OUYANG YUQIAN

Mulan Joins the Army (1939)¹

Act 1

Characters:

MR. WANG

MR. LI

MR. ZHANG

MULAN

MR. ZHAO

CHORUS OF CHILDREN

MOTHER

FATHER

BROTHER

SISTER

MESSENGER

(Autumn. Clouds and trees. Leaves drop one by one onto the ground from the trees. A flock of wild geese emerges from the clouds. Close-up of bow shooting an arrow. Among the flock of wild geese, a goose is struck by the arrow and falls. When the bird falls to the ground, a horse rushes over and the rider bends over to pick up the goose. This is Hua Mulan, wearing pants and a jacket with a quiver on her back. She stops her horse. She puts the goose into her bag and again mounts the horse and goes. She speeds her horse far away. Mulan reaches a peak, stops her horse, and looks around. From among some bushes, there is a rustling, and Mulan draws her bow and shoots at it. Striking her target, she suddenly hears a cry of pain. It is in fact another hunter who had been concealed in the bushes. In pain he jumps up, sees Mulan, and recognizes her.)

WANG: Ah, it’s you, girlie!

(Mulan is speechless in surprise. Another hunter comes out clutching at arrows; three others come out to ask after him.)

LI: Wang, what were you calling out about again? Did you shoot something?

WANG: No, I didn’t shoot anything; instead, I got shot by someone! Take a look …

(He demonstrates to them where he was hit)

ZHANG: Hey, isn’t that a daughter of the Hua family?

(Mulan rides over to the group)

LI: That’s right!

ZHANG: Pretending to be mad but actually scheming, she’s come over to our village to hunt—and flaunt the rules!

LI: That’s right!

MULAN: Big Brother Wang, I am truly sorry. I thought you were a rabbit. I didn’t think you would have been crouching there.

(Zhang instigates Wang)

ZHANG: Wang, not only does she shoot you, she insults you by calling you a rabbit!²

LI: That’s right!

ZHAO: And she has the nerve not to acknowledge her “uncles”?

LI: That’s right!

(The men advance toward her and surround her horse, circling her menacingly)

ZHAO: Hey, you stole something of ours. Quick, leave it here and we’ll let you go.

MEN: Quick, leave it! Quick, leave it!

MULAN: Who stole something of yours?

ZHAO: What are you saying … you are from the Hua family village and have come over to our Li village to hunt. (Mulan angrily gestures for him to continue) That goose, that wild hen, and that rabbit were all raised in our village. You took them without asking; are you not a thief ?

MULAN: That which flew in the sky and that which ran on the ground were taken outside this village.

ZHAO: Outside this village, huh? If you have entered our village gates you must pay a tax.

MULAN: When was this decreed?

ZHAO: Today.

LI: Right, this is a new regulation, made today.

(Mulan pulls on her reins and tries to ride away, and the men block her path)

MULAN: Let me go.

WANG: We have no problem letting you go.

LI: (chimes in:) Give us back all the game you killed.

WANG: Little Mulan, come down off your horse; we can have a chat.

(Mulan tries to leave again and is blocked again)

ALL THE MEN: We can have a little fun; we can have a little fun.

ZHAO: Little Mulan, don’t be shy, we won’t hunt you … just snatch you.

WANG: Little Mulan, little rider, if you’re looking for a man, you’ve got me right here.

(Mulan, outraged, tries to go again and is blocked this time by a pitchfork in her face)

MULAN: If you still won’t let me go, I will have to be rude.

LI: Little Mulan, don’t get upset, I haven’t married yet.

(Mulan pulls on her horse, both angry and smiling)

MULAN: Haha. Looks to me like you’ve all got a trick or two.

ZHAO: Have you only just realized that we men of Li village are all well versed in both literary arts and martial skills?

(Close-up of Mulan)

MULAN: Well, that part I just saw was the literary arts, right?

ZHAO: That’s right.

MULAN: What about the martial skills?

ZHAO: As for martial skills, well, you couldn’t handle it.

MULAN: How about we compare shooting skills?

(Zhao grabs his horse whip and walks over to Mulan as he speaks)

ZHAO: You want to challenge me in archery? Great! (Draws arrow) Do you see that [bird] flying in the sky?

MULAN: That is a wild goose.

(Zhao uses his horse whip to point at the goose)

ZHAO: I can shoot it with one arrow. If I say I will pierce its eye, then I will not pierce its mouth (demonstrates with arrow tip on Mulan throughout this speech); if I say I will pierce its mouth, then I will not pierce its leg; if I say I will pierce its middle, then I will not pierce its back (whacks her on back with arrow to punctuate the last point).

(Everyone laughs together)

MULAN: Sounds like your archery skills really aren’t anything special; you should use just one hand, with the opposite shooting.

ZHAO: One hand? What kind of style is that?

MULAN: Take a look (demonstrating); open up the bow this way, lift up the arrow (stretching her arm behind her back), bring your other hand behind your back, and shoot that wild goose down from the skies.

(Li takes an arrow in hand to try, without success)

ZHAO: You shoot first and let us see.

LI: Right, if you succeed, we will let you go. If you don’t find your mark, you and everything with you will rest here and your mommy will have to ransom you.

MEN: Good!

MULAN: Good. You have spoken, good sirs.

(All the men grab their bows and arrows and try to copy Mulan’s position)

LI: A team of wild horses cannot make us go back on this word.

MULAN: Each of you, take a look (points upward). Wild geese are coming. I will shoot the first one in the row. (As all the men stand apart, looking up, Mulan whips her horse harshly and rides off, to the men’s dismay.) Good-bye, all of you.

(Zhao angrily watches her go off)

ZHAO: We were tricked by this chick!

LI: That’s right!

(Close-up on the plentiful game that Mulan has caught, hanging from her sides. Pan over the city walls. We see her riding her horse against the slanting sun rays, accompanied by a group of young children, singing.)

CHILDREN:

The sun comes out and fills the land,
The village children laugh. Ha! Ha!
Come on, come on, quick, come on.
Together we will hunt and admire the flowers.

(Mulan sings along with them, innocently:)

The sun comes out and fills the land,
With hard work we soon will copy her well.
If robbers and thieves come we will not fear:
All together we’ll send them back home.

The sun comes out and fills the land,
In front of me lies my home,
Come on, come on, quick, come on,
Together we’ll go ahead and share a cup of tea.

(A voice from offscreen interrupts:)

MOTHER: Mulan! Come back home!

(Mulan stops and addresses the children)

MULAN: My mother is calling me. She is certain to be mad at me for coming back late. Today I can’t treat you to a cup of tea. Another day we will go together for a hunt, all right?

CHILDREN: All right.

MULAN: Well then, see you tomorrow! See you tomorrow!

CHILDREN: See you tomorrow!

(The children leave)

(Mulan’s mother stands at the house gates waiting for Mulan. Mulan dismounts from her horse.)

MULAN: Mom.

MOTHER: Running wild all day long … how did you ever remember to come home?

MULAN: (holds up her catch) Mom, look!

MOTHER: I am looking. I wonder if what I’m seeing is or isn’t a girl!

(Mulan furrows her brow)

MULAN: Mom, because Daddy was feeling better, I wanted to go out and catch some game to bring home, for him to get his appetite back.

MOTHER: Because you’ve been gone all day, your daddy has spent the day in a foul mood. Quickly sneak in from the back door and change out of those clothes before you go in to see Daddy.

(Mulan hugs her mother)

MULAN: My wonderful Mommy!

MOTHER: All right, all right, quick, go! Take your kill and hide it, too.

(Mulan sneaks quietly around the back, leading her horse. She reaches the back door and ties up her horse, then goes to the well to get a drink of water for the horse. Then she picks up the game and sneaks through the back door. As she sneaks in, her father walks in to the kitchen.)

MULAN: Daddy.

FATHER: This girl spends her whole day running wild outdoors (mother and little brother enter). Look at you!

(At this time, her mother and younger brother come over)

BROTHER: Sister!

(The younger brother is Shulan; he runs over to his elder sister and tries to see what she is hiding behind her back. Mulan tries to shoo him away, but he pulls on her arm, revealing the goose.)

BROTHER: Daddy, look at how much she got!

ELDER SISTER: (from offscreen:) Little Sister is back.

(Mulan’s elder sister walks in and, seeing their angry parents, looks afraid. Mulan’s father addresses her mother, muffling his anger.)

FATHER: I was frequently away at war. You see, look at how you’ve brought up your daughter.

MOTHER: But she also has never done anything bad; it’s just that she loves to hunt, that’s all. Who asked you to teach her how to shoot from the time she was a little girl, filling her heart with a love of playing in the wild? How dare you scold her now?

MULAN: (crying) It’s only because Daddy was ill and with a poor appetite that I went out specially to hunt these for Daddy to eat.

(Father’s anger subsides somewhat, and [he] gestures at the animals)

FATHER: These were all shot down by you?

MULAN: Of course they were all shot by me.

FATHER: I can’t believe it.

BROTHER: I believe it. Sister is better at hunting than Daddy!

(The elder sister quickly wags a finger at him and prevents him from saying more. Mulan gives Shulan a loving look.)

FATHER: In the future you can’t go out anymore.

MULAN: All right.

FATHER: Hurry up and change your clothes.

MULAN: All right. (She starts to walk away)

FATHER: Come back. (He addresses her as if giving orders) I am punishing you with three days of weaving a bolt of silk. You can’t come out until it is woven perfectly.

(Mulan bows angelically)

FATHER: Understand?

MULAN: I understand, Daddy.

FATHER: (hearing a sound) Who’s coming?

(Mulan looks outside. An official messenger has arrived, delivering a document. Mulan’s father greets him at the door.)

MESSENGER: Is this the home of the honorable Hua?

FATHER: Just lowly me.

MESSENGER: (taking out the document) So it is you. There is an official dispatch for you.

FATHER: Thank you, brother.

(He takes the letter and, from his chest pocket, takes out some silver to give the happy messenger a tip. Mulan, delighted, takes aim with her bow and arrow and shoots the messenger’s hat off, just as he receives the coin. He cowers in terror. We can hear her little brother laughing. Mulan’s father picks up the hat and pulls out the arrow, and there are two small holes in the hat. The messenger is very upset, and Mulan’s father quickly pushes more coins into his hand.)

FATHER: Just a little something for you.

MESSENGER: (weighing money in his hand, smiles again) You are too kind. (He examines his hat in wonder) What a good marksman! Good-bye, good-bye!

(After he leaves, Mulan’s father angrily rushes into the house, grasping the arrow. The family scurries away, and Mulan is the last to attempt to exit.)

FATHER: You little good for nothing …

MULAN: You didn’t believe that I was a good shot, so I wanted to give you a little demonstration.

(Father moves to strike her with the arrow, and she runs out. Alone in the room, he looks at the arrow and smiles to himself, appreciatively. Then he looks at the envelope in his hand. On it is written “For the honorable Hua to break the seal.”)

FATHER: Something definitely is … something definitely is happening on the borders, and I am needed again to join the army (he tears the letter open with the tip of the arrow in his hand).

(Interior. Mother and father are sitting alone together at the table in candlelight. Father is holding the envelope in his hand.)

FATHER: Joining the army this time, it’s not certain that I will return alive. You have to take care of all matters of the household.

MOTHER: You are so old, and you haven’t recovered fully from your illness. How can you bear the difficulties of the battleground?

(Cut to Mulan listening from her room, where she is weaving at the loom)

MOTHER: How can you tell me not to worry?

FATHER: (sadly) Our country takes care of the troops for a thousand days in exchange for calling on troops when it needs them. Now that the country is in trouble, every civilian must go to war.

(Mulan has stopped her weaving and is pressed up against the wall, listening intently)

FATHER: How could I live off the country’s support and just stay at home? That wouldn’t do. I am not concerned about myself, but I only worry that there is no one to take care of things if there are problems at home. If only Eldest Son had not died, things would be different. But we have two girls … (camera pans over sleeping younger son) and with Shulan still so young, how could he take my place to join the army to prevent this old man from dying in some other land?

(Mulan continues to eavesdrop)

MOTHER: Eh, I just don’t understand why they would come and attack us for no reason.

FATHER: They are bandits—what else is there to say?³

MOTHER: Truly, we have been married for twenty odd years … you were hardly ever at home … and the whole family relies on you … we might as well… . (Starts sobbing)

FATHER: Don’t be sad.

(Mother stops crying. They suddenly hear a sigh from the other room.)

FATHER: Who is sighing out there?

MULAN: It’s me.

FATHER: It’s the middle of the night; what are you doing up sighing?

MOTHER: That child grows bigger by the day and is still not married … this is one of the things that weighs on my mind.

(The sighing continues, and the parents cross the threshold. Mulan is still sitting crying, and her parents go in to talk to her.)

FATHER: Child, why are you sitting here sighing, instead of working on your weaving?

MULAN: Because of you.

FATHER: Because of me? Is it because I scolded you with a few harsh words today that you are angry?

MULAN: You should have scolded me; why should I be angry about that?

FATHER: Then what is it?

MULAN: Because in the other room you told Mother that you have to rejoin the army. I heard everything.

(Father and Mother exchange looks)

MULAN: I think you can’t go.

FATHER: How can I not go?

MULAN: In your lifetime, you’ve been through dozens of battles. At your age, you should be at home, enjoying old age. (She says bitterly:) This year, you were also very ill. How could your body handle the icy wind and snow from the north? With Older Brother dead, and Little Brother still young, and Elder Sister about to marry … the whole family is relying on your guidance. As I see it, you mustn’t go.

FATHER: A soldier’s orders are firm like mountains, how can one not go? Fortunately, I am not that old, and I can still exert myself on behalf of my country. It’s more glorious to die on the battleground than to die at home. (He starts to cough)⁴

MULAN: (resolutely) Father, I think …

FATHER: What do you think?

MULAN: I think I will go in your place to war.

(Father, upon hearing this, jumps up)

FATHER: What? You go in my place?

MULAN: Yes.

FATHER: How could that be?

MOTHER: Are you joking? How can a girl go to fight a battle? Go to bed!

(Mulan continues to stand there)

MULAN: No. Father taught me, from the time I was a young girl, in the martial arts; what use is that if I stay here at home? It would be better for me to go in Father’s place to war. It would be first of all filial, and second of all it would be loyal, and when I return victorious people will realize: a girl, too, can bring glory to her home. “Dying on the fields of sand …” (Father listens in disbelief) “is my heart’s desire.” Father, please allow me to do this.

FATHER: I do appreciate your filial heart, but how can I let my daughter take my place under a false name?

MULAN: I can dress up like a man.

MOTHER: Bah! Everyone in and out of the village knows that you are a girl!

MULAN: Mother, Father, just tell everyone that I was always a boy and that, fearing I would not survive childhood, you dressed me up to pretend I was a girl. Now that I have grown up, I have changed back into a man and will take Father’s place in the army.

FATHER: The officials will not accept that.

MULAN: Father is old and recently has been frequently sick. All he needs to do is explain the reasoning, and I will perform my martial arts moves to let them see …

(Father seems to be slowly giving over to her argument)

FATHER: Eh …

MOTHER: This won’t do. This won’t do.

MULAN: (getting on her knees in front of her parents) Father, Mother, allow me to do this.

FATHER: (resting his hand on her head) You are quite courageous. I cannot bear to stand in your way. But, going to battle is not good fun. When it comes to that time, you may regret it.

MOTHER: Pah!

MULAN: I may be young, but my conviction is deep. No matter the difficulty, I will not regret it.

FATHER: Good. (He raises her to her feet) Mother, go get my armor and let her put it on to see if it fits.

MOTHER: (shakes her head) I am not going.

FATHER: Then I shall go.

(We see Mulan in military dress, practicing with spear and sword. Father looks happy and mother turns her back to them. Mulan walks up to her father.)

MULAN: Father, what do you think?

FATHER: Looks to me very much like a very young man. But, what about your voice? (Mother covers her mouth and laughs, and Mulan looks downcast) Well, let’s go to bed; we’ll talk about it tomorrow.

(Mulan practices deepening her voice to resemble a man’s)

(Fade out)

(We see Mulan sitting gazing out her window)

MULAN: (in a deep voice, recites:) “Wanting to serve this country with one’s life, facing up to the dagger, cut off from loved ones.” (Outside, a rooster crows) Kill!

Act 2

Characters:

FATHER

MULAN

MOTHER

WARD COMMANDER

BROTHER

SISTER

OFFICER HAN

LIU YING

ZHANG XU

YIN CI

MOTHER (OF ZHANG XU AND YIN CI)

(Father enters, and we hear Mulan speaking offstage)

MULAN: (in her new, man’s voice:) General Hua, Mrs. Hua, I have a report for you.

FATHER: Who’s there? Please, come in.

MULAN: (bursting in, in full military dress) I am Hua Mulan, paying respects to General Hua and his wife. (Parents laugh) Mother, Father, does my voice sound like a man’s?

FATHER: It really does …

MOTHER: It may sound like it, but I really can’t abide this.

(From outside comes a voice, accompanied by the strike of a gong to announce the date of departure)

WARD COMMANDER: Trouble rises on the borders! Everyone must come to join the ranks. Those who have been called must go forth in the next two days. If you miss the final date, martial law will deal with you. (Goes on repeating, accompanying with gong:) Trouble rises on the borders! Everyone must come to join the ranks… .

(Mulan looks nervous, and the ward commander’s voice fades away)

MULAN: Good, I am going to go to a few market towns to buy a few traveling items.

FATHER: Good.

(Mulan walks out, clearing her throat and practicing her man’s voice as she goes)

MOTHER: With her dressed up like this … she resembles our eldest son too much (cries into her sleeve).

(Mulan walks into the marketplace, leading her horse, and picks up some bells)

(Back inside the house, her mother is readying her luggage, and her father stands in front of the window. Her sister and younger brother walk in.)

SISTER: The food is ready.

FATHER: First bow to our ancestors.

(The family goes together to the altar. Mulan lights a stick of incense at a candle and bows before the altar. She kneels before the altar.)
(At the dinner table)

FATHER: A toast to favorable winds on your journey! Come back victorious after dousing the barbarians’ fires.

MULAN: Thank you, Father, for teaching me the military arts. It will allow me to serve the country with loyalty and to help me fulfill my filial duty to you. Truly two perfect goals. This is the time to thank you; please do not worry about me (drinks a cup to her father).

MOTHER: Best wishes for your complete safety on this journey! I have never been separated from you once in your life.

MULAN: Mother, please don’t worry about me, and thank you for permitting me to go. You have helped me to achieve my ideals and let me be a girl able to be useful to our country. When I come back victorious, we will all have the comfort of being together again. Mother, just wait and you will hear good news (drinks a cup to her mother).

SISTER: Best wishes, Little Sister, and much success to you.

MULAN: Many thanks for your kind words. Take care of the home and serve Mother and Father. For those things I rely on you (drinks a cup to her sister).

BROTHER: (also raising a cup to her) Sister, if you aren’t able to beat those guys, just write a letter home to me, and I will come right away to help you.

MULAN: Terrific, terrific! Listen to Mother and Father and study hard, and you will be able to serve your country well (drinks a cup to her brother).

(Outside, the ward commander continues beating his gong and calling out. We see soldiers sadly taking their leave of their families while the messenger continues to call the summons to the soldiers.) (We see Officer Han taking leave of his new bride sadly)

WARD COMMANDER: Those who are joining the army, we depart today.

(Liu Ying takes leave of his wife and baby)

LIU YING: Daddy is going off to war now. Daddy is going off to war now.

(He clowns around for the baby. He wipes a tear from his eye.)

(Two soldiers, Zhang Xu and Yin Ci, are bidding good-bye to their mother. The mother first turns to Xu and says:)

OLD WOMAN: Little Xu, be careful out there with your bad temper.

XU: I’ll pay no attention to anything, and pay attention only to killing.⁵

OLD WOMAN: Little Ci, you are always too lazy, always loving to sleep. When you go off to war, don’t be as you are at home.

CI: Mother, don’t worry. I will not sleep until I have won the war (starts to yawn).

(Ward commander calls out again: “Those who are joining the army, we depart today …”)
(Mulan and her family are outside their home saying their good-byes)

MULAN: I’ll go now.

FATHER: Get on your horse.

MULAN: (to her mother:) Your daughter’s joining the army is a glorious thing. You should not be sad; you should be happy.

FATHER: That’s right, we should be smiling to encourage her.

MULAN: Mother, smile. (Mother smiles, with great effort) Take care of your health, both of you. I am off.

(Mounts horse)

FAMILY: Take care.

(The two old people weep. Mulan bows her head and cries.)

FATHER: Take care, child (as Mulan rides off).

(Fade out)

Act 3

Characters:

MULAN

OFFICER HAN

LIU YING

LIU YUANDU

TEAHOUSE OWNER AND DAUGHTER

ZHANG XU

YIN CI

(On the road)

(Mulan goes forward on the road. Soldiers follow and then pass her, eyeing her. As each one passes her by, they each turn their head to appraise her. Though she is not afraid or embarrassed, she is very aware of them. Han and Liu ride by; the former thinking of his wife, the latter thinking of his children.)

HAN: I just brought home my new wife only sixteen days ago.

LIU: While you’re gone your wife will surely find a nice young man to take care of her. But I … I have two plump and fair young children …

(Han is just about to curse out Liu when he notices Mulan coming from behind. Mulan approaches from behind and passes them. They stare at her with great interest. They wait for Mulan to pass by, gesture at her, and start to discuss her.)

HAN: Look, that fellow is quite fair.

LIU: Not only very fair, but a very tender morsel, too!

HAN: You haven’t touched him; how can you tell he’s tender?

LIU: What are you making eyes about?

HAN: I wonder what road this fellow is taking?

LIU: Let’s watch him, and we’ll go too and look for a little trouble.

HAN: Good.

(They hurry to follow. Mulan enters a teahouse to rest; there are already several other soldiers there doing the same, seated on stools. There is a young hero, named Liu Yuandu, also sipping tea. He notices Mulan enter. Mulan also notices Liu Yuandu. Soldiers Han and Liu arrive and notice her. They go over to where she is sitting and lean toward her, circling her and hovering behind her. The tea serving girl brings Mulan a bowl of tea.)

MULAN: (accepting the drink) Thank you.

(The serving girl glances at Mulan and giggles, runs over to her mother and points out Mulan. The mother scolds her blushing daughter. Han uses his horse whip to tap Mulan on the shoulder.)

HAN: Little brother, where are you from?

(Mulan turns her head to look at him and slowly stands up)

MULAN: I’m from Haozhou.

LIU: Where are you going?

MULAN: I’m going to Yan’an.

(Han speaks in a mincing voice)

HAN: What are you going to do there?

MULAN: I’m going to join the army.

LIU: It’s several thousand miles from here. How are you going to get there?

MULAN: Why wouldn’t I get there? (Turning her head toward Han)

HAN: There are robbers on the road there.

MULAN: I have my sword.

LIU: In the forest wild animals lie in wait … wolves and tigers!

MULAN: I can protect myself with bow and arrow.

(Several men have gathered behind Liu and Han to listen)

HAN: I advise you not to talk so big.

LIU: A little chicken like you! You would be a delicious tidbit for a wolf. (The men laugh, with the exception of Liu, who stands up angrily)

HAN: Hahaha. You really do look like a little chicken.⁶ (Mulan turns her head to the side. Han continues to speak, laughing.)

HAN: Little brother, what is your surname?

MULAN: My surname is Hua.

HAN: You really do look like a flower.⁷

MULAN: You two, with all the current troubles around us, everyone is going forth to join the army: this is nothing more than serving one’s country. There shouldn’t be any countrymen bullying fellow countrymen. This is also the first time that we have met; how can you talk to me this way? Aren’t you bullying me?

HAN: What a bad temper! How is this joking around considered bullying? (He playfully swipes at her to hold her hand, and she grabs his arm and twists it behind his back. He squeals in pain, and the other men laugh at him) All right, you bastard, hands off!

(Mulan walks off, without a care)

HAN: Stop. Don’t run off!

LIU: Sorry, we would like the honor …

(Mulan has already gone out the door. She turns around and addresses them.)

MULAN: OK, come and get me!

(The two rush over to her. Liu Yuandu comes out to stop them.)

YUANDU: Take it easy, take it easy. I just saw plainly that it was you two who were the bullies. I say you should forget about it; you shouldn’t take grievances between you onto the battlefield. (He walks toward Mulan) You go on your way, you don’t need to continue on with people like these.

HAN: Where did we dig up this guy? I advise you to stay out of private matters. This sword does not heed any man.

(Liu Yuandu draws his sword, and Mulan stops his arm)

MULAN: Brother, they won’t give up. Just let me confront them. (She removes some pebbles from her jacket) And I’m not going to use my sword or spear, just these few little stones. I’ll let them see that I am not to be bullied. (To the other soldiers:) Come on.

LIU: Good! Come on.

(They charge, with swords raised. Mulan throws the pebbles at them. Han’s sword drops to the ground, his hand in pain. He cries out in pain. The same happens to Liu. They try to kick at Mulan and are struck by the pebbles in their legs. Mulan mounts her horse.)

MULAN: Sorry, and good-bye.

(She leaves an admiring crowd behind her. Yuandu also gets on his horse. The teahouse girl looks at Mulan admiringly.)

(The two tie up their horses at the next camp by the banks of the Yellow River. Mulan dismounts from her horse, and Liu Yuandu does so beside her. Mulan greets him. The two of them strike up a conversation as they walk toward the boarding house.)

YUANDU: Those two guys were really hateful!

MULAN: (laughing) Thanks so much for sticking up for me.

YUANDU: It was nothing. Your martial skills are really impressive.

MULAN: You embarrass me.

YUANDU: May I ask your surname?

MULAN: (Answers in a very friendly manner:) I’m surnamed Hua. My name is Mulan. May I ask your name?

YUANDU: I am surnamed Liu, and my name is Yuandu. I am from Peiliang, and you?

MULAN: I am from Haozhou. Are you going to Yan’an as well?

YUANDU: Yes, are you?

MULAN: Yes, I am. My father is old and very ill, so I am taking his place to join the army.

YUANDU: Loyal and filial, both! How admirable!

MULAN: In matters of military campaigns I know very little, so I hope that I can learn from you.

YUANDU: Hardly. Let’s take our rest at this inn here.

MULAN: Good.

YUANDU: Young man (to the stable boy about his horse), more hay.

SERVANT: Yes.

(They enter the gates. They hear the approaching soldiers, who notice them. Liu and Han arrive and see Mulan there.)

HAN: This must indeed be an apparition!

LIU: Or else a warrior spirit!

(Mulan and Yuandu hear this and enter the inn, laughing. A large pot of boiling water is being prepared for the men to wash their feet.)

INNKEEPER: Please sit, please sit.

(Men are all washing their feet. They groan as they wash their feet. Mulan alone doesn’t wash her feet. Zhang Xu notices Mulan and nudges Ci. They begin to circle her. Liu and Han try to get their attention and hiss for them to go over. Xu and the other men, hearing them, turn their heads and look over at Han and Liu. Mulan puts her hands in her clothes, and Liu and Han fear that she might have more pebbles in there. They call over Xu and others who walk over.)

CI: What are you calling us over for?

HAN: That fellow is no softie. We have already suffered at his hands.

SERVANT: (bringing bucket) For you to wash your feet, sir.

MULAN: Leave it here.

(Yuandu quickly finishes washing his feet)

YUANDU: Brother Hua, I’m done washing up, come on over.

MULAN: You’re too polite, too polite (she picks up her bucket and goes into a private room).

CI: (very surprised) What? He even has to go behind closed doors to wash his feet? (He is shushed by Soldier Liu) What?

LIU: He is a warrior spirit.

CI: A warrior spirit?

(The moon shines on the Yellow River. Nighttime. We hear the sound of an erhu⁸ accompanying a singing voice. The sky is filled with stars. An old man carries a little girl, who sings a Henan song. Several people can be seen in the lamplight. Liu Yuandu and Mulan stand together outside beside the Yellow River.)

YUANDU: May I ask Big Brother’s position in the army?

MULAN: I took my father’s position, and that is of troop commander.

YUANDU: I am also a troop commander. We are of the same class, but considering Big Brother’s military skill, you will certainly advance quickly in rank.

MULAN: (smiling) Thank you for your kind words. So long as I can fight on behalf of my country, position does not matter to me.

(Yuandu looks at her, nodding. The night watchman strikes the hour. Both yawn.)

YUANDU: Let’s go to bed; tomorrow we have to continue on the road.

MULAN: You go first.

YUANDU: It is a rare thing for the two of us to have just met, but to feel like we are old friends. Who would have thought, one from Peiliang and one from Haozhou, suddenly in the same place. This must be predestined.

MULAN: We men would be friends anywhere; I would have met you wherever we went. Hahaha. See you tomorrow.

YUANDU: Tomorrow.

(He leaves for the inn, and Mulan watches him go and then stands alone, looking troubled. Sounds of water. She imagines her parents looking over her.)

INNKEEPER: Is there still someone out there? I am about to lock the doors.

(Mulan walks in)
(Interior. Mulan walks around the room and sees men asleep on their beds. As she would have to lie down with the men, she sits at the table instead. In the distance we hear the sounds of dogs barking and the song continuing. She props her head up and tries to sleep.)
(Fade out)

Act 4

Characters:

MULAN

OFFICER HAN

LIU YING

YIN CI

LIU YUANDU

MARSHAL

MILITARY COMMANDER

DEFEATED BARBARIAN GENERALS

BARBARIAN GUARDS

MARSHAL’S GUARD

WALL GUARD

(Desert. All men are on horses and battling. Mulan stands out in battle, sweat rolling down her face.)

(Snow falls. We see flying flags and hear the sounds of drums and trumpets. Mulan’s armor is covered in snow. She dismounts her horse and enters an inn.)

(Interior. Mulan walks in, passing a room where five other soldiers are seated around a table.)

HAN: We’ve already been at the border and, without realizing it, it has already been three years. There hasn’t been a single achievement. Now take a look at that Hua. We all joined the army together. He moved up in rank upon coming and is now the commandant.⁹ I think he’ll soon be promoted to chief commandant.¹⁰ One more jump and he will be military commissioner.¹¹ Not only that, it seems to me that he has become beautiful.

LIU: That goes without saying. Everyone has exerted themselves in battle. Since coming he has won every battle; it’s no wonder the general admires him.

CI: That guy is really strangely enchanting, almost as if he were a woman. I really don’t know where he learned his military arts; how he manages to defeat the enemy is really puzzling.

HAN: It’s a pity he’s a man; if he were a woman …

LIU: What would you do?

HAN: (lightly) Why, I really wouldn’t be able to take it! (Everyone around him laughs at him, and he stands up)

(Liu Yuandu has entered, and everyone else stands)

YUANDU: Where is Commandant Hua? Do you know?

CI: Commandant Hua has gone inside after returning from the field.

(Mulan is inside grinding ink to write a letter. She writes, “Dear Mother and Father …” She is writing a letter home when Liu Yuandu calls her)

YUANDU: Commandant Hua, are you in your room?

MULAN: Brother Yuandu, please come in.

(Yuandu enters. He approaches Mulan.)

YUANDU: Writing a letter?

MULAN: Tomorrow someone is going to Haozhou.

YUANDU: Sorry to bother you.

(Mulan walks toward the fire and then back)

MULAN: Not at all. Do you have some news?

(Mulan faces the fire, and Yuandu walks over)

YUANDU: We’ve received a secret dispatch. They are preparing an attack.

MULAN: Of course they are; they have suffered a few setbacks but will not give up.

YUANDU: But our military commander will not believe it.

MULAN: Looking at the circumstances, I think the blame lies with the military commander. His motives are very selfish.

(The two drink tea and contemplate)

YUANDU: True, but because of the victory in several battles, they will not consider this.

MULAN: I have a plan for attack … take a look at how this is written … here is an old battle map of my father’s. In the past few battles, I have relied on this map. I don’t know whether the military commander will trust my map; if not, I will die of anger!

YUANDU: Ah! But the most immediately important is to know where exactly the enemy troops are. We just need more evidence and the commander will surely be unable to protest.

MULAN: Good, we will go together to see the marshal.

YUANDU: What is your plan?

MULAN: We will summon up our courage and tell him that we wish to go out to spy on the enemy. Let’s go.

YUANDU: Don’t you have to finish your letter?

MULAN: The country is at risk—what are one or two letters to home?¹²

(The marshal is sitting on a tiger-skin seat. The military commander enters.)

MARSHAL: Commander, have a seat.

COMMANDER: Yesterday those two barbarian generals were questioned, and they truly have surrendered. They would like to meet with Your Honor.

MARSHAL: Good, let them come in.

(The two enemy generals come in humbly)

COMMANDER: Yes. The marshal’s goodness and worth are known to all. (He goes to door and shouts:) The marshal will now see the defeated generals.

MAN: Yes!

(The defeated generals enter and kowtow to the marshal)

DEFEATED GENERALS: Your Honor.

MARSHAL: The two of you may rise. (They rise, giving thanks)

FIRST DEFEATED GENERAL: We minions have offended the heavenly lord. Your Honor’s benevolence is so great, we are already ten thousand times blessed, and now we are honored with an audience.

MARSHAL: I am truly elated that you abandoned your leader (the men grin ingratiatingly), but I have heard that your kingdom’s barbarian leader is planning to send forth troops to attacks us. Is there truth in this? (The military commander gives the defeated generals a significant look)

SECOND DEFEATED GENERAL: Our wretched kingdom, since having suffered so many defeats, is already without any power to launch an attack. That report of a coming attack is nothing but gossip.

MILITARY COMMANDER: It was just idle chatter.

MARSHAL: Please, Commander, take good care of these two.

(Mulan and Liu Yuandu speak to the marshal’s guard outside the marshal’s quarters)

MARSHAL’S GUARD: The marshal is currently speaking to the two surrendered generals.

YUANDU: Who brought them in?

MARSHAL’S GUARD: They were brought in by the military commander.

MULAN and YUANDU: Oh no!

(The military commander leads the two surrendered generals out from the marshal’s chambers to his own quarters)

MILITARY COMMANDER: Please come in.

(The three enter the military commander’s rooms, and they look around to make sure no one is around. They speak quietly to the military commander.)

FIRST DEFEATED GENERAL: Our kingdom’s khan has presented you with tens of thousands of gold pieces asking you to explain matters to the marshal. What need is there for concern? From now on, both our kingdoms will remain in peace.

COMMANDER: I showed good judgment.

(Mulan and Yuandu drag the marshal’s guard who guards his door toward them to discuss matters)

MULAN: What if it is just a false surrender? Then what?

MARSHAL’S GUARD: (looks to both sides, then replies:) I also do not believe them. Please, the two of you wait a while, let me think something up. Let’s wait until the military commander and those two have left, then we can go to the marshal.

YUANDU: All must use all their might to rescue us from danger.

MARSHAL’S GUARD: This is what we should do. (He walks over to the entrance and looks inside) The commander is coming (Mulan and Yuandu quickly conceal themselves. The commander and the two surrendered generals leave, and the guard returns and brings Mulan and Yuandu toward the gated entrance of the marshal until he calls him in. He goes in and kneels before the marshal, who is being served tea and is reading a report). Honorable Marshal, Hua Mulan and Liu Yuandu have some secret matters they wish to see you about.

MARSHAL: What other secrets can they have? You go ask them.

MARSHAL’S GUARD: They would like to speak about it to the marshal in person.

MARSHAL: Fine, call them in.

MARSHAL’S GUARD: Yes (He rises and goes over to the door, gesturing for the two to come in).

(The marshal pleasantly watches them come in and sends the servant out girl with the tea)

YUANDU and MULAN: Your Honor.

MARSHAL: What is it?

MULAN: (Yuandu nudges Mulan to speak) We have heard from a secret report that the barbarian kingdom is planning an attack and that their army is soon to come.

MARSHAL: This is all just gossip.

YUANDU: But there really is an army; it is not just gossip.

(The marshal still does not believe them)

MARSHAL: Well then, do you know where this large army is?

MULAN: (after exchanging looks with Yuandu) Since their movements have been completely secret, we thought that we would request that you order us to go ourselves to spy out their location.

MARSHAL: (very confidently) The military commander interrogated the two surrendered generals already, and we found that there would be no attack.

YUANDU: What if those two were just falsely surrendering? Wouldn’t that be a great mistake?

MARSHAL: (very disgruntled) Fine, let’s not talk about this anymore. Go ahead, you are dispatched on a fact-finding mission!

MULAN and YUANDU: Yes, sir! (They leave)

(Mulan enters her chambers with Yuandu)

YUANDU: With the two of us going out to explore like this … won’t people be suspicious?

MULAN: I think we will need to go in disguise.

YUANDU: In disguise as what?

MULAN: You can disguise yourself as a barbarian hunter.

YUANDU: And you?

MULAN: I …

YUANDU: Yes, it would be best for you to play a barbarian girl.

MULAN: Nonsense! How can I play a girl?!

YUANDU: Think about it, what would it matter if you played a girl?!

MULAN: I’m only afraid that I won’t be able to look like one!

YUANDU: You?! Even not dressed up you …

MULAN: What?

YUANDU: Sorry, don’t get mad … I’m going to go and change.

(Yuandu and Mulan are dressed up as a barbarian hunter and girl and are now traveling in the desert with a camel)

MULAN: Your costume is really quite good.

YUANDU: Certainly it does not compare to yours.

(Mulan stumbles)

YUANDU: Careful!

MULAN: Of course it’s hard to walk, getting about in this getup.

YUANDU: With the way we are dressed, you know what we look like?

MULAN: Friends.

YUANDU: Not like friends.

MULAN: Brother and sister?

YUANDU: Yes, but people would think we are husband and wife.

MULAN: What?! (Stops walking)

YUANDU: Nothing.

MULAN: (slightly angry) This whole trip I haven’t heard you say a single serious thing; you’ve been making jokes to no end. Let me ask you, are we on a serious mission or is joking around more important?

YUANDU: Of course work is more important.

MULAN: Do you just want to be like one of those muddled-up men who want to get caught out?

YUANDU: Of course not.

MULAN: Now your rank is lower than mine by a degree; I will command you: we will take separate routes. You go this way, and I will go this way. We will meet at the designated place. Hurry!

YUANDU: Yes, sir!

(Mulan watches him go, smiling, and then sighs. Finally, she goes bravely in one direction. She enters the barbarian camps and looks around carefully. Two barbarian guards notice her and jump out.)

BARBARIAN 1: Hey, where are you going?

MULAN: I am going back to my parents’ home.

BARBARIAN 2: Where is your parents’ home?

MULAN: Just over there, not too far from here.

BARBARIAN 1: Don’t go any further. We’ll go together to see our leader.

MULAN: I’m not going!

BARBARIAN 2: That’s not up to you.

MULAN: I’m afraid.

BARBARIAN 2: Scared or not, you have to go.

BARBARIAN 1: Truly, it is strange to see a young girl here … how could we let you go?

MULAN: Where is your leader?

BARBARIAN 1: Just over there. (He points it out to her, and she turns to look)

MULAN: Is that an army over there?

BARBARIAN 2: Of course.

MULAN: With barracks like that, there must be several thousand troops!

BARBARIAN 1: Several thousands?

MULAN: What, there aren’t?

BARBARIAN 1: There are at least several tens of thousands! They are definitely going to destroy the Tang army!

MULAN: What fun!

BARBARIAN 2: What fun? Enough of this, let’s go.

MULAN: With the way I am walking? I can’t run away from you!

BARBARIAN 2: I am afraid you’ll run.

MULAN: You don’t think that I’m all right? (She puts an arm around each man’s shoulder)

BARBARIANS 1 and 2: Of course we do, of course.

(Mulan acts flirtatiously toward them as she walks between the two of them)

MULAN: It’s better to walk this way … isn’t this more fun?

BARBARIANS 1 and 2: Not bad!

MULAN: (sings:)

Two people walk together on one single road, ah,

You come too,

You come too, ah,

What is there for me to fear?

(The two barbarians are smitten by this song, and Mulan takes the opportunity to knock their heads together. The two fall down, and she quickly pulls out her dagger. She stabs each of them. She sees that they are dead and quickly steals their clothing. She changes into their clothes and comes out from the brush. We hear the sound of horse hooves, and she looks in surprise into the distance. A young messenger rushes toward her on a horse; she checks that she is properly dressed and then runs out.)

MULAN: Hey!

(The messenger stops his horse and, looking at Mulan, sees her as one of his fellow soldiers. She walks in a barbarian manner and, waving her hands, calls to him. Unaware of her ruse, the messenger goes toward her. From her jacket, she pulls out her pebbles and holds them in her hand. When the messenger gets closer, she flings the pebbles at him, knocking him off his horse where she quickly runs forward to kill him. Mulan steals the missive that he has been carrying. Several barbarian soldiers see her and approach. She jumps quickly on the messenger’s horse and rides off. She rides back to her barracks, wearing the barbarian clothing and riding the barbarian horse. She calls up to the wall.)

MULAN: Open the gates!

(The Tang army barrier guards mistake her for a barbarian and ready their arrows. She is nearly struck by an arrow.)

MULAN: Stay your arrows! I am Commandant Hua!

(The barrier guards are unsure whether to believe her)

GUARD 1: Why would Commandant Hua be wearing barbarian clothes? Eh, you say you are Commandant Hua, what identification do you have?

(Mulan takes her papers out and puts them on an arrow, shooting them upward)

GUARD 1: This is really Commandant Hua; quick, open the gates.

(Mulan rides in)

Act 5

Characters:

MILITARY COMMANDER

SERVANT

MULAN

MARSHAL

(The military commander signals to the surrendered barbarian generals. There are singing and dancing girls. The military commander drinks wine with the surrendered generals, all smiles. His servant enters in a hurry.)

SERVANT: Sir, Hua Mulan has returned from his exploratory mission and has gone to see the marshal.

COMMANDER: What? He didn’t come to see me first; how could he go directly to the marshal first?! Fine, let me go listen to what he has to say.

(The two surrendered barbarian generals stand up too and exchange worried looks)
(The marshal sits on his tiger-skin-covered seat, and Mulan stands before him)

MARSHAL: You came back today?

MULAN: Yes.

MARSHAL: What did you discover in your exploratory mission?

(The military commander listens in from outside)

MULAN: Many barbarian troops are coming; they are all hidden near a stronghold in the mountains. There are several hundred thousands of them. Their mounted troops are already about a dozen miles from our wall. There was a messenger that I killed … he carried this directive (She presents it respectfully to the marshal).

MARSHAL: Ah! What do you think?

MULAN: From my perspective, if we stay inside this wall I fear that if something happens there are too few of us. Further, within the wall, there are too many enemy agents. I fear that the barbarian soldiers within the wall are following orders from beyond the wall. It seems that we should send our troops into two detachments outside the wall to attack. We’ll surround them from two sides and wait for them to come attack the wall. The wall will be empty, and they will try to turn around. We will then use our troops to break them down.

MARSHAL: Ahhhh.

(The military commander emerges from behind the curtains)

COMMANDER: This is the worst plan. Mulan, you say that there are many barbarian troops coming. What information are you relying on?

MULAN: I saw them with my own eyes.

COMMANDER: What did you see?

MULAN: I saw plentiful barracks, army horses, and provisions all collected in a nearby stronghold in the mountains.

COMMANDER: (laughing) I already knew that there were secret troops purposely sent to trick us into coming out from behind the wall. Our fortifications are strong. If we stay behind the wall to greet them, they will have no recourse. But if we come out from behind the wall, we will be falling into their trap.

MARSHAL: Here, I have a secret missive, taken from one of the barbarian troops.

COMMANDER: I, too, have gotten the same kind of letter, saying almost exactly the opposite.

(Yuandu enters and approaches the marshal)

COMMANDER: We can see that their schemes are very elaborate.

YUANDU: Your Honor, I followed your orders and went on an exploratory mission, and found that the barbarian troops are large, and that they are very close!

COMMANDER: Liu Yuandu did not wait for the marshal to summon him and just charged in. Doesn’t he know the correct military rules? See him out!

(Two men come to usher him out, and Yuandu continues to try to speak)

MARSHAL: Yuandu, get out, first.

COMMANDER: Mulan, you are too young to understand matters and were tricked by the barbarians. You fell right into their trap and brought back the wrong message.

MULAN: I am loyally protecting my country from the heavens to the earth. Please do not slight a good person.¹³

COMMANDER: I have heard that you can also play a woman; is that right? Very well, how about you stop playing soldier and go sing the huadan¹⁴ instead?

(Mulan looks angry enough to strike at him)

MARSHAL: Mulan, you had better withdraw for now; the commander makes a good point.

COMMANDER: With these juniors acting out of turn, it really is unseemly.

MARSHAL: It is commonplace that the young are looking to fight; it’s best to just let them suffer a few setbacks.

(Mulan enters her chambers angrily. Yuandu enters.)

YUANDU: What happened today? I saw that the military commander definitely was trying to thwart us. I think he must definitely be taking bribes from the barbarians.

MULAN: I think he must be taking bribes from them.

YUANDU: What can we do now?

MULAN: I think on one hand we have to keep an eye on the military commander and those two surrendered generals and on the other hand get our men ready.

YUANDU: Ready for what?

MULAN: The way I see it, if a situation arises, you will have to take troops in secret beyond the gates and conceal yourselves. Within the city I shall stay to protect the marshal. Ah! See how our good efforts have fallen at the hands of these spies!

Act 6

Characters:

MULAN

LIU YUANDU

MARSHAL

MILITARY COMMANDER

MARSHAL’S GUARD

DEFEATED BARBARIAN GENERALS

BARBARIAN ADJUTANT

(Nighttime with wild winds; the winds blow the banners and flags. Mulan is in the tower and looks up at the sky. A flock of geese passes by. Mulan turns her head and shouts.)

MULAN: Yuandu, come quick!

YUANDU: What is it?

MULAN: Look at that flock of birds; it suddenly arose in a mass and flew over here. It must mean that the troops are approaching to attack the fortress now. Go beyond the gate and get ready. (To the other men) Commandant Wang, take a detachment of men north of the wall. Commandant Li, go west of the wall.

(Barbarian mounted troops speed in. We see troops on foot proceeding forward and the feet of horses kicking up the sand. There are feet marching forward. Yuandu leads troops into hiding. The commander and the two barbarian generals are conferring. The commander nods his head. Mulan walks back and forth on top of the walls.¹⁵ Liu Yuandu directs his troops to move forward. Fire breaks out within the walls.)

PEOPLE: Fire! Fire!

MULAN: (to her men) Quick! Get down from the wall to put out the fire!

(A large group of barbarian troops nears the wall. Sound of drums. Arrows and boulders rain down from the soldiers on the wall. The barbarian troops climb up the wall. We see barbarian troops falling to arrows.)
(The marshal surveys the situation, and the military commander runs forward)

COMMANDER: Hua Mulan led the men to mutiny. I advise you to punish him.

MARSHAL’S GUARD: Nonsense! Clearly, it is the barbarians attacking us; how can you say that Mulan is rebelling?

COMMANDER: Those barbarians were brought here by him. Quick, there’s still a way out at the north of the wall.

MARSHAL: (disbelieving) The barbarians attacked from the north; how can we still leave via the north?

COMMANDER: You are not listening to me! You will regret it too late!

(Two soldiers capture someone setting a fire. It turns out to be the first surrendered barbarian general. A soldier kneels before the marshal.)

SOLDIER: We caught one of those who started the fire. He says he wishes to see the military commander.

COMMANDER: (drawing his sword as if to kill the barbarian general) How can this be?! (Tries to lunge forward, with sword drawn)

MARSHAL’S GUARD: (drawing his sword) Hold on. Let’s question him before killing him!

MARSHAL: So, after all, you had falsely surrendered. Why did you do it?

FIRST BARBARIAN GENERAL: Each has his own country—what else do you need ask?

MARSHAL: Why did you want to see the military commander?

FIRST BARBARIAN GENERAL: Don’t you know? Because he could set me free!

MARSHAL: (turning his head and addressing the commander:) You said others were rebelling, but it was in fact you who was doing so. (To the capturing soldiers) Take them all to be executed.

(The marshal’s guard takes the captured general by the collar and pushes him out along with the military commander. Mulan rushes in.)

MULAN: Honored Marshal, the barbarians have overcome us and are coming. Fortunately, we had made preparations, but even so we cannot hold the fort for long. Please, sir, quickly go to the south of the wall to lead the troops.

MARSHAL: Good. (They leave together)

(At the gates of the district. The marshal mounts a horse. The second barbarian general, hiding behind a wall, shoots an arrow at him. The marshal is struck, and Mulan goes to him. The second barbarian general runs away.)

MULAN: Quick! Grab the man who just shot that arrow. (Two soldiers rush after him. Mulan addresses the marshal.) Please, sir, get on your horse and go first to the south of the wall. (The marshal does so in spite of the pain)

(People are running away in fear; one looks into the camera and shouts)

MAN: The barbarians are coming!

(Barbarians surge. Mulan and others send off the marshal.)

MULAN: You, take care of the marshal and leave first. I have to turn back and fight this group.

(The barbarians enter the marshal’s office and empty chambers. The barbarian general laughingly sits in the marshal’s seat, as his adjutant comes in to report.)

ADJUTANT: Honored leader, within the city the Tang army is paltry; the greater part of them has left the city walls. I think they are going to block our way out of the city. We should quickly hurry out of the city walls and continue the fighting twenty or thirty miles out to finish the battle. Otherwise, I fear that we will be defeated here.

BARBARIAN GENERAL: (carelessly) You did not say this earlier, and look how easily we captured the city. If we retreat immediately, what would happen?

ADJUTANT: We didn’t think of this strategy earlier.

BARBARIAN GENERAL: (furiously) No wonder people said you were dumb as a dog! Take all the treasures and the good-looking girls out of here. (The barbarian soldiers rush around trying to gather as much as they can)

(As the barbarian general tries to get on his horse to leave the city, Mulan hurries over and kills the general. The rest of the barbarians run off in fear.)

MULAN: (shouting from horse:) Their troops are in disarray! Quick, get them!

Act 7

Characters:

MULAN

MARSHAL

LIU YUANDU

(The marshal’s camp)

(Mulan stands beside the supine marshal, who is suffering greatly. He reads aloud from a document.)

MARSHAL: I regret that I didn’t listen to you. Let all the people know that I made a big mistake. My brave generals and officers courageously battled and were able to defeat danger to bring peace. Even in death I am pleased. (Mulan sheds tears upon hearing this) I have already reported to the emperor, to appoint Hua Mulan the new marshal. He is both loyal and brave, and well versed in strategy. He can easily take on this responsibility. You must all obey his orders; this is my dying wish. (He takes a deep breath) I ask your forgiveness. (He dies, and all weep)

(Outside the camp everyone kneels in mourning. The marshal’s flag with his surname “Zhang” is lowered and is changed to “Hua.” Mulan mounts the platform as marshal. Yuandu enters the camp. The crowds bow to Mulan. Mulan addresses the crowds, with Yuandu at her side.)

MULAN: I have been honored by our former marshal, and, further, the emperor orders that I take over as leader. You need not suffer any longer. The people need not be oppressed, nor flee from attackers, nor gain favor through nepotism. Spread my words afar.

GATHERED GENERALS: Yes, sir!

(Fade out)

Act 8

Characters:

MULAN

LIU YUANDU

YIN CI

(Tang troops battling the barbarian troops in the snow. Mulan fights bitterly in the snow; Yuandu fights bitterly in the rain. Mulan kills barbarians. A barbarian on horseback falls in mud, and barbarians are seen being chased away by Tang troops. Mulan and Yuandu give chase on horseback and return with smiles of victory. They stand before a memorial stele on which is written “In the fourth year of the Great Tang, Hua Mulan quieted the barbarian troops.” Mulan rides horse to high peak, and all the people bow to her.)

GATHERED TROOPS: Congratulations, Marshal. You have achieved success in battle!

YUANDU: (from horseback) The marshal is virtuous in arts and war; he pacified the borders. Eternal glory to him for thousands of years and thousands of eras!

MULAN: This glory belongs to everyone. All I did was give orders.

YUANDU: (smiling) The marshal is too modest.

(Mulan smiles at him. Everyone rides off. There is a party at night; all the people are dancing. Yuandu and Mulan stand together. Mulan smilingly accepts a cup of wine and drinks a few mouthfuls. We see a flag reading “Love the people like your children” and “Long Live Peace.”)
(A group of children perform a masked dance. A goat is being roasted. Mulan and Yuandu drink together. All appreciatively watch a young girl perform a sword dance. Yuandu is drunk.)
(Mulan stands up and leaves; Yuandu quickly finishes his cup and follows her out. Mulan has already returned to her tent where she has removed her outer coat and has gone into her bedroom, feeling a little drunk. We can hear a little music from outside. She lies down on her bed, deep in thought.)
(Yin Ci helps Liu Yuandu go into his tent, holding his arm)

CI: Old Liu, how did you fill your stomach with just a little wine?

YUANDU: I don’t care … I’m going to go find the marshal.

CI: I think you had better go to sleep.

YUANDU: I won’t sleep; you go to sleep.

CI: (pulling Liu Yuandu back) OK, I’ll go, but you should be more careful, don’t bother the marshal.

YUANDU: (hiccups) I know, I know. You think I don’t know my own marshal’s temper?

CI: Your marshal, that is funny! (Exits, laughing)

(Yuandu drunkenly goes to Mulan’s tent and sits on a rock outside. Mulan hears Yuandu’s hiccuping outside, and goes out to see him.)

MULAN: What is it? Are you drunk?

YUANDU: Ah, Yuandu is no more.

MULAN: Let me give you some good news.

YUANDU: What happy news?

MULAN: A letter arrived from the capital, saying that the emperor has summoned me to the capital. You will be promoted to remain here as commander in chief.

YUANDU: Congratulations to you.

MULAN: I congratulate you, too.

YUANDU: I don’t want the promotion!

MULAN: Why not?

YUANDU: I want to spend my life serving you.

MULAN: That’s child’s talk! Go to sleep.

YUANDU: Yes. (Mulan goes into her tent; Yuandu goes but then returns to the rock in front of Mulan’s tent)

(Mulan from inside the tent sees Yuandu again. He is still sitting on the rock. Mulan laughs and goes back outside and stands behind him.)

MULAN: Yuandu, what are you doing?

YUANDU: (standing up quickly) I am keeping watch here.

MULAN: Nonsense! When have I ever asked you to keep watch? I see you are really drunk!

YUANDU: I am not!

MULAN: Are you homesick?

YUANDU: No.

MULAN: Missing your wife?

YUANDU: I don’t have a wife.

MULAN: Ah, yes, you haven’t married yet … so you …

YUANDU: What is it, Marshal?

MULAN: You, go to bed, it’s getting late. (We hear the night watch struck)

YUANDU: No.

MULAN: Go to bed. Tomorrow morning I will make a match for you.

YUANDU: I don’t want that.

MULAN: Why not?

YUANDU: I’ve already got one.

MULAN: (a little surprised) Already got one? What is this girl’s surname? Where is she?

YUANDU: I have her in my heart.

MULAN: Well, why didn’t you marry her? I never said you couldn’t take a wife.

YUANDU: I daren’t speak to her about it.

MULAN: Why not?

YUANDU: That girl’s temper is very bad, and her status is above mine. If I don’t address her properly, she may well murder me!

MULAN: (laughing) Can there be such a case on earth?!

YUANDU: Yes, such a case exists on earth; do you think it’s strange?

MULAN: You really are drunk, talking nonsense, and talking too much. Go off!

YUANDU: Yes, sir!

(Mulan goes back into her tent, and Yuandu starts off and then stops again. She goes into the tent still feeling drunk and cannot get over a feeling of melancholy. In front of the table she practices some sword arts to try to distract herself from these feelings. While she is practicing her sword, she can hear music from outside. She sings along.)

MULAN: (singing:)

Where is the moon?

The moon is in the chamber.

He shines inside my room,

He shines upon my bed,

Shines upon that shattered battlefield,

Shines upon my sweet ambition.¹⁶

When can I enter my beloved’s bosom,

And speak my innermost feelings?

(When she finishes singing, she can hear from beyond the tent Yuandu continuing the song. She looks outside.)

YUANDU: (singing from the rock:)

Where is the moon?

She shines in her room,

She shines upon her bed,

Shines upon my shattered heart,

Shines upon my endless nights of restlessness.

When will she enter my embrace,

And I can speak my grieving heart?

(As he sings, Mulan comes out to listen)

MULAN: (purposefully) In the middle of the night who is out there singing?

YUANDU: Did the marshal not tell the people that tonight they should sing until dawn?

MULAN: Ah, it’s still you! Fine, go ahead and sing.

YUANDU: (drunkenly) Please, Marshal, feel free to give your suggestions!

MULAN: Hahaha, I don’t understand!

YUANDU:

Where is the moon?

The moon is right beside me.

I have seen the moon’s face.

(Mulan is moved by these words)

I brim over with the moon’s light;

I gaze over facing heaven’s edge.

I face heaven’s edge and think …

I can’t go crazy, yet go mad,

Turning my head, I see that it is you in the sky.

MULAN: (moved) Sung very well. We have been friends for twelve years already. Today I will teach you a song.

YUANDU: (blushes) The marshal is so kind. I could not repay it even with ten thousand deaths.

MULAN: Nonsense.

YUANDU: Yes!

MULAN: (sings:)

Where is the moon?

The moon is beside you.

You have seen the moon’s face;

You have fallen for the moon’s light.

Knowing that you have gazed, year after year,

Knowing that you have thought, day after day.

You needn’t be anxious or hurried,

Turn your head, and there your Chang’e will have come down.

(The two sing together:)

MULAN and YUANDU:

You needn’t be anxious or hurried,

Turn your head, and there your Chang’e will have come down.

(Done singing, Mulan smiles widely)

MULAN: Now you can go to bed.

YUANDU: Yes, sir.

(Yuandu hurries off)

Act 9

Characters:

EMPEROR

MULAN

LIU YUANDU

(Emperor’s palace)

EMPEROR: Hua Mulan quelled the barbarians and succeeded over the threats at the borders, and for this I am very pleased. I have appointed Mulan to the Imperial Secretariat. Liu Yuandu has been appointed commandant of the Assault-Resisting Garrison.

MULAN: I was without great successes. I dare not accept the honor of the Imperial Secretariat. I only wish to return home to see my father and mother.

YUANDU: My skills are limited; from beginning to end I only followed the orders of Marshal Hua. This appointment is too high; I fear that I am not able to fulfill Your Highness’ kind appointment.

EMPEROR: (very pleased) Hua Mulan is so filial to his parents, Liu Yuandu so loyal. I am very pleased! Each one will be given a sword and horse and six months’ leave to return home.

(The crowd cheers “Ten thousand years!” for the emperor, and the curtains are closed around him)

Act 10

Characters:

MULAN

LIU YUANDU

MR. WANG

MR. ZHAO

FATHER

MOTHER

SISTER

BROTHER

(Mulan’s home. Mulan and Yuandu arrive on horseback. Mulan waves to everyone from her horse. Everyone greets her with smiles. The hunters Wang and Zhao are also there.)

WANG: Marshal, Marshal, do you still remember us? (Mulan, smiling, nods her head and goes on. Wang continues:) That is my old friend.

ZHAO: Oh yes, I am also his old friend. We’re old friends.

(Mulan reaches her house. Father, mother, sister, and brother come out to greet her, as well as other neighbors.)

MULAN: Father, Mother! (She gets off her horse and goes in with her parents)

(She and the others enter the rooms. Mulan bids the two older people rise and she bows before them. The parents are smiling and crying simultaneously. Mulan turns to her sister and bows.)

MULAN: Sister, all these years you were burdened. (Her sister already has a child. Mulan rubs her younger brother’s head.) Brother, you have grown so tall!

FATHER: Go inside and change your clothes and rest a bit; we can talk later.

(Mulan’s mother goes inside with her, and her father addresses the crowd outside)

FATHER: Everyone, please sit down in here.

(Mulan goes with her mother to her old room, draws the curtains, and wipes the dust off the mirror)

MOTHER: There’s so much to say I don’t know where to begin.

(In the reflection in the mirror we see Mulan transformed back into a girl with flowers in her hair and women’s clothing. Her mother presents her with a large handful of calling cards.)

MOTHER: I don’t know how many people have come to talk to you about a match; look at all the cards that have come for you. What are we to do?

MULAN: (girlishly) I have already chosen.

MOTHER: Already decided? What kind of person is it?

MULAN: Mom, first listen to his voice and then look at him, OK? (Turns to the window and calls out:) Liu Yuandu!

YUANDU: Here!

MULAN: (laughingly) What do you think?

MOTHER: Loud and clear.

MULAN: (happily) I’ll take you to go take a look at him and see if he will do, OK?

(She hurries to drag her mother out)

MOTHER: Slow down; I can’t be pulled along like this.

MULAN: OK, Mom, I understand.

(Liu Yuandu is standing drinking tea when Mulan brings her mother out to point him out)

MULAN: Brother Yuandu. (He turns around) This is he. (To the gathered men) Everyone, please be at ease.

(Han looks at her in surprise. Liu Yuandu looks muddled. Ci and Xu look shocked. Mulan giggles and rushes out.)

FATHER: What is going on here? (Mother whispers in his ear) Ah, I see what this is about.¹⁷

(Mulan in bridal dress sits in a candlelit chamber. Yuandu joins her, dressed as the groom.)

YUANDU: Where will you be hiding yourself tonight?

(Mulan flirtatiously looks at him and smiles at her bridegroom. She falls into his embrace.)

Translated by Shiamin Kwa

______________________________

¹ This translation follows the screenplay as published in Wenxian magazine (Ouyang, 1939, pp. 1–31), with differences in the film version as noted.

² “Rabbit” was Beijing slang for homosexual.

³ This and the line before it are not in the Wenxian script.

⁴ The section beginning with “and I can still” and ending with the coughing is not found in the printed screenplay.

⁵ The second half of the sentence, beginning with “and,” does not occur in the screenplay.

⁶ “Little chicken” (xiaoji ) is homophonous with the word for prostitute or woman of easy virtue, xiaoji (nü) ); see also note 1.

⁷ Mulan’s surname, Hua means “flower.”

⁸ A two-stringed, bowed musical instrument.

⁹ Xiaowei , a prestige or merit title for a military officer.

¹⁰ Jingwei .

¹¹ Jiedu shi .

¹² The last two sentences do not appear in the Wenxian script.

¹³ This line does not appear in the Wenxian script.

¹⁴ Role type of young, flirtatious heroine.

¹⁵ Although unspecified, we may construe the walls as those of the Great Wall.

¹⁶ Huaibao is translated here as “ambition” and below as “bosom” and “embrace.”

¹⁷ The interaction between the mother and father occurs only in the Wenxian script and not in the film.