Hua Mulan arrived at the palace and bowed, saying, "Long live the Emperor."
Many ministers pointed at Mulan and began to discuss amongst themselves:
One of the middle-aged men, dressed in a magnificent official robe, stepped forward and coldly said, "Bringing weapons into the main hall is one thing, but not kneeling is quite another. General Hua, are you planning a rebellion?"
Hua Mulan looked at the man and coldly said, "Do you think my weapon is for killing my own people?"
"What? You..."
"As far as I know, this battle was won by Wang Qiankun, the general defending the capital. I'm afraid it has nothing to do with you, General Hua Mulan, right?"
Hua Mulan squinted at the man who was speaking. He had small eyes, a fat body, and an oily face, all of which were staring at her with narrowed eyes.
Hua Mulan chuckled and turned to look at the emperor sitting on the dragon throne. She spoke neither humbly nor arrogantly, "This humble woman, Hua Mulan, has served in the army for ten years, starting as a common soldier and rising to the rank of a minor general. During this time, I have fought in over three hundred battles, killing nearly a thousand barbarian bandits, including more than ten mountain bandit leaders and over thirty barbarian generals!"
"In the final battle, I fought alongside General Wang. General Wang killed over eight hundred men, and Mulan killed over six hundred. Although I couldn't match General Wang's ferocity and skill in battle, but—"
Hua Mulan looked at the civil officials around her and said coldly, "I believe that none of you have seen as many people as I have killed!"
Those who had previously spoken ill of Mulan immediately lowered their heads, and some even trembled with fear at the murderous intent emanating from her.
Seeing that his ministers were speechless, the king on the platform spoke up, "Rewards for meritorious service are naturally indispensable after a victory in battle. General Hua remembers so much detail, what do you want? Tell me, and I will not be stingy with what I can give you."
Hua Mulan looked at the king on the platform, knelt down, and respectfully said, "Hua Mulan dares to make three requests!"
"Speak!"
"First, I request that the King erect a monument for the fallen soldiers, inscribe their names, and commemorate them!"
"You are loyal and righteous, and you have never forgotten your original aspirations. I promise you!"
"Secondly, please treat the families of the fallen soldiers and the surviving soldiers well!"
"Warriors who fight for their country, I will absolutely not treat you unfairly, and I promise you!"
Hua Mulan, her eyes gleaming, spoke up, "Thirdly, Your Majesty, I beg you to pardon Hua Mulan's death sentence!"
Everyone was stunned and looked at Mulan with puzzled expressions.
"This... why do you say such a thing, Minister Hua, when you are so devoted to your great achievements?"
Hua Mulan stood up and said, "I am of humble origin, but I have committed the crime of deceiving the emperor. Although I had no choice in the matter, but..."
Hua Mulan gritted her teeth and said, "This humble woman is guilty!"
As she spoke, Mulan tore off her headband, revealing her long hair flowing over her shoulders and her stunning beauty. She looked at the king with unwavering confidence, then knelt down once more.
"Please, Your Majesty, pardon Mulan for her crime of deceiving the Emperor!"
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