Chapter 24 — On the big wedding day, the Queen Mother exchanged me for another prince

I thought for a moment.

"I will personally lift the wedding veil, then right in front of everyone tell the story that Tong Duc once said 'the Tham family's daughter is only worthy of being Trac Concubine' before the marriage. Let everyone know, it is not that I am not virtuous, but that he was rude first. I will not respect that cup of tea. At worst, I will turn my face to him, I, Tham Nhuoc Van, have never known fear."

Lieu Ngam Suong looked at me. An extremely complex emotion appeared in the bottom of his eyes.

"You have never known fear. From the first day I saw it."

She looked at me deeply.

"Thuy Vuong Phi, thank you for reminding me. I'm sorry I didn't listen."

She turned around and walked out. Go to the door. I call her back.

"Dew Soaked Willow."

She stopped walking. But don't turn back.

"Leaving the Fourth Prince's Palace, where are you going?"

"I don't know. Go home, or find somewhere to start over."

"In the east of the capital, there is a small embroidery shop called Cam Tu Phuong. The shop owner is a widow and is lacking someone to manage the books. If you are willing, I will have someone write a letter of introduction."

Finally she turned around. The facial expression changed several times in succession. She bowed her head.

"...Thank you."

She's gone. Chung ma ma stood next to her, watching her back disappear outside the door.

"The princess is so kind."

"It's not merciful. The wrong things she did will have their consequences. But she was also used by others all her life, that's pitiful enough. Giving her a way to live is not worth it."

"If your highness knew about it, what would you say?"

"He would say: 'It's up to you.'"

Chung ma ma smiled softly.

"Your Highness would indeed say so."

The old year is about to pass. Both inside and outside the Thuy Vuong Palace were newly renovated, crimson lanterns hung throughout the hallways. This was the first Tet after thirteen years that Song Hanh was welcomed in the capital. The day of expulsion. The emperor broke the rules and allowed Tong Hanh to enter the palace to attend the banquet. Not sitting at the side table. Not in a hidden corner either. It's the party itself. Sitting in the second position to the Emperor's right. First place. Still blank. That was originally Tong Duc's seat. The entire civil and military court saw that seating arrangement. Everyone understands. In the bird's nest. The emperor drank a lot of wine. Time to get tipsy. Someone suddenly called Tong Hanh.

"The goddess is present."

"Come before me."

Tong Hanh stepped forward. Standing before the Emperor. The Emperor looked at him. Looked for a long time.

"You look a lot like your mother."

Tong Hanh said nothing.

"When she died."

"I'm only two years old."

"You probably don't remember her anymore."

"I don't remember."

"But I still keep your letter."

The Emperor nodded slightly.

"That letter."

"I have read it over and over again many times."

"Her handwriting is still the same."

"Every stroke."

"Every stroke."

"All very neat."

"Very serious."

The person raised his hand. Gently patted Tong Hanh's shoulder.

"These past years..."

"...let me suffer."

There are only those five words. But Tong Hanh's shoulders trembled slightly. He knelt down.

"Father, please preserve the dragon body."

I sit at the party. Quietly look at that scene. His fingers tightened around the wine cup. The Queen Mother sits in the highest position. Gently take a sip of tea. There was no expression on his face. But when people turn away. I see the place The corner of his eyes sparkled with a sparkle. Has disappeared. After the banquet ended. I and Tong Hanh left the palace. When the carriage passed by Chu Tuoc street. The whole street is filled with lanterns. The sound of fireworks mingling with the bustling crowd. Strangely bustling. Tong Hanh lifted the car curtain. Quietly looking at the light outside the window.

"Tham Nhuoc Van."

"Thirteen years ago."

"Every New Year's Eve."

"I'm all alone in Lan Vien."

"Listen to the sound of artillery from far away."

"So far."

"The sound was so low it was almost inaudible."

He let down the car curtain. Turn to look at me.

"It's different."

I smiled.

"Next year will also be different."

"Next year will be different too."

"From now on."

"Every year will be different."

He raised his hand. Gently push back a strand of hair near my ear.

"Marry me."

"Do you regret it?"

"Guess what?"

"No guessing."

"I'm afraid I guess wrong."

"Then she will leave me."

I laughed out loud. He also laughed. That was the first time. I heard his real laughter. There are no longer any defenses. Better than fireworks on New Year's Eve. Three years later. The sign in front of Thuy Vuong Palace has been replaced. On the new sign are written three words.

"Your Majesty's Palace."

Tong Hanh was officially ordained as Thuy Than Vuong, and was given the royal position according to the regulations of Than Vuong, head of the princes. Right on the day of the ordination. The Emperor also issued an additional decree. Order Thuy Than Vuong to participate in national politics and participate in Cabinet meetings. This has been an honor ever. No prince has ever enjoyed it.