Rising from his throhe Emperor approached Mulan. She bowed and smiled when he enced her to stand once more.
“Hua Mulan,” the Emperan, his voice carrying over the crowd. “The people owe you a debt of thanks. I owe you my life. In gratitude for your rvid dedication, I invite you to take your place among reatest decorated warriors—as an officer in my Imperial Guard.”
Behind her, she heard the surprid murmurs from the onlookers. What the Emperor offered was an incredible honor. In fact, it was the greatest honor any soldier could wish for. It took Mulan’s breath away, and she had to move her gaze from the Emperor so he wouldhe emotion running over her face. Unfortunately, wheurned, she found herlf looking right at Yao, who had tears of his own running down his cheeks as he watched Mulan with pride. Seeing the large soldier weeping made Mulan smile, and she turned back to the Emperor. She knew what she had to say.
“Your Majesty,” she began, “I am deeply honored by this immeasurable invitation. But with humble apologies, I ot accept it.” Once more, the room filled with surprid mumbles as tho gathered tried to make n of her answer. Only aung emed to uand, and he gave her a reassuring smile as she went on. “I left home under cover of darkness arayed my family’s trust. I made choices I knew would risk their dishonor. Sihen, I have pledged an oath to be loyal, brave, and true. In order to fulfill this oath, I must return home and make amends to my family.”
Rising from his throhe Emperor approached Mulan. She bowed and smiled when he enced her to stand once more.
“Hua Mulan,” the Emperan, his voice carrying over the crowd. “The people owe you a debt of thanks. I owe you my life. In gratitude for your rvid dedication, I invite you to take your place among reatest decorated warriors—as an officer in my Imperial Guard.”
Behind her, she heard the surprid murmurs from the onlookers. What the Emperor offered was an incredible honor. In fact, it was the greatest honor any soldier could wish for. It took Mulan’s breath away, and she had to move her gaze from the Emperor so he wouldhe emotion running over her face. Unfortunately, wheurned, she found herlf looking right at Yao, who had tears of his own running down his cheeks as he watched Mulan with pride. Seeing the large soldier weeping made Mulan smile, and she turned back to the Emperor. She knew what she had to say.