Chapter 11 — The Marquis was wronged, I hid with my young master, and later overturned the capital to collect debt.

On the journey after that, there were no more big storms. Under the guidance of Co Chieu, Ve Huan and his team successfully completed the survey mission. They drew a detailed map of the central area of O Mong Son. The value of this map... cannot be measured. Whether it is for the military of the court or the people's lives, it is of great significance. And all of this... thanks to an eight-year-old child. Mission completed, the team began to return. Along the way, Ve Huan remained expressionless, silently examining Co Chieu. He will intentionally or unintentionally talk about the world outside the mountain. Talk about the prosperity of the capital, talk about interesting things in the royal court. Most of the time, Co Chieu just quietly listened. In his eyes, sometimes a little curiosity flashed. But every time Ve Huan asked about his background, he asked about his father. It all uses silence to answer. Like a clam, locking all its secrets in its shell. Ve Huan knew that asking again would yield no results. But the speculation in his heart... became more and more clear. This kid definitely has problems. They... finally left O Mong Son. When the shape of the camp appeared before my eyes. On Co Chieu's always calm face, a joy befitting his age finally appeared. It speeds up the pace. Like a young bird leaving the nest, unable to wait to return to its mother's side. I was waiting at the camp gate early. These days, we live like every year. Every moment, every second, is torment. When that familiar small body appeared in sight. Tears immediately welled up in my eyes. I rushed forward, ignoring the soldiers still there. One hand hugged it tightly. I examined its body from top to bottom.

"Are you hurt? Is there anything uncomfortable?"

“Auntie, I'm okay.”

Co Chieu was in my arms, speaking softly.

“I'm fine.”

Ve Huan stood not far away, quietly looking at us. He saw the remaining worry and fear in my eyes. Also seen on her body, her cold temperament is not compatible with Southern Cuong women. In his heart, he sighed again. This mother and son... hides too many things. He stepped forward.

“Madam.”

He called me by a very polite title.

“Lang lang, extremely excellent.”

“It did us a big favor.”

I hugged Co Chieu and nodded slightly at him. See it as a ceremony. I don't want to have any unnecessary communication with them. Ve Huan saw my distance. He did not say more. He took out a heavy bag of money and gave it to Co Chieu.

“This is the promised reward.”

Then, he took out a small, exquisitely crafted flint stone from his chest.

“This is for you.”

He looked at Co Chieu, his eyes very serious.

“A good hunter needs a good fire starter.”

"Remember, you are an eagle flying between the nine heavens, you should not be bound by this forest for the rest of your life."

Co Chieu took the things without saying anything. Just looking at him, an incomprehensible light flashed in his bright black eyes. Ve Huan took a deep look at it. Look at me again. Then turned around and led the team away. They did not stay in the camp. Just like when he arrived, he left quietly. I still stood there, until their backs completely disappeared. Just let out a breath. But inside my heart... it's even more tense. Name That's Ve Huan. His eyes... were too sharp. I have a kind of hunch. He... must have seen something. Danger... I'm afraid it's not far from us. In the camp, because of the food brought so far, Co Chieu has successfully returned, everywhere is happy. Co Chieu, became a hero in everyone's hearts. Mrs. A looked at it, her wrinkled face smiling brightly. The children in the camp all surrounded him. Listen to it tell stories in the mountains. The things it tells are all about hunting and identifying plants. To that group of officers and soldiers, he did not mention a single word. We know, it is using its own way to protect our little home. At night, in the medicinal jar. It's just the two of us left. Co Chieu handed that heavy bag of money to me.

“Ah lady, we have money.”

“After this, there's no need to worry much anymore.”

I rubbed its head, my heart both bitter and soft. My baby... has really grown up. He has begun to know how to share the burden for this house, for this whole camp. It took out the firestone again.

“Ah lady, look, isn't this beautiful?”

I accept it. The flint stone is made from crystal, with small delicate patterns engraved on it...with tiny letters. Truly a good thing. But I looked and my heart sank. That guy Ve Huan... why did he give it such a precious thing? What does he want to do? Let's put the flint away.

“Chieu Nhi, in the future, don't come into contact with people from the government anymore.”

“They… are very dangerous.”

Co Chieu nodded.

“I know.”

It was silent for a moment, then suddenly raised its head to look at me.