My second day at the Fa residence went much like the first, but the setting seemed more familiar. I was more comfortable there, although Mulan and I hadn't been alone since the night before. As the week progressed, I found myself becoming more and more attached to the Fa's, although I ached to have a conversation alone with her. But before I knew it, four days had passed, and I started to feel more and more restless. I needed to talk to her.
We sat at the table, talking and laughing, when Fa Li appeared in the doorway.
"Mulan? Can you run into town for me?" She handed her a neat list, and Mulan nodded. But I, being chivalrous, volunteered to go.
"Please, you're our guest." I shook my head and snatched the list from Mulan's fingers. She gave a playful cry and tried to grab the list, which I held high over my head.
"My, my, you can both go!" Fa Li said, throwing up her hands in exasperation. We both laughed and agreed, setting off into the village.
I watched as Mulan bargained and bartered, collected the groceries and moving on the next shop. I offered to carry the satchel, but she just waved me off. I finally snuck up behind her and slipped it from her shoulder. She glared at me but didn't argue. We loaded up the bags onto her horse, which she lead by the reins.
As we passed a grand looking building, the doors burst open, revealing a harsh-looking woman in fine robes. Beside her stood a young woman, not much older than Mulan. She stood tall and looked uncomfortable. Her face was smuthered in pasty makeup, and I couldn't even tell what the poor woman looked like. Mulan gasped and ducked behind me, pulling my arm to cover her. I moved to hide her completely and glanced around for signs of a threat.
"What? What's wrong?" She just shook her head.
"Please, not here." I nodded and quickly took the reins, leading the horse away from the building. Once we turned the corner, she relaxed and let out a breath. I stared at her, my eyebrows raised.
"Care to explain? Who was that?" I asked.
"That was the Matchmaker." Oh... That explains it. Every young woman's fear.
"Have you been assessed by the Matchmaker?" Her face turned bright red with embarrassment. She averted her gaze downwards. "Mulan..." nothing. "Mulan." This time she looked up; tears in her eyes.
"I was rejected. I was utterly humiliated in front of my entire village. I brought dishonour to the Fa family." And she proceeded to tell me the story of her rejection. I tried to imagine this Mulan, the warrior, brave and strong and beautiful, covered in uncomfortable robes and caked in makeup. I gave a small smile.
"The woman sounds horrid. I believe she became a Matchmaker in revenge of her own inability to produce a husband." She burst out laughing through her tears.
"I suppose I should become a Matchmaker, too." I smiled and shook my head.
"You will find a husband. You are China's national treasure. Once the word spreads, your father will be fighting away men." She gave a tiny smile and thanked me. We never spoke of it again.
When we returned to the Fa residence, Fa Zhou greeted me with a scroll that had been recieved during our absence. I hesitantly took the scroll, and with shaking hands, I read the letter.
Captain Li,
Due to the success of your recent assignment, you have been promoted to the positon of
General of the Imerial Army of China by the Emperor of China. Upon recieving this notice,
you must report to the Imerial City to accept this positon. If you fail to report your positon...
I was frozen.
"Well? What does it say?" I looked up in surprise to see the entire Fa family watching me, waiting.
"I've...I've been promoted. To General." I recieved a overwhelming congratulations and questions. I answered in a sort of daze, until Mulan spoke up.
"When will you be leaving?" I looked at her, feeling my heart sink.
"Tonight."
When I finished preparing my horse, I returned to the house one last time. I thanked the Fa family for their kindness and hospitality. As I bid farewell I glanced quickly back at Mulan. I would never be able to truely talk to her. Say what I wanted to say. With one last bow, I mounted my horse and rode off.
As I moved farther and farther away, I felt my reluctance to leave grow greater and greater. I might never return to the Fa residence. I might never see them again. Over the sounds of hoofbeats, I heard a faint voice.
"Shang! Shang!" I turned to see Mulan running behind me. "Shang!" I jerked the reins and jumped off of my horse. My heart pounded through my chest.
"Mulan? What's going on?" But before I could continue to express my concern, Mulan ran straight into my arms. She wrapped her arms around my neck, and our lips met.