Mulan, a demobilized soldier, returns to her hometown to find her parents murdered and her autistic brother, Muhong, missing. She reports the crime to Prefect Ji Shixun, but is misled into believing it was the work of refugees. Mulan investigates on her own, starting with counterfeit money paid by local bully Zhao San, and uncovers a counterfeit coin minting ring controlled by Wang Damao, the city police chief, and his brother-in-law, supervisor Liu Huan. She infiltrates the mint and rescues her brother Muhong, who is imprisoned there carving coin molds. She also learns that her parents were killed while trying to stop Liu Huan from arresting people. She obtains the counterfeit coin master mold as evidence and seeks help from Shixun, but is instead framed and arrested along with her brother. Mulan then realizes that Shixun is the true mastermind; to accumulate military merit and cover up his crimes, he falsely accuses Mulan of treason and plots to kill innocent people and claim credit for them. During her imprisonment, she witnesses Shixun's atrocities, including forcing people to cut off their ears in exchange for porridge. Muhong also dies tragically while trying to save her. With the help of officer Wu Liang, Mulan escapes danger. Determined to no longer fight solely for personal revenge, she dons her armor again, returns to her hometown, distributes the grain stored in the government granaries to the people, and leads a rebellion. Ultimately, Mulan engages Liu Huan in a decisive battle, killing him. Shixun is also captured by the people and receives his due punishment. When the dust has settled, Mulan buries her family, bids farewell to her hometown once more, and embarks on a new journey.