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Fa Mulan, her family, and her fiance headed to her fiance's home settlement to celebrate the new year. Shang thought his mother should meet the young woman who saved China and rescued him from the Underworld.
He strongly felt his mother should know the truth about his future bride. Moreover, she received her husband's message that he approved the match and his everlasting love for her.
Mulan couldn't help but feel a bit apprehensive. Truthfully, she felt more terrified to satisfy her future mother-in-law then she'd faced the Huns or the perils of the Underworld. "Are you confident your mother will like me? I mean, I'm not like other girls. You know, calm, obedient, and a perfect porcelain doll," Mulan questioned as they approached Shang's providence.
"Trust me, Mulan, when my mother hears the firsthand account of all your courageous deeds? She'll be so honored that she might even construct a shrine dedicated to you!" Shang chuckled, wincing a bit from his scar.
"Please take it easy, Shang. I've saved your life, but you heard the physician. Don't overexert yourself until the scar tissue has more time to heal."
"Okay, I'll take it easy. Even though we've got an entire household to scour before New Year." One of the essential practices when welcoming in the New Year is? You're to scrub your residence meticulously before midnight of the New Year. They did this to sweep away the bad luck of the last year. However, you did get to splurge on new garments simultaneously.
They arrived in the village, and an explosion of brilliant red hit the small clan. Red symbolized wealth and good fortune and frightened off the Nian– a lion-like monster terrified of red.
Everyone's front door had a mén shén or door guard on it. The mén shén shielded the household from malicious spirits and brought good fortune to safeguard the family.
Mulan smiled before turning to face Shang. "So, what's your favorite New Year tradition?" she curiously asked. Shang pondered for a moment before giving his response.
"As a child, it was receiving the lai see packets." These were red packets gifted to children and unmarried adults during the holiday. They're filled with various amounts of currency, depending on the recipient.
"That's interesting. My favorite part has always been the dancing and fireworks. I've always adored the captivating dancing and the incredible colors of the fireworks."
By this time, they had arrived at Shang's childhood residence. His mother stood waiting outside for them. She rushed to hug her son while crying. "Mother, it's okay. I'm alive. You needn't cry," he assured, but his mother shook her head.
"I've lost my husband and almost lost my son! So don't you dare tell me not to cry!" she admonished him. Shang cringed like a small boy instead of a grown man, yet he didn't argue with his mother again.
After his mother cried, he allowed her to meet his future in-laws. They spent roughly ten minutes gushing about the affair before Shang introduced his bride.
Mulan smiled nervously as her future mother-in-law gave her the once-over. Flashbacks to her encounter with the matchmaker blazed through her mind. What kind of mother-in-law desires a daughter-in-law who sets their village matchmaker's ass on fire? Or who utilized cheat notes to please such a disgusting woman?
Then Shang's mother nodded, "Shang, I'm more impressed with your choice of a bride. Your father wouldn't have any objections to this incredible young lady. She even reminds me of myself when I was young. Your father used to say I could've overthrown an army by myself. That I was more then a force to reckon with."
The happy couple laughed in amusement, seeing how Shang's father said the same thing before leaving the Underworld. "Believe me, Mother, you don't know its half. Come, let's discuss everything over some tea. We have time left before preparing the food or visiting the family temple."
Satisfied, the families went inside for tea. Everyone looks forward to a new year of prosperity, peace, and a fantastic wedding!