Chapter 14 — Retired on the same day, I turned around and married the Regent

One time, I even accidentally mentioned that in my grandfather's handwritten note, there was a record of an extremely rare medicinal herb called "Snow Phach Thao", which grew in extremely cold places, and had miraculous effects in dispelling the remaining cold poison in his body. Not more than a few days later. A Snow Plant is carefully preserved in a jade box, its appearance is extremely perfect. Has quietly appeared on my medicine table. I also dedicated myself to taking on the role of a "Dieu Thu Queen". Nursing his body, helping the Queen Mother alleviate his pain, managing Tinh Ngo Uyen well, not letting him worry about anything. People in the Royal Palace also increasingly respect and admire the Princess who relies on her true bravery to stand firm. Time passed like deep water in the Royal Palace's garden, the surface was calm without any ripples, slowly flowing forward. Until Lunar New Year. The capital has a tradition of lifting the curfew on Thuong Nguyen nights. All over the city, there were bright lights and flowers, people were walking around like crazy, extremely bustling. The Queen Mother was very inspired that day and held a small party in the palace, inviting only the Emperor, Ta Vo Cuu and me, to treat it as a family meal. During the party, the atmosphere was gentle and harmonious. The Queen Mother held my hand, said many friendly words, and also rewarded me with many gifts. Even the Emperor rarely let go of his status as the Nine-Fifth Supreme Being, and in his words to his uncle, Ta Vo Cuu, he was also somewhat closer and more dependent. The party ended, the Queen Mother took pity on me, and specially instructed Ta Vo Cuu: "Vo Cuu, Tinh Dan has been in the palace for a long time, I'm afraid she's very upset. It's very bustling outside tonight, take her out for a walk, look at the flower lights, and relax a bit." Ta Vo Cuu looked at me. I was a bit surprised, but seeing the Queen Mother's longing eyes, I still nodded slightly.

“Yes, mother.”

Ta Vo Cuu accepted. So, amidst the sea of bright lights and noisy noise throughout the capital, Ta Vo Cuu and I walked out of the majestic palace gate and joined the crowded crowd. This is the first time I have walked on this prosperous imperial capital as "Tham Tinh Dan", not as "Regent Princess". There was no staff in front or behind, only a few guards in civilian clothes quietly following far behind. Both sides of the long street are hung with all kinds of colorful lanterns, their light is as bright as thousands of stars, illuminating the night sky like day. People guessing light puzzles, people selling food, people performing shows... The sounds of sales, laughter, and the sound of flutes blend into a sea of vibrant sounds. In the air there was the sweet scent of sugar-roasted chestnuts, the smell of charred grilled meat and the cool night breeze. I was a little panicked. It was as if I had returned to a long, long time ago. Returning to the years before marriage. Ta Vo Cuu walked beside me. His tall body helped us block most of the crowd. He still didn't have much of an expression, wearing a dark-colored plain clothes, with a restrained aura, but in a bustling place like this, he strangely lost a few parts of his usual coldness, and a few more parts... the breath of life.

“Want to eat?”

He suddenly stopped walking, his eyes fell on the kumquat candy counter not far away. The red hawthorn berries are delicious Wrapped in a layer of transparent, iridescent sugar, it becomes even more attractive under the light. I stopped. Look at that familiar string of candies. Memories that had been covered in dust were suddenly awakened. Every time my father took me to see the lantern festival. They'll all buy me a string... I instinctively nodded. He walked over, put down a few coins, took the largest, reddest string of gourds, then returned and gave it to me. I accept it. Fingertips gently touched the cool bamboo stick. Take a bite. Sweet and sour taste of hawthorn fruit. Sweet and crunchy layer of sugar. The familiar flavor spreads on the tip of the tongue. Bring along old memories. And also warmth.

“Is it sweet?”

The voice amidst the surrounding noise became even lower. I nodded. The mouth still holds the hawthorn piece. The voice sounded a bit slurred. He looked at me. In the depths of his eyes, a very faint smile seemed to flash. So fast that people thought it was just an illusion. Just like that. We don't have a clear purpose. Just walk quietly. Through the bustling stream of people. Cross the arch bridge filled with lanterns. Under the bridge. The water surface reflects countless lights. Brilliant lapis lazuli.

"Look!"

I pointed towards a giant lotus-shaped lantern slowly flying in the distance and couldn't help but exclaim softly. That lamp was crafted extremely delicately, each lotus petal stacked on top of each other, in the middle lit a candle, slowly rotating in the night sky, so beautiful that it was indescribable.