"I can't leave! What if this fever takes Jia as well!?" Mulan shouted, fear blinding her common sense. "I am her father, Mulan. Lest you forget, I safely nursed you through many fevers! She's not going to die!" Zhou snapped back. "MOM DID!"

*The continuation of chapter 13. In this, we see Mulan finally break down as she argues with her dad over her mom and Jia*
I apologise for the POVs... there isn't really one. It kinda flitters between Shang, Zhou, Mulan & a mutual Ling, Yao & Chein-Po.

"No?" Zhou echoed. Mulan hummed lightly and sipped her tea. Zhou watched as the 4 soldiers blinked at her dismissal. "Mulan, my... you cannot ignore a summon from the emperor," Zhou cleared his throat. "Was it a summon? Or an ask?" Mulan asked nonchalantly. Zhou didn't say anything: this was not the Mulan he once knew. "If it were a summon, then, of course, I would go. But it is an ask. So no,"

There was a sudden awkward air around the table. Mulan, not bothered by the stiff air, placed her cup down on its saucer. "I need to check on the dumplings. Excuse me,"

Zhou didn't want to make eye contact with Chang's son. "I uh... I apologise for her. She is not usually like this," Zhou offered feebly. The 3 soldiers Shang brought with him snickered slightly. "I can assure you, sir, she was very much like this at the camp. It's one of the reasons we like her so," Chein-Po, the bigger one, smiled. Zhou felt his chest loosen slightly. "I... I fear she has adopted Li's role as primary caretaker of the house," Zhou sighed. "She hasn't been the same since she came home... and I don't think Jia having her fever is helping either,"

"Sir... if you don't mind me asking..." Shang began. "When did Li pass on?" Zhou frowned at the question: not because it upset him, but rather intrigued him. "Not too long after she left, maybe a month," He said. "Did they argue before? Or fight?" Ling suddenly asked. Zhou watched as Shang elbowed him. "Ow, stop. No, I mean it. I argued with my mom before I left for my brother's house a few years ago. She died while I was away and it ate me up. I didn't leave the house until the army," Ling glared at his captain.

Zhou frowned. "Now you mention it... they did argue before she left. The night before, actually. It wasn't their worst fight by far, but nonetheless." Maybe the skinny soldier had a point...

~

Zhou sighed heavily from the soft seat by the fire. "Mulan, you cannot ignore an emperor's wish. Whether it be a summon or otherwise." He chastised. Mulan sighed angrily from her seat. "I'm not leaving, I don't have to," She stated petulantly. "Mulan... lest you forget, you hang on to honour by the thinnest of threads. Do not risk losing that honour," Zhou warned. Mulan scoffed. "Nevermind that. I didn't do it for honour, I did it so you would live," She began to raise her voice. Zhou narrowed his eyes. "Watch your tone," He warned. "It's non-negotiable, you leave in the morning," He said. Mulan's eyes widened in anger. "You may not care about honour, but I do, and as your father, what I say goes," He finished. He watched as fury seeped into her brown eyes.

"I can't leave! What if this fever takes Jia as well!?" Mulan shouted, fear blinding her common sense. Zhou inhaled deeply. "I am her father, Mulan. Lest you forget, I safely nursed you through many fevers! She's not going to die!" Zhou snapped back. "MOM DID!"

Zhou froze.

Mulan let out an angry sob and dashed out of the house.

~

Zhou found Shang by the front door. "I'm sorry for intruding sir... but... are you ok?" Zhou closed his eyes. "Not really... but it is not me I worry about." Shang's body twisted as he faced his ex-soldier in the garden. "Your skinny soldier was right. I think her leaving after an argument with Li plays on her mind," He continued softly. He watched her form curl in on itself by the temple. "That's where she goes when she's upset, you know." He pointed out. He watched as Shang's eyes softened. A small smile graced his face. "Jia's fever is better. I think... Mulan doesn't want to see it's better so she can continue nursing her." Zhou continued. The pair stood in silence for a few beats. "Does she have the intention to stay out there, even in the rain?" Shang asked. Zhou huffed softly. "Yes. She will stay out there for as long as we let her. Even then, she'll probably go back out until she's ready,"

Zhou turned around and limped back into the house, leaving the young captain to speak with his daughter.

||

When Zhou woke the next morning, the sun was long up. Jia's soft breathing could be heard across the hall, followed by his mother's snoring. Zhou sat up and glanced to his side. There was a note.

Baba.
I realise my actions and words may have been childish last night, and for that, I apologise deeply. I have decided to accept Shang's proposal and head to the palace to speak with the emperor. We left at a time one could barely class as the dawn, so, I wouldn't have had the time to say goodbye properly. If it is a mission or a long task where I'll be away for a while, I just want to say I love you, and Jia, and grandmother. I will bring back some treats when I return.
Please write soon. If you send it to Captain Li Shang, I will be able to receive it.
Wish Jia the best day for me.
Love, Mulan.