Chapter 5 — One Bowl of Soup, Two Lives of People

10

The Queen Mother's real name is Lam Uyen, the life and death confidant of the third lady of the Bui family, Bui Chieu. Lam Uyen has a weak body and many illnesses, and is the best at poetry. Bui Chieu is strong and active, and likes to dance with swords and spears. The two of them grew up together, dreamed of the future together, wanted to be mothers to each other's children, and grew old together. Who would have thought that a marriage decree would directly bury that good part. Lam Uyen was appointed crown prince, while Bui Chieu was banned from being the crown prince's concubine. Later, one person became a queen, the other a noble concubine, and they also seemed to rely on each other in the dark and lonely palace. Unfortunately, a murder case occurred in the winter of the eighth year of Vinh Hy, and from then on, the two people separated from yin and yang. Bui Chieu hanged himself and before he died, he sent a secret letter to Phuong Nghi palace.

"Sister, the fate between us has come to this. Bui family's tall trees catch the wind, even if we are wronged, there is no place to cry.

“The only thing I can't let go of is Ngan Nhi. His legs were crippled, he lost all his relatives, and life was no better than death.

"Please take care of it for a second or two. Don't ask for glory or wealth, just ask for a lifetime of peace. Sister A Chieu thanks you."

After reading the letter, Lam Uyen immediately burned it and cried all night. The person secretly found the best doctor, mixed medicine, and invited the best female chef in Ngu Thien room, Luc Thao, to cook good food for him every day. Finally, let a palace maid named Tieu Man bring rice, soup and medicine, and quietly give it all to Tieu Ngan. Tieu Man is stupid and born dumb, and will not reveal any information. Lam Uyen was childless all her life. In the following years, she gradually supported Bui Chieu's child, Tieu Ngan, to ascend the throne. Unexpectedly, Tieu Ngan suddenly started trying out dishes, wanting to find his benefactor from that year, but instead found Luc Thao. Tieu Man, who brought food, left the palace early and opened a shop to kill pigs to make a living. The rice and soup were all made by Luc Thao. Saying that she was kind to Tieu Ngan was not completely wrong. Tieu Ngan is also very good to Luc Thao. Lam Uyen is the queen mother, a glorious life, admired by thousands of people. But when he dies, he still has one regret. Wandering nostalgically in the Forbidden City for several years, Lam Uyen finally waited for a rebirth. Back in the eighth year of Vinh Hy, he wanted to turn the storm around and save Bui Thi from collapsing. In this life, Bui Chieu is still young, Lam Uyen has not yet grown gray hair. People look at friends who have been separated for many years. Lips parted then closed again, tears falling first.

“Long time no see—

“The third lady of the Bui family.”

11

After the Queen Mother finished telling the story, a stick of incense had just burned out. I stood there stunned for a long time. It turns out that in the second life of space and time, Bui Chieu still died before the queen mother. The only thing is, it's not suicide by hanging, it's an unnatural illness. The Bui family was not beheaded. After being sentenced to exile for three years, they guarded the border to atone for their sins. Even though there are still regrets piled up like a mountain. But enough is enough. I was reborn, so I didn't know these things and naturally lost those memories. The Queen Mother gently stroked the Buddha necklace and looked at me.

“According to Ai's years of observing the emperor, he certainly was not reincarnated.

“So in this life, after ascending the throne, he still wants to try the dishes, still stubbornly trying to find a benefactor.

“A few days ago someone caught wind and cold and was seriously ill, so there was no time to stop him.

“As for what he said, Tran Ngoc Cam, There is bound to be a misunderstanding. When he returns to court, I will explain the reason to him. The little Man who brought the meal had already left the palace to kill pigs. I thought he couldn't stubbornly marry and become a concubine."

A decree was brought before me.

“Actually, this letter was drafted long ago. In your previous life, you died miserably in Dich Dinh. I am very sorry. I thought yin and yang could make you and the emperor perfect, but I didn't expect that he would betray you.

"Luc Thao, reliving a new life is not easy. Remember, absolutely do not leave any regrets."

I looked at the elegant lines of ink on the mat, my eyes immediately turned red. I bowed my head and worshiped deeply, my heart as steady as a rock.

"Luc Thao please remember the Queen Mother's teachings."

The Queen Mother smiled and sighed.

“But after you leave, everyone will no longer be able to eat such delicious food.

“How about cooking me some white cabbage tofu soup.” The person laughed and said.

"I'm also curious, what the taste of this magical delicacy that has made the emperor remember for many years is."

I was teased by the Queen Mother until my face turned red. I quickly accepted the invitation, but my heart felt bitter. That is the feeling of not being able to bear the moment of separation. My parents passed away very young. The Queen Mother is so kind to me, it reminds me of the feeling of having a mother. Returning to Ngu Thien's room, I told A Ngoc who was waiting impatiently.

“Everything is resolved, the king will not marry you. But A Ngoc, you have to promise me one thing."

“What?” A Ngoc was bewildered.

“You are a disciple taught by me. From now on, is it okay for me to always cook for the Queen Mother?"

Not waiting for A Ngoc to answer, I cried first. It's the last day of March. I cried until the sky and earth were spinning, only to see willow threads flying like snow covering the sky. The most heartless is the emperor. But in this life, I witnessed with my own eyes the true love between the women in the harem, love is stronger than gold and stone, true and pure.