Chapter 12 — The day his concubine went into labor, I called the Chief to come pick him up

His eyes were clear. Sincere words. There was no suddenness at all. I nodded, called the treasurer over, and told him to treat him well. I originally thought... This was just a chance meeting. Unexpectedly, from that day on, Lam Thanh Vien often came to the page. Sometimes I come to buy things. Sometimes I use the excuse to pass by and bring a few new small items. A new box of tea brought back from Jiangnan, a book of traditional Chinese dialogues, or an exquisitely designed jade brooch made by his own hands. He never stayed too long, nor did he say a word that was out of line. Just gently but persistently, little by little, step back into our lives. Everyone in the palace saw his intentions. Even my older brother, that wooden head, ran to ask me.

"Tri Y, does that guy named Lam have something to do with you?"

I bowed my head and did not answer. I don't know. Or more accurately... I don't dare to know. That day, he came again. What he brought with him was a pot of orchids in bloom.

"This is 'Xuan Hieu', an extremely rare orchid." He placed the flower pot on the window sill in my study and smiled. "I think it suits you very well."

I look at that pot of orchids. The elegant fragrance spreads, making people feel relaxed. Finally... I still asked what was always hidden in my heart.

"Master Lam, brother..."

"What do you want to do anyway?"

The smile on Lam Thanh Vien's face slowly retracted. He turned around and looked at me seriously. In those eyes... There are emotions that I cannot understand. This is the first time... He called me by name.

"Ten years ago, when I left the capital, I told my father."

"Wait until I return..."

"I will go to General Tham's palace to ask for my hand."

"Marry her as my wife."

My heart... Suddenly pounded. I stood stiffly in place, my mind blank. He said... what? Ten years ago, he wanted to marry me? Lam Thanh Vien looked at my surprised appearance, a bitter look flashed in his eyes.

"Unfortunately, nature teases."

"By the time I return, she has become someone else's wife."

"I heard that you are not living a happy life."

His voice was very soft, carrying suppressed pain.

"Every day I regret why I didn't come back earlier that year. If I had been present then, maybe... you wouldn't have had to endure those sufferings."

My hand suddenly tightened. It turns out, during a time that I didn't even know about, there was such a person, quietly placing me in my heart.

"The day she got married, I secretly came to see her."

He laughed to himself.

"She's wearing a nice outfit, she's very beautiful."

"Luc Minh Hien stands next to her, a talented boy and a beautiful girl, truly a match made in heaven."

"Everyone says so."

"Only I know, he doesn't deserve you."

"Later, she reconciled."

"I'm very happy, really."

"I feel like God is giving me another chance."

He walked towards me step by step, his eyes attentive and hot.

"Tri Y, I know you were hurt and don't believe in love anymore."

"I won't force her."

"I can wait."

"Wait a year, wait ten years, or wait a lifetime, it's okay."

"I just want you to know, there is still someone in this world who will truly treat you, respect you, and protect you for the rest of your life."

He stood in front of me, reaching out his hand towards me.

"Are you willing to... give me, and yourself, another chance?"

Anh The sunlight outside the window penetrated through the bars and fell on him, covering him with a layer of warm golden light. We look at the hand reaching towards us, the knuckles are clear, warm, and solid. This is the first time my heart is in such turmoil. I saw the sincerity in his eyes, saw the deep feelings that time had hidden for ten years. Can I love again? Do I still have enough courage to love again? I remember the pain of being burned by the sea of fire in my previous life. I remember Luc Minh Hien's cold eyes. Remembering Giang Ngung Suong's proud smile. Those images are like poisonous snakes, bit by bit gnawing at our hearts. I unconsciously took a step back. Lam Thanh Vien's hand stopped in midair. The light in his eyes gradually faded. He quietly withdrew his hand and smiled at me, but that smile was filled with loss.

"No problem."

"It was me suddenly."

"Just pretend... I never said anything."

He turned around, preparing to leave. Looking at his lonely back, my heart suddenly felt like something was squeezing me hard. Why do we have to deny everyone because of one scum? Why do we have to give up a happy future because of a failed past? Luc Minh Hien is not worthy. But does Lam Thanh Vien deserve to be rejected by me outside the door? I almost blurted out. Lam Thanh Vien's footsteps stopped. He slowly turned around, his eyes filled with anticipation mixed with disbelief. I took a deep breath, met his gaze, and walked forward step by step. We go very slowly. But extremely steadfast. I walked in front of him. Then right before his surprised eyes, I proactively grabbed that hand that had not yet been lowered. His hand is very warm.

"Lin Thanh Vien."

I raised my head to look at him and smiled. That was the first time since I was reborn, I truly smiled from the bottom of my heart, without any calculation or coldness.

"What you just said..."

"Does it still count?"

Lam Thanh Vien was stunned. Immediately after that, immense joy engulfed him like a rolling tidal wave. He immediately squeezed my hand, his strength was so great that it almost crushed my bones.

"It still counts!"

"Forever and ever..."

"It all counts!"

The sunlight is just beautiful. The wind is light and gentle. I looked at the man in front of me who was so happy that he was in tears, and suddenly felt that I was reborn... Perhaps not just for revenge. It's to give us a chance... To get rid of the wrong person. Then meet the right person again. (End of full text)