After the balad – The Untold Story of Hua Mulan

The legend of Mulan has been told in countless iterations and bandied about in poems, stories and songs. It tells the tale of how a young girl took her ailing father's place in the army to defend her kingdom (and her father) and who eventually returned victorious.

CHAPTER 1

Recently discovered scrolls and paintings believed to be the private journals of Dai Long Tau (the first Chinese Historian), has provided historians with new evidence that Mulan was no mere village girl but much more than that. In an attempt to supress the true extent of her scandalous deception and safeguard her reputation, the ailing Emperor Fa Zhou, while on his deathbed had issued a decree that after her return, his only daughter and heir apparent to the Ming dynasty was forbidden to use her given name outside of the palace. Uttering her name in public would be a crime punishable by death. When he passed, she was only known to her subjects as The Empress Supreme, Ruler of the 3 Kingdoms and Eternal Guardian of the Silk Road. This was most likely the cause for her tale ending in suicide when she returned because to many - Mulan had suddenly vanished.

With the latest advances in modern technology, these new paintings have now been converted into super realistic photo-like pictures presented here today. According to the scrolls, they were commissioned a year after she came to power and she is said to have reigned over the 3 kingdoms with kindness and compassion. She still participated in several (smaller) military efforts but eventually hung up her armour to fully focus on her kingdom.

These never before seen pictures offer a glimpse into the world of the Empress Supreme.
Experts say that based on analysis and historical research, she would have been in her mid 20's when the paintings were commissioned and as seen here, with core members of her royal council

Although royal blood courses through her veins, and with shoulders heavy with the burden of keeping her kingdoms safe and prosperous, the Empress Supreme was in essence, just a regular young lady still learning about life.


A strong-willed nonconformist, she did not like wearing the usual ceremonial ornaments and only unless really necessary (much to the dismay of the more traditional palace officials).


She was much more than just a battle hardened warrior and successful ruler - Mulan was also an extremely talented artist and musician, with a free spirited (and sometimes rebellious) soul, who had a seemingly limitless capacity to carry out countless acts of kindness and generosity in service to her kingdoms. Her stone throne is one such example.


When her people suffered from poverty and her kingdoms were in economic turmoil, she had ordered for (almost) all the gold in the palace melted down and used as a gold standard to weather the crisis and sustain her kingdoms - even the throne was not spared. At the request of the palace elders, she did however; retain several ceremonial items (for official purposes only). In return, her people built her a new throne made of stone - representing her strong will and yet like river rocks, soft and smooth like how she addresses her people.



In the eyes of her people, she was simply stunning - something radiated from within her that rendered her irresistible to both genders. Men desired her and women would court her friendship.



To be in her company was to feel that you too were someone and that you had been warmed in summer rays regardless of the season.



She wasn't just flawless in her bone structure but her skin was like silk over glass and she radiated an unrivaled intelligent beauty. She was highly beloved by her subjects and was considered to be of divine origins.


The legend of Hua Mulan comes back to life every time China needs hope and inspiration for there is nothing more powerful than a woman with something to fight for. She is a symbol of both bravery and honour with many still believing that she was a real person. As long as she continues to inspire people - the truth may not matter after all.

A list of the other members from the Royal Council was also noted in Dai Long Tau's scrolls, with a brief description of the roles each had played under the rule of the Empress Supreme and although there were many - he only focused on her inner circle.
These 'guardians' will be covered in the other chapters of this pictomentary.

Chapter 2

There were undoubtedly many who served Her Imperial and Royal Majesty but Dai Long Tau identified the few 'core' members who stood out.

These comprised of her inner circle and were described as a formidable sisterhood of unapologetic independence, having an unwavering sense of honour and fiercely inexhaustible loyalty. Each empowered individual possessed a unique skill set in accordance to their roles and this made them an unstoppable force as a group. This is their story:

The Dragon Warrior : the bodyguard, confidant and general advisor
She was said to be powerful, strong, firm and extremely protective of her Empress.
Not much else is known about her past except for the fact that she was the orphaned daughter of the Emperor's most loyal General who was killed in service to the kingdom.
Out of gratitude, the Emperor took her in as one of his own and provided her with the same privileges Mulan enjoyed. They became sisters and were inseparable.

Dai Long Tau did not transcribe much about her past but her purpose was clear - to protect the Empress Supreme at all cost.


As with Mulan, the Dragon Warrior received the best education and trained under the best martial arts practitioners of their time.




The Dragon Warrior became known across the lands to be an extremely proficient sword dancer.


In combat, she strikes directly without hesitation, utilizing speed and power to shatter enemies with her elegant agility, acrobatic prowess and deadly skills.



Many tales were also told about the Dragon Warrior over the centuries, and (sadly) in modern times - re-imagined quite differently.


More recently, her name was used in another animated franchise feature "Kung Fu Panda" where Po the panda was bestowed her name as his mantle whilst her personality was inspiration to Tigress, a supporting cast and member of the Furious Five.


Shé zú : (the bodyguard and military strategist/advisor)

Also known as the Black Serpent or the Black Dragon.
With the mix of Mongol and Chinese heritage, the Black Serpent is as striking as she is deadly.
Rumours have it that in the last great battle to take back the Silk Road from the raiding Mongol Empire, The Empress Supreme had saved her life in the battlefield and so swore a life debt to the Empress Supreme in this life and the next. Ever loyal to only Her Imperial and Royal Majesty, she is distrustful of strangers and should any dare venture into the palace grounds unannounced, be forewarned - their lives are forfeit.


Her coal-black eyes were midnight and raven wings, matched by the way she felt towards the world - dark and cold. Although she keeps to herself more often than not, all who know of her fear her and avoid her gaze as there would be no mercy shown and no quarter given.


In battle, it is written that her hair flowed down her back like black ink on a tilted piece of parchment as she moves like water transformed by music, flowing graceful arcs, limbs in constant motion, painting a picture sound alone can never achieve.


With her blood swords, each swaying movement told a story - one of entrapment yet beauty.


Like how silk catches light in lovely ways, all her enemies would see before their death was a shimmer of light as they gracefully twirled around each other like ribbons in the wind full of poetry.


Lady Butterfly : (the doctor, dietician and head chef)
A herbalist by trade and the with the wealth of knowledge passed down from generations of the best healers and medical practitioners of their era, Lady Butterfly's role is just as crucial as her counterparts in ensuring her Empress' prosperous longevity.

She is entrusted with the task of keeping the Empress Supreme's Chi in constant balance through various remedies, herbal concoctions and using her vast medicinal knowledge. Always at ready with her father's copper pouches, she ensures the ruler of the 3 kingdoms is always centred - her body, mind, soul and spirit are constantly in harmony in an ever stressful role that takes a toll on health and wellbeing.


A strict and carefully planned dietary menu is prepared daily for The Empress Supreme with rich ingredients sourced from the far reaches of the kingdom to ensure Her Imperial and Royal Majesty gets all the nutrients necessary to live a healthy lifestyle.


Her ivory skin and soul piercing cloudless sky blue eyes are captivating. It wasn't the colour of her eyes that were so breathtaking for anyone looking into them but more of what was inside them - many believed she had her own sky inside of her and wondered how many stars her eyes held.


She is also known throughout the 3 kingdoms as the healer and is usually seen blowing through the royal halls like a fresh breeze with flowing golden curls of vibrant fall leaves. Coupled with her smile warmer than the gentle sun, if gods were real, then Lady Butterfly is truly their masterpiece.

CHAPTER 3

Lady Li Xue : (the scholar, enchantress and foreign affairs liaison)


Truly a sight to behold, she graces the halls like a swan on water and she captures the heart of men with her soft yet contagious energy.
She wore strands of molten gold that tumbled out of her scalp, cascading down her back like a waterfall that was long and fluid, gently lying over her shoulders, kissing her soft skin.


An extremely talented conversationalist, she is able to defuse any situation with her irresistible charm. There is always a practiced shyness to her, hesitation in her body movements and a softness in her voice that draws people into letting their guard down and surrendering to her hypnotic wiles and immense powers of persuasion.


Of course being highly practiced in the art of seduction and tactility, it is little wonder why she is able to wrap her fingers around even the most fearsome of warriors.


When she smiled and laughed, you couldn't help but smile along too, even if it was just on the inside. There was an undeniable symmetry to her features and perhaps that's what makes men stutter and blush when addressed by her.


Lady Jiaying : (the entertainer)

Jiaying is an entertainer with many creative talents in arts, poetry and music - a petite bundle of curiosity and joy who is friendly, loving, and well-liked by all.
Florid cheeks and flawlessly sculpted lips set together on a delicate, almost angelic face as if crafted by angels themselves glistened attractively when she spoke in hushed tones.


When she plays a tune, people would watch her like she had the stars in her hands and soft petals at her feet.


When Jiaying flowed in dance, it was as if it was the only way her body knew how to speak as she was verbally guarded and shy.



Nicknamed the 'little cricket' by the Empress Supreme - this may be the inspiration behind the lucky cricket portrayed in animated feature "Mulan".


Ying Yue : (the warrior)
Daughter of the head cook for the kingdom's legion, she adored her Empress and aspired to one day be as brave as the Kingdom's most fearless warrior. For as long as he can remember, all she ever wanted was to enlist in the army in service to her Kingdom, just like the Empress Supreme.

She spent her early childhood sword playing with the boys and hanging around the chaotic halls of the kitchen, immersing herself in the frenetic noise and distractions of the mess halls and grieved to the screams of wounded and dying soldiers. She was well known within the army ranks who called her the 'little spark'. In her own fashion, she gradually matured into a hardened youngling.

This caught the eye of Lady Butterfly who took her in as an apprentice for several years until such time she was of age to enlist. This gave her the opportunity to become the personal servant for her idol, the Empress Supreme for which she enjoyed every moment of it.


In her spare time, she would seek out new things to learn and was relentless in her quest to ready herself for when the time comes. She acquired combat skills from her Dragon sisters, survival skills and basic medicine with Lady Butterfly and even a bit of music from Lady Jiaying.


The day arrived when she enlisted and vowed to do her part in keeping her Imperial and Royal Majesty as well as her kingdom safe from their enemies.


And that she did - steadily rising up the ranks in the years to follow and until she was Commander of the Nameless Order, leader of the warriors tasked with defending the Great Wall against outside threats and enemies of the 3 kingdoms. As with many military contributions that go unrecorded and unrecognised, there was no doubt that the 3 Kingdoms would have long fallen into the hands of its enemies if not for Yiu Ye and her fellow warriors who selflessly defended the gates of their kingdom from attacking hordes.

Dai Long Tau noted that although it was a most challenging period of economic turmoil, poverty and uncertainty, it was not without the help from her inner circle that the Empress Supreme was able to navigate through the hardships. He also described the 3 kingdoms as an unstoppable force that only the foolish would try and wrest control without the risk of facing the unrestrained wrath of the Empress Supreme and the fury of her people.

The end.

I hope you all enjoyed this piece of storytelling fiction (this will save you some time fact-checking my story).

Some WIPs to share :
Flower vase : PVC pipes wrapped with printed paper


Food tray : bought the bowls of food and made my own serving tray from plastics sheets and then painted. Chopsticks - ends of toothpicks.


Mulan's work from home table : abacus made from beads & plastic sheets, printed scrolls, etc.


What took me the longest and over a few months were the head ornaments, earrings, necklaces, chokers, and other accessories on all of the girls. Some came with the clothing sets while others were added on.


Thanks for dropping by - I know it's a long story and I've tried my best to make it as interesting as I possibly could so I hope you've enjoyed the storytelling approach and the characters I created around the story.

ok…
much to look at and read…

I am totally overwhelmed and awestruck… will be back for comments when my brain has settled and has digested what it is being presented here…

I love it, thank you for sharing! That was a ton of gorgeous imagery, thorough interpretation and creation, and illuminating reference. The figures are beautiful, the details are plentiful, the clothing is ample, and enough of all this is plausible to make it work in a way that so many company-produced sets on the market fail. And of course, you have built a physical (diorama) and non-physical (story) world to go with your stunning creations and provide them with a past and present. The Dragon Warrior is probably my favorite. For a Chinese court, you might need a few extra concubines and a bunch of eunuchs. The last should be no problem even with TBLeague bodies.

There are some things (esentially, names) you might want to edit, if you want to turn this into truly good historical fiction: don't contradict established historical facts. Sima Qian, the Grand Historian, died in about 86 BC, during the Western Han Dynasty; Mulan lived during the Northern Wei Dynasty, which ruled in AD 386-535. There is no way Sima Qian could have recorded anything about her. Similarly, the Three Kingdoms followed the Eastern Han Dynasty, in AD 220-280, too late to be noticed by Sima Qian. And the Ming Dynasty reigned in AD 1368-1644; in principle there were sometimes multiple Chinese dynasties named after the same geographical or political feature (like Wei), but Ming was a new name based not on one of these but rather on the qualifier "shining"; thus, it was unique. All of this is easily fixed by a couple of name changes (for the historian and for the dynasty).

Illusion wrote:ok…
much to look at and read…
I am totally overwhelmed and awestruck… will be back for comments when my brain has settled and has digested what it is being presented here…

Yes it's a long one - but only because I wanted each character to stand out on it's own.

GubernatorFan wrote:I love it, thank you for sharing! That was a ton of gorgeous imagery, thorough interpretation and creation, and illuminating reference. The figures are beautiful, the details are plentiful, the clothing is ample, and enough of all this is plausible to make it work in a way that so many company-produced sets on the market fail. And of course, you have built a physical (diorama) and non-physical (story) world to go with your stunning creations and provide them with a past and present. The Dragon Warrior is probably my favorite. For a Chinese court, you might need a few extra concubines and a bunch of eunuchs. The last should be no problem even with TBLeague bodies.

There are some things (esentially, names) you might want to edit, if you want to turn this into truly good historical fiction: don't contradict established historical facts. Sima Qian, the Grand Historian, died in about 86 BC, during the Western Han Dynasty; Mulan lived during the Northern Wei Dynasty, which ruled in AD 386-535. There is no way Sima Qian could have recorded anything about her. Similarly, the Three Kingdoms followed the Eastern Han Dynasty, in AD 220-280, too late to be noticed by Sima Qian. And the Ming Dynasty reigned in AD 1368-1644; in principle there were sometimes multiple Chinese dynasties named after the same geographical or political feature (like Wei), but Ming was a new name based not on one of these but rather on the qualifier "shining"; thus, it was unique. All of this is easily fixed by a couple of name changes (for the historian and for the dynasty).

Hi GBF - thank you kindly.
The story is fictional so to me, it wasn't a big deal if he did exist in a different time period but point well taken.
Mr Qian will now be known as the Dai Long Tau to add that extra fiction to the story.

Wow! That was impressive. Between the lovely photos and all your hard work on the accessories, it was an impressive array of eye candy. Your fictional history was extremely well thought out and assembled. So much work went into this project, it’s hard to pick just one or two things to highlight — the entire thing was awesome. Bravo!

Stryker2011 wrote:Wow! That was impressive. Between the lovely photos and all your hard work on the accessories, it was an impressive array of eye candy. Your fictional history was extremely well thought out and assembled. So much work went into this project, it’s hard to pick just one or two things to highlight — the entire thing was awesome. Bravo!

Thanks Stryker !
The story was a PITA to piece together and took a whole lot of rewrites and revisions so I'm glad you like it.

Here's a bonus clip of the black dragon.

Beautiful. Love the “base” she’s on.

I need to get one of those revolving stands.

Wow, that is very elaborate, like a costume drama and action sequence mixed together. A beautiful array of characters and sumptuous set and costumes. Great job!

Now....
I am at my PC and can have a closer look at your exquisite costumes and accessories. (Given my own investment in beads, chains, jewelry and such these are of course items to crawl into the screen for...)
I am not that much interested in Chinese history (and from the header I had been hoping for some satire of Mulan as all this honor/duty/family/fatherland stuff is just too much for me) but this has turned out really nice. I enjoyed your fiction (and won't double check with real history ) as a base for the eye candy you have offered.  
I like the throne with the fur, like the backdrops, like most heads (though they may not be entirely suited for Chinese ladies - but here as well: let's just sacrifice authenticity to beauty), like the props... a thread to keep getting back to as it is really too much for just one posting

My favourites clearly are the Dragon Warrior and the Black Dragon (superb base you gave her )

Impressive figure you paired the Dragon Warrior to fight with. (Gives me an itch now to look for such fighters   )


best laugh:

Allotropos wrote:
Many tales were also told about the Dragon Warrior over the centuries, and (sadly) in modern times - re-imagined quite differently.

Holy Crab ! I can spend hours by looking at all the details. Little soup bowls filled with different soups ! The Dragon throne is amazing and all the wonderful dresses. I´m sure there´s very much work into all, but i´m totaly excited by your self made traditional chinese food. A museum piece at all.

woooooow!!! Fascinating! So many details to admire, from the hairstyles to the clothes and accessories!!! insane!

Thanks a lot for sharing