Lian's POV

It's been a week since the bathing incident. I've been summoned by Captain Li Shang this morning. So Mulan has to bath alone. Hopefully she won't be interrupted as she is alone. I'll just have mine tomorrow. I arrive to see Honghui leaving. "You may go in" he tells me and I nod my head entering the tent.

"Did you forget something Honghui?" Shang asks without looking up from the map on the table.

"It's Haru sir, you summoned me" I state in my man voice.

"Yes I did" he says looking at me. "Sit down" he says and I do so.

"Why am I here sir?" I ask him.

"I am impressed in how far you and Ping have come since your first day here. You both have made the most improvement in training. I wish to make you a squad leader, you may choose any four men to join you" he tells me.

"That's a great honor captain, but why me and not Ping?" I ask him.

"You've watched over him and encouraged him through all his training. You have earned it" he tells me.

"What would my squad do?" I ask him curious.

"You'll be an advance squad of warriors. Do recons and small strategical attacks" he states. I nod my head in understanding. "So do you accept your new job?" he asks me.

"I'd be honored, I already know who I want on my team" I tell him smiling.

"Who?" he asks me curious.

"Ping obivously. Along with Yao, Ling and Chein Po" I tell him.

"Some of our finest, very wise choice Haru" he says smiling proudly.

"Thank you sir, any more word from the general?" I ask him.

"No" he says looking at the map in concern.

"He's your father right? He must be very proud of you" I state.

"I hope so" he states. "He's late checking in" he adds.

"He'll probably ask us to join him soon" I tell him.

"I hope so, I believe you are all ready for war" he states.

"I agree" I tell him. "Any word from the emperor?" I ask him.

"Only that one of his daughters has not returned from a village she went to visit. He is growing concerned. I assured him we'd check it out, it'll be your squads first task" he states.

"Oh really? I'm sure she's fine, my father took her there" I tell him.

"Right, he's one of the royal carriage drivers. Did he tell you how long they'd be?" he asks me curious.

"No, only that she wanted to help those less fortunate then her during this time of war" I tell him.

"That is very noble, but it is to dangerous for her to be out alone with only your father for protection" he states.

"She can defend herself and the village has guards. So she'll be fine, I can send a letter to my dad if that will calm your mind" I suggest.

"It would and I think it'll calm the emperor's mind also" he tells me. "You can use my writing kit" he states pointing to a desk. I nod my head and go over to it. I kneel down and start to write a letter to my driver. Hopefully he is still at the abandoned palace. I finish the letter and let it dry.

Suddenly Chi Fu and Honghui rush into the tent looking frantic. "Shang, urgent news from your father" Honghui states.

"We're needed at the front" Chi Fu states.

"Told you he was fine and we'd be joining him soon" I tell him.

"You were right" he says. "Looks like your mission will have to wait" he states.

"That's ok, the letter is done. I'll just add a post note saying we are going to the war front" I tell him. He nods his head. He and Honghui start to discuss the best route to take to get to the front. I finish the post note and dry it. Then seal it.

"Haru, please inform Ping that we leave tomorrow" Honghui tells me.

"Will do sir, just need to send this off" I state. He nods his head and I leave the tent. I go to the messenger hawk. I strap the message to it's leg. "Abandoned palace" I say and it takes off. I go back to my tent. I see Mulan grooming her stallion. "Ping, we're leaving for the front tomorrow" I state.

"That's quick" she states as Honghui approaches us. "Haru just informed me that we are going to war captain" she tells him.

"We are" he states. "I need to ask you both a favor" he adds. "Do you think your horses could pull the carriage of cannons during the journey?" he asks us. Mulan and I look at each other, then our horses.

"Khan is used to pulling things, he should be fine" Ping states.

"Ebony has never pulled a carriage, but I think she'll do just fine with Khan beside her" I assure him.

"Excellent, if Ebony needs rest. I'm sure another riders horse can take turns with her" Honghui tells me. "In fact my horse can" he states.

"That would be a great help captain, thank you" I tell him.

"You should both go to bed after dinner, we leave at first light tomorrow" he states. We nod our heads and he leaves us. I groom Ebony as Mulan goes back to Khan. Afterwards we go to dinner and call it a night.

A/N

Picture above of Captain Li Shang.