Chapter 24 — He Gave The Wrong Concubine, I Received The Correct Queen's Throne

To the end. The first person abandoned her. It's also Lam Ngoc Dao. Prime Minister Lam and Lady Lam were both sentenced to await execution. Before being escorted away, Prime Minister Lam looked at me. He called me his daughter. I don't answer. He called my biological mother's name again. I still don't answer. If mother is still alive. She also won't beg for him. Lam Ngoc Dao's child was taken to the royal temple to be raised. The Queen Mother asked me if I hated that child or not.

"The child is not holding a knife."

The Queen Mother looked at me for a long time, tears in her eyes.

"If your grandfather could see you today, he would definitely be very happy."

I bowed my head and gently stroked the scar on my palm. That scar comes from a ring with hidden needles. Just like the mark left by our maternal ancestors. Not an insult. It's a reminder. The day of great celebration. The snow has stopped falling. I was wearing a red phoenix robe, the phoenix crown was so heavy that my neck was sore. The civil and martial arts officials all knelt under the Dan Tri steps. Three years ago. They knelt down and watched me receive the Queen Mother's instructions. Three years later. They knelt down and chanted.

"Queen of Heaven."

Yen Hanh held my hand and walked up the jade steps. He asked softly.

"Are you tired?"

"Indefatigable."

"It'll be even more tiring later."

I smiled.

"Then let's bear the burden together."

The Queen Mother sat high up, smiling until her eyes turned red. The great ceremony was completed, the bell rang throughout the royal citadel. We look to the North. There, the wind and snow are still harsh. But the road of fortune is open. The border troops have replaced their armor with new ones. The old flag of the Co family also once again flew above the gate. Grandmother and mother could not come today. But I went on their behalf. That night, Yen Hanh took me to the Thai Temple. I placed the Dong Chau brooch, the blood letter and half of the military book in front of the altar. The candlelight flickered. I feel like I hear my great-grandmother talking.

"Raise your head."

I raised my head. From now on. There will no longer be anyone who can force us to kneel down to admit our mistakes. (END OF FULL TEXT)