Author's note: I'm back. I am really grateful for all of your reviews, and for all the people who requested a sequel for Yin Yang Out Of Balance.

Mulan's Final Decision

By now Mulan was aware of Shang's visit. She kept peeking through the window as she saw her father and the young general engaged in a conversation. She wondered what the matter being addressed was. It was strange they had been talking for quite some time given the fact they usually barely exchanged polite expressions. Mulan could perceive the constrained expression upon Li Shang's handsome features. She sighed as she recalled him down on his knees pleading her to be his wife. Shang was a puzzle, and yet she desired to put all the pieces together to understand him better. Ever since the kiss they shared in the burned out ruins of what once was Camp Wu Zhong, he had been his honorable and polite self. For a week Mulan had been pondering on the thought on how her life would be if she married the young general. She was conscious with the fact that they would face issues; nevertheless, she knew that in spite of the previous disagreements the possibility of sharing a life with Shang was simply wonderful. But what had stopped her from accepting his offer? She thought about her life, and the future scared her. What if she was not worthy to be the wife of a general? What if they started having kids too soon? She shook her head. She was definitely not ready to have children yet. She had long tried to fight the feelings she had for Li Shang, mainly because it seemed impossible that such a refined man would want her as a wife. But now everything was different, and she learned that Shang loved her, and all that teasing at Wu Zhong was only a plea for her attention. Once again, Mulan sighed as she thought. "To hell with everything. I do love him back."

Mulan looked at her reflection in the mirror. She was about to take a very important step in her life. All she could hope for is that everything would be for the best. "It will be," she told herself as she headed to the gardens to meet Shang.

When the young general saw Mulan walking towards them, he swallowed hard. Fa Zhou noticed that Shang had gone paler. "I shall let you two talk in private," said the elder man getting on his feet.

"Thank you, Baba," said Mulan slightly bowing her head.

"So, what were you two talking about?" began Mulan.

Shang was aware of the tiny drops of sweat dripping from his forehead. He was nervous of what Mulan's final answer might be, but now he feared that the fact they had been talking about her would annoy her. He grinned slightly, and yet he did not spoke up. Shang acknowledged the new power Mulan had over him, now that she knew his intentions she could either make him the happiest man on Earth, or she could reject him and tear him apart.

"Are you alright?" She asked confused. "Is China alright?" She was beginning to feel worried. What if he had changed his mind about the marriage and he was trying to figure a way to break it to her?

Shang sighed and nodded. China was fine.

"Do you want tea, water or something?"

'I want you' he thought as he eyed her longingly. A few seconds later he uttered, "it's ok."

"Did my father threaten you in any way?" Mulan insisted, "Because if he did I am sure he did not really mean to intimidate you."

"No, Mulan he did not." He finally spoke up. Inside he was dying to hear her answer, but he recalled Fa Zhou's words. There was no need to pressure her.

"Shang, I want to talk to you."

"I want you too," he said, and he slapped his forehead for missing a very important verb. His own thoughts had betrayed him. "Sorry, I mean I want to talk to you too."

Mulan smiled fondly. She did not have to worry about him changing his mind. "I have come to a decision regarding your proposal. But I need to know a few things."

She was taking too long. All he needed to hear was a simple yes or a no. It was killing him.

"The truth is I want to marry you."

All of a sudden, the young general could feel that the heavy load had fallen from his shoulders. A sigh of relief escaped from him. He could breathe again. Regardless of how inappropriate it was considered, Li Shang planted a kiss on Mulan's mouth. At first she was startled, but it did not take her long to welcome his lips. Soon they were caught in each other's embrace. Their lips parted, but they remained close. "I swear I will be a good man to you, Mulan."

He was all she had dreamed of. Mulan chided herself for ever doubting him. "I hope I can fulfill your expectations."

"You are perfect the way you are," Shang gently kissed her forehead.

By now Mulan had completely forgotten about the questions she wanted to ask Shang. He loved her and that was what mattered.

Soon, the rest of Mulan's family joined the young couple, and their wedding was set to be in two full moons.

A