Chapter 23 — Royal Regret

Tham Lenh Nghi, before the age of thirty, probably wished for a husband to turn her back. But fifteen years of wind and rain had soon ground that attachment to ash. I calmly said: "Your Highness, you have never been something I have ever won." "It's not worth losing myself." Outside the door came his rapid breathing. "Lanh Nghi, Lieu Nhu Mi has been transferred to the orphanage." "I won't see her anymore." I asked: "So what does it have to do with me?" In the end, Tieu Thua Canh couldn't say a word. Tieu Nghien came out of the study room and stood next to me. It is much taller than us. The light fell on its shoulders, as if wearing a layer of warm, bright armor. He looked out the door. "Father, mother is tired today." "Please come back." Tieu Thua Canh looked at him, with a bit of pleading in his eyes. "Nghien Nhi, do you also want to stop me?" Tieu Nghien was silent for a moment. "Not to stop." "And this door was originally closed by father himself." The sound of wind passing through the cinnamon tree in the yard. Fallen leaves rustle. Tieu Thua Canh stood for a long time, then finally turned and left. His back was much more bent than when he arrived. I don't call him back. The next day, I followed Tieu Nghien and moved to Dinh Vien Marquis Palace. When leaving Doan Vuong Palace, Xuan Dao helped me get into the car. She turned her head to look at the high gate that had imprisoned us for fifteen years, her eyes reddening. "Your Highness, we're really gone." I looked forward. "No." "It's returning home." The carriage drove through the long street. The gate of the Marquis Palace is wide open. Tieu Nghien stood in front of the door, solemnly reaching out his hand to me. "Mother, I'm home." I placed my hand in his palm. That hand used to be so cold. Now it is strong enough to support peace for the rest of my life.