Chapter 20 — Sunlight on the Red Book

With the incident at Con Sen resolved satisfactorily, and Ha Vy's future work also having a clear direction, the interdisciplinary working group shifted its focus to completing the review of the remaining cases discovered. The work requires close coordination between many different agencies and departments, along with patience to handle each case thoroughly and fairly.

In the commune, there was a case of double allocation of public land. After many persistent mediation sessions, the two disputing families finally reached an agreement, based on a reasonable boundary redistribution plan proposed by Ha Vy and the working group, taking into account both the actual historical land use factors and the legitimate needs of both parties. "Thank you for your patience in helping us resolve this matter that has been going on for so many years," one of the two householders said to Ha Vy after signing the official agreement. "If it weren't for your intervention, perhaps this conflict would continue forever, affecting all future generations of our children and grandchildren."

Such sincere thanks, no matter how simple, always give Ha Vy a great source of motivation, strengthening her belief in the true meaning of the work she is pursuing. She realized that each successfully resolved case was not simply the completion of an administrative task, but also the healing of relationships and the restoration of peace to the lives of so many families.

While their professional work progressed smoothly, the relationship between Ha Vy and Dang Khoa also became increasingly closer and deeper. The two spent a lot of time together on weekends, taking care of the garden together, discussing future plans, or simply spending peaceful evenings sitting together watching the sunset on the Con Sen river.

One afternoon, when the two were checking the progress of the ecological agriculture model that Dang Khoa was testing, Mrs. Gam suddenly appeared, carrying a small old wooden box. "I have something to give you," she said to Dang Khoa, her voice somewhat emotional. "This is your grandmother's wedding ring. I think it's time for you to keep it."

Dang Khoa, although somewhat surprised by his mother's gesture, still accepted the box with respect. Opening the box, inside is a simple but sophisticated gold ring, bearing the mark of time. “Thank you, Mom,” he said, his voice choked.

After Mrs. Gam left, Dang Khoa looked at Ha Vy, his eyes were filled with a profound meaning that she could feel immediately. "I think, perhaps, it's time for us to seriously discuss a longer-term future," he said, his voice hesitant but sincere.

Ha Vy's heart pounded at that suggestion, although she understood that this was not an official proposal, but just a signal that the relationship between the two was progressing to a new, more mature and serious stage. "I think so too," she replied, her voice warm, full of hope for what lay ahead.

That evening, while sitting alone drafting a summary report for the working group on the results of handling cases discovered during the recent review, Ha Vy couldn't help but smile when thinking about what she had experienced at Con Sen. From a young girl with many doubts and worries when she first took office, she has now found not only the full meaning of her work, but also a sincere love, a promising future that is gradually being nurtured, right in the land where she was once attached to her most beautiful childhood memories.

That weekend, Mr. Tran Quoc Hung convened a meeting to summarize the entire expanded review, with the participation of representatives of the Provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment and all members of the interdisciplinary working group. "After more than three months of implementation, we have completed the verification and final settlement of five cases of land distortions in four different communes in the district," Mr. Hung reported, his voice filled with pride. "This is a remarkable result, demonstrating the high sense of responsibility of the entire working group."

The representative of the Provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment, after listening to the summary report, could not hide his appreciation. "The review model that the working group has applied in Tan Hoa district can really become a model to replicate in other localities in the province," he said. "We will propose worthy rewards to individuals and groups who have made outstanding contributions during this mission."

When Ha Vy's name was mentioned as one of the most outstanding individuals, she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride mixed with humility. "I'm just doing my duty as a cadastral officer, ladies and gentlemen," she said when invited to share her thoughts. "This success belongs to everyone who worked together, especially the people who courageously spoke up, and witnesses like Mr. Ba Dat, who courageously faced the past to help the truth become clear."

After the meeting, Mr. Hung pulled Ha Vy back and privately shared another good news. "I just received information that Mr. Ba Dat will be considered exempt from criminal prosecution, thanks to his proactive cooperation and providing important information to help clarify many other cases," he said. "This can be considered a worthy leniency for his efforts to redeem himself over the past time."

That news made Ha Vy very happy. She immediately went to visit Mr. Ba Dat to share this joy. "Grandpa, I have good news to tell you," she said when she met him at his home, where he was gradually recovering from treatment.

When he heard the news, Mr. Ba Dat could not hide his emotions, his eyes filled with tears. "I wouldn't dare ask for anything more than that," he said, his voice trembling. "Just being able to live the rest of your days in peace, no longer having to carry the burden of guilt, for him, is already a great blessing."

"He redeemed himself with rare courage and honesty," Ha Vy said, her voice sincere. "I believe that is the most important thing, more than any form of legal action."

On the way back, Ha Vy couldn't help but reflect on the long journey she had gone through since the first day she set foot in Con Sen. From discovering a small deviation on an old map, she gradually discovered a great story about greed, torment, redemption, and finally, tolerance and forgiveness. She understands that the journey to seek justice is not simply a matter of determining right from wrong, but also a process of helping people find peace in their souls, so they can continue to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

That evening, Ha Vy called to share everything that had happened during the day with Dang Khoa, from the honorable summary meeting to the good news that Mr. Ba Dat could be granted clemency. "This is truly a perfect day," Dang Khoa said, his voice filled with joy as he listened to the story. "I'm proud of you, and also happy for Mr. Ba Dat, because he can finally find peace in the last years of his life."

"I feel the same way," Ha Vy replied, her voice gentle. "Perhaps, this is the true meaning of justice — not just punishing wrongs, but also opening up opportunities for people to make amends, redeem themselves, and find peace."

The conversation lasted until late at night, when the two reviewed the entire journey since the day Ha Vy first set foot in the Lam family's garden - from the initial doubts about the old map, to Mr. Ba Dat's tearful confession, the pressures from Song Xanh company, and the sincere love that had silently blossomed between the two during that challenging journey.

"We have gone through a long, meaningful journey together," Dang Khoa said, his voice warm and deep over the phone. "And I believe, this is just the beginning of the next chapters, there are many better things waiting for both of us ahead."

"I believe so too," Ha Vy replied, a happy smile clearly visible on her face even though she was just talking on the phone. "And I look forward to continuing to write those new chapters with you, right in this beloved land of Con Sen, the place that has given us all the most precious things."