Young Hua Mu Lan convinces her father that, because there is no eldest son, she must go to war to protect not only the country but also her family's honor. She wins a hundred battles, gains the rank of general and is offered wealth and title by the emperor. But it is not wealth she asks for, only a strong camel and the freedom to return home to her family. Upon her return, Mu Lan's best friend and fellow officer discovers that she is not only a brave warrior, but also a beautiful woman. He asks her to marry him, and she accepts—but only after he agrees to treat her with the same respect and equality in marriage as he did in battle.
In this bilingual adaptation of the famous fifth century Chinese legend of the woman warrior, poet Charlie Chin shows us a heroine who is courageous and wise, respectful and loving, and able to meet men on equal terms.
