Chapter 11 — The Crown Prince criticized me for not being worthy of the Eastern Palace, but the Martial General held my hand and wouldn't let go

They wore the armor of the forbidden army, but I recognized the person in front. That was Huo Van Tranh's deputy general, surnamed Ky, named Ky Hoanh Chu.

"Madam, the General sent the last general to pick you up."

"Where is the general?"

"In front of the palace gate."

I stopped. In front of the palace gate. He took action. Ky Hoanh Chu led people to escort me out of the General's palace. Along the way, fires burned to the sky, screams of killing echoed from all four directions. Arriving in front of the palace gate, from afar I saw a person. Hoo Van Tranh sat on horseback, wearing heavy armor, the long knife in his hand reflecting the fire. As soon as he saw me, he immediately jumped off his horse and strode forward.

"She's okay."

That's not a question. It's a confirmation.

"I'm okay."

He looked at me deeply, then turned around.

"Go, go to the palace."

The capital changed hands. The crown prince ran into the inner palace in panic, and more than half of the army turned their spears back. By dawn, Hoac Van Tranh's soldiers and horses controlled the entire imperial citadel. When On Nhuoc Huyen was searched and taken out of the Eastern Palace, the makeup on her face was smudged, and in her arms she was still clutching a suitcase, filled with gold, silver and jewels. As soon as she saw me, her face turned pale.

"Ngu Hoai Uyen, you... do you think you've won? His Royal Highness the Crown Prince won't make it easy..."

"Mrs. Wen."

I look at her.

"You've been worrying about His Highness the Crown Prince for so long, you should rest."

She was escorted away. The Crown Prince was surrounded in the palace. It is said that when Hoac Van Tranh led the troops to rush in, he was still sitting upright on the dragon chair.

"Hoo Van Tranh, you are treason."

Hoo Van Tranh looked at him and said only one sentence.

"The day your highness treated my wife's entire life as a joke, did you ever think this day would come?"

The Crown Prince's hand trembled.

"She... she was supposed to be her person."

Hoo Van Tranh firmly stabbed the sword into the ground, his voice as calm as the surface of dead water.

"She is not. She is my wife. It was her own choice."

The following spring, the new emperor ascended the throne. Thua Binh era name. The first thing he announced at court was not to reward meritorious deeds. But a decree was issued, all prefectures in the world must establish female schools, allowing girls to be admitted to read books.

"This is the Queen's will."

He sat on the long chair and looked at me. The corners of his lips were still as stiff as usual, but there was a smile in his eyes.

"I think it's very good."

I sat next to him, the phoenix was so heavy that my neck ached. But I don't bow my head. After clearing the tide, Hoac Van Tranh immediately took off his dragon robe.

"This suit is too heavy."

He moved his shoulders as he spoke.

"Can I not wear it when I go to court later?"

"Impossible."

"... Alright."

Tieu Man ran in from outside the door.

"The place to build the girls' school has already been chosen! Right in the east of the city! It's very spacious!"

Behind, Hoac Van Tranh chased after him and called out:

"Run slowly! This is the palace! Don't fall!"

I watched one big and one small bustling into a group. Suddenly felt. That is the life we want. Not a magical moment under the lights. Not the glory and grace of the palace. But someone who is willing to respect me. A career built by our own hands. And a home forever filled with laughter. Three months later, the female class was first was built in the East Ward of the capital. The three words on the sign were written by me. Minh Duc Nu Hoc. On the first day of school, Hoac Van Tranh stood behind me, watching more than thirty little girls walk in one after another, scratching his head.

"Why are there so many people?"

"There will be even more crowds."

He looked at my face sideways, then suddenly reached out and gently touched my bun.

"That year, on the night of the Lantern Festival."

"When she guessed the lantern riddle, she once said: 'Who says girls aren't as good as boys?'"

I turned my head to look at him.

"How do you know?"

He grinned.

"She said it was a dream."

I was momentarily speechless. It's rare to see him so proud, so he added another sentence.

"Now that she is a Queen and a female student, everyone in the world knows it."

"Know what?"

"'Who says girls aren't as good as boys?'"

I looked at him for a moment. Then he raised his hand to adjust the jade pendant on his chest that had shifted to one side.

"Let's go, Your Majesty. It's time for court."

"Wait..."

He grabbed my wrist.

"Can you help me review the chapter today? There are more than twenty copies."

"Impossible."

"Ten copies is fine."

"Impossible."

"...Three copies."

"Success."

He smiled and took my hand, walking towards the main hall. The sunrise shines on the lapis lazuli tiled roofs of the imperial citadel, glowing with golden light. Just like the light of the night of the Lantern Festival that year. Just this time. The person holding my hand. No more letting go. (FULL TEXT)