第二章（219字）

Chapter Two: The War Drums Sound

In the darkness of night, the beacon fire on the Great Wall suddenly burst into flame.

The Hun army climbed over the Great Wall and invaded China’s northern border.

Their leader, Shan Yu, stood high and said coldly, “Prepare to attack.”

In the Imperial Palace, officials rushed in to report the border crisis.

The Emperor firmly declared, “One man from every family must serve in the army.”

War drums sounded as soldiers carried conscription scrolls through the villages.

Mulan’s peaceful village was awakened by the drums.

A soldier announced, “Fa Zhou! Step forward to receive your order!”

Mulan’s father slowly stood, leaning on his cane.

His injured leg trembled, but he still accepted the conscription token.

Mulan watched in shock, her eyes full of worry.

Back home, she cried, “You can’t go! You’ll die!”

Fa Zhou spoke softly but firmly: “I know my duty.”

Mulan clenched her robe, terrified of losing him.

That night, Fa Zhou knelt before the family ancestors to pray.

Mulan watched from the doorway, seeing his shaking shoulders.

She realized her father was too old and weak to survive a battle.

The wind blew out the candle, tightening fear around Mulan’s heart.

She looked up at the night sky, and one thought filled her mind:

“I must do something.”