First of all thanks for the wonderful reviews: Sue, Aspen, Phoenix Feather,
Anonymous Reviewer, Bil, Lauramichca, and Jeanine. Oh yes, Yao, Ling, and
Chien Po are catching up with them. The children's father doesn't know yet
about the attack but he will find out soon. I thought it wouldn't take me
so long to write this chapter, but as you know sometimes it's hard to find
words that rhyme and to describe exactly what you want.
Two poems for this chapter; I hope you like them.
Chapter 6: General and Soldier As the soldiers made their way to the Imperial City, they suffered the terrible summer heat of the region. The weather was sticky hot, so they kept making stops to drink water. The men complained about getting tired too easy because of the sun shooting fire bolts of heat at them.
Tsien begged Shang to let him ride with him on the way, and the young General agreed since it was the least he could do for the poor boy. Besides, it was nice to have his company because as long as Tsien talked and asked things the journey was not so boring. The boy felt safe when he was around Shang and Mulan, and that was a good sign. It seemed that Tsien admired Li Shang; he was always following him and asking him about war. The boy said once, "When I grow up I want to be a General just like you." Shang smiled at him yet he wondered why would the boy admire him so much? He was simply too modest to accept his own virtues, and of course, he didn't consider himself a good leader such as his dead father was. But Shang was still too young, there were so many things to be learned from his soldiers and so many battles to be won.
Mulan was pulling the kart with the cannons, the food supplies and little Mei Hyung fast asleep as she watched Shang and Tsien riding together. It was a pretty picture. Noticing Mulan's gaze was fixed on the same point for a long time, Mushu called from under her handkerchief, "What are you staring with such loving eyes?" Mulan tried to pretend she didn't know what the dragon meant, "I'm just looking forward following ."
Mushu cut her off, "Your eyes are following the handsome young general in front."
"You're crazy," Mulan hissed, "Has anyone mentioned that to you?"
"It happens all the time," Mushu replied with a smirk. He started rubbing his chin thinking of something to tease Mulan. She had been so quiet all the way. "I know what you're thinking." Mulan let out a giggle. How could he know exactly where her eyes were looking at and now what was she thinking of? Some kind of guardian she had. "You were thinking that Shang would be a great father, right?"
Mulan sighed. Mushu was right. "Is it too.erm.obvious?" she asked in a whisper.
"No it's not that. I can see through your mind," Mushu chanted, "It's a special power of mine." Mulan rolled her eyes.Mushu and his magic powers. She doubted the tiny dragon had such powers; he could barely light a fire.well actually he was making a progress lately. "Can't you just answer my question so I can be a little more discreet?"
"It's impossible," Mushu went on, "You can't help yourself when you're looking at him. I bet he's too clueless and too sunk into worrying about the Huns he doesn't notice you constantly glancing at him. Oh yes, and I've caught him looking at you a few times. So there's no real need to worry."
"Alright," Mulan agreed, and continued to drift inside her thoughts about Shang. Mulan regarded her commanding officer and Tsien as a good pair. Tsien was always after Shang as if he were his hero. In her opinion, Shang was a true hero to be admired.he had taught her all that she knew after all. She had seen Tsien paying close attention as Shang spoke to him; he was always interested. They looked like father and son to Mulan. She smiled to herself as Tsien waved her from faraway.
Tsien was getting tired of traveling. Never in his life had he traveled for so long. He had to do so; otherwise, his life was in great danger. It had been a week after all.a week.since he saw his mother for the last time. A week ago, he was living his normal life, not knowing his life would change.
"Shang," Tsien called.
Shang turned to him and replied, "Yes, Tsien?"
"How much longer do we have to travel?" "I think we can make it to the next village in a couple of days."
"Is the battle going to be on the next village?"
"No, Tsien," Shang explained patiently. He certainly had a lot more patience with kids than with his soldiers. "You and your little sister are going to stay there."
Tsien was disappointed. All this time he thought Shang was taking them to the Imperial City and he was going to see a real battle. "But I thought we were going with you and Mulan."
Shang sighed. "It is for the best."
"But I wanted to see a real battle," the child complained.
"Now Tsien, you don't know what you're saying."
"Of course I know," Tsien replied stubbornly, "Battles are the opportunity to become a hero."
"Yeah, maybe," Shang said, "Anyway a lot of good men die in battles protecting their country." Silently he remembered his own father's death.
"I want to protect China like you and my Baba," Tsien said rubbing his hands, "And I also want to avenge my mother's death." Where had he learned about avenging death? Somehow, the attack he had seen days ago had corrupted the child's pure heart.
"Tsien, you are too small," Shang warned hoping the boy would convince himself war was not a safe place for him, "It is too dangerous for you."
"It is for everyone," Tsien protested, "What about Mulan? She is too small and thin."
"She's already old enough," Shang answered matter-of-factly, "But you are right. War is dangerous for everyone."
"Even for you?" Tsien admired Shang so much he believed he was invincible. "Well yes. I'm just a human." "But you're so tall and so strong." "Physical appearances are not all that," Shang explained, "Take Mulan for example; you could say she would've died in a few seconds but her will is strong beyond her appearance. You know the story.and in the end, she saved us all."
"I get it," Tsien had found a way to twist Shang's words, "Then I can go to war."
"Not until you're already grown up."
Tsien crossed his arms to his chest. "But you said appear."
"Listen Tsien," Shang cut him off, "You didn't get my part." Tsien frowned. Shang wondered where he had learned to be so stubborn. "Besides, you have to take care of Mei Hyung. She needs you more than anything right now."
Finally Shang had come up with an idea that could convince the boy. "You can be a hero by taking care of your sister."
Tsien opened his eyes wide. "Really?"
"Of course," Shang answered. "Your mother will be very proud of you." Shang's last words were enough to calm Tsien. Childish as it sounds, Shang believed he was right in some way. He wondered if his mother was proud of him.even if he never knew her.and maybe she never saw him before she died.
"Ok, for now I'll take care Mei Hyung and when I grow up I'll care of China."
Shang just nodded. He wished there wouldn't be another war to face after this one. Peace would be perfect for him and for the rest of the country. Tsien could be a hero by doing something else that wouldn't involve weapons.
Suddenly, Tsien came up with another of his brilliant questions that disturbed the silence. "Shang, are you and Mulan getting married?" Kids and their importunate questions.
Unconsciously, Shang pulled the reigns from his horse to make him stop. For a moment he didn't answer. Then he said, "Tsien, Mulan and I are nothing least and nothing more than a pair of good friends." He hesitated for a few seconds. Just good friends? "There are more important things to think of right now."
Tsien frowned disappointed. He had always thought they were betrothed. The way they talked and looked into each other's eyes when they were talking brought up the idea they were engaged to his head. Anyway, Shang had never said NO; so, he could twist things the way he wanted and take that as a "MAYBE LATER" if he wished to. Tsien grinned mischievously.
The rest of the day, Shang thought about Mulan. Sometimes he wondered if she would like to be his wife, but then he shoved away his crazy thoughts remembering Mulan was an independent woman. Maybe he was not what would satisfy his porcelain warrior. Still that wouldn't stop him from dreaming.
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Mushu noticed Mulan had been writing something whenever she had the opportunity. He wondered what was she writing that had her so sunk into it.
That night, Mulan was putting the brush and ink away and rolling the scroll where she wrote whatever is she was writing. Mushu asked, "What have you been writing during these days with such inspiration." He pointed at the scroll in her hands.
"Oh, this thing?"
Mushu exclaimed, "Duh!"
"It's just a poem."
Mushu climbed to her shoulder and asked in an intrigued tune, "A Poem to who?"
Mulan's cheeks flushed from pink to a crimsoned red. "No one," she said innocently, "it's a poem to nature."
"May I read it?"
"Maybe some other day."
"Why can't I read it today?" Mushu snatched the scroll from her hands.
"Give it back." Mulan demanded. She thought that Cri-kee would do some help, but the cricket betrayed her and reached for Mushu so he could read too.
Mushu cleared his throat, "Ok here goes." He started to read the poem out loud. Mulan was already embarrassed of what she wrote.
"I thought as time went by, Your face would be gone. You're still so gentle and kind, That I think you're to be my loved one.
You're such an honorable man, Strong, cautious, brave and wise. All that I admire all that I desire. Despite the glances you're the same gentleman.
I've noticed you directing your gaze at me When we talk, or from a distance briefly. Makes me flattered, And all that has mattered.
Will I ever touch your lips, With a tender sweet kiss? If I'm lonely, you're all I miss.
When I stare into your dark eyes, I know you're saying the truth. You never wear a disguise, And always let me see through.
When I'm around you I'm nervous, Worrying about the things I say. Yet, your presence so wondrous, Allows me to feel safe.
A relationship between us, May sound impossible and wrong. Since we come from two worlds So different, they'd never belong. You're the General and I'm a peasant girl.
Sometimes you're a mystery, Full so many secrets unknown. Allow me to be part of your history And let's see how things turn on."
Cri-kee started clapping and chirping when Mushu ended reading the poem.
"I guess it was dedicated to Shang right?"
Mulan covered her face. "What makes you think so?"
"First of all it says General," Mushu said as he wrapped his yellow mustache around his finger trying to look intellectual, "Two, he's the only man you talk to besides Yao, Ling, and Chien Po." Mushu handed the scroll to Mulan. "I think you are a great poet."
"Thanks, Mushu." Mulan bowed and patted her guardian's head. Cri-kee smiled at her chirping. She lifted him up in her hand and kissed the cricket's forehead. "You too, Cri-kee."
"So," Mushu spoke up, "Are you planning to give it to Shang?"
Mulan rolled her eyes. As if it were so easy. "Of course not," she simply answered and put the scroll away, somewhere where no one could read it.
"Then what's the use of writing?"
Mulan sighed. "Writing helps me get out all the things I can't say, actually the things which I have no guts to say." "Oh."
Mulan got to her feet and headed towards the exit of the tent. "Ok, I'll be back in a few seconds. Take care of Mei Hyung." The baby had fallen asleep hours ago and it seemed she was having a few more hours of sleep. All she did was sleep and eat.
"Where are you going?"
"I just need to know something."
"I suppose you're talking to Shang." The dragon winked an eye at Mulan.
"Yes, but not about what you're thinking."
"Uh huh."
"Trust me."
"Uh huh."
"Well, just knock it off."
With her last request, Mulan walked out of her tent. As she made her way to Shang's tent, she noticed one of the soldiers was staring at her. Mulan tried not to look so awkward to the fact he was looking at her. Obviously it bothered her since she was doing nothing wrong.
"Excuse me. May I speak to you Sh..." Mulan remembered she couldn't call Shang by his name when others were around, so she corrected, "Sir?" She could hear Tsien's giggles and Shang saying, "I will show no mercy to you soldier."
It was so weird to think of Shang being playful. He was strict and serious man, but yet so fair. She sneaked into the tent and watched the two playing. Shang was tickling Tsien making him laugh so hard and beg him to stop. Mulan smiled to herself. They looked very cute together.
"Please Shang, just tell me the truth."
"None of your business, kid," Shang answered and laughed evilly as he continued "torturing" the five year old boy. Mulan had never heard him laugh like that; she couldn't help herself to join them with her own laughter. That's how Shang and Tsien finally found out she had been observing them. The General got to his feet dusting his robe. He cleared his throat, returning to his normal-serious self.
"I don't mean to disturb," Mulan excused herself, "It's just that you didn't hear me when I called for your permission."
Tsien decided to interfere, "Mulan, Shang and I were talking about you."
"Tsien," Shang shot him a warning expression, "Don't lie."
"But it's true," the child protested.
"Tsien, I think it's time for you to sleep."
"But I'm not sleepy," Tsien complained.
"You have to sleep now because tomorrow you won't want to wake up."
"Ok, I know you want to talk to Mulan in private," Tsien replied, "So why don't you stop making up excuses and get to the point."
Shang shook his head, still he never yelled at the little boy. "Enough is enough."
Satisfied with his last words, Tsien went to bed.
The General and Mulan walked outside.
"Children," Shang muttered.
Mulan raised her gaze and smiled at him. For a moment, their eyes met as the stars that filled the sky lightened the night. If there wouldn't be war there would be a complete peace. The peace Shang had constantly been fighting to achieve. "We used to be like that," she added looking away.
Silence prevailed between them for a couple of seconds; for Mulan completely forgot the question she was going to ask. She knew it was about something important but the way Shang looked so handsome, and how charming he appeared to her when he was playing with Tsien were the reasons of her distraction.
"So," Shang began breaking the silence, "Is there something important you want to talk about?"
Mulan nodded. "The thing is that I can't remember what I was going to ask."
He let out a chuckle.
She put her hand on her head trying to remember. Still she kept thinking of Shang and how handsome he looked when he smiled. Mulan slapped her head mentally.
"Do you think the Huns will reach the Imperial City before us?"
"If we don't move faster they will," Shang answered. He started rubbing his chin with his index finger. "I will send a message to Camp Wu Zhong." Mulan nodded. "We will need more men as soon as possible."
"Have you received news from the new recruits?" she asked.
"No. I just hope they don't cause much trouble and Yao, Ling, and Chien Po can handle them."
"They will," Mulan assured, "You were the one who trained them after all."
Their eyes locked until Mulan heard Mei Hyun's cries.
"I'd better go," She announced, "Goodnight, Shang."
"Goodnight, Mulan."
As she entered the tent, Mulan said, "Mushu I told you to watch for Mei Hyung." But her guardian was nowhere to be found. "Mushu come out!" There was no answer. He probably went out to spy her while she talked to Shang. Nosy Mushu. Mulan simply decided to attend Mei Hyung. She gave the baby some smashed rice and she fell asleep again. Mulan prepared herself to do the same. Mushu made his way in later accompanied by Cri-kee. They found Mulan pacing hysterically. "What's wrong precious?" Mulan pulled a lock of black hair from her head. "Where's my poem?"
"You hid it underneath your helmet," Mushu replied.
"I know, but it's not there." She looked all stressed out. What if the scroll reached Shang's hands? An idea came into her mind. Maybe Mushu had something to do with it. "Mushu if you are playing around with that I'm never speaking to you again!"
The dragon was innocent. He was incapable of getting Mulan in trouble on purpose. "Mulan, calm down," he said, "I assure you that I just went to spy you and Shang out there since Mei Hyung was sound asleep here. I thought she'd never wake up. The thing is we stayed longer so you wouldn't suspect we had gone out there to spy you. Right Cri-kee?"
The cricket chirped and nodded shyly. He didn't want Mulan to consider him nosy. Honestly, Mushu had been the one who dragged him into the gossip by force.
"Maybe someone came in here." She placed a hand on her forehead and sat down. "Why?" She had done nothing to the other soldiers. It was inconceivable.
"I don't know babe." The dragon climbed to her shoulder. "Just relax."
His words were of no good use. "How can I relax when someone is reading my stupid poem and making fun of it?" She demanded, "I'm sure that person will go and tell Shang about it."
Meanwhile, Shang was writing the message inside his tent. Just then, one of the soldiers stormed inside, without asking for permission. The General stood from his sitting position and faced the intruder. "What makes you think you can just storm in here whenever you please?"
The man bowed his head and apologized. "I'm sorry, Sir."
Shang crossed his arms and looked down at the soldier. "What do you want?"
"I.I.think you should read this." He handed the scroll to Shang.
The General read the poem to himself. Quite intriguing indeed. Soon the author was discovered. Intimate feelings slowly revealed by beautiful words.
"I don't want to meddle in what's none of my business, Sir," Peng interrupted, "But this can ruin your reputation." A poem? It was something very personal, yet it was nothing harmful.
"Where did you get this?" He sounded annoyed. No one was allowed to mess with his private life unless he wanted you to. What did this man know about his reputation? It's not like he had been playing around with Mulan.not at all. They were nothing more than good friends. That's why he was unsure if Mulan had written the poem. She had never shown any signs of interest on marrying him. Then again she was the only woman among them and he could've been too blind to notice.
Hesitating, Peng answered, "I.I.found it close to Mulan's tent." Of course he was not going to admit he had gotten inside Mulan's tent to obtain the scroll, nor that he had been spying the both of them. "People talk sir."
"Get out of here," Shang commanded.
"Goodnight, Sir," Peng said as he exited, "Just keep in mind my intentions were to protect your honor." What a liar. His honor? There was no doubt he was an honorable man. This situation made Shang think deeply. No, he had never kissed Mulan; not even shown the slightest sign of affection in front of his soldiers.or had he been too obvious. Maybe he had to clear a couple of things: He was the General and Fa Mulan was a soldier, a comrade but nothing more. At least until war ended.
He went out to breathe some fresh air. Mulan was out of her tent also, searching around for her poem hysterically.
Shang decided to approach to her, but he didn't know how to act now that he knew what he wasn't supposed to know. Why did she look so trouble? The last thing he needed was her thinking he was nosy. Nervously, the General managed to ask. "Have you lost something"? She didn't seem to be listening. "What are you looking for?"
His porcelain warrior (as he called her in his mind), let out a sight and replied, "Nothing."
"Nothing?" What he saw didn't seem to be nothing.
This time, she turned to look into his eyes, but the first thing she saw was the scroll in his hands. It was her dear poem. Mulan narrowed her eyes at Shang. She felt naked, her deepest secret, the only thing she hid from him was now revealed.
"Mulan, we are in the middle of a war."
"I know!" She snapped bitterly, "I'm not an idiot as you may think!"
Her words stung into him. She had never yelled at him like that. "That's not what I mean," he said, "I'm flattered but there are things we have to make clear."
Mulan snatched the scroll from his hands and said, "I already know what you want to make clear." Flattered? Her intentions were never making him feel flattered. Just flattered? It was so hard to accept reality. She was so disappointed and heartbroken. Her emotions made her act cold that it made it hard to believe she actually had feelings for him.
Shang never meant to hurt her. For one thing, Shang wanted to protect her from gossip but he felt stupid for making her feel rejected.he supposed he had pushed her away with the awkwardness of his words after all. He stood there, useless, as she tore the scroll into pieces and walked away.
Mulan ignored Mushu's comforting words. All she wanted was to be left alone. Tears slowly fell from her eyes. Long ago, she had promised herself she wouldn't cry a tear for a man. Her heart was broken and she felt like a fool, but she wasn't going to beg him nor make him feel sorry by crying before his eyes. Mulan guessed Shang's rank would always be the top of his list of priorities, and she wouldn't even reach the last place. It hurt her so much.
I've loved you since the beginning, Yet all I feel is rejection, Instead of a bit of affection.
You were taught to be a gentleman, Courteous words, and how to be polite, Still, you don't know how to deal with a woman.
My intentions were never to make you feel flattered, I'm not here to boost your self-esteem and be humiliated. If you haven't noticed, I have my pride and dignity And I don't need you to feel pity for me.
If only you'd break the boundaries The long and cold distance. If only you'd forget of all your worries And love me for once.
Two poems for this chapter; I hope you like them.
Chapter 6: General and Soldier As the soldiers made their way to the Imperial City, they suffered the terrible summer heat of the region. The weather was sticky hot, so they kept making stops to drink water. The men complained about getting tired too easy because of the sun shooting fire bolts of heat at them.
Tsien begged Shang to let him ride with him on the way, and the young General agreed since it was the least he could do for the poor boy. Besides, it was nice to have his company because as long as Tsien talked and asked things the journey was not so boring. The boy felt safe when he was around Shang and Mulan, and that was a good sign. It seemed that Tsien admired Li Shang; he was always following him and asking him about war. The boy said once, "When I grow up I want to be a General just like you." Shang smiled at him yet he wondered why would the boy admire him so much? He was simply too modest to accept his own virtues, and of course, he didn't consider himself a good leader such as his dead father was. But Shang was still too young, there were so many things to be learned from his soldiers and so many battles to be won.
Mulan was pulling the kart with the cannons, the food supplies and little Mei Hyung fast asleep as she watched Shang and Tsien riding together. It was a pretty picture. Noticing Mulan's gaze was fixed on the same point for a long time, Mushu called from under her handkerchief, "What are you staring with such loving eyes?" Mulan tried to pretend she didn't know what the dragon meant, "I'm just looking forward following ."
Mushu cut her off, "Your eyes are following the handsome young general in front."
"You're crazy," Mulan hissed, "Has anyone mentioned that to you?"
"It happens all the time," Mushu replied with a smirk. He started rubbing his chin thinking of something to tease Mulan. She had been so quiet all the way. "I know what you're thinking." Mulan let out a giggle. How could he know exactly where her eyes were looking at and now what was she thinking of? Some kind of guardian she had. "You were thinking that Shang would be a great father, right?"
Mulan sighed. Mushu was right. "Is it too.erm.obvious?" she asked in a whisper.
"No it's not that. I can see through your mind," Mushu chanted, "It's a special power of mine." Mulan rolled her eyes.Mushu and his magic powers. She doubted the tiny dragon had such powers; he could barely light a fire.well actually he was making a progress lately. "Can't you just answer my question so I can be a little more discreet?"
"It's impossible," Mushu went on, "You can't help yourself when you're looking at him. I bet he's too clueless and too sunk into worrying about the Huns he doesn't notice you constantly glancing at him. Oh yes, and I've caught him looking at you a few times. So there's no real need to worry."
"Alright," Mulan agreed, and continued to drift inside her thoughts about Shang. Mulan regarded her commanding officer and Tsien as a good pair. Tsien was always after Shang as if he were his hero. In her opinion, Shang was a true hero to be admired.he had taught her all that she knew after all. She had seen Tsien paying close attention as Shang spoke to him; he was always interested. They looked like father and son to Mulan. She smiled to herself as Tsien waved her from faraway.
Tsien was getting tired of traveling. Never in his life had he traveled for so long. He had to do so; otherwise, his life was in great danger. It had been a week after all.a week.since he saw his mother for the last time. A week ago, he was living his normal life, not knowing his life would change.
"Shang," Tsien called.
Shang turned to him and replied, "Yes, Tsien?"
"How much longer do we have to travel?" "I think we can make it to the next village in a couple of days."
"Is the battle going to be on the next village?"
"No, Tsien," Shang explained patiently. He certainly had a lot more patience with kids than with his soldiers. "You and your little sister are going to stay there."
Tsien was disappointed. All this time he thought Shang was taking them to the Imperial City and he was going to see a real battle. "But I thought we were going with you and Mulan."
Shang sighed. "It is for the best."
"But I wanted to see a real battle," the child complained.
"Now Tsien, you don't know what you're saying."
"Of course I know," Tsien replied stubbornly, "Battles are the opportunity to become a hero."
"Yeah, maybe," Shang said, "Anyway a lot of good men die in battles protecting their country." Silently he remembered his own father's death.
"I want to protect China like you and my Baba," Tsien said rubbing his hands, "And I also want to avenge my mother's death." Where had he learned about avenging death? Somehow, the attack he had seen days ago had corrupted the child's pure heart.
"Tsien, you are too small," Shang warned hoping the boy would convince himself war was not a safe place for him, "It is too dangerous for you."
"It is for everyone," Tsien protested, "What about Mulan? She is too small and thin."
"She's already old enough," Shang answered matter-of-factly, "But you are right. War is dangerous for everyone."
"Even for you?" Tsien admired Shang so much he believed he was invincible. "Well yes. I'm just a human." "But you're so tall and so strong." "Physical appearances are not all that," Shang explained, "Take Mulan for example; you could say she would've died in a few seconds but her will is strong beyond her appearance. You know the story.and in the end, she saved us all."
"I get it," Tsien had found a way to twist Shang's words, "Then I can go to war."
"Not until you're already grown up."
Tsien crossed his arms to his chest. "But you said appear."
"Listen Tsien," Shang cut him off, "You didn't get my part." Tsien frowned. Shang wondered where he had learned to be so stubborn. "Besides, you have to take care of Mei Hyung. She needs you more than anything right now."
Finally Shang had come up with an idea that could convince the boy. "You can be a hero by taking care of your sister."
Tsien opened his eyes wide. "Really?"
"Of course," Shang answered. "Your mother will be very proud of you." Shang's last words were enough to calm Tsien. Childish as it sounds, Shang believed he was right in some way. He wondered if his mother was proud of him.even if he never knew her.and maybe she never saw him before she died.
"Ok, for now I'll take care Mei Hyung and when I grow up I'll care of China."
Shang just nodded. He wished there wouldn't be another war to face after this one. Peace would be perfect for him and for the rest of the country. Tsien could be a hero by doing something else that wouldn't involve weapons.
Suddenly, Tsien came up with another of his brilliant questions that disturbed the silence. "Shang, are you and Mulan getting married?" Kids and their importunate questions.
Unconsciously, Shang pulled the reigns from his horse to make him stop. For a moment he didn't answer. Then he said, "Tsien, Mulan and I are nothing least and nothing more than a pair of good friends." He hesitated for a few seconds. Just good friends? "There are more important things to think of right now."
Tsien frowned disappointed. He had always thought they were betrothed. The way they talked and looked into each other's eyes when they were talking brought up the idea they were engaged to his head. Anyway, Shang had never said NO; so, he could twist things the way he wanted and take that as a "MAYBE LATER" if he wished to. Tsien grinned mischievously.
The rest of the day, Shang thought about Mulan. Sometimes he wondered if she would like to be his wife, but then he shoved away his crazy thoughts remembering Mulan was an independent woman. Maybe he was not what would satisfy his porcelain warrior. Still that wouldn't stop him from dreaming.
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Mushu noticed Mulan had been writing something whenever she had the opportunity. He wondered what was she writing that had her so sunk into it.
That night, Mulan was putting the brush and ink away and rolling the scroll where she wrote whatever is she was writing. Mushu asked, "What have you been writing during these days with such inspiration." He pointed at the scroll in her hands.
"Oh, this thing?"
Mushu exclaimed, "Duh!"
"It's just a poem."
Mushu climbed to her shoulder and asked in an intrigued tune, "A Poem to who?"
Mulan's cheeks flushed from pink to a crimsoned red. "No one," she said innocently, "it's a poem to nature."
"May I read it?"
"Maybe some other day."
"Why can't I read it today?" Mushu snatched the scroll from her hands.
"Give it back." Mulan demanded. She thought that Cri-kee would do some help, but the cricket betrayed her and reached for Mushu so he could read too.
Mushu cleared his throat, "Ok here goes." He started to read the poem out loud. Mulan was already embarrassed of what she wrote.
"I thought as time went by, Your face would be gone. You're still so gentle and kind, That I think you're to be my loved one.
You're such an honorable man, Strong, cautious, brave and wise. All that I admire all that I desire. Despite the glances you're the same gentleman.
I've noticed you directing your gaze at me When we talk, or from a distance briefly. Makes me flattered, And all that has mattered.
Will I ever touch your lips, With a tender sweet kiss? If I'm lonely, you're all I miss.
When I stare into your dark eyes, I know you're saying the truth. You never wear a disguise, And always let me see through.
When I'm around you I'm nervous, Worrying about the things I say. Yet, your presence so wondrous, Allows me to feel safe.
A relationship between us, May sound impossible and wrong. Since we come from two worlds So different, they'd never belong. You're the General and I'm a peasant girl.
Sometimes you're a mystery, Full so many secrets unknown. Allow me to be part of your history And let's see how things turn on."
Cri-kee started clapping and chirping when Mushu ended reading the poem.
"I guess it was dedicated to Shang right?"
Mulan covered her face. "What makes you think so?"
"First of all it says General," Mushu said as he wrapped his yellow mustache around his finger trying to look intellectual, "Two, he's the only man you talk to besides Yao, Ling, and Chien Po." Mushu handed the scroll to Mulan. "I think you are a great poet."
"Thanks, Mushu." Mulan bowed and patted her guardian's head. Cri-kee smiled at her chirping. She lifted him up in her hand and kissed the cricket's forehead. "You too, Cri-kee."
"So," Mushu spoke up, "Are you planning to give it to Shang?"
Mulan rolled her eyes. As if it were so easy. "Of course not," she simply answered and put the scroll away, somewhere where no one could read it.
"Then what's the use of writing?"
Mulan sighed. "Writing helps me get out all the things I can't say, actually the things which I have no guts to say." "Oh."
Mulan got to her feet and headed towards the exit of the tent. "Ok, I'll be back in a few seconds. Take care of Mei Hyung." The baby had fallen asleep hours ago and it seemed she was having a few more hours of sleep. All she did was sleep and eat.
"Where are you going?"
"I just need to know something."
"I suppose you're talking to Shang." The dragon winked an eye at Mulan.
"Yes, but not about what you're thinking."
"Uh huh."
"Trust me."
"Uh huh."
"Well, just knock it off."
With her last request, Mulan walked out of her tent. As she made her way to Shang's tent, she noticed one of the soldiers was staring at her. Mulan tried not to look so awkward to the fact he was looking at her. Obviously it bothered her since she was doing nothing wrong.
"Excuse me. May I speak to you Sh..." Mulan remembered she couldn't call Shang by his name when others were around, so she corrected, "Sir?" She could hear Tsien's giggles and Shang saying, "I will show no mercy to you soldier."
It was so weird to think of Shang being playful. He was strict and serious man, but yet so fair. She sneaked into the tent and watched the two playing. Shang was tickling Tsien making him laugh so hard and beg him to stop. Mulan smiled to herself. They looked very cute together.
"Please Shang, just tell me the truth."
"None of your business, kid," Shang answered and laughed evilly as he continued "torturing" the five year old boy. Mulan had never heard him laugh like that; she couldn't help herself to join them with her own laughter. That's how Shang and Tsien finally found out she had been observing them. The General got to his feet dusting his robe. He cleared his throat, returning to his normal-serious self.
"I don't mean to disturb," Mulan excused herself, "It's just that you didn't hear me when I called for your permission."
Tsien decided to interfere, "Mulan, Shang and I were talking about you."
"Tsien," Shang shot him a warning expression, "Don't lie."
"But it's true," the child protested.
"Tsien, I think it's time for you to sleep."
"But I'm not sleepy," Tsien complained.
"You have to sleep now because tomorrow you won't want to wake up."
"Ok, I know you want to talk to Mulan in private," Tsien replied, "So why don't you stop making up excuses and get to the point."
Shang shook his head, still he never yelled at the little boy. "Enough is enough."
Satisfied with his last words, Tsien went to bed.
The General and Mulan walked outside.
"Children," Shang muttered.
Mulan raised her gaze and smiled at him. For a moment, their eyes met as the stars that filled the sky lightened the night. If there wouldn't be war there would be a complete peace. The peace Shang had constantly been fighting to achieve. "We used to be like that," she added looking away.
Silence prevailed between them for a couple of seconds; for Mulan completely forgot the question she was going to ask. She knew it was about something important but the way Shang looked so handsome, and how charming he appeared to her when he was playing with Tsien were the reasons of her distraction.
"So," Shang began breaking the silence, "Is there something important you want to talk about?"
Mulan nodded. "The thing is that I can't remember what I was going to ask."
He let out a chuckle.
She put her hand on her head trying to remember. Still she kept thinking of Shang and how handsome he looked when he smiled. Mulan slapped her head mentally.
"Do you think the Huns will reach the Imperial City before us?"
"If we don't move faster they will," Shang answered. He started rubbing his chin with his index finger. "I will send a message to Camp Wu Zhong." Mulan nodded. "We will need more men as soon as possible."
"Have you received news from the new recruits?" she asked.
"No. I just hope they don't cause much trouble and Yao, Ling, and Chien Po can handle them."
"They will," Mulan assured, "You were the one who trained them after all."
Their eyes locked until Mulan heard Mei Hyun's cries.
"I'd better go," She announced, "Goodnight, Shang."
"Goodnight, Mulan."
As she entered the tent, Mulan said, "Mushu I told you to watch for Mei Hyung." But her guardian was nowhere to be found. "Mushu come out!" There was no answer. He probably went out to spy her while she talked to Shang. Nosy Mushu. Mulan simply decided to attend Mei Hyung. She gave the baby some smashed rice and she fell asleep again. Mulan prepared herself to do the same. Mushu made his way in later accompanied by Cri-kee. They found Mulan pacing hysterically. "What's wrong precious?" Mulan pulled a lock of black hair from her head. "Where's my poem?"
"You hid it underneath your helmet," Mushu replied.
"I know, but it's not there." She looked all stressed out. What if the scroll reached Shang's hands? An idea came into her mind. Maybe Mushu had something to do with it. "Mushu if you are playing around with that I'm never speaking to you again!"
The dragon was innocent. He was incapable of getting Mulan in trouble on purpose. "Mulan, calm down," he said, "I assure you that I just went to spy you and Shang out there since Mei Hyung was sound asleep here. I thought she'd never wake up. The thing is we stayed longer so you wouldn't suspect we had gone out there to spy you. Right Cri-kee?"
The cricket chirped and nodded shyly. He didn't want Mulan to consider him nosy. Honestly, Mushu had been the one who dragged him into the gossip by force.
"Maybe someone came in here." She placed a hand on her forehead and sat down. "Why?" She had done nothing to the other soldiers. It was inconceivable.
"I don't know babe." The dragon climbed to her shoulder. "Just relax."
His words were of no good use. "How can I relax when someone is reading my stupid poem and making fun of it?" She demanded, "I'm sure that person will go and tell Shang about it."
Meanwhile, Shang was writing the message inside his tent. Just then, one of the soldiers stormed inside, without asking for permission. The General stood from his sitting position and faced the intruder. "What makes you think you can just storm in here whenever you please?"
The man bowed his head and apologized. "I'm sorry, Sir."
Shang crossed his arms and looked down at the soldier. "What do you want?"
"I.I.think you should read this." He handed the scroll to Shang.
The General read the poem to himself. Quite intriguing indeed. Soon the author was discovered. Intimate feelings slowly revealed by beautiful words.
"I don't want to meddle in what's none of my business, Sir," Peng interrupted, "But this can ruin your reputation." A poem? It was something very personal, yet it was nothing harmful.
"Where did you get this?" He sounded annoyed. No one was allowed to mess with his private life unless he wanted you to. What did this man know about his reputation? It's not like he had been playing around with Mulan.not at all. They were nothing more than good friends. That's why he was unsure if Mulan had written the poem. She had never shown any signs of interest on marrying him. Then again she was the only woman among them and he could've been too blind to notice.
Hesitating, Peng answered, "I.I.found it close to Mulan's tent." Of course he was not going to admit he had gotten inside Mulan's tent to obtain the scroll, nor that he had been spying the both of them. "People talk sir."
"Get out of here," Shang commanded.
"Goodnight, Sir," Peng said as he exited, "Just keep in mind my intentions were to protect your honor." What a liar. His honor? There was no doubt he was an honorable man. This situation made Shang think deeply. No, he had never kissed Mulan; not even shown the slightest sign of affection in front of his soldiers.or had he been too obvious. Maybe he had to clear a couple of things: He was the General and Fa Mulan was a soldier, a comrade but nothing more. At least until war ended.
He went out to breathe some fresh air. Mulan was out of her tent also, searching around for her poem hysterically.
Shang decided to approach to her, but he didn't know how to act now that he knew what he wasn't supposed to know. Why did she look so trouble? The last thing he needed was her thinking he was nosy. Nervously, the General managed to ask. "Have you lost something"? She didn't seem to be listening. "What are you looking for?"
His porcelain warrior (as he called her in his mind), let out a sight and replied, "Nothing."
"Nothing?" What he saw didn't seem to be nothing.
This time, she turned to look into his eyes, but the first thing she saw was the scroll in his hands. It was her dear poem. Mulan narrowed her eyes at Shang. She felt naked, her deepest secret, the only thing she hid from him was now revealed.
"Mulan, we are in the middle of a war."
"I know!" She snapped bitterly, "I'm not an idiot as you may think!"
Her words stung into him. She had never yelled at him like that. "That's not what I mean," he said, "I'm flattered but there are things we have to make clear."
Mulan snatched the scroll from his hands and said, "I already know what you want to make clear." Flattered? Her intentions were never making him feel flattered. Just flattered? It was so hard to accept reality. She was so disappointed and heartbroken. Her emotions made her act cold that it made it hard to believe she actually had feelings for him.
Shang never meant to hurt her. For one thing, Shang wanted to protect her from gossip but he felt stupid for making her feel rejected.he supposed he had pushed her away with the awkwardness of his words after all. He stood there, useless, as she tore the scroll into pieces and walked away.
Mulan ignored Mushu's comforting words. All she wanted was to be left alone. Tears slowly fell from her eyes. Long ago, she had promised herself she wouldn't cry a tear for a man. Her heart was broken and she felt like a fool, but she wasn't going to beg him nor make him feel sorry by crying before his eyes. Mulan guessed Shang's rank would always be the top of his list of priorities, and she wouldn't even reach the last place. It hurt her so much.
I've loved you since the beginning, Yet all I feel is rejection, Instead of a bit of affection.
You were taught to be a gentleman, Courteous words, and how to be polite, Still, you don't know how to deal with a woman.
My intentions were never to make you feel flattered, I'm not here to boost your self-esteem and be humiliated. If you haven't noticed, I have my pride and dignity And I don't need you to feel pity for me.
If only you'd break the boundaries The long and cold distance. If only you'd forget of all your worries And love me for once.