Chapter 7 — Van Quan's Friendship and Ambivalence

The story of the Crown Prince's intention to marry Miss Minh Tam soon spread throughout the capital. The Emperor respects this Crown Prince Trieu Tuan. The Queen Mother also respected him very much. I'm afraid it's not my turn to decide this marriage. I locked myself in my room for many days, not taking a single step out of the palace. Before, I was very afraid of Trieu Tuan. But it's strange to say, since that rabbit meat feast, I'm no longer afraid of him like before. Trieu Tuan has feelings for me. Even if we don't go out the door, the days will not be quiet, because there are always all kinds of new things brought before us. Half a month later, the eldest lady of Truong Ninh Ba palace, Ly Nhu Lang, came to Minh palace. "Do you know why the Emperor hasn't given the marriage yet?" Ly Nhu Lang asked me. I shook my head: "I haven't stepped out of the palace for half a month, and I don't want to hear any news related to my marriage." Ly Nhu Lang said again: "The Crown Prince begged the Emperor to revoke the decree, not wanting to cancel the engagement between the two of them. The Crown Prince also asked the Emperor to grant the marriage, wanting to marry you as the Crown Prince." "This time the Emperor was in an awkward position, so my marriage was put on hold." "One person is The current Crown Prince, one is the Great General of the National Guard who made a great effort to quell the rebellion. Both of them want to marry you. Now you have truly become the most envied of all the ladies in the capital." I looked at Ly Nhu Lang in surprise, as if I was listening to a wild story. She continued: "This time, Prince Chu really gave up everything for me. Before, everyone thought he had no feelings for me, but I didn't expect him to love me so deeply." "Knowing that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was asking for the Emperor's hand in marriage, he still dared to stand up and compete with the Crown Prince." Chu Diep did that... What was the need? From that moment on, I completely lost my mind. Between me and him... There is no longer any possibility. … In the evening, an envelope appeared in my room. Trieu Tuan wrote: "In Tay Son, there is a group of bandits who have occupied it for many years. Those bandits are actually the remnants of the rebel army. I have established a military order in front of the Emperor. Tomorrow I will lead troops to Tay Son, definitely destroying all of them. If I can return safely, can Sister Tam help me fulfill a wish?" The evil name of the Tay Son bandits makes everyone stay away. Everyone knows how difficult they are to destroy. Even if you risk your life, even if you fight for your life, it is still not possible to wipe out everything. I clearly understand Trieu Tuan's intention. Looking at every sentence and every word on the letter, I couldn't sleep all night. The next morning, I put on a red dress, rode a horse-drawn carriage and left the palace, then stood on the city gate, looking at the army from afar. Trieu Tuan wore red armor, rode on horseback, his expression was solemn and majestic. The young man in a brocade shirt was riding a handsome horse, with a fiery aura, perhaps it was this appearance that always easily made the young woman's heart flutter. If my marriage cannot be controlled by myself, then why should I choose someone who truly treats me well? Trieu Tuan raised his head and looked up at the city gate. The depth between his eyes instantly turned into a spring breeze, gently stirring the lake in my heart, causing ripples to spread out. … Marquis Hien Binh sent invitations to Minh Palace many times, but each time they were returned. All the trust items that the two palaces exchanged in the past have been returned, and the marriage contract was soon canceled by the Emperor's edict. Since the annulment of the marriage, my father, Prime Minister Minh, and Chu Diep have often had fierce confrontations at court. The relationship between the two governments is no longer the same as before. Three months later, on Mid-Autumn Festival, I

Go to the temple to offer incense. Unexpectedly, Tang Lac quickly came in from outside, leaned close to my ear and whispered a few words. I really didn't expect Chu Diep to come looking for me. The back yard of the pagoda has few people going around, and Chu Diep also sent people to guard the outside, so the fact that he and I secretly met will not be known to others. It's just that we haven't seen each other for many days, and I didn't expect that Chu Diep's face had become much more haggard. He is no longer as cold as before. When he saw me, joy appeared in his eyes. Seeing him just about to step forward, I stood from afar and said: "Chu Shi Tu, no need to step forward anymore. Just stand there and talk."... I have known Chu Diep for many years, but I have never seen him as reserved as he is now. His body had become much thinner, and his eyes, which were originally indifferent, now contained a look of sadness and loss. He gently pulled the corner of his lips, seemingly wanting to give me a friendly smile. But in the past, he was used to treating me coldly, so now looking at him like that, I felt unfamiliar. "In the past few days, I have sent a lot of cards to Minh Palace, do you know?" I replied: "I know." He looked puzzled and asked: "Then why did you still give it back?" I calmly looked at Chu Diep, using the same indifferent manner that he used to treat me before, and said: "Tu Tu Tu, I came today." I only met you to say, don't send any more cards to Minh Palace in the future." "Why?" He looked at me in surprise. "If you still resent me for not saving you when we quelled the rebellion, I..." "Your Highness, please be careful with your words." I interrupted him. Until now, Chu Diep still does not know the real reason why I asked the Emperor to cancel the engagement. I looked at him, like he used to look at me, and said coldly: "I've been chasing you for many years. Because we have a marriage contract, you've always been polite to me."