Chapter 18 — I am the Fourth Thien Co

Three names appeared in the sky. Co Thanh Hoa. Thuong Minh Chau. Ky Truong Anh. Light from the Thien Co Array covered the entire capital. In that moment, it seemed like time stopped. No more arguments. No more yelling. No more accusations. Everyone was looking up at the sky. Look at the three names that were once covered in dust. Looking at three lives that were once distorted. Look at the three women who spent their entire lives trying to change Dai Chu. Outside the palace. Some people burst into tears. Someone knelt down. Someone trembled and called their names. It was like after many long years, I finally had the chance to say one sentence:

"I still remember."

In the main hall. The Emperor stood silently in front of the dragon. His face was pale. No one knows what he is thinking. But everyone understands. From this moment. Can't turn back anymore. People have seen it. The people saw it. History hidden for many years has been brought to light. If today you are still stubborn. What is lost is not just majesty. It's the people's heart. But an emperor can lose a lot of things. But we cannot lose the hearts of the people. A long time later. The Emperor slowly stepped down from the throne. The sound of footsteps echoed in the main hall. Every step is heavy. Each step feels like carrying the weight of years. The Queen Mother sat behind the pearl curtain. His face was extremely unsightly. But this time. Even she couldn't stop it. Because outside the palace. There were tens of thousands of people watching. The Emperor looked up at the sky. Look at the three names that haven't disappeared yet. Then gently close your eyes. A sigh rang out. Like someone who just turned ten years older.

“I give my orders.”

The voice is not loud. But the entire main hall immediately knelt down.

“Thien Co Giam is disbanded from today.”

The whole dynasty shook. Someone raised their head. Some people were so scared that they couldn't speak. Thien Co Giam existed for more than a hundred years. It is considered the most sacred place in Dai Chu. No one thinks. Someday. It will be deleted.

“Thien Co Giam's archives are fully open.”

“All records related to Thien Co Nu must be made public.”

“Do not hide.”

“Do not destroy.”

The commotion spread throughout the main hall. But the Emperor continued.

“The Heavenly Plan Formation is forever banned.”

“People from later generations cannot be re-established.”

That moment. I saw many people quietly wiping tears from their eyes. Not for winning. But because in the end. Someone ended it all. The Emperor issued the first decree.

“Co Thanh Hoa.”

The whole hall was silent.

“The founder of the new irrigation of Great Zhou.”

“He built a tent to save the people.”

“He saved 170,000 people during the year of the great flood.”

“Posthumous title of An Dan Marquis.”

Outside the palace. A silver-haired old woman suddenly burst into tears. She leaned on the ground with her cane. Tears kept flowing.

“That year…”

“If it weren't for Miss Co that year…”

“My whole family is gone…”

She cried without a sound. But no one laughed. Because a lot of people are crying too. The second decree was issued.

“Thuong Minh Chau.”

“Founder of the Great Zhou Silver Law.”

“The one who founded the women's business association.”

“The person who helps the national treasury get through the most difficult times.”

“Posthumous title of Vinh Ninh District Quan.”

A female princess stood outside the palace, covering her face and crying. She is just an ordinary woman. Doesn't know how to read books. Doesn't know how to say beautiful words. She just choked sweet said:

“That year my parents wanted to sell me.”

“Miss Thuong gave me a job.”

“She said women can also support themselves.”

“She said we don't need to rely on others to live.”

“She has never lied to us.”

The people around also had red eyes. By a lot of them. They all received favors from Thuong Minh Chau. The third decree continues to be issued. Even the Emperor's voice paused a bit.

“Ky Truong Anh.”

“The person who established the first military medical camp of Great Zhou.”

“The person who built the Tay Canh secret route.”

“He saved countless soldiers from disease and hunger.”

“Ancient crime.”

“Complete deletion.”

“From now on.”

“No one is mentioned again.”

Outside the palace. A silver-haired veteran knelt down. Then there's the second person. Third person. Tenth person. Hundredth person. The entire Tay Canh old camp knelt down. No one cried loudly. But tears were streaming down my face. Because they know. The one who protected them. Finally returned clean. What good people fear most is not being wronged. But after a lifetime of trying, no one knows they ever existed. Luckily. The whole world knows. That afternoon. Three stone stele were erected in front of Quoc Tu Giam. Not in the wilderness. Not in the cemetery. Which is where every student has to go. Everyone can see. Everyone can read it. Tieu Lam Uyen arrived very late. He was wearing civilian clothes. Do not bring guards. Do not bring a ceremonial staff. Just alone. He stood in front of the three steles for a long time. War god Dai Chu. Ninh Vuong's power is falling. Slowly kneel down. No excuses. No explanation. Don't say anything. Just bow your head. A very deep bow. It's like finally daring to face old debts. I stood from afar looking at him. There is no more resentment in my heart. Because there are mistakes that cannot be erased. But it can be faced. But opposite. This is the first step towards redemption. Sunset falls. I'm preparing to leave. Then a strange old man walked up. He gave me a small wooden box.

“Someone told the old man to give it to the young lady.”

I was stunned. The old man just smiled.

“People have been waiting for today for a long time.”

He turned and left. I bowed my head and looked at the box in my hand. Don't understand why. Heart suddenly beat fast. It's like having a premonition. Inside is what we've been waiting for for a long time. Inside there was only one envelope. The envelope has turned yellow. The handwriting on the letter's face is very familiar. I opened it with shaking hands. The first line appears before your eyes.

“Sister.”

“If you read this far.”

“Proves we won.”