist of his body too swift for her to see, he flung his cousin halfway across the dining hall. The irate and aghast Crown Prince rose on all fours, wiping blood from his mouth. The whole world could have burned with the hatred in their eyes as they stared down each other. Longji got to his feet, poised to strike again.

This time Shang simply stood frozen, his eyes fixed on nothing, crazed. She felt her chest constrict in a sickening sense of powerlessness when he reached for the cup, a motion that even halted the furious Longji.

"Taiping," he murmured, staring into the goblet, a stone mask replacing the anger on his face. "Is this what it takes to be free of you?" Slowly, he brought the glass to his lips. Mulan winced.

I've watched him run for years and don't think that hasn't hurt me.

The room stilled, her breathing stilled, too choked by the fear that he would drink the poison. But Shang was not watching her, his gaze was too intent on Taiping's face. Tears leaked from the other woman's eyes, like the fretful tears that Empress Wei had shed at knifepoint. Mulan heard a strangled sound and realized that it was her own sobbing. His eyes finally did find her, softening only slightly. Clenching one powerful fist, the cup shattered in his hand, letting the crystal shards crash in a chiming shower to the floor, spattering the rug with wine.

Riverlets of blood grew in his open palm and went unnoticed, he simply closed his fist again and slowly moved from the room.

His cousin followed after him, leaving the three women alone with the silence broken only by their muffled sobs. Mulan was vaguely aware of Lady Jiang's arms around her as Mulan cried against her shoulder.