Chapter 10 — General Triumph Blocks My Prayer, My Palace Has No Free Time

That was years ago, he once took it from her hair. I looked at that letter for a long, long time. Until tears fell onto the page, blurring a streak of ink. I don't cry for him. I cried because of myself that year. An innocent girl, full of hope, once believed that she would grow old with the person she loved. I picked up the pen. Just rewrite a few words:

"General, take care of yourself, don't remember me at the border."

She delivered the letter to the messenger carrying the news.

“Tell him, this is the first and last picture.”

"If there is any private letter sent to you in the future, there is no need to report it and burn it on the spot."

“As you command, my lady.”

The messenger left. Duong Nguyet took Tieu Quyet's letter, along with the peach blossom petals, and threw them all into the burning coal pot. The fire immediately swallowed those memories. Everything... should end here. The war in the North lasted longer than expected. Although Tieu Quyet continuously won battles, the barbarians were like weeds. Burning does not go away. The wind is born again. The war lasted another two years. During those two years, many things happened in the capital. The emperor's health is increasingly weakening. It's gotten to the point where he's bedridden and can't go to bed. Crown Prince Trieu Hang began regent. Under the assistance of Duong Nguyet and the elders, the country was managed properly. Act calmly. Military demeanor. Win the hearts of the people. I watch my son grow up day by day, and feel extremely reassured. Dai Chu... has a successor. We also gradually stopped paying attention to the war in the North. For me, that place is too far away. What we need to do now...is protect what's in front of us. Protect your husband. Protect your son. Fall of that year. The North finally transmitted news of the final victory. In a decisive battle, Tieu Quyet personally went into battle, personally slashing to death Kha Han of the barbarian tribe, completely destroying the opponent's main force. The remaining tribes took turns surrendering and bowing their heads to worship. The North...finally welcomes true peace. News spread to the capital. The whole country celebrated. The Crown Prince gave the order, and three days later the army triumphantly returned to court. He will organize the most solemn welcoming ceremony in the capital for Tieu Quyet and all the soldiers to return victorious. I heard this news. There are no waves in my heart. I just had some feelings in my heart. Turning around in a big circle, it seems... back to the starting point. It's just that the scene is still there, the people have changed. Three days later. The army triumphed and slowly entered the capital. This time, there is no longer the youthful extravagance of four years ago. The leader was Tieu Quyet, wearing an old, washed-out armor, with traces of weather on his face, his eyes calm and mournful. He no longer looked like a general. But more like a lonely traveler... just crawling back from hell. The crowd still kept cheering. But his eyes, from beginning to end, were always calm, never stopping on anyone. Until... he saw on the castle wall, that bright-hued figure. Duong Nguyet wore the royal royal concubine's uniform, standing next to the Crown Prince, with a dignified look and dignified demeanor. Next to her, is a young, enthusiastic soldier. Behind her, is the entire brocade country of Dai Chu. Four eyes look at each other. Thousands of miles away. Far away from the sea of people. Tieu Quyet looked at her, slowly... smiled. In that smile, there was bitterness. There is letting go after understanding. There is also a ray of... liberation. He finally understood. She was no longer the little girl in his memories anymore. She is a phoenix in the sky. And he... is just a speck of dust in the human world. He doesn't deserve her. It wasn't worth it before. Now... it's even more unworthy. He turned around and dismounted. Kneel on one knee to the ground. Heading towards the castle, perform a standard military ceremony.

“Poor god Tieu Quyet, luck did not disappoint!”

The sound echoed into the clouds. On the citadel, Crown Prince Trieu Hang replied loudly:

“General Tieu has worked hard, no disrespect!”

“Your Highness the Crown Prince!”

Tieu Quyet stood up. From then on, he never raised his head to look at Duong Nguyet again. He followed in the team. Follow the flow of people. Step by step... walking towards the palace. Going towards…the final judgment of his destiny. At the grand opening banquet. Tieu Quyet knelt in the middle of the main hall. Has taken off a battle armor. Just wear a prison uniform. The Crown Prince sits in the main seat. I sat in the position next to him. The Crown Prince looked at Tieu Quyet kneeling under the palace and said:

"Tieu Quyet, you pacify the North, your work is in the society."

"This palace... must reward."

Tieu Quyet bowed his head.

“The god of sin does not dare to accept the reward.”

"The sinful gods of the past committed a big mistake."

"Now being able to be loyal to the country is already a blessing from His Majesty and His Highness."

“The god of sin… only asks for one death.”

He seemed prepared. Prepare to accept all outcomes. The prince was silent for a moment. Then turn around. Look towards us.

“Mother Concubine, how do you feel?”

Everyone's eyes were focused on her. I looked at the man kneeling under the palace. He knelt there, his spine straight, like a long spear that would rather be broken than bent. He has changed. Those years of grinding finally made him understand what is right and what is wrong. It's just…it's too late. I slowly opened my mouth. The voice was calm, without ripples.

“Work is work.”

“Sin is sin.”