Chapter 8 — She chose Scissors to cut Hong Tran, I chose Peony to win the Phoenix position

"In my previous life, I was appointed National Teacher, not because of Buddhism, but because I proactively sought out the Emperor and used the secret of the Marquis to betray the enemy in exchange for the position of National Teacher."

Let's say it word by word:

“My great-grandmother thinks she created my prestige.”

“But actually it's not.”

The sister's face instantly turned white as paper. We continue to say:

“I still look for the Emperor.”

“It's just earlier.”

“When I was still in the temple reading scriptures…”

“I have already reached a deal with the Emperor.”

My sister looked at me blankly, her lips trembling violently, but she couldn't say a word.

“I think if you choose the scissors you can win.”

“But you don't know…”

"The thing that decides victory or defeat has never been about choosing anything."

Having finished speaking, I stood up, turned around and left. Behind him immediately came the sister's frantic screams:

"Tham Thuc Tran! You will not die properly! I curse you to eighteen levels of hell..."

I held my head high and walked out. From then on... I never heard her voice again. The news that Tham Marquis Palace was confiscated quickly spread throughout the capital. Marquis Tham Kinh was sentenced to be beheaded immediately, all the men in the palace were exiled, and the women were reduced to being servants. The great-grandmother hanged herself. My sister was imprisoned in a small Buddhist hall behind Duong Quy mountain, not allowed to step outside for the rest of her life. I stood on the highest point of the palace, looked at the distant horizon, and let out a long breath. Two lifetimes of resentment... Finally ended at this moment. Many years later, I became the Queen Mother. That day, I went to Dang Quy to offer incense. When we go to the back of the mountain, we see a small Buddha hall, in front of the door is overgrown with weeds.

“Who lives there?”

I asked softly. The abbot lowered his voice and replied:

"During the Queen Mother's time, that was Miss Tham's residence. She was imprisoned here for thirty years."

Thirty years. I was silent for a long time, but in the end I didn't push the half-closed door open. But turn around... Go visit your mother. Mother is now over seventy years old, her hair is gray, but her spirit is still very good. She lived in a courtyard outside the palace, planted flowers and grass every day, and lived a very peaceful and carefree life.

“Mother.”

I entered the hospital, and my mother was standing there watering the flowers.

“Are you here yet?”

Mother put down the water bottle, smiled and took my hand.

“Come in quickly, mother has already stewed the soup for you.”

I followed my mother into the room, drank the bowl of soup she stewed, and listened to her slowly tell everyday stories in the neighborhood.

"The daughter-in-law of the old Vuong's family next door gave birth to a fat baby, it was very exciting."

"Grandma Truong's leg is still not getting better. Mom has invited the doctor to come and look at it. She said it's an old illness that's been there for many years."

"Ah yes, last time I sent someone to bring the bird's nest, my mother gave half to Ly mama. She is also old, so she should nourish her a little."

I smiled and listened, feeling extremely warm inside.

“Mother.”

I suddenly spoke up.

“In this whole life… what is your greatest wish?”

Mother thought for a moment, then smiled:

"The biggest wish... is to see my child safe and sound."

The bridge of my nose immediately stung. I held my mother's hand tightly:

"Mom, rest assured, I will always be safe."

Mother gently patted the back of my hand, smiling gently but warm. When I left my mother's place, it was completely dark. I sat on the phoenix lantern and returned to the palace. When passing by Ngu Hoa garden, I saw a peony blooming most brilliantly. I suddenly remembered many years ago... The scene when my grandmother took out the peony and that pair of scissors. The person who chooses the peony... Will have a peerless beauty in prosperous times. The person who chooses the scissors... Must cut off love. Definitely choose the scissors. But from beginning to end... She could never let go. And I choose peony. But I have never been confused by my appearance. We won. I reached out my hand and gently caressed the peony petals. The petals are soft and smooth, just like a young girl's face. But I know... I'm no longer a girl anymore. I am the Queen Mother. She is the most noble woman in this world. (FULL TEXT)