Li Shang is Mulan's (Mulan disguised as a male soldier) army commander. Shang gradually comes to appreciate and respect Ping before discovering who she is and falling in love with her. After Mulan's departure, he follows her example and joins the army too. Shang is one of the few characters who knows about Mulan's true identity. He helps her escape when he discovers that she has followed him into the army and then fights by her side during the final battle. After Mulan defeats Fa Zhou, Shang commits suicide rather than live in disgrace by having his head cut off like the other losers. His death devastates Mulan, who had just found happiness with him. Mulan grieves for Shang until she meets up with Ho Yun, who tells her that Shang is now married with children. This seems to console Mulan somewhat and she goes on to have more adventures.