Chapter 119: Anyway, She Won't Win

The first lesson was instructional, and the second involved learning and practicing calligraphy.

Master Han: "In writing, first sculpt the form and exert spirit; have both skin and blood, both strength and sinew; let the threads weave forth, the networks distinct, thus a fine character is made."

"When beginning to learn, one should first focus on the bones and sinews; without a solid structure, what can the flesh adhere to?"

"For every calligrapher, regardless of the style, it is essential that the bones, sinews, blood, and flesh are all present; sinews represent the sharpness, bones the fine brushstrokes, blood the ink's flow, and flesh the ink's body; sharpness brings the brush to life, and flow constitutes the essence of the ink."

Master Han wrote the sixteen characters they were learning that lesson in the sand for the children while explaining, then demonstrated again on fine paper.

"Once you grasp the knack of writing, wherever you write, it won't be too bad."