The Wood Orchid
Chapter 5: The Festival
The agreement had been made that both of them were curious about this villages particular customs of this village, Yíbīn, as its inhabitants welcomed the spring and celebration of the snake goddess of China. Nü Gua was a well-known patroness goddess of creation, remnants of an older, seemingly forgotten, matriarchal society. Some even recall when she was known as the creator of mankind and as a powerful and independent goddess. She was thought to have brought harmony to heaven, earth and humanity through the invention of sound and music and granting loving marriage matches resulting in rewarding fertility.
When Mulan recalled the goddess's history, she vaguely blushed but soon became warmly prideful, partly to the drink, as she realized how much Nü Gua had blessed her. She felt great need to honor the goddess at the festival. Thus, she convinced a seemingly reluctant Shang to come with her to escort her, she may be a strong woman but not to be taken for a careless fool of a woman. Shang would never admit it, but he too was curious as to the spectacle the village seemed to display already in preparations observed on their way in.
Their travel weary clothes were an excellent excuse for Mulan to have the excuse of dressing up in one of her newly acquired dresses her mother and grandmother had insisted on her getting after returning home. They insisted she would more than likely need the new dresses eventually and the present Mulan was currently grateful for the past Mulan's compliance. She hadn't enjoyed the more feminine practices so much before, but she was slowly beginning to realize the finer qualities of such practices.
Her hanfu, dress, consisted of multiple, well-crafted parts. The dressmaker was hesitant at first to dress a woman who had dared to dress like a man but quickly got over it when she was reminded of Mulan's status as a receiver of the emperor's good will. She had immediately set to work at creating some of the finest garments Mulan had ever seen. The seamstress knew may be her only chance to get her work appreciated by the Father of China, the Golden Dragon of the East.
This particular dress was of a pale jade color on the blouse and outer skirt that had been embroidered with a silk thread a shade darker to crest a floral vine pattern throughout the piece. Occasionally there was a pale pink embroidered flower on one of the vines giving the whole garment a sense of garden life. The deep jade corset like wrapping needed no fine embroidery as the enchanting color was able to emanate a strength of its own, only contrasted by the pale pink scarf wrapped thinly around her waist. The long sleeves of the pale jade hanfu outfit gave her an added grace that she never thought she would achieve. She was able to create a simple, formal bun where she added a simple but elegant hair comb that allowed a few rows of little metal flowers painted a complimentary pale pink to hang down a few inches. She was amazed with how something so hard and rigid could be made to appear so delicate. A simple dusting of face powder with some balm for the lips that had been tinted with berries followed by two quick, now practiced, strokes of kohl complete her simple yet elegant appearance.
Donning the outfit, she had been initially excited but now she was concerned she had overdone it. After all, it was just a simple village festival. It was too late now, if she lingered any longer she risked losing Shang's interest in the festival.
The moment she stepped out of their unconventionally shared room, her effort had been worth it. Shang had gone down to ensure the horses were settled and had seemingly freshened up his appearance and changed into some simple yet appropriate, as he always was appropriate, dress robes. He had apparently been walking up to the door to check on her when, arm poised to knock, she had exited unexpectedly to him. Caught off guard, he did not have a chance to filter his expression upon seeing her, his instincts being allowed to overpower his willpower through surprise and the fact his reflexes had been slightly dulled due to drink.
His expression of awe mixed with a deep seated, almost well hidden, longing was something Mulan would never forget through the years to come. It would stay with her as one of her most precious memories as he unknowingly to himself stepped forward reached out and caressed her face. In a quiet voice he asked if she was ready. She simply smiled softly and took his hand to bring it down for her to intertwine her arm through. His court manners and face seemed to kick in then though his eyes kept edging to the left to get a glimpse of her as her escorted her down the stairs of the inn and through the front door.
The streets were bustling though a distinct flow of traffic guided them to the center of town, the decorations becoming more apparent as they got closer to the center where a majority of the festivities were taking place.
The lucky red lights illuminated the streets as the sun was nearing the end of its daily journey. Flowers were everywhere, painted on lamps, paper flowers made into a garland, some lucky individuals holding early blooms given to them from dear ones who ones attempting to become a dear one. Street performers were out in abundance, some singing, some dancing, some incorporating both. A space was given for each performer more so to the particularly precarious acts such as a flame eater. Dazzled by the lights and spectacle of it all she barely noticed Shang staring at her as if she was the only sight worth gazing upon that night. When she glanced his way, an odd coughing fit came over him and he looked away appearing to be focused on taming it. A mischievous spell came over Mulan and she pulled out a water skin from inside her sash. She passed it to him and he gratefully took it and took a swig. He luckily had enough sense to swallow with wide eyes before turning to her.
"What in- why do you have this?!"
She replied coyly, "Why do you think? It's time for celebration! The spring has come again and Nü Gua has blessed this war-torn land!"
He narrowed his eyes with his knee melting smirk, waiting for more.
"And well, Huān did hand this to me on the way out… she said her special wine is to only be enjoyed on special occasions. I don't for see many very special occasions to come and also, I have yet to be able to fully celebrate your promotion. Tonight did seem as good as any!"
His quizzical brow was the preamble to his response, "This is not necess-"
"I know it's not, but I'm so happy and proud for you. Seeing you succeed truly makes me happy, and if I want to celebrate it…" she took the water skin with a flourish and pompously took a swig, "…I will!"
She began to fake a storm off when her elbow was caught and she was pulled into a warm pair of strong arms, with strong hands, that pulled her close. With his lips near her left ear and her arms caught up next to his chest, he whispered, "Thank you. I can't explain how much your support and trust truly means to me." He pushed her away slightly, his right hand gently cupping her chin, his left on her neck cradling her head. "I could only be so lucky to have such an amazing woman beside me till the end of my days."
Not being able to control himself much longer with the atmosphere, the drink, and her overwhelming beauty in that moment, he gently guided their lips together colliding in mutual bliss. The same effects overcame her as she melted into his full embrace, sliding her arms around his neck, not allowing any space between them.
Passersby roamed past them unfazed by such a sight. It was not uncommon for young couples to be swept up into the moment of the festival of spring, new life, and the promise of love.
The grudgingly parted their lips, foreheads resting against the other, slow and deep breaths as each tried to reign in their feelings that seemed impossible to pursue (each with their own misguided sense of why not).
He breathed out, "I don't know why- I just can't think h-"
"Let's not then!" She whispered pleadingly, moving back slightly to met his heated gaze. "Let's not think this night. For once we do not carry the names we were born with or the positions we were placed in. We don't have to be anyone tonight. We do not need to think or discuss anything from the past or future, we can simply be present in this moment and enjoy it for what it is… Please Shang."
With her plea, his name slipping from her lips, it tantalized him more than he would ever share. He hissed in a breath squeezing his eyes shut, contemplating. Then a calm came over him as he peered down into her open and patient, pleading eyes.
His response was simple and her lips were obliging.
A laugh escaped his lips and he smirked against her lips. "You never cease to surprise and amaze me. Fine, you win. Tonight, we forget all else and only think of tonight."
She playfully pecked him on the lips before pushing him away. "Good." She said with a triumphant smile on her face before tossing him another water skin. "Let's make the most of every moment tonight." And she turned away quickly, tucking away the water skin, heading towards the sound and feeling of drums with faint accompanying stringed instruments. She only turned her head back to beckon him to follow with a coy smile.
He caught the water skin in the air with a baffled smile before following her, cutting through the crowd. He decided to embrace the moment, feeling playful. Taking a swig and tucking it away he initiated his quickly concocted plan.
She got to the dance area, turning around and expecting to see him. When she searched for a bit and couldn't see him, her smile started to fade with the end of the song playing, fading off. On the bright upswing of the next song, a sort of country folk dance began involving clapping, rhythmic stomping, and requiring a partner. She was just about to step out of the dance area when she was whirled into the middle by strong, leading hands. Her surprised face caused her partner to laugh deeply and joyously, causing her to follow suit. They continued to laugh, sweeping and stomping across the floor circling each other, stepping in line with the other dancers and clapping on cue.
The joyous feeling was potent with the whole crowd, smiles and laughter common and unhindered. At the end of it, he swung her around in his arms with the biggest grin on his face, leading her off the floor. They were quickly ushered back on the floor by onlookers who had enjoyed their joyous dance. They shared a chagrined look with one another before he led her into a partner dance that had her spinning and swirling around him.
Years ago, her lack of bodily grace had hindered her from participating successfully in village dances. Her time within the army under the instructions of her current partner had led her to the grace who body displayed now. She was amazed by her own progress in dancing skill as well as the presence of such in him. Though she did not doubt his dancing ability, being raised in a family with close court ties, she did not expect him to know such provincial movements. She did not dwell on it too much as she enjoyed his strong arms leading her around, pulling her close, spinning away. The occasional partner switch would occur but neither took their eyes off one another. The crowd seemed to cheer them and a few other couples along and a few more dances had been coaxed out of them before they insisted on resting.
The managed their way through the crowd, her arm in his.
There was a gathering of people around a large, paper-mâchéd form that seemed to be the basis of a game. Six individuals stood around the top behind the apparent form of a mountain and proceeded to drop balls*(1). Some landed next to each other, while others fell apart. Couples could be seen at the top watching the progress of the balls and ended up with smiles on their faces when their balls met up with their partners, or frowns of disappointment when they did not.
Mulan, always eager for a challenge, pulled Shang along to the top as there was an available spot for the next round. They dropped the balls when instructed. Their two balls oscillated down the side of the mountain, meeting occasionally before separating again before finally meeting firmly and distinctly together at the bottom. For their efforts, they received red silken thread that was woven into bracelets. She grinned impishly up at him as he was tightening the bracelet around her wrist for her, seemingly having more difficulty than she did moments early when she did the same for him. He playfully stuck his tongue out briefly in a responding taunt once he accomplished his task before taking the water skin again from her, taking a swig, and passing it back to her. She laughed and followed him as he continued down the bustling street.
They followed their noses to a food stand where they had seasoned chicken speared on a stick that smelled as delectable as it tasted. A small girl was walking around with a tray full of peach filled mooncakes was making her way through the crowd attempting to sell her wares, announcing in a tiny voice that cakes would "bring luck in love, and you'll love your luck".
Though perhaps not the most eloquent line, Shang nevertheless be any down to make an exchange and the girls face grew a smile at his money and his kind words that Mulan couldn't overhear above there din.
Shang lead Mulan to a quieter area where they could sit and relax a moment before reentering the festivities.
"You're a remarkable dancer." He complimented her as he was handing her a cake and uncorking his water skin, taking a refreshing sip in the process.
She blushed into her bite of the moon cake following it with a sip of Huān's special wine as well. "Well I didn't even think you would know such dances. That is- I mean I know you were probably well versed in dancing in court but I didn't think you'd have time to learn such dances."
He simply smiled and said, "My grandparents on my mother's side lived out in the country. While it's not customary, my mother insisted that I spend summers on their plantation with them to help out. My father was opposed at first of course because it's not traditional and he'd have preferred me to stay with his mother if anything to learn courtly ways. Though when he saw how strong it made me and realized the opportunities of developing leadership skills, I guess decided that he'd prefer a son who would be able to lead troops better through understanding them than a courtly son who could talk circles around people.
My summers were some of the best times of my life. The friends I made I'm on the plantation and in the village were some of the most genuine people I would ever know. When I would go back to court, I never really knew where I truly stood with most of them. My friends from my grandparents' village are the ones who dragged me along to village celebrations and learned those dances."
Knowing this made her feel closer to him knowing that his world was not as far away from hers as she originally thought. She took another sip before admitting, "I'm not too sure court life would be quite receptive of me."
He contemplated for a second before nodding his head seemingly in agreement, causing her heart to drop. When he saw her face he quickly corrected his sentiment by stating, "Its true they might not except you, by that is on them. Your accomplishments and favor from the emperor would place you among the highest individuals in the courts favor if it wasn't for the fact you are a woman. Yet it is their ignorance for not recognizing your accomplishments no matter your gender."
Here he grasped her face in his hands and stared directly into her eyes.
"Do not let anyone ever convince you that you are anything but an amazing, brave, good, kind…" his thumb ran over her cheek, his eyes traveling over her face, "..beautiful woman."
His self-control was one of his strongest attributes but when he was around her, his impulses were difficult to hold back and the nights activities and the drink tore away any barriers. Both were caught up in a turbulent wave of emotions; they felt free to be honest with themselves and each other. That made their second kiss so much sweeter. The moment his lips pushed into hers, it was a push and pull ordeal. She surrendered her mouth to his, opening and letting his tongue explore around hers. When she felt the need, she pushed leaned into the kiss to explore him as well. It was a beautiful sparring match. Neither had felt more exposed and vulnerable to another person and yet they both felt a warm feeling of acceptance, understanding, and just such… love.
The intense feeling soaked into them, warming their souls and bodies. Their hands starting to explore the each other, her arms traveling behind his head and back, feeling his strong muscles that provides such a loving embrace. Even if they had not chosen such an secluded area, they probably would have forgotten there were people around at all.
His embrace deepened as his hands slid down her back, lovingly feeling her curves. His hands slid to her waist and he lifted her into his lap. With their bodies pulled closer the emotions began to dig deeper into their souls to a place they didn't know was there before. With their mouths, hands, and bodies all intertwined, their souls began to inseparably intertwine as well like two twining towers of smoke from smothered fires, miles apart*(1). What they shared felt like something greater than themselves.
Shang pulled back for a moment causing a whimper to, to her embarrassment, escape her lips. He smiled and poked into her eyes.
"I- I love you Mulan. And I do not know where life will take us within the next few months but I can promise you I will be doing everything within my power to ensure we have a chance at a happy life together with nothing to get in the way. I do want to marry you and I do not want to worry about anything or anyone standing in our way ever. I was even planning on asking your father for permission but was prevented upon learning that emperor would be sending for you. When you told me you were going to the matchmakers before the messenger arrived, I'd be damned if I let someone else have chance before I did." He whispered this fiercely to her, finally revealing the reason for his abrupt exit a few nights ago.
"I love you. More than I could ever express and I hope that you can be patient with me as we face the challenges ahead of us. Can you please wait with me? I'm sorry to ask this of. You but-"
She cut his running words off, probably the most emotion and words to ever flow from his mouth ever, with a peck on his lips and a word, "Forever."
Their bodies began to mimic their souls yet again, intertwining and embracing in a dance of arms and hands. Both knew this couldn't last forever and they'd have to renter the world around them again but they did everything within their power, maintaining their integrity and honor, to postpone their return.
Eventually she was the one to stop their deep embrace with a dip of her chin, separating their mouths and touching their foreheads. Eyes closed and her hands cupping his face, she reluctantly said, "It is perhaps time for us to return to the celebration or return to our room."
He pulled his head back sharply with an amused and inquisitive look on his face as her eyes flew wide open, hands flying to her mouth.
"I didn't- I wasn't implying any- I just meant that we still have a journey tomorrow and we will need to be well rested!"
He chuckled and took her hands from her, opening the palms to place gentle kisses in them.
"I know what you meant, Mulan. And you know I would never." He looked into her eyes, "ever, do anything to compromise your honor."
She knew this about him and loved him more for it because that was who he was. Someone who was born to be honorable? There was no changing that. The fact that this night was happening, she knew just how deeply he cared for her by doing something that borders on dishonorable. Her impulsiveness wanted her to throw all caution to the wind and do whatever it took to be with him now. But she trusted his judgement and his wisdom. That's what made him such a great leader.
"I know… now let's go!" She exclaimed while pushing up off his lap and pulling his hand to follow he. "I want to dance till we can't anymore." She threw her hands above her and twirled around, smiling in joy towards the heavens.
Her hair had become disheveled through the last moments and she went to fix it. He stopped her hands and pulled her hairpiece out to let her hair fall around her face. He tucked it with some hair to one side behind her ear.
"Leave it down. Tonight is all about being free and celebrating."
He pecked her cheek and pulled her from their secluded area to the celebratory area. She followed without a second thought.
The rest of the night the dances and drank and reveled in each other with abandon without a thought to anything else. Hours passed until they made their way, stumbling in a stupor with their arms intertwined, from the drink and from their joy of togetherness towards their place of stay.
Once they reached their room, a delay occurred outside when his self-control began to creep back in. She saw this and wrapped her hands on the sides of his face, pulling him into a deep kiss outside their door. He gave in before gently pushing away. Forehead to forehead he softly whispered, "I'm going to take a minute to check on the horses and allow you to get settled. I'll grab my sleeping mat and sleep on the floor." He let out a sorrowful smile before departing from her presence down the stairs.
She was sorry to see him go, but understood and let him depart with a soft smile. She couldn't change him even if she wanted to.
As she was settling into bed after changing into a simple sleep robe and washing her face, she thought over the night, reveling again in their joy.
As she reveled, his tumultuous thought kept him questioning his actions from the night. He knew he enjoyed every moment, but he was unused to such eased expressions of his feelings. He was unsure what tomorrow and beyond may bring. The drink helped to stave off those pending thoughts while he enjoyed his shared joy. He knew no matter, come what may, he would treasure this night from here till the end of his days.
He grabbed his sleeping pallet from the stall of his sleeping mare and headed back up to the room.
When he entered his eyes wandered over her apparently sleeping body before beginning to set up his sleeping pallet.
Hands wrapped around him from behind; she had noiselessly came across the room.
"You don't need to sleep on the floor. There's plenty of room on the bed."
Her head tucked behind him on his back, nuzzled into him.
Who was he to deny her? He grasped her hands slowly turning to wrap his arms around her before picking her up bridal style. He indulged both of them, pressing his lips into hers as he was confidently walking across the room to place her down on the bed.
They fell together in a beautiful, tangled mess. They kissed until they were dragged into a peaceful slumber, her head resting on his strong chest, his arms wrapped around her, holding her near.
The moonlight shining through, snakes across the room, resting on their faces in a blessing from Nü Gua.
For the time being, all was well.
Disclaimer: The author does not own the motion picture "Mùlán" or any of its characters. This story is written for creative purposes only; there is no monetary benefit. Any historical or religious references used are implemented with creative licensing and no disrespect to any culture or religion is intended.
Author's Note:
Minor changes and edits have been made to this chapter since the original posting. An additional paragraph has been added to enhance some historical background.
*Historical Notes:
(1) The game and the smoke reference has been based off of a story within the Chinese Mythology Creation Story. The video is called Chinese Mythology Creation Story Explained in Animation by Captivating History and is very well done; I encourage you to watch the whole thing. youtube(.com)/watch?v=G7vget_QAmo&list=PLClQLLlGtgfedL2N_3uS43iKZaYljSAdC&index=8&t=0s