16. The Tale of Mulan

Mulan is a young woman who lives in China. One day, her country goes to war. The emperor sends soldiers to fight. Every family must send one man to join the army.

Mulan’s father is old and weak, but he must go to war. Mulan is unhappy. "My father cannot fight," she thinks. "If he goes, he may not come back."

Mulan decides to take his place. She dresses as a man and puts on her father’s armor. She does not tell anyone. Her family thinks she is still at home.

Mulan joins the army. She trains with the other soldiers. No one knows she is a woman. She fights bravely in every battle. She rides her horse, uses her sword, and helps her fellow soldiers. Everyone respects her.

Over time, Mulan becomes a great leader. She wins many battles and saves her country. The emperor hears about her bravery. He calls Mulan to the palace.

"You are a true hero," the emperor says. "What is your name?"

Mulan takes off her helmet. Her long hair falls down. "I am Mulan," she says. "I am a woman, not a man."

The emperor and the soldiers are surprised. They cannot believe a woman can do all this. But the emperor smiles. "You are a great warrior, Mulan. It does not matter if you are a man or a woman."

Mulan returns home to her family. Her father is proud of her. "You are the bravest of all," he says. Mulan is happy to be with her family again, and her story becomes a legend that people tell for many years.