The first Mulan was based on an ancient Chinese poem titled "The Ballad of Mulan." The story is about a daughter named Hau Mulan, taking her father's place in a battle. She disguises herself as a man, so she can fight. She becomes friends with Jin Youn, who is an officer. 

 

For 10 years, the two of them fall in love, and Mulan becomes a general. Mulan shares her idenity first with a girl who Mulan saved. She shares her idenity because this girl wants to marry Mulan. 

 

There was another surprise attack, and Jin Young ended up dying on the battlefield, and she eventually comes out and tells everyone she is a girl.