Chapter 9 — I was once traded for, then became someone they couldn't reach for the rest of my life

Leaving Trieu Viet alone in the pavilion. For the first time in his life, he understood what it means to pray but not get it. The Eastern Palace does not light any lights. Trieu Viet sat alone in the study room, in front of him was the painting that had followed him for ten years. The woman in the painting stands under the almond tree. Clear eyes. The corners of the lips carry a gentle smile. He used to think that. Just need to find the person in the picture. He will have it all. But finally he realized. It was his hand that pushed that person the farthest away. A fire was lit. The painting slowly burned to ashes. Paper ashes flew in the air as if his ten years of delusion had finally turned into nothingness. But Trieu Viet knows. Burning a painting is very easy. Burn away the regret in your heart. Not possible in this lifetime. When the news that Ly Trieu Ca was married by the Crown Prince with the highest ceremony reached Ta palace, Ta Van So was in the study room. The pen in his hand stopped. A drop of black ink fell onto the white page, quickly spreading into an indelible stain. He stared at the four words "wedding the Crown Princess" on the invitation, but still did not react for a long time. The butler stood next to him and said in a low voice:

"Sir, I heard that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has issued an order that the entire wedding will be held according to the highest regulations. The whole capital is saying that Miss Ly has finally returned to her original position."

Return to your original position. A very common saying. But it was like an invisible knife stabbed straight into his heart. Because he suddenly realized. That position has belonged to her for a long time. It's him. Push her away yourself. That day in the palace, he knelt down in front of Trieu Viet, begging the Crown Prince to fulfill his and Giang Nguyet Bach's wishes. He once thought he was protecting the person he loved. He never turned his head to see if, behind that silk curtain, the woman he used in exchange for his happiness was heartbroken or not. He also never thought. Someday. When I really lost her. He will be in so much pain that he won't be able to breathe.

“No way…”

Ta Van So suddenly stood up.

“It can't be that fast.”

He muttered. I don't know if I'm convincing the housekeeper. Or are you lying to yourself? He once thought that Ly Trieu Ca would always stay at Thanh Chi Institute. Even though she was cold towards him. Even though she no longer looked at him with eyes filled with anticipation like before. But he just needs to turn around. She will still be there. It was like every time he entered Thanh Chi Vien, there was always a light on. Just like there is always a cup of hot tea on the table. Just like in that room, there was always someone quietly waiting for him. Until today. He just discovered it. It turned out that the person who was always standing in place was never him. It's her. He did not step towards her. It's also him. Ta Van So pushed the door and ran out. This is the first time in many years that the gentleman who is always polite and calm in front of others has lost his leisurely appearance. He went very fast. So fast that I almost hit the hallway pillar. He wants to find her. Wanted to tell her that he knew he was wrong. Wanting to tell her that he would never let her suffer any inconvenience again. But when he walked to Thanh Chi Vien, he discovered it. The door is locked. There are no lights inside. There is no longer the sound of reading books every night. No more hot tea smell. No more sound her light footsteps. Where once a person lived. Now only the cold remains. The butler followed behind and said softly:

"Sir, Miss Ly moved back to the general's palace a few days ago to prepare for the big wedding."

Ta Van So stood still in place. It was like only now did he truly understand. She is gone. Not angry. I don't want him to coax me. But really left his life. He slowly walked into the room she used to live in. Tables and chairs are still neatly arranged as before. On the table were also the Ta Phu books that she used to stay up until midnight editing. Every revenue and expenditure, every servant, every big and small matter in the palace was clearly recorded by her. Next to it was a pile of yellowed paper. Those are the letters she wrote to him. But never sent. The first was written on the day she entered the Ta palace. The handwriting is still very neat.

"My lord, it's very cold today. I know you don't like drinking too hot tea, so I told the kitchen to keep it at a moderate temperature."

Second picture.

"I heard that you've been busy lately and often skip meals. I'm learning to make cinnamon flower cakes, I don't know if it suits your taste or not."

Third picture.

"Today you stood up to protect me in front of me. I'm very happy. Maybe... we can really be a good couple."

The writing on the last line is slightly blurred. Don't know if it's due to the ink.