Chapter 7 — Tyrant T /An S /At Throughout the Martial Court, Again Calling My Father Father-in-law

The clumsy patch was still visible on it. Tham Dien recognized it immediately. That was the towel she used to bandage the boy's wound that year. Next to it is a chipped ceramic bowl. The bottom of the bowl also has a lotus print. She remembers it very clearly. That's the bowl Luu Ma Ma used to scoop porridge from. There is another small white stone. The stone is very smooth. Tham Dien picked it up. Memories suddenly rushed back. That year, she pulled the other boy to sit by the stream, and the two of them competed to see who could throw the stone further. This stone was the most beautiful one she had picked up, and she conveniently stuffed it into his hand. She also smiled and said:

"For you."

Then he just silently accepted it. Unexpectedly... He kept it until today. At the bottom is an old piece of sleeve. The edges of the fabric are frayed. It was a piece of clothing that she cut off to bandage his wound. It's a yellowed piece of paper. The handwriting on paper is strong and sturdy. There is only one sentence.

"Don't kill good people."

Tham Dien's hand trembled. That's not her handwriting. It's Tieu Dien's handwriting. He wrote down that sentence himself. Kept for fifteen years. She raised her head to look at him. Lips trembled slightly. Tieu Dien did not look at her. His eyes were still on those old items. After a while, he slowly opened his mouth.

"That year, after leaving Trang Tu, I came back."

"But she is no longer there."

"Ask a lot of people."

"No one knows."

"Later I found out, the Prime Minister took the whole family back to the capital."

His voice was still calm. But Tham Dien heard a loneliness that lasted for fifteen years.

"I once stood for a long time in front of the Shen mansion gate."

"I've seen her ride out in a carriage."

"Watched her grow up."

"I watched her learn to play the piano."

"I've seen her talk to me."

"But never met."

Tham Dien looked at him in surprise.

"You... have always known me?"

Tieu Dien nodded.

"Why don't we meet?"

"Because then."

"He's still not strong enough."

He said it very simply. But Tham Dien understood. At that time, he was still just a prince being chased by others. Anyone who steps too close to him. Everyone can lose their life. Tieu Dien continued to say:

"Registered that day."

"The first thing I do."

"Not a queen."

"Not a reward."

"It's not like dealing with courtiers."

"But ask Phuc An."

"The lady that year..."

"Are you still alive?"

Tham Dien could no longer hold back. Tears fell silently. She never thought. The past fifteen years. She wasn't the only one who forgot about that rain. But there is one person. Living through the memory of that rain again. For fifteen years. She stepped forward. First time. Actively hugged Tieu Dien. His whole body immediately stiffened. Like a sword used to killing. Suddenly a flower petal fell on it. He stood still. My hands don't know where to put them. It's been a long time. I just clumsily lifted my arm. Gently place it on her back. Stiff movements. But be extremely careful. It's like being afraid that if you just use a little more force, the person in your heart will disappear. Tham Dien leaned on his shoulder. Gently choked.

"Tieu Dien."

This is the first time. She called his name. Not "Your Majesty". Not "Your Majesty". It's Tieu Dien. He gently closed his eyes. Fingertips tighten slightly. This is also the first time in fifteen years. He really believes that. Miss that year. Finally returned to his side. Tham Dien raised her head to look at him, tears still in her eyes. She smiled very softly.

"I won't be afraid of you anymore."

Tieu Dien say nothing. Just quietly held her hand. Grip very tightly. Like this time. Even if it takes a lifetime. He will never let go again. 【Side story 2】 THE FINAL DEBT TO BE PAID The next day is the grand meeting. As soon as the bronze bell rang, civil and military mandarins stood on both sides of Kim Loan Palace. The air in the temple was so heavy that it was almost impossible to breathe. Everyone knows. Today, Tieu Dien will pay off the debt left behind during his two months of personal travel. But people have to pay the price. It was Empress Dowager Trieu. Along with the entire Trieu family. Tham Dien sat behind the pearl curtain according to the Queen's rules. She looked at Tieu Dien's back on the dragon chair. He's still the same as always. Can't see any emotions. He slowly opened his mouth.

"Bring it up."

"Obey orders."

Phuc An bent down and walked out into the middle of the palace. In his hand he carried a thick stack of documents. He opened each book one by one. The voice echoed throughout the great hall.

"On the seventeenth day of last month, while Your Majesty was on an expedition, Tu Ninh Palace, in the name of saving military expenses, cut down on Phuong Nghi Palace's rations."

"This is the list of Ngu Thien Room."

"This is a mobilization order."

"This is the testimony of the general manager of Ngu Thien Room."

Each piece of evidence. Displayed right in the middle of the main hall. No one can deny it. Phuc An continued.

"Day nineteen."

"Tu Ninh Palace dispatched Thanh Ha to Hoan Y Department."

"Thirty-two maids and eunuchs of Phuong Nghi Palace were sent away."

"All have notes from Tu Ninh palace."

Another stack of evidence was put down. Queen Mother Zhao stood under the palace. His face turned a little whiter. Phuc An hasn't stopped yet.

"Day twenty-two."

"Tu Ninh palace used the excuse of repairing the palace gate."