written by Sheryl
ACT IScene I: Fa family garden.
After dinner, Mulan and Shang are walking among the cherry blossoms near the pond.
Shang: You know, I never did thank you for saving my life . . .twice.
Mulan: And I never thanked you for sparing mine. I know I deceived you . . .
Shang: Shh-h-h. You did it for the noblest of reasons. You saved your father, me, all of China . . . why I’m the one who should be ashamed for what I almost did. You’re a far better military strategist than I.
Mulan: (Blushing) That was just luck, you can thank Cri-kee for that. (Laughing) I couldn’t have done it if you didn’t train us so well. You know what - let’s call it even and start over.
Shang: (Smiling) I’d like that. I’ve known you as Ping, but I’d love to get to know Mulan. (Shang says shyly) I heard the matchmaking ceremony was held here just before the war. Were you betrothed to anyone?
Mulan: (Slightly embarrassed and blushing) No, I ... Uh ...
Shang: Sorry, I didn’t mean to pry. Just wanted to make sure I wasn’t stepping over any boundaries.
Mulan: (Smiling) Oh, no!
Shang: I was sure such a beautiful and intelligent girl like you had many suitors.
Mulan: (Stammering) You, you think I’m beautiful?
Shang: And smart. You don’t know how hard it is to carry on a conversation with most girls, they don’t have anything interesting to say. Hey, I have a couple days before I go back to the Army post. May I visit you again?
Mulan: Sure! I’d like that . . . a lot. Suddenly I don’t know what to say . . .
Shang: Sometimes that’s good too. (He moves closer to Mulan and kisses her lightly before walking away.)
Scene II: Next day in Fa family sitting room. Mulan sits next to her father on the floor.
Fa Zhou: So daughter, do you have anything you’d like to tell me . . . about Captain Shang?
Mulan: (Looks embarrassed) What? Oh, well . . . nothing really. Father, what do you think of him?
Fa Zhou: He’s a fine young man. Well mannered, respectful . . . more importantly, how do you feel about him Mulan?
Mulan: (Get’s a far away look) I don’t know. I’ve only thought of him as my Captain for so long. I just know when I’m with him, my heart beats faster and our moments together are never long enough.
Fa Zhou: He asked me for permission to court you yesterday.
Mulan: What did you say?
Fa Zhou: I told him it was up to you.
(Knock at the gate)
Granny Fa: (Off stage) Mula-a-an, it’s Shang!
Shang: (Enter Shang) Am I interrupting anything?
Fa Zhou: Come in, come in. I was just going for my morning walk. (Exit Fa Zhou).
Mulan: (Rising) Can I get you anything?
Shang: Sit down for a moment. I have something I need to talk to you about. I’ve just been promoted to General by the Emperor.
Mulan: (Excited) That’s fantastic! Congratulations!!
Shang: No, no. They’re sending me to a new province some 500 miles from here.
Mulan: When, how soon?
Shang: Tomorrow morning I meet Chi Fu for my orders and I’ll be gone in two weeks.
Mulan: (Looks down with tears welling up).
Shang: (Takes her hands and lifts her head). I know this is sudden, but the time I’ve spent with you is enough to realize I’ll never find anyone like you again. (Stammering) What I’m trying to say is, will you . . . uh, marry me?
Mulan: (In shock, but happy). I don’t know . . . this is . . .I mean I’ve just come home to my family. I don’t want to leave them again.
Shang: Well, you don’t have to leave right away. I’ll send for you in a few weeks, but I need to know how you feel about me before I go. I don’t think I could stand not knowing.
Mulan: (Thoughts raced through her mind. I don’t want to lose Shang, but I don’t want to leave my family so soon. Imagine, me, a general’s wife? Will I ever fit in with all the officer’s wives?) Oh, Shang. I can’t answer you right now, but I promise in two weeks you’ll know.
Shang: (Looks disappointed).
Mulan: (Shyly) But . . . I do love you.
Shang: (Brightens) Then I’ll hold on to those words for two weeks.
Scene III: Fa family dinner table.
Granny Fa: What’s there to think about? Go, go, go and marry the man!
Fa Li: Mulan, married to a general? What an honor to this family!
Fa Zhou: Of course Mulan’s good enough to be a general’s wife . . . why she could be general. (Laughing) (To Mulan) Don’t worry about us Mulan. We’ll always be here and you can come home anytime to see us. Now, it’s time for you to start your own future with Shang.
Mulan: (Wraps her arms around Fa Zhou) Oh father, thank you. I promise to visit as often as I can.
(That evening Mulan has her answer to Shang delivered to the Camp)
Scene I: Imperial Army camp. Shang is leading the troops in calisthenics.
Chi Fu: A message for you sir.
Shang: (Reads message and smiles) Ye-e-e-s!! (Raises arms in the air then realizes his troops are watching him) Uh . . . you’re dismissed.
(Troops scatter except for Ling, Yao and Chien Po who remain and look inquisitive.)
Yao: Good news sir?
Shang: Uh . . . yeah. (Blushing) I’m going to be married.
Ling: To who?
Shang: A friend of yours . . . Mulan.
Yao, Ling and Chien Po: Way to go. That’s great! When’s she coming? Can’t wait to see her.
Shang: Jeez, you guys act as if she’s marrying you! (Laughing) She’ll be here in two weeks. (To himself) It seems like an eternity.
(Chi Fu standing on the side observes all this)
Chi Fu: Are you sure that’s wise sir? I mean Mulan may be a good soldier, but a general’s wife? Why, she wouldn’t even know how to properly serve tea to the other officers.
Shang: (Angry) Tea? I want more in a wife than someone who can pour tea. Mulan understands me. I can talk to her for hours . . . she has so many interests. Plus, I may seek her advice on strategical matters.
Chi Fu: Military strategy from a woman? I don’t think the emperor will approve. (Writes notes while walking away).
Shang: Oh, who cares what you think. I know what’s best for me.
Scene II: Matchmaker’s pavilion. Enter Chi Fu.
Matchmaker: So, the emperor’s counsel seeks my advice?
Chi Fu: This is an emergency! I need to find a proper wife for general Li Shang in two weeks.
Matchmaker: What’s the rush?
Chi Fu: He’s marrying a most unsuitable person. No manners at all . . . can’t even pour tea.
Matchmaker: (Remember’s Mulan and scowls.) Oh, I know just the type of girl you’re talking about. Why just a few months ago there was a girl who . . ., well never mind.
Chi Fu: I need someone beautiful, demure, quiet and obedient.
Matchmaker: I’ll start on it right away. When will the general be available for a meeting?
Chi Fu: Oh, no. I want this just between us. Shang must know nothing of this, they must appear to meet by chance.
Matchmaker: And fall in love? I’m good, but I’m not that good.
Chi Fu: (Threatening) The emperor is counting on you!
Matchmaker: (Taken aback) Okay, okay, I’ll get right on it.
Scene III: Mulan lights incense and prays at the ancestral bei.
Mulan: I’ll be leaving the Fa family in two weeks to be married to general Li Shang. Please continue to guide me and help me to be a good wife.
Mushu: (Suddenly appears before Mulan out of the smoke of the incense) Hey, I knew you two would get together. Didn’t I tell you Cri-kee?
Cri-kee: Chirp chirp
Mushu: So, when do we leave?
Mulan: Oh no. I don’t need you to tag along. I think I can handle the wedding on my own.
Mushu: No way. I got you two together. Remember how I started the whole avalanche and got you to save his life? Now, I want to see the wedding!
Mulan: (Laughing) You got us together? Well, I guess you can come along, but behave! No lighting accidental fires at the ceremony, okay?
Scene I: In General Li Shang’s tent. Shang’s looking in the mirror while getting dressed.
Shang: (Talking to himself) Two more hours until she arrives . . .
(Knock on tent)
Shang: Come in.
Chi Fu: Excuse me sir . . .
Shang: (Excited) Is Mulan here yet?
Chi Fu: No sir. Uh, there’s been word, one of the emperor’s nieces has been captured by the Huns and they’re holding her at their outpost in exchange for the emperor. Her name is Ming. I have orders from the emperor that you are to save her.
Shang: I’ll assemble my troops and send them immediately.
Chi Fu: It was specifically requested by Shan Yu that you go alone.
Shang: It’s a trap, no way. I’ll have some men as back-up, but I’ll meet with Shan Yu. (Turning as he leaves) When Mulan comes, tell her not to worry and I’ll be back soon.
(Exit Shang)
Chi Fu: (Grinning)
Scene II: As Shang gallops towards the Hun camp, he sees a beautiful young woman staggering on the road, calling for help.
Shang: What’s wrong?
Ming: I’ve just escaped from the Huns. They’re sure to notice I’m gone soon and they’ll hunt me down. Please, help me!
(Shang pulls her up on his horse and rides towards back to camp)
Ming: Can we stop by that stream? I’m really thirsty.
(They stop by a babbling brook. Ming sits on a rock, drinks some water and coyly looks at Shang as she rolls up her skirt to dip her feet in the water)
Ming: Ooh, that feels so good. Won’t you join me?
Shang: (Still on his horse.) Uh . . . no, I’m fine. (Looks uncomfortable).
Ming: By the way, I’m Ming, daughter of the emperor’s youngest brother. I’m sure you’ll receive high praise for saving me.
Shang: Uh . . . I’m uh, general Li Shang. It’s my duty to protect the emperor and his family. Not to be rude, but if you’re done here, I’m kind of in a rush to get back to camp. I have a meeting.
Ming: Oh, you military men with your important business. Okay, let’s go.
(She mounts the horse behind Shang, wraps her arms around Shang’s waist and hangs on a little too tightly. Shang grimaces)
Scene III: Mulan enters the camp and is greeted by Ling, Yao and Chien Po.
Gang of 3: Great to see you. We’ve missed you here at camp. Hey, want to see our new moves?
(They start showing off)
Mulan: (Laughing) That’s great guys. I’ve missed you too, but I’m glad I don’t have to go through all that training anymore. Where’s Shang . . .
(Just then Shang gallops in with Ming. Mulan looks up, surprised)
Ming: (Giggling) Shang, you tell the most interesting tales of battle and you’re so-o-o strong (batting her eyes).
Shang: (Ignores Ming, jumps off his horse and races to Mulan, scooping her up in his arms). Mulan! I thought you’d never get here.
Mulan: I couldn’t get Kahn to move any faster.
(As they move in to kiss, they’re interrupted by Ming.)
Ming: Er . .hum . . can someone kindly show me somewhere I can freshen up? I must look like a mess after being trapped in that Hun army camp.
(Ling, Yao and Chien Po quickly help Ming off the horse and are falling over themselves to help her.)
Shang: Oh, where are my manners? Of course you can clean up in my officer’s quarters. Chi Fu, please show Ming the way.
Chi Fu: I would be honored. (Together they exit.)
Mulan: (Sarcastically) A general’s work is never done. I see you’re now saving damsels in distress?
Shang: Oh . . . her. That’s Lady Ming, the emperor’s niece.
Mulan: Really? She’s quite beautiful. (Eyeing Shang’s reaction.)
Shang: Hadn’t really noticed. Now how about making some wedding plans?
Scene IV: Inside officer’s quarters.
Chi Fu: So? Details, details. Now Ming, is Shang enraptured with your charms?
Ming: Hardly. As soon as he saw Mulan he forgot all about me. I’ll just have to tell the matchmaker I failed. (Indignant) I still can’t believe he’d choose that peasant over me!
Chi Fu: Don’t give up so easily. Maybe I can persuade him to change his attitude. (Wink)
Scene V: Mulan in her tent, getting dressed for dinner with Shang.
Shang: (From outside tent) May I come in?
Mulan: Sure.
Shang: There’s been a change of plans. Chi Fu has planned a dinner in honor of the emperor’s niece, lady Tian Ming. We have to make an appearance for the emperor’s sake.
Mulan: No problem. I’ll be ready in a minute. (To herself) I wonder how long Ming’s staying?
Scene I: At Imperial banquet, Shang and Mulan make a grand entrance into the banquet room. Shang is in his officer’s formal dress and Mulan looks stunning in a formal gown. They are the handsomest couple in the room and clearly in love.
After all guests arrive, Ming, gorgeous in a red gown, makes her grand entrance on the arm of the emperor. All bow.
Emperor: Please, no formalities. We’re here to celebrate the safe return of Ming who was saved by the brave general Li Shang! It was such a covert operation that she was saved before I even knew of any danger.
(Shang looks confused since he remembers Chi Fu told him the order to save Ming came from the emperor. However, the thought leaves his mind when he hears the applause for him.)
Scene II: At dinner, Shang is seated between Mulan and Ming. Mulan doesn’t notice the matchmaker is at the other end of the table. Cri-kee and Mushu are hiding in the folds of Mulan’s dress. Cri-kee jumps across the table and into the matchmaker’s tea.
Matchmaker: (Lifts her tea cup to take a sip and sees Cri-kee.) (Screams) I know I’ve seen this cricket before! She’s here, she must be here . . . that ill mannered Fa Mulan!
(All heads turn to Mulan. Mulan turns red with embarrassment.)
Matchmaker: (In a rage) You . . . you . . .
Mulan: Yes, it’s me. I’m sorry, I didn’t know Cri-kee . . .
Shang: (Standing up to face the matchmaker) I will not let you embarrass my fiancee’ this way. It’s not her fault.
Matchmaker: Your fiancee’? She can’t be a general’s wife. I picked Ming for you. She’s from an excellent lineage and would make you a member of the Imperial family. What can that peasant Mulan do for you?
(Upset, Mulan runs from the room. Shang tries to catch her, but Ming gets in his way.)
Ming: I had no idea you were the handsome man the matchmaker picked for my husband. What luck, we all ready know each other. It’s like we were meant to be together. (Ming looks at Shang adoringly) Let’s give the good news to my uncle. He may promote you to his cabinet once we’re married.
(Shang tries to pull away, but the emperor is already walking towards him.)
Scene III: Mulan is watching the events from behind the door to the kitchen and sobs.
Mulan: She’s right you know. Shang belongs with someone of stature, someone who can advance his career. How could I believe he’d be happy with me?
Mushu: Oh, come on! Her? Ming? Puhleese. She’s got nothing on you. I bet you could kick her so hard she . . .
Mulan: Stop! That’s what I mean. I’m not a lady, but she is.
Mushu: What do you mean you’re not a lady? Ming has no manners, she just bats those goo goo eyes and manipulates people. Believe me, that’s no lady. Come on girl, go out there and fight for your man! (Mushu pushes Mulan out the door.)
Scene IV: Emperor approaches Shang and Ming. The matchmaker and Chi Fu look on.
Emperor: (To Shang) Is it true? Are you going to be wed into the Imperial family? I couldn’t ask for a better addition.
Shang: (Doesn’t want to show disrespect to the emperor and stammers) Uh . . . well . . not exactly . . . see . . .
Ming: What he means is, we haven’t worked out the details yet . . . but soon.
Emperor: Shang, what happened to Mulan? I heard rumors you were to be wed.
Shang: (Looking bewildered) That’s what I thought.
(Enter Mulan)
Shang: Mulan! Thank goodness you returned. (Looks relieved).
Mulan: I hope you and Ming will be happy together. You’ve made a good match with the Imperial family. I’ll be returning to my family in the morning.
Shang: No, wait, don’t go . . .
(The emperor notices the pain in Shang and Mulan’s faces.)
Emperor: This may not be my place, but two people in love should be together. There can be no better match than that made by the heavens.
(Matchmaker looks displeased)
Emperor: Mulan, do you truly love Shang?
Mulan: Yes, but . . .
Emperor: (Holds up his hand to Mulan) And Shang, does your heart choose Mulan over Ming?
Shang: (Looks embarrassed) With all respect to the Imperial family (bows to the Emperor and Ming), I must be true to my heart. (He clasps Mulan’s hands and looks into her eyes.)
Emperor: So be it. There will be an wedding at the palace, but it shall be for Shang and Mulan! (Beaming)
(Upset, Ming gives Chi Fu a furious look and storms out of the room.)
Chi Fu: Your majesty, do you think that’s wise?
Emperor: Silence! You are to stop interfering in their lives from now on.
Scene V: Fan fare. Shang on his white horse and Mulan on Kahn lead the processional to the Imperial palace for their wedding. The Fa Family follows along with Yao, Ling and Chien Po.
The End.