Chapter 12 — I was once traded for, then became someone they couldn't reach for the rest of my life

I suddenly remembered what the man in black once said. There are people at the border who have never forgotten the promise they made under the almond tree that year. It turned out that person was him.

“All these years, have you always been by my father's side?”

Trieu Hanh replied:

“Most of the time it is.”

"This time your father was besieged, and I was also there. It's not like there's no way to solve the problem of lack of wages. It's just that we need an opportunity to make Trieu Viet reveal his ambition."

I clenched my fist.

“So my father…”

“He's alive.”

He looked at me, his voice firm:

“I guarantee with my life that General Ly will definitely return to the capital safely.”

With just that one sentence, the fear that had been weighing heavily in my heart for many days finally cracked open. I tried to hold back my tears and asked:

“Why did you help me to this extent?”

Trieu Hanh was silent. After a long time, he slowly said:

"Because when I was thirteen, someone told me that if I was stronger, I would be able to protect the people I want to protect."

“I believe that.”

“So I went to the border, achieved victories, learned how to wield power, learned how to be patient.”

"I never fought with Trieu Viet, because at that time she already had an engagement. I didn't want to make her feel awkward, and I didn't want to turn her into an object that men would compete with again."

He looked at me, his eyes gentle but not forcing.

“I'm just waiting.”

"Wait one day, I can stand before you with integrity."

My heart suddenly ached. During the years when I was seen by Trieu Viet as a shadow in a painting, by Ta Van So placed behind Giang Nguyet Bach, there was someone in a place I couldn't see, silently becoming the figure that could protect me. I asked softly:

“What if I never need you?”

Trieu Hanh smiled very lightly.

“Then I will guard the border, protect your father, and protect Dai Luong.”

“So that she can live out her life in peace in the capital.”

The night wind blew through the yard, the dried almond petals in the box swayed gently. I looked at the person in front of me, and for the first time in a long time, I felt that my heart was no longer as cold as before. Trieu Hanh did not step forward to hug me. Also don't say possessive words. He just stood at the distance that made me feel safest, then said softly:

“Trieu Ca.”

“If I hadn't arrived in time all those years ago.”

“So these years later.”

“I will use my whole life to make up for it.”

On the big wedding day, the Eastern Palace was covered in red. From the palace gate to the main hall, the red carpet stretches like a river of fire. Lanterns hung high, wedding silk fluttered in the wind, and celebratory music echoed throughout the royal citadel. All civil and military officials were present, everyone had words of congratulation on their lips, but their eyes were filled with calculations. Trieu Viet, wearing a dark red dress, stood in the middle of the main hall, the corners of his lips could not hide his pride. He thought he won. He has me, has the Tran Quoc general, has the military power that the Queen has dreamed of for many years. As long as today's ceremony is completed, in the eyes of the world, the Ly family will officially stand in the East Palace. When my father returned to Beijing, he had an additional layer of assurance. On one side is the beauty he has been looking for for ten years. On one side, military power is in the hands of the general's palace. On one side, the Emperor's throne is within reach. He watched me step by step into the palace, his hot eyes were almost impossible to hide.

“Trieu Ca.”

He softly called my name, his voice so gentle that it made those who didn't know what happened I really thought that this was a loving couple who, after many hardships, had finally gotten married. I put on a bright red robe, a veil to cover my face, and walked towards him step by step. The first time I wore the robe, I was traded by him. The second time, I was forced into a loveless marriage. This time, everyone thought I would become a pawn in his hands again. Only I know, this game is no longer decided by him. The mandarin raised his voice and shouted:

“I bow to heaven and earth.”

Trieu Viet turned to look at me. I don't move. There was a slight stir in the palace. The ceremony paused slightly, thinking I was being delayed because of emotion. Trieu Viet took a half step forward and said in a low voice:

"Trieu Ca, don't be afraid. From today onwards, no one will dare to take you lightly anymore."

I smiled softly under the veil. He still doesn't understand. The person who makes me look down on the most is him. Just as the mandarin was about to chant again, a heavy drum sound suddenly rang out outside the palace. The caroling music suddenly stopped. Immediately afterwards, the electric door was pushed open. The cold wind swept in with the smell of sand and dust from the border, blowing away the red silk hanging in the temple. A team of silver-armored cavalry entered, the sound of iron armor clashing against each other was so cold that it made the entire court's face change. The person taking the lead is my father, Tran Quoc general Ly Kinh Son. He was wearing armor that had not yet been changed, his cloak was still covered with dust from the long journey, but his spine was still as straight as a mountain. In his hand he held a long sword, his cold eyes swept across the main hall. Behind him is Trieu Hanh. Different from his usual calm appearance, today he wore silver armor, his hand on the hilt of his sword, his eyes as sharp as cold frost.