to Lao Lao, who lifted the pot to pour them tea.
“Let me help you with that,” Mulan said, rising. “The pot must be heavy.”
“No, no. I’m stronger than I look. All that gardening.” The old woman tilted the teapot’s spout into the first cup. “You soldiers must know about the war that’s going on upstairs. I’m afraid my news is rather out of date. King Yama is always extra irritable whenever there’s a war. Overcrowding. And work becomes unbearable for him. But I’ve heard all about you three. Captain Li Shang; his guardian, ShiShi; and Ping, am I correct?”
Shang and ShiShi nodded. Mulan stole another glance at ShiShi’s spot across from her. It was odd that all the pillows and cushions had been laid out there for him.
“How do you know our names?” Mulan asked.
“It isn’t often King Yama allows outsiders from the world above,” Lao Lao replied. “You must be a rather special young man, Ping. The boy with no name, some are calling you.”
“No name?” Shang repeated. “But his name is Ping.”
Mulan fidgeted, remembering the comment King Yama had made when he couldn’t find “Fa Ping” in his book. “What about you?” she pressed Lao Lao. “Who are you?”
“Just an old lady lucky enough to have a garden in Diyu.”
“You aren’t a ghost,” Mulan pointed out. “You look alive.”
Lao Lao laughed at Mulan’s observation. “I’m not a demon, if that’s what you’re worried about. King Yama and I have…an understanding.” The old woman winked at Mulan. “Though it seems I’m not the only one he grants special privileges.”
Mulan frowned.
ShiShi cleared his throat. “You’ll have to forgive him, Lao Lao. It’s the little soldier’s first time in Diyu. He’s a bit edgy.”
“I can’t blame you, Ping,” said Lao Lao with a chuckle. “It can’t be easy being the only human traversing the Underworld. You’re lucky to have the great Li guardian to guide you. You especially, Captain Li Shang.”
ShiShi’s fur bristled with pride once more. “Li Shang is the son of the esteemed General Li. I’m going to make him a great hero one day. Once we get out of Diyu, of course.”
“Speaking of getting out of Diyu,” Mulan interrupted, “Lao Lao, you mentioned that the gate was on the hundredth level.”
“Yes,” replied Lao Lao. “It is the only way out of here. But most never see that level again once they have entered Diyu. Your best bet is to make it to the ninety-ninth level—the City of the Dead, Youdu—and stay there. The rest of Diyu is full of hidden dangers. There are endless chambers full of suffering and misery, and beasts from your nightmares. Step into the wrong one, and you may be trapped there forever. But Youdu is quite nice.”
Mulan glanced about the pavilion. All six sides were open, so one could enjoy the view of the garden and pond from every angle. She could easily jump out if she wanted, so why did it feel like she’d entered a cage?
“Oh dear,” said Lao Lao. “I can see I’ve alarmed you, Ping. Worry not. This isn’t one of the dangerous levels. You’re safe here. Besides, nothing in Diyu can harm a ghost.”
Mulan frowned again. “If nothing in Diyu can harm the ghosts, then why are there torture chambers throughout the levels?”
“Ah, you’re a clever one. Not every ghost must be punished; those who do not pass their time in Youdu.”
“And can they be harmed?”
“Nothing can harm a ghost unless they are sentenced to be tortured. You see, a ghost’s body is like water. They can touch whatever is in Diyu, but they may also pass through it if they choose. It takes some practice, especially flying and such, but most are here long enough to master it.” Lao Lao tilted her head. “They also feel nothing—not the pain of a thousand lashes, of flesh being burned, or of eyes being gouged. Not unless they’ve been assigned to suffer a punishment. King Yama has a knack for determining what one’s worst fear is and making them confront it—if they must be punished, that is.”
She paused, seeing the worry on Mulan’s face. “Your friend isn’t a ghost. He’s close enough, of course, but his body in the real world has not yet died. Until then, almost nothing in Diyu can harm him.”
“Almost nothing?” Mulan repeated. “Before you said nothing.”
“Did I?” The old woman shrugged. “Ghosts can be trapped or get lost. Those would not be ideal fates for the captain.”
“What about Ping?” Shang pressed. “He’s not a ghost.”
“Ping