A/N I apologize for the length of time it took me to update this. I was really stuck on it for awhile. I hope you enjoy the chapter and don't worry! The reunion is coming soon!

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"Well." Song said as she led the way back to the garden. "That wasn't so hard, was it?" Mulan followed a few steps behind. "I'm impressed, Song." She smiled. "Then again, my father always did tend to have a soft spot for you. You are the only one of my friends that is allowed to speak to him without his consent. Probably because you remind him so much of my grandma."

Song assessed her friend with raised brow. "I remind you father of his mother? I'm not sure how to take that." She turned back and resumed walking. Mulan gave an exasperated sigh. "You know what I mean. You speak your mind and don't let other's intimidate you." Song shrugged. "So you do. I've never known you to be a push over either. The one time I can remember is when Ji Chun began ridiculing you because you kicked his butt at mah jong."

Mulan gave an unlady-like snort. "He deserved it. No one tells me that I can't do something." Her expression fell. "At least not until lately." Song placed a comforting arm about her shoulders. "Cheer up, Mulan. Don't worry about the matchmaker. When I'm done with you, every man in China will want to marry you." "Don't be so sure." Mulan muttered under her breath. She simply turned and gave her friend a smile. "I have to admit. That was some pretty smooth talking you did to my father. I don't think I would have ever stood the chance had I gone in there alone."

Song waved it off. "Don't worry about it. It really doesn't take much. Your father is only looking out for you and your honor. He doesn't want you getting hurt. That's why he's so intent on your passing the test on the second attempt." Mulan sighed. "There has to be some way to avoid this retest." Song shook her head. "There is one, but I wouldn't count on it working. Mulan turned her surprised gaze to Song. "I'll try anything at this point. What is it?"

Song sighed heavily. "The only way to avoid the retest is to find a man willing to marry you. He must be one of wealth or nobility so that the honor must be restored to your family." Mulan cringed. "You're right. That doesn't sound too promising. And if by some miracle, I do find some one, he'll either be a complete jerk or twice my age." She pushed a strand of her ebony hair behind her ear. "Neither prospect sounds wonderful at this point. I suppose I have no choice but to take the test."

Song nodded grimly and offered a sympathetic smile. "Mulan? Song? Are you girls out there?" Both women directed their gazes to the house to see Fa Li in the doorway. "Ah Mulan! There you are. Could you do me a favor?" Mulan stood when she saw her mother. "Of course, Mama." She answered with respect. "What do you need me to do." Fa Li pulled an envelope and a piece of paper from her pocket. "I need you to go into town and find a runner for this letter. It's of the utmost importance to her father. After you finish that, could you pick up a few things in the market place?" She saw the look of horror on her daughter's face and gently laid a hand alongside her cheek. "Do not listen to them, Mulan. You are beautiful and special in your own way. No matter what anyone says, you bring more honor to this family than you could have ever imagined. They are just too blind to see that."

Mulan and her mother shared a tender smile before Fa Li removed her hand. "Hurry back in time for lunch." She said, handing Mulan the letter and list." Have Song go with you and why don't you girls also pick up some supplies for your journey, Mulan. It's about time that you visited the tailor anyway. I swear you grew while you were away." Mulan ignored the perplexed look that Song tossed her way. With a nervous laugh, she kissed her mother's cheek. "Thank you, Mama. I'll be sure to stop by. We won't be long. Come, Song." Mulan grabbed her friend's hand and pulled her toward the front gate,

Once they were outside the farm, Mulan breathed a sigh of relief. That had been to close. She couldn't risk telling Song about the army. That would surly be the final straw in her humiliation. "Mulan?" She turned to meet Song's raised brows. "What did your mother mean when she said you had been gone too long. What are you not telling me?" Mulan averted her eyes. "So how are you planning to pull of these matchmaker lessons. You probably already know that I'm not the prime candidate." Seeing that she would not get a response to her previous question, Song obliged.

"It won't be easy." She said. "By now the word has probably spread to somewhat." Mulan nodded grimly. Song sighed. "I suggest that you start by telling me exactly what went wrong with the last attempt." Mulan cringed. "Everything?" She nodded. "Everything. The first step to fixing a problem is finding the source." Mulan groaned. "Alright." She finally said." With a deep sigh, she began.

"You know how I panic in situations that I'm not comfortable in. Well, that morning I woke up early and studied the final admonition. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get it. I ended up writing notes on my forearm. I knew the long sleeves of my tunic would cover it, so I didn't give it a second thought. I was so absorbed into it that I didn't realize the time and I ended up being late for the preparation." Song gave a tight smile. "Problem number one." She muttered.

Mulan nodded. "The water was cold when I arrived, so my hair didn't hold like it was supposed to. From there everything went fine until I reached the matchmakers. When she called my name, I stood and yelled 'Present!' I was so excited because I thought I did something right, that I didn't think. I forgot that you are not supposed to speak unless you are spoken too." Song nodded. "Number two." Mulan glanced her way. Her friends' mental list was starting to irritate her.

Song glanced over at her. "Go on." Mulan rolled her eyes. "From there everything went downhill. Once we got inside, she grabbed my arm, getting the ink from my notes all over her hand. Thank the ancestors she didn't say see it. While she was demonstrating how to pour the tea, she accidentally drew a goatee on her face. I wasn't watching, but a cricket had crawled into her tea. I tried to take it back when she grabbed it and it spilled all over her. The cricket proceeded to crawl down her dress, which caused her to stumble and sit on the coal pot. Trying to help, I attempted to put out the simmer with my fan, but it only made the flames grow. She stormed out her house, calling me every name in the book and screaming how I would never bring honor to the family."

She finally turned her gaze to see Song's look of horror. "I know you said it was bad, but I didn't think you meant bad." Mulan nodded. "Yes, it was not pretty." They had reached town by this point and Mulan pointed toward the hotel. "We should be able to find a runner over there" Song followed. "Alright, Mulan. I suggest we start simple. We need to review the basics and refresh your memory on the smallest thing before we move on to the harder material. Trust me. You'll be fine. Just stick with me." Mulan laughed. "I'm glad you're so confident. I just wish I could have the same feeling. Song looped her arm through her friend's. 'Mulan. How many times do I have to tell you? When I'm done, the men will be falling at your feet." The friend's shared a laugh and a smile at the thought.

Mulan's smile faded when she came out of the hotel and entered into the market place. All around her, people grew quiet and regarded her with degrading glances. Mulan was not oblivious to the whispers that reached her ears and could only shudder at the thought of what they could possibly be saying. Song noticed it to. "Mulan, why are all of the people giving you strange looks and whispering all around us. Is something going on?" Mulan ignored her and kept walking, silently praying that she could become invisible.

"Mulan!" The sound of the voice caused Mulan to close her eyes and want to disappear. She opened them to see Cu Lee striding toward her. Mulan groaned inwardly. It seemed like Lee's mission in life was to make her miserable. The girl had been delighted to hear of her ordeal and had used it to her full advantage. Now that she was home from war, it was probably no longer a secret and Lee had been awaiting the perfect opportunity to make Mulan's life a living hell.

Mulan feigned her best smile and turned. "Lee! It's been too long. How are you?" However, Lee was ignoring her. Her gaze was now on Song. "Li Song!" she shrieked. "Is that you! How are you! I haven't seen you in months!" Song turned. "Cu Lee! Oh, my word! Look at you! How have you been!" Lee smiled. "Alright. I just passed the matchmaker's test, awaiting my perfect man to come and sweep me off my feet. I heard that you got engaged. Is there any truth to that rumor?" Song's eyes shone as she nodded. "Almost two months ago. The plans actually start tomorrow."

Lee dropped her jaw. "Song, if you need help, I'll be more than happy. Besides," she added with a smug smile. "I've been wanting to see that handsome brother of yours again. It's only a matter of time." Song chuckled. "Lee, my brother has too much on his mind to even consider marriage at this point. He just arrived home from the war. As for help, Thanks, but I already have someone. Mulan's going to help me." The smile faded from the girl's face. "Her? You're having her help make plans for your wedding. Come, Song. You have to be kidding. The girl is the laughing stock of the village."

Song's eyes narrowed. "Stop it lee. Mulan is my friend, my best one infact. Just because she didn't do so well with the matchmaker doesn't mean she should face your ridicule. So leave her alone." Lee's brow rose. "The matchmaker? That's all she told you? Why Mulan, I'm surprised." Mulan kept her gaze downward while Song glanced from her to Lee and back again. "What's going on, Mulan. What in the world is she talking about?" "Yes, Mulan." Lee chided. "Tell your friends why you were gone all of this time." Mulan glared at Lee, then turned to Song. "As much as I hate to admit it, Song, Lee is right. I should tell you. The reason I haven't been here is because I was fighting for China in the Imperial Army