Chapter 9 — I'm as frugal as a chrysanthemum, but I'm raising a poor son? Eighteen years later, I became the queen mother

“Mother, the royal uncle said, these wounds are the medals of a man.”

He told me so. His words became less and less. But his eyes became brighter and darker. Like a sword hidden in a sheath, the tip retracted, but still made others dare not look straight at it. His body grew noticeably fast. Shoulders wide, spine straight. When standing next to me, it almost touches my chin. Looking at him, I often feel a sense of panic. The child that needs us to hold in our arms and feed each spoonful of rice seems like something from a previous life. The person standing in front of me now is a young man who has gradually revealed his true colors. The Concubine and the Queen were also quiet for a long time. The girls seem to have retired. But we know, this is not the end. Before the storm hits, the sea is always unusually calm. I'm waiting for the storm to brew. It fell on an early summer afternoon, without warning. A eunuch holding a decree came to Tuy Ngoc Hien. My heart suddenly sank. I thought it was aimed at me. I led Trieu Hanh to kneel down to receive instructions. But the content of the holy edict has nothing to do with me. It's about my father, who is guarding the remote border. The Minister of Rites cooperated with a few royal historians to offer prayers to my father. Saying he lied about his military status, deducted military pay, and made money out of his pocket. Authentic evidence. In the holy edict, the emperor commemorated his meritorious service and did not punish him for the time being. Removal of General. Escort back to menstruation, waiting for treatment. After hearing the decree, I was completely stunned. The pounding in my head never stops. How is that possible? My father was honest and courageous all his life. How could he do such a thing? This is harm. It's blatant harm. I finally understand. They cannot move Trieu Hanh, nor can they move us when we have King Tinh as our support. So, they immediately turned to touch my roots. My family. As long as my father is guilty, I will become the daughter of the god of sin. What qualifications does a daughter of a sinful god have to raise a prince? Trieu Hanh will be snatched from my hands by his righteous name. The plan is unique. One arrow, hits two targets. I sent the eunuch to leave, my legs felt weak, I sat down on the ground. Whole body cold. Xuan Hoa hugged me, crying until I couldn't breathe.

“My lady, what should I do…”

“Old man… old man he… will be okay, right?”

I cannot answer. Being with a king is like being with a fierce tiger. The emperor's trust is the most unreliable thing in this world. Trieu Hanh helped me stand up. Its hands are very steady, very strong.

“Mother, don't be afraid.”

It looked at me, saying every word.

“There are children here.”

Those eyes were not like the eyes of a ten year old child. Quiet, steadfast, carrying a kind of strength that makes people feel secure. I looked at it and suddenly I wasn't so scared anymore. I'm not alone. We still have it. We are one body. If one person is honored, one will be honored together, if one person is harmed, one person will be harmed together. A few days later, I was in the royal garden and saw Hien Phi from afar. She was enjoying flowers with several concubines. She saw me and gave me a smile that was both proud and pitiful. That smile, like one Poisonous thorns, piercing straight into my heart. I know, in this matter, she absolutely cannot not be involved. She and the Queen are definitely waiting to see my joke. Wait for me to kneel down and beg. Waiting for me to lose my reputation, everyone will turn their backs. We cannot give them the satisfaction. My father is still on the road, a long way from the capital. I must, before he enters the capital, think of a solution. The only person we can pray for is only one. King Tinh. But I'm just a concubine in the palace, how can I meet him? Even through this palace gate, I can't get out. I tossed and turned all night without sleep. Until I saw, on Trieu Hanh's table, the small bow that King Tinh gave him. In my heart, an idea suddenly appeared. The next day, Trieu Hanh had to go to King Tinh's palace. Before leaving, I called him back. I gave him a brocade bag.

“Hanh Nhi, if your uncle asks you about your studies today.”

“Just give this to someone.”

"No need to say anything, I'll go home after I'm done."

Trieu Hanh received the brocade bag and nodded solemnly. It doesn't ask anything. He understands, it's the chemistry between mother and son. In the brocade bag, there was no letter asking for help. There is also no confession. Only one arrow was broken. That's the arrow I pulled from Trieu Hanh's shooting target. King Tinh is a smart man. People will understand. Name, representing force, giving protection. Broken name, meaning our protection, something went wrong. A problem big enough to make even King Tinh pay attention. I am in Tuy Ngoc Hien, waiting anxiously. One hour, two hours... It was almost noon when Trieu Hanh returned. Much earlier than usual.