Chapter 15 — I am the Fourth Thien Co

The entire Ninh Vuong palace was lit up. People come in and out constantly. News from everywhere is constantly coming. People from the merchant guild have entered the capital. People from the old yurt entered the capital. Even the former Tay Canh camp has arrived. Everything is preparing for tomorrow. But I don't want to meet anyone. After leaving the study room. I went down to the secret room alone. Go to the most familiar place in the Royal Palace. Where three paintings hang. Where it all started. It's also the place where our destiny changes. The small lamp in the secret room emitted pale yellow light. Three paintings still hang quietly on the wall. Co Thanh Hoa. Thuong Minh Chau. Ky Truong Anh. Three lives. Three completely different paths. But in the end they met at the same point. I stood in front of Co Thanh Hoa's painting for a long time. Then take out the first letter. It was that letter that saved me. Without it. Perhaps from the day I stepped foot into Ninh Vuong Palace. I went back to her old path. I gently opened the letter. Familiar lines appeared before my eyes.

“Sister.”

“If you see these words.”

“Sister is probably gone.”

The bridge of my nose suddenly stings. Have re-read it many times. But it's the same every time. I still feel choked. Co Thanh Hoa has never met me. But the first person to call me sister. It's her again. She told me not to trust people too quickly. Don't rush to show off your talent. Don't step on the path she once walked. At that time we still did not understand. Now I know. Each word of advice is exchanged for a lifetime. I bowed my head before the painting.

“Don't worry.”

“I remember everything.”

We walked in front of the Thuong Minh Chau painting. Couldn't help but laugh. Because just think of the words she left behind. I still find it funny.

“Sister.”

“First take the money.”

“If there is no silver.”

“Even if you run away, you have to walk.”

Who would have thought. A sentence that makes people laugh like that. It makes me remember it to this day. If Co Thanh Hoa taught me to be careful. Then Thuong Minh Chau teaches us how to live. She taught me that. Kindness requires the ability to back it up. Ideally, you also need to have food to eat. Want to help others. First you have to be able to live. We look at the painting. Speak softly:

“My dear sister.”

“The treasury you left behind.”

“I will keep it well.”

“The Guardians.”

“I won't let them down either.”

The lamp swayed slightly. The smile in the painting seems a little brighter. We stand in front of the Ky Truong Anh painting. Half of the soldier talisman was still in his sleeve. Cold as the first day I held it. I remember the shortest letter. Also the strongest letter.

“If you don't come back.”

“I will fight the final battle for you.”

Ky Truong Anh never said much. But every sentence she said. It's all like an arrow. And never turn back. I used to think I was someone who was very afraid of trouble. Just want to live in peace. But I don't know since when. I have come this far. Brought Co Thanh Hoa's map. Bring Thuong Minh Chau's books. Bring Ky Truong Anh's military talisman. Brought along the stories of three people. We look at the painting.

"Tomorrow."

“I will fight that battle for you.”

In the quiet secret room. We took a few steps back. First time seeing all three paintings at the same time. Suddenly realized. I have never met these girls. Never had a meal together. Never talked about the same story. But all my life paths. It's all up to you girls again. Co Thanh Hoa left behind the truth. Thuong Minh Chau left a way to retreat. Ky Truong Anh leaves behind strength. If it weren't for the girls. Tham Phu Dao will not exist today. A very strange feeling suddenly arose in my heart. Like being homesick. It's like meeting a relative again. We look at three paintings. The voice rang out in the secret room. But it's also very clear.

"Tomorrow."

“I'll take you guys home.”

Finished saying that. Tears finally fell. Not out of fear. Not out of self-pity. But because in the end. After how many years? There are people who still remember them. Right at that moment. I heard a very soft noise outside the door. I turned my head back. I just discovered it and don't know when. Tieu Lam Uyen was standing there. He didn't step in. Just stand under dim lights. Quietly look at the three paintings. Maybe he heard everything. Heard me calling you sisters. Heard the promise just now. I thought he was going to say something. But no. Tieu Lam Uyen just remained silent for a long time. Then slowly bow your head. Not before me. But in front of three paintings on the wall. A very deep bow. Bring guilt. Bring regret. Also carries an apology for coming many years late. No one said anything. But I know. There are three people in the picture if you can see them. Perhaps you will understand. The rain stopped falling. The dark clouds gradually dissipate. The first rays of light appeared in the East. Right at the moment the sunrise just shone down on the tiled roof of Ninh Vuong palace. The sound of horse hooves and shouting could only be heard outside the gate. A eunuch led a team of royal guards and quickly entered the palace. In his hand is a bright yellow holy order. The voice echoed throughout the yard.

“Serve the Queen Mother's will!”

“Trieu Thien Co Female Tham Phu Dao immediately go to court to examine the court!”

I slowly stood up. Put three letters in your sleeve. Then turn around and look at the three paintings one last time. Then step outside. Because of the final match. Has started.