A long time ago, Northern Wei(丠魏) was at war with Rouran(柔然),the emperor Wei said, " One man from each family must join the army."
Hua Mulan , a young girl, lived with her family in a village. As soon as she heard the news , she ran back home. Her father was sitting in a chair, carving a piece of wood.
"Father!" she said. "Did you hear about the emperor’s order "Yes," said her old father. "I heard about it in town. I might as well go and pack up."
He stood up and walked very slowly to his room. "But you have not been well," Mulan said. " You won't be able to keep up with all those young men.
"What else can I do?" said her father. " Your brother is still a child.
"Of course he is," Mulan said. "But I have an idea. "She poured her father a cup of tea. "Please have some tea. I'll be right back.
Mulan went into her room, She put her father‘s robe and cut off her long black hair with a sword.
"Look at me ," Mulan said after she went back. "I’m your son, now. I will go in your place."
"No. Daughter," said the old man. "That's out of the question !"
"Father, please," Mulan said, "For years, you have taught me kung fu and how to use a sword." Mulan waved the weapon.
"But not for war!" said her father. " And if they know you are a girl, bad things will happen" No one will know , Father," Mulan said.
She put her sword back into the sheath(剑鞘)Before her father could stop her, Mulan climbed on a horse and went off to join the army.