Write a reimagining of the Cinderella fairy tale, and set it in either Southern or Eastern Asia
In this option you will be rewriting a well-known fairy tale (like Cinderella, Beauty & the Beast, Snow White, the Little Mermaid, etc.) using things you have learned in your Social Studies class: like geographic & cultural features
Your story should include at least 3 images
Once upon a time, in a magical kingdom nestled in the heart of Eastern Asia, there lived a young girl named Xin. She resided with her stepmother, Mei Ling, and her two stepsisters, Mei Li and Mei Wei. Xin's mother had passed away when she was very young, leaving her in the care of her loving but distant father. However, after his marriage to Mei Ling, everything changed.
Despite being surrounded by the rich history and customs of the region, Xin's stepfamily seemed uninterested in preserving their cultural heritage. Mei Ling and her daughters were obsessed with Western culture, often seen wearing elaborate gowns and corsets. They attended lavish parties, hoping to marry into noble families. Meanwhile, Xin remained true to her Eastern roots, cherishing her traditional clothing and practicing ancient customs such as tea ceremonies and calligraphy.
One day, news spread throughout the kingdom that the Crown Prince was hosting a grand ball to find his future bride. Every eligible maiden was invited, including Xin's stepsisters. They were excitedly preparing for the occasion, ordering extravagant Western ballgowns and hiring seamstresses to create intricate hairstyles.
Xin, however, was not invited. Cast aside by her stepfamily, she found solace in the breathtaking landscapes of her homeland. On the day of the ball, as the sun began to set, Xin wandered into a serene temple hidden deep within the bamboo forests. It was here that she encountered a mystical figure, an old woman in a radiant cloak.
"I sense your pain, my dear," the old woman said softly, her eyes filled with compassion. "But do not despair, for I have a gift for you." She handed Xin a pair of silk slippers, embroidered with delicate cherry blossoms. "These slippers possess the power to fulfill your heart's desire, but remember, true happiness lies within yourself."
Thanking the old woman, Xin slipped the slippers on and felt an ethereal energy course through her body. She looked down to find her plain dress transformed into a magnificent hanbok, adorned with vibrant colors and intricate patterns. With newfound confidence, she made her way to the palace.
As Xin arrived at the grand ball, heads turned in awe. The guests were mesmerized by her beauty and mesmerizing hanbok. The Crown Prince, captivated by her grace and poise, approached her. They shared a dance so enchanting that the other attendees could only watch in wonder.
But as the night drew to a close, Xin remembered the old woman's words. She knew her true identity remained hidden beneath the silk slippers. So, she excused herself from the ball, leaving the Crown Prince yearning for her presence.
Unbeknownst to Xin, the Crown Prince had ordered a search for the mysterious maiden who had stolen his heart. Every maiden was to try on the silk slippers, and only the one they perfectly fit would be crowned his princess.
When Mei Li and Mei Wei tried on the slippers, they squeezed their feet into the delicate shoes, desperate for the prince's love. However, their feet did not fit, and they were left in humiliation.
Finally, it was Xin's turn. She gracefully stepped forward, slipping her feet into the shoes that still glowed with the old woman's magic. As she did, the silk slippers expanded, molding themselves to her feet perfectly. The Crown Prince's eyes widened, recognizing the girl he had danced with just the night before.
Xin beamed, radiating with her true self as the Crown Prince and the kingdom marveled at her beauty inside and out. They married, and together they focused on preserving and celebrating the cultural treasures of their beloved Eastern Asian kingdom.
And so, Xin's story became a legend that passed down through generations, teaching the importance of embracing one's roots and finding true happiness within oneself.
Image 1: A serene temple hidden within a bamboo forest, where Xin encounters the old woman.
Image 2: Xin wearing the transformed hanbok, astonishing the guests at the grand ball.
Image 3: The silk slippers perfectly fitting Xin's feet, sealing her fate as the chosen princess.