Chapter 11 — The Day I Retired, I Reversed My Destiny

But she is no longer the great beauty of the past. She looked like a real beggar, her whole body emitted a foul smell. She saw me. In his eyes, first was surprise, then bone-deep hatred.

"To Van Khanh! You're a slut!"

"It's all you! It's all because you hurt me!"

She struggled frantically, wanting to rush towards me. The guard held her tightly. I walked in front of her and bent down.

“Liu Nhu Yen, are you still alive?”

My voice was calm, as if I was asking after an old acquaintance. She laughed wildly, laughing until tears fell from her eyes.

"I'm not dead yet! Even if I crawl, I still have to crawl back!"

“I want to see you, see you not die properly!”

“Do you think that now that you are a princess, you are noble and superior?”

"Even when she died, Co Yen still scolded you, scolded you for being an evil woman!"

I looked at her, there was no pity or anger in her eyes. Just a faint observation.

“Your father's crime of embezzlement has been investigated.”

“Co Yen, was also beheaded at the execution site.”

“You now, besides hatred, what is left?”

Lieu Nhu Yen's smile stiffened on her face. She didn't seem to expect that I could calmly say those words. Her body, little by little, softened.

“No… impossible…”

“Co Yen… how could he die…”

I stood up and lightly brushed off my shirt.

“This is what you call love.”

"In the face of life and death, I cannot withstand a single blow."

I waved my hand. The guard pulled her away. Lieu Nhu Yen no longer struggled nor cursed. In her eyes, there was only despair left. I looked at her back, with no joy in my heart. There was just a faint feeling of fatigue. This feud has finally ended. I looked into the distance, the horizon was a red cloud like fire. Bright yellow light covers people. My future will no longer be entangled by Co Yen and Lieu Nhu Yen. My future is the vast world, my ambition, my ideal. I, To Van Khanh, have finally completely let go of the past. The autumn hunt is over, I return to the princess's palace. Life restores its usual calm, but with a new direction. I began to follow my uncle's wishes and participate in some practical political affairs. From natural disaster relief, to border trade, to selecting suitable talents to enter the royal court. My name began to appear in the memorials of the hundred mandarins, appearing in the words of the people. They no longer call me "the prime minister's daughter", nor do they call me "Princess An Ninh". They called me "Master To", called me "Old To". Some people even secretly call me "female general". I don't pay attention to those names. I just know, I'm doing what I love, which is also meaningful. We use our intelligence and abilities to change this country and bring blessings to the people here. My father watched me grow up day by day, the smile on his face grew more and more.

"That year, my mother's biggest regret was not being able to fulfill her ambitions at court."

“Now, I have completed it for her.”

I held my father's hand, feeling the warmth in his palm.

“Dad, you are the one my example.”

"He taught me to understand worldly affairs without being worldly; he taught me to be reasonable without being stubborn."

“It was you who gave me this day.”

Father patted my head gently, his eyes filled with kindness.

“Stupid child.”

“This is your own choice, your own effort.”

“Dad, just show me a way.”

My princess's palace gradually became a unique sight of the capital. There is no rivalry or jealousy here, no plans to fight. There is only a scholarly temperament, only enthusiasm when discussing politics. Many talented young officials, even some princes, came here to ask for my advice. They respect me, not only because of my identity, but also because of my talent. I am no longer a woman trapped in a house anymore. I am a female official who can stand on the court and point out the country. A true powerhouse controls his own destiny. A few years later, the uncle was old and decided to be kind. The person who chose the successor was third prince Ly Diep. Ly Diep is an enlightened, far-sighted prince who has discussed with me many times in political affairs and is extremely appreciative of my abilities. During the great ceremony, my uncle personally gave me a golden phoenix jade pendant in front of the civil and military officials.

“Van Khanh.”

His voice was a bit hoarse, but his eyes were still sharp.

“I entrust the future of Dai Te to you and Ly Diep.”

"Hopefully, you guys, can together create a prosperous world."

I knelt down, received the jade pendant, and solemnly promised.

“Goddess, I will definitely not disappoint your Majesty's trust!”

After the great ceremony ended, Ly Diep ascended the throne and became the new emperor of Dai Te. After ascending the throne, the first thing he did was issue orders. Appointed me as "Princess Regent", assistant to the court, with a position equal to prime minister. In an instant, the tide shook. During the Qi Dynasty, a female prime minister appeared for the first time. I wore royal clothes embroidered with golden phoenix, standing on Kim Loan Palace. Looking down, there are hundreds of mandarins crowded like dark clouds. I see my father at the head of the hundred mandarins, with a proud smile on his face. I see those who once mocked and despised me, now respectfully kneeling on the ground. I am not proud, nor arrogant. In my heart, I am very calm. I was just thinking, if my mother saw this scene, what would she say? People will definitely say:

“Very good, my daughter.”

“I have finally lived up to the person I wanted to be.”

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. The pain of the past, the humiliation of the past, all turn into nutrients that help us grow. People like Co Yen, those from the Co family, all become passersby in my life. They pushed me into the abyss, but they also pushed me into a new life. I am no longer anyone's dependent. I am Princess An Ninh, I am Princess Regent. I am To Van Khanh. A woman who lives for herself. I opened my eyes, my gaze determined. I raised my hand and signaled the mandarins to stand up.

“Please calm down, everyone.”

My voice is clear and powerful, echoing throughout Kim Loan Palace. Our story has just begun. (END OF FULL TEXT)