Zhou worries that Shang is going crazy in the house, and makes him take a trip to the market with Mulan. He tells her a little about the training camp. Mulan comes back and grills her father for more stories. As it turns out, her ex-husband was under General Li's command.
3rd person POV unless stated otherwise.

Mulan always felt refreshed after watching the sunrise. Without fail. She almost didn't want to share it with the son of the man who called her father away a mere month after she lost her mom. But, whether he knew or not, she knew he was struggling with the steady decline of his dad. Somehow... knowing she had the power to help compelled her to abandon her feelings, ignore her brain, and follow her heart.

She dropped back down once the sun was high enough for the cockerel to start singing. Shang didn't make a move to follow, so she left quietly and began breakfast. "Good morning, my dear," Ju smiled. Mulan smiled back. "Good morning, grandma. Did you sleep well?" She asked politely. Ju sighed loudly. "As well as I ever do," She cackled. "How about you, eh? I hope my great-grand baby didn't keep you up much?" Mulan chuckled as she placed a hand on her swollen abdomen. She poured some tea into two cups and sat next to her grandmother. "Nǎinai...did you know that father was a boy? While you were pregnant?" She asked quietly. Ju paused and took a sip of her tea. "I'd like to say I did... I felt that he would be a boy long before he was born. Why do you ask?" Ju said. Mulan sighed. "Are you worried you're not having a boy?" Ju continued. "No.... I don't care what I have," Mulan said. "I just... I think I'm having a girl," She said quietly. "Mulan, a girl is never a bad thing," Ju said. "Imagine a world where it was only men. How would China repopulate? Girls are needed so they can carry on their husband's names... so... whatever you have will benefit somebody, one way or another."

"That was a very wise statement at this hour, mother," Mulan turned to smile at her father. "Good morning, baba," She greeted. He nodded back with a smile and eased himself into a chair. "How's the general?" She asked quietly, pouring her father his tea. Zhou sighed deeply. "Well... he's not worsened. So, that in itself is somewhat promising," He took a sip. "Although surgery is still on the cards... Wei is worried about the inflammation around it more than anything,"

Mulan sighed deeply. "I pity him," She said quietly. Zhou chuckled. "If the Yong in there is the one I'm friends with, then he will not stand for pity," Mulan smiled slightly and wound her fingers around her cup. The three sat in silence for a moment. "Ah, baba, I was thinking of popping off to the market today," She said. "We are low on chicken feed and fruit,"

Zhou nodded thoughtfully. "Yes... I went to grab an apple yesterday and met the wooden bowl instead," Mulan breathed out a laugh. "Perhaps you can ask if Wei needs any supplies as well? Take Khan and a shopping satchel?" Zhou continued. Mulan nodded. "Of course," She finished the rest of her drink. "In which case, I shall go and dress,"

She excused herself from the table and waddled to her bedroom. She knocked just in case Shang was in there, but found it empty. He must still be on the wall. Mulan thought to herself. She shrugged off her pyjama outfit and pulled on her light pink shung and her dark violet yi. She tied her purple waist sash around and finished the look off with her dark pink belt. She brushed her hair, slipped a pink blossom headpiece in and slipped on some shoes.

Mulan rapped on Wei's door and waited for his cue for entry. "Who is it?" He called. "Mulan," She answered back. "Enter," She pushed the door open and inclined her head briefly. "How's he doing?" She asked. Weit pursed his lips. "Well... he's not worsened over the last twelve hours so... but I worry for the wound," He pointed. "It is red. This colour usually indicates an infection of sorts..." Mulan rubbed her eyes. "Oh," She said. "Oh," Wei echoed. She sighed. "I'm off to the market today for some pieces, do you need anything? Baba told me to ask," She added, knowing if she said it was Zhou that asked, Wei would be more likely to give her a list. "Hmm," Wei stroked his beard. "There are a few things I need... do you have a quill?"

~

"I'm off baba," Mulan called as she shrugged on her outdoor shoes. "Mulan," He called back. She poked her head around. "Yeah?" She asked. "Take young Shang with you," Zhou nodded to the young captain to his left. Mulan saw no problem with it; despite Shang's sudden sour face. "It will do you some good to leave the house, boy." He poked his leg with his cane. Mulan smiled slightly. "Plus, I don't like the thought of you going to the market alone so pregnant, my dear," Zhou addressed her. Mulan shook her head fondly. "I've managed the last eight months baba, I'd be fine," Zhou grumbled. "Either way,"

Mulan stepped out into the cool autumn air and inhaled. Autumn was defiantly one of her favourite seasons, next to Winter. She slowly waddled over to Khan. He whinnied. "Hey boy," She muttered, stroking his snout. "Do you need help?" A voice suddenly spoke from behind. Mulan turned. "I'm sorry?" She asked. Shang gestured to the tall stallion. "Getting up, do you need help?" He asked. Mulan smirked a little. "Nah, watch,"

She stepped up on a wooden box near to where Khan was standing and braced herself on his back. She saw in the corner of her eye as Shang suddenly lurched forwards. Ignoring him, she hoisted her leg over Khan's back and sat smugly on the saddle. "See? I'm fine," She grinned. Shang rolled his eyes and mounted his own stallion. "So, where's this market? The sooner we get there, the sooner I can get home,"

Mulan shook her head and urged Khan on gently. "Just follow me. It's about ten Yīnglǐ north of us,"

She knew it was more acceptable for her to ride sidesaddle, but it just wasn't comfortable. And this far pregnant? Mulan was willing to try anything that would alleviate her discomfort. "You're very good at horseriding, Fa Mulan," Shang spoke from her left. Mulan smiled. "Thank you. I've had Khan ever since I was a young girl," She faced the young captain. "Wait, Khan is your horse? I thought he was your fathers," Shang frowned. Mulan shook her head with a giggle. "No. My father has Khan's father. Khan was born when I was ten." She said. Shang nodded. "He is very impressive." They rode in silence again for half a mile. "So..." She began. "Have you ever been to a village market?" She asked. Shang shook his head. "No, I've lived in the imperial city my whole life. I've only ever passed through villages, never for more than a day or two," He replied. Mulan barked a laugh. "Good luck then," She grinned. "What do you mean?" He asked, narrowing his eyes. "Well, the markets are... a preying ground of sorts. If you don't know exactly what you're looking for, then you'll leave with thrice more," She smirked. Shang scoffed. "I've fought in a war and won. I think I can take a market on,"

~

"So..." Mulan suppressed laughter. "Don't," Shang snapped. Mulan burst into laughter. They rode back to hers, Mulan laughing loudly. "I can't believe you ignored everything I said!" She cackled. "Yeah yeah," Shang grumbled. "I thought the military was supposed to make you listen more!" She laughed. "It does!" Shang defended. "I just wasn't expecting the toddler," He grumbled. Mulan wiped her eyes. "Well, the toddler makes sense. Even I bought something from her. But the other stalls? Shang, you spent well over one hundred yuan!"

Mulan laughed even louder when she saw Shang's moody face. She had tears streaming down her cheeks by the time they were away from the market, around four Yīnglǐ away from her home. "Hey... can I ask you something?" She asked. "Sure... as long as it's not about the stupid market," Mulan giggled again. "No, no it's not about the market," She wiped her eyes again. "What was the military like?" She asked. Shang visibly paused. "My father tells me of his times, but we've been too busy for him to regale me yet... I was just wondering what it was like," She explained. "Why do you want to know?" He asked. Mulan shrugged. "I dunno... I've always been fascinated by it."

With a frown, Shang told Mulan the tale of his first week as captain.

~

"Baba, I come with food!" Mulan announced her entry. "We're in Yong's room, dear!" Zhou called back. Mulan squeaked when Shang barged by and into the room. She rolled her eyes and grabbed an apple from the bag. She kicked her shoes off and slid her slippers on. She waddled to Yong's room, where the smell of food greeted her senses. "Oh, what is that lovely smell?" She groaned. Zhou chuckled. "Mama prepared something with what we had," He smiled. He scooted over a few inches on the floor and gestured to a pillow. "Come, sit, my child. Have a bite,"

Mulan was glad to see Yong sitting up a little, eating some of her grandmother's cake. "It is nice to see you awake, General Yong," She greeted. Yong nodded. "Yes... I was getting rather claustrophobic staring at the ceiling,"

"Better than a wooden box," Zhou grumbled. Yong gasped theatrically. "Father, I have a question," Mulan said, taking a bite. The heavenly taste filled her mouth. "What is your question, my blossom?" Zhou asked. "Have you any stories to tell me?" She asked. Zhou hummed. "I don't actually think I do... This war was very rushed and quick... I didn't really train this time, I went straight to the frontlines." Zhou said with a small smile. "Sorry my child," Mulan shook her head. "No, it is ok," She smiled.

"I actually have a story, if you wish to hear it, Fa Mulan," Yong said from the bed. Mulan nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, please!" Yong chuckled a little. "I had a soldier, two soldiers, in fact, in my cohort. Father and son. As different as night and day, and yet, as similar as rain and water." He began.

Mulan listened, with complete fascination, as Yong avidly explained about the father and son duo who contrasted each other, but fought bravely. "What were their names, father? They sound familiar," Shang asked. Yong hummed. "Yes. You trained very briefly alongside the son, Lao." Shang nodded. "Ah, yes. I know Lao... knew Lao." Shang said with a smile. Mulan blinked. "Lao? As in Bing Lao?" She asked with a frown. Yong sighed deeply. "Yes. He was Cheng Bing's son... did you know him?" Mulan bit her lip. "Yes... I knew him..."

very quick POV change... I'M SORRY.

Shang watched as Mulan's body tensed. "Ah... how did you know Cheng and Lao?" His father asked. Shang saw Zhou's eyes dart around. "Just quickly, Mulan, my dear, would you mind grabbing the teapot for me? I would love a drink," Zhou interrupted. Shang frowned as she stood up shakily. "Of course father," She said quietly. Zhou shut the door behind her, using his cane as a stick. "Yong, my dear friend, I beg you, change the subject," Zhou whispered. "Of course... but why, old friend? Did she know Lao?" It was then Shang connected the dots. "Yes, Yong. She was married to Lao," Zhou whispered. "Oh... oh I'm sorry for bringing it up," Shang recoiled at his father: the man who never apologised! "Don't be, she's never told you. Just... let's move on, hmm?"

TRANSLATIONS:

Nainai - grandmother
yi - upper garment with sleeves
Shung - lower garment (skirt)
Yīnglǐ - miles
Yuan - dollars/pounds