Trial, Torture, and Tears

Shang stood before the governor's consul and other members of his court. Two built-up guards were commanded to position themselves next to the young general aiming their swords at him, though he made no attempt to escape. His gaze was stern, and his poise was firm. There was nothing for him to hide after all, except of course, the woman who had visited his chambers. He had not done anything, but he knew how fast gossip spread, and he feared an altered version of the events would reach Mulan's ears and she would believe it. His thoughts drifted off to her, and how deeply sorry he was for their last fight. Perhaps if he had let her come, he would not be in this situation. At least he would have her to back him up. She was an excellent soldier, probably the best one he had ever known, and he had been limiting her too much. But now he was most certain he was the prey of a plot carefully planned to interfere with the emperor's commands and wishes, or simply a plot to tarnish his impeccable and honorable reputation as a General of China's Imperial Army.

"So, you claim you were in your chambers when the governor was murdered," the consul spoke up.

"Yes, I ran outside the moment I heard someone scream," declared Shang when he was granted the opportunity to talk.

The consul nodded. Given Shang's record, he did not seem very likely to be responsible for the murder. But he had been the only person in the crime scene. "What exactly was it you were doing?"

"I was preparing myself to sleep," Shang explained.

"Someone saw a woman exiting your room," one of the guards dove in.

Shang swallowed hard. He was innocent, and yet he felt he had done something wrong. He had pushed the woman away because he had clearly said he did not want her. He had to choose his words carefully.

"Well, she deliberately tried to seduce me," Shang declared.

"Is that so?" the consul went on, "because the young maiden claims you took advantage of her. Bring her in."

The doors opened and the girl who had previously been into Shang's guestroom walked through the hall, weeping shrilly. Her personality was completely different. Before the consul she was a fearful maiden, but earlier she had been quite determined to get what she wanted. Truth be told, Shang had no idea who she was. He hardly ever paid attention to other women. Therefore, the first time he had been aware of her existence had been when she entered his temporary chambers.

"Ming Yue," the consul started, "you were spotted leaving General Li Shang's guest dorms moments after the murder took place. Would you please let us know what happened?"

She choked her tears and explained, "This man took advantage of me."

Shang could not hide his anger. He narrowed his eyes at the young woman and spoke up, "I didn't. I wouldn't. She tried to but I said no!"

"Silence!" the consul roared.

Shang felt the tip of one of the guard's sword pressed against the skin on his torso.

"I have a bruise on my back that proves otherwise," declared Ming Yue. She turned her back on the consul and shamelessly pulled the fabric on her sash and the men's lustful thoughts awoke. Ming Yue was undeniably beautiful.

"We'll have to see that," the consul heard himself say.

"I admit I pushed her away," Shang confessed, "Only because she was forcing herself. I don't even know this woman"

"No," she cried, "I wouldn't dare. I am a lady."

The consul ignored them both and interjected, "Perhaps both of you are lying. Perhaps she got in the way to stop the murder and Li Shang pushed her away."

"I did not murder the governor either, I was sent here to deal with issues peacefully and not through violence," Shang went on, "the hall was dark and I the chambers with the purpose of seeing what happened after I heard a scream."

"He lies!" screeched Ming Yue.

It was then that Shang figured the woman must have been hired to distract him while the real assassin performed the crime.

One of the guards grabbed Shang's hair and pushed his body against the marble floor.

"Tell the truth!" he ordered.

"I didn't do anything," the young General declared. Clearly the movement had been painful, but he could deal with it. "Had it been me I would have run away."

The consul pulled on his thin beard pensively deciding if Li Shang's last statement was logical.

"You don't want to tell us the truth then we'll help you out, bring it in!"

Another guard approached them carrying a set of three wooden boards chained by a rope. The guards next to Shang removed his shoes and stockings and tied the rope around and between his feet.

"Maybe this makes it easier," said the consul.

The third guard pulled on the rope causing the boards to tighten around Shang's feet blocking the blood flow. Shang shut his eyes in pain, soon it subsided. "I didn't. The halls were dark and I couldn't see who it was," he declared. Again the guard pulled the rope .

"You're not cooperating," the consul continued, "the relation with the Imperial city is waning, we know you were sent to get rid of the problem."

"The emperor is willing to negotiate peace through a treaty," Shang said.

"A treaty of blood no doubt. Perhaps there is someone you care about…let me think…," he made a pause, "Oh yes, Fa Mulan."

"Don't you dare!" said Shang through gritted teeth.

"I believe I've hit the spot."

"Don't you dare go near her!"

The guard pulled the rope for the third time.

"Interesting."

Just then Shang swiftly rolled on the ground, a movement which was completely unexpected by the guard holding the rope, making the rope slide his hands. However, the other guard aimed his sword at Shang who turned to face the theat. The young general hit the guard's knees with his elbow which caused him to drop the sword and cut the rope in half. Li Shang immediately got hold of the sword and released himself. He could think of the pain later. He ran as fast as he could, and he tripped. The guards caught up with him. One of them lunged for his feet. At first Shang let him approach him, and then he punched him making his head hit one of the stairs leaving him unconscious. Shang ran to the stables to get his horse.

Mulan lied on the bed clutching her stomach. Days had gone by and she did not make an effort to leave the bedroom. Instead she laid on the bed cluching her stomach as the feeling of loss tormented her thoughts. She blamed herself and wondered if the gods or the ancestors had punished her for telling her husband she did not desire to become a mother yet. True, she did not consider herself ready for its implications, yet she never completely objected to the idea. After all she loved Li Shang and it was natural for them to start a family. Her eyes were swollen and red from days of crying. Her stare was blank and depressing. She thought of what could have been. The child barely developing in her womb could have been a fair and brave leader like his father. Certainly, he would have been very proud. Tears streamed down her almond shaped eyes.

The maid entered the room carrying a tray.

Mulan made no attempt to move.

"Fa Mulan," she began, "you need to put yourself together again. Master Li could come anytime soon, and you don't want him to see you like that."

The young warrior sighed. The thought of Shang's reaction to the news was tormenting her. How would she face him now? How would she tell him what she was responsible for?

"I want to be alone," declared Mulan turning her back on Jen Chun.

"Nonsense," she went on, "you need to recover your health. Master Li needs a healthy wife to bear him sons. You must not give up, these things happen to a lot of women."

Just then, Shang's stepmother entered the room and sat at the edge of the bed.

"The maid is right," she said, "you should eat. Shang mustn't find out what happened, or he'll think you can't bear him children and get another wife to serve that purpose."

The Jen Chun frowned at Chan Juan's comment, yet she was not entitled to argue with her.

"Oh…I left some rice boiling, can you check on it?" ordered Chan Juan.

The maid nodded and left.

Chan Juan set her eyes on the door, and began."Now Mulan, Shang doesn't need to know what happened the other night. We can support one another, I'll make sure he doesn't find out about the baby if you don't tell him about the man that was here."

Mulan was not concerned of Chan Juan's private affairs, earlier she had wanted Shang to know about her treason. But now Mulan was too weak. She feared Shang would find out and leave her. She loved him too much. The younger woman remained responseless.

"Think about it."

The maid re-entered the room, and Chan Juan left.

"Master Li is good and fair. You must let him know the truth about this child. Surely, he will understand and help the burden upon you less heavy."

Tears formed in Mulan's eyes. Lately she had not seen the kind Shang she had fallen in love with, and she found it very hard for him to understand the situation. Surely, he would blame her.

Jen Chun placed her hand on Mulan's cheek in a motherly way. "You are still so young, don't dwell too much on the past."

But what did this woman knew about her. Of all the things that had happened to her, nothing compared to the feeling of failure, guilt, and grief she was going through.

Author's Note: After a long while the chapter is up. I am not completely satisfied with the outcome.

Thank you for your patience and encouragement.

Thank you so much for reviewing, your reviews keep me writing.

Next chapter is halfway done. I am really looking forward to upload it soon.