Marlise_Vermeulen

Mao Li, 23 year old female, took the place of her brother on the military. Her brother was weaker than her, so her parents decided that she would replace her brother. She became one of the most experienced general of all time. With many victories and many losses. She was known as the "Flying Phoenix General Mao Li."

Yi Ming 25 year old male. He became a general at the age of 20. He was experienced in martial arts and military strategies.

General Mao Li

Following the meeting, Mao Li organized the first brainstorming session, inviting artisans who were sceptical about the tour to share their perspectives in a smaller, more intimate setting.

As the group gathered, some artisans voiced their frustration, while others expressed hope for the future. One young potter named Mei spoke up. "I want to learn from different styles, but I also fear losing my identity. Where's the line between inspiration and imitation?"

Mao Li nodded thoughtfully. "That's the crux of our journey. What if we establish guidelines for the tour? It can serve as a bridge rather than a divide, allowing us to honour both perspectives."

With open dialogue, the artisans began to explore how they might incorporate traditional elements into new designs. They discussed the importance of storytelling in their crafts, emphasizing that innovation could enrich, rather than overshadow, their heritage.

The atmosphere shifted from defensive to collaborative. They formulated a plan to emphasize cultural exchange during the tour while protecting the integrity of their individual crafts. The sense of unity began to re-emerge.

Chapter 26: The Rising Tide