The White Fox’s Identity and Defeat

This flow tracks Daji’s shifting disguises, the exposure of her motives, and the end of her power.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

A Spider in the House

Disguise as Access A concealed attacker Daji takes the shape of a nine-legged spider and reaches Xiu when the sisters are together at home. A strategy repeated The attack reveals that the spider threat has followed Xiu for years rather than appearing by chance.

Daji the Benefactor

Appearance Conceals Threat A beautiful guide Daji appears as a helpful woman, gives Mulan wood and honey, and speaks directly to her longing for approval. A false alliance The kindness masks a plan to control Mulan and direct her toward the peach.

The Hag’s Accusation

A Public Mask Fear used as authority Disguised as a hag, Daji convinces a city that the River King demands Mulan as a bride. The disguise is suspected Mulan recognizes the familiar smile and understands that the supposed helper is pursuing her.

Yellow Peony’s Face

Personal Pain Weaponized An old wound exposed Daji takes Yellow Peony’s likeness and turns Lu Ting-Pin’s real guilt into an opportunity to disarm him. The accusation serves an attack Her apparent vulnerability is a tactic; once Lu Ting-Pin falls, Daji returns to her own predatory form.

The Fox Destroyed

The End of the Disguise A girl strikes back Mulan takes up the peach-wood sword and kills the White Fox when it attacks Lu Ting-Pin. The poison disperses Daji’s blackened remains release poisonous creatures, while her power over Xianniang ends.

Before the opening scene

Early in the journey

At the river landing

At sunset in the Queen Mother’s garden

As the sun sets on the deadline