1

CHAPTER TEN

In Hanoi’s old quarters, the street of Hang Buôm, also known as Duong Nhan (China Town) street,
was located close to the banks of the two rivers Nhi Ha (the Red river) and To Lich (the black river).
The convenient location of the docks and boats made it a major trading hub for goods from the Son
Nam Ha region and the North.

When the French set foot in Tonkin, the merchant Jean Dupuis 1 followed the Yellow Flag2 bandits
and the Yunnan Chinese soldiers3 into Hanoi and set up their headquarters there. Later, it became
their place of business and residence. The French took the Chinese as their support and therefore
protected them. Throughout the turbulent years, Hanoi went through several wars and fires. Many
streets of the Vietnamese were all destroyed and looted, but the streets of the Chinese were still safe
and intact

During those years, business was booming, and the Chinese merchants were getting rich quickly.
Hang Buom Street became a "Chinese Street" as the locals called it, in contrast to "French Street",
which was Trang Tien Street where the French were in charge.

Hang Buom's history revealed a fascinating transformation. Previously, it was a hub for traditional
Chinese medicine, with large importers from Hong Kong and Singapore driving the trade. Gradually,
the street transitioned into a culinary destination, attracting Chinese, Westerners, and wealthy
Vietnamese with a diverse range of Cao Lau (fine dining) restaurants.

One prominent establishment was Dong Hung Vien, renowned for its delectable lotus leaf rice and
fried chicken wings. Other restaurants offered a unique experience: intimate rooms for privacy and
large dining halls with stages for traditional performances like Tuong (Chinese classical theater) and
Hat Boi 4. Even children were catered to, with Quang Sinh Long specializing in roasted pigeon and
Tu Huong Lau offering fried sparrow, stir-fried beef, and more. The street became a haven for
gourmands, with a constant supply of delicacies like roasted meats, dumplings, Siu mai, and wonton
noodles.

Hang Buom holds a unique place in Hanoi's history. It was a bustling center of entertainment and
leisure. Visitors could find government-sanctioned opium establishments catering to varying
clientele, from luxurious rooms with attentive staff to more basic settings. The street was also
associated with prostitution, with brothels tucked within nearby alleys. Hang Buom additionally
offered a range of entertainment options, including seven theaters, casinos, and even a cinema called
Cine-Family, specializing in Hong Kong films. This made Hang Buom a popular destination for
wealthy individuals, merchants, and those involved in the arts and literature.

1 Jean Dupuis (1828-1912) was a French trader, explorer, and a controversial figure in Vietnamese history.
2 The Yellow Flag bandits" refers to the Taiping Rebellion, a major civil war in China that took place from 1850 to
1864.
3 (literally "Yunnan Chinese soldiers") refers to soldiers from the Yunnan province of China.
4 Hát bội is a traditional Vietnamese form of classical opera.
 2
The sky hung heavy with a leaden hue, a persistent drizzle layering the air with a chilling mist, a
stark reminder of winter's final days. Businessmen, clad in somber blacks and wide-brimmed hats,
bustled with intent. Their voices mingled into a noisy hum, punctuated by the creaking of the
occasional hand-drawn cart with wooden wheels. Elegantly dressed patrons emerged from these
carts, their rich brocades, padded cotton robes, and tailored Western suits concealed beneath floor-
length overcoats. Felt hats crowned their heads, and some leaned on canes or polished walking sticks
as they made their way towards the warmth of the pubs.

The road was slick and grimy, carts burdened with heavy, wet sailcloth sacks straining against bare-
chested laborers in loincloths. Behind them, two children in tattered brown shirts, their bodies thin
and exposed, struggled to help with the pushing. Dust and rain swirled through the street, interrupted
by the warm glow of open-air kitchens where food sizzled and tempting smells wafted out. The high-
pitched shouts of waiters taking orders mingled with the haunting melodies of Hat Boi performers
and the rhythmic clatter of mahjong tiles. These sounds wove together, creating a symphony unique
to Hang Buom

In a low, smoky wooden attic with windows overlooking the street covered in cheap watercolor
paintings of the Nhat Tan high-rise, there are two wealthy-looking men wearing turbans and long silk
robes with floral patterns that extend past their knees sitting before a small table. A charcoal brazier
with glowing red embers stood beside them, emitting a gentle warmth. The two men sat across from
each other, talking softly. Every so often, they would glance towards the door, as if waiting for
someone. They were half-brothers, sons of the wealthy Chinese medicine merchant Cửu Phẩm Phó
Đức Tiến, who owned several stores in the northern and central provinces under the name Phó Gia
Tường

Despite his younger age, Mr. Pho Duc Chi, with his tall, thin, almost skeletal face, long beard, and
thick round glasses, is the elder son due to his birth order in a polygamous family. He holds the title
of Pho Gia and has inherited the family fortune, continuing his father's business.

His younger brother, Pho Ba Thuan (nicknamed Hong Phong), is a few years older but the son of a
second wife. He possesses a plump physique, contrasting with his brother's thinness. Unlike Mr.
Pho, he had opted for a career in the civil service, departing from the family's business path.

Interestingly, despite their childhood quarrels, the brothers now share a strong bond, seemingly
closer than blood.

Mr. Duc Chi slowly lifted the square of red silk covering the stopper of the Mao Dai wine bottle,
which was immersed in a small bowl of steaming hot water. He poured wine into two small jade
cups. The clear wine had a strange, intoxicating aroma, reminiscent of rotting fruit. He raised a cup
of wine to me and said softly,

- Come on, let's finish this glass to warm up... Huh, spring has already begun but it's still so cold!

Using both hands to hold the cup of wine in Mr. Thuan's hand, he politely said:
 3
- Yes Sir, this year the cold is late... Sir... Why are you still waiting for Uncle Chinh?

- Yes... Having said that, I don't know if he will come or not? Just drink first... And I also have
something to tell you...

He raised the wine cup with both hands to face level, and both of them emptied the cup. Mr. Chi let
out a low sigh, stroked his thin beard with his hand, and said in a loud voice:

- It's been a long time since you came home to visit, bro. our father's angry with you... Why are
you so stubborn? We have everything at home, why do you go live in a boarding house? It's like
you don't care about us...!

Saying this, Mr. Chi frowned and shook his head, his hands trembling as he poured wine into two
cups, overflowing onto the table. Mr. Thuan still sat quietly, his hands folded in front of his stomach,
waiting for his brother's anger to subside before speaking slowly:

- I don't mean anything by it," Thuan said. "I'm just new to the job and I'm really busy. Living in a
boarding house is temporary. In a few days, when the old District Chief moves out, I'll have a
place to stay.

- I'm not just talking about now," the woman said. "For the past few years, you've been studying at
the Sỹ Hoạn School and you haven't come home to live with us. And if you don't like living
together, then why don't you stay in the house on Bát Đàn Street instead of renting a place? It’s
so embarrassing!

Mr. Thuan smiled and rubbed his hands, raised the cup of wine and invited him to say as if
apologizing:

- Well, I beg you, I'm sorry, I've given you a big house in the countryside, so why bother you
guys... Also, dad is recuperating at your place, bringing the kids here would make him more
tired... By the way, brother, how are dad’s eyes these days? I heard that Westerners just opened a
big eye hospital, maybe you should let me take dad there for a check up.

Mr. Chi shook his head and waved his hand:

”Don't talk to dad about this," Mr. Chi said. "He'll just get angry. The old man doesn't believe in
Western medicine, especially when he meets Western doctors. He hates them even more…. But let’s
talk about that later. "Now I ask," Chi went on. "You have finished mourning your wife, now you
must also think about remarrying, right? Now that you are about to take office, you must also have
someone to help you with your daily life and take care of the children. It's really a pity for them to be
orphaned at such a young age! I'm telling you the truth, it's not right according to the law of heaven
to live like this... Or do you still miss her? Why don’t you take the trouble to find her?”

Mr. Thuan looked up at him and sighed softly:

 4
- Thank you for your kindness... I also searched and asked people everywhere but still no trace...
It's also because of me...

Mr. Chi smacked his lips and interrupted:

- Well...Marriage is a matter of fate.

Mr. Thuan looked blankly into the empty space in front of him, Mr. Chi's voice seemed to echo from
a very far away place... On the wall made of thin, glossy wood panels, there was a picture of a
Shanghai girl curling up. The figure in the cheongsam dress faded away, revealing the graceful
figure of Mai in a four-piece dress with her hand spread out and a deep fan, looking at him with a shy
smile... The gentle shaking made Mr. Thuan suddenly awake, Mr. Chi's voice asked:

- Hey brother... What's wrong with you?

Mr. Thuan looked at him blankly and said softly:

- No... It's okay!

Mr. Chi grabbed Thuan’s wrist, attentively felt his pulse, then shook his head and said:

- It's not good, your pulse indicates your liver energy (qi) is too strong and does harm to your
spleen. So, have you been feeling bloated, bloated, or have pain for some time? or pain in the
lower abdomen?

Mr. Than nodded and said:

- Yes, sometimes it hurts a little and then goes away immediately, especially when I'm hungry or
it's too...

- That's it, it’s a sign of spleen and stomach weakness caused by irregular eating, staying up late at
night to read and think a lot, worrying and overthinking.... if you're not careful, it will lead to an
ulcer that will burst and then it's miserable. Huh, how could this happen to the son of a herbal
medicine family? It’s nonsense, utterly nonsense.

Mr. Thuan smiled and picked up the bottle of Maotai wine which was brewed in a bowl of hot water
and poured it into two cups. Mr. Chi pointed at the wine bottle with a stern look and said:

- You also have to abstain from this stuff, don't use too much of it, it's not good for you. Tomorrow
I'll get you the Huong Xa Luc Quan, adjust it with some ingredients, make a concoction and tell a
boy to bring it to your house..Try to take it, don’t take it lightly!.

Mr. Thuan raised his glass of wine, smiled and said evasively:

- To invite you... by the way, what were you talking about just now?

Mr. Chi asked again in confusion, then suddenly remembered:

 5
- What happened?... Oh... I was talking about fate... In life, it's common for people to have fate but
no destiny, my dear... And don't be angry with dad about this anymore. It seems that the old man
regrets it a lot...

Mr. Thuan lowered his voice:

- Dear brother, I don't dare... But when I think back to what Mr. Nghe said, I feel guilty towards
him... Against her...!

- Well, since it's heaven's destiny, how can you resist it? Besides, you've done your best... By the
way, I'll let you know that I already had someone do the work for your teacher’s country house,
but luckily you told me soon enough. If not, someone will buy it... So do you want to keep it in
his name or in your name...?

Mr. Thuan hesitated, not knowing what to say, then Mr. Chi continued:

- In my opinion, just register with your name and decide in due course.

Thinking for a moment, Mr. Thuan looked up and said to him:

- Dear, this is a little love that I want to repay my Quan Nghe, so please put the house in the names
of Mr. Truc and Ms. Mai... After all, he is still the son... If he survives this life, he will still have
a place for ancestral worship.... Even if he doesn't come back, Miss Mai still has a place to burn
incense for the Quan Nghe... And Mai’s nanny, you can just let them stay here and give her some
money every month on my behalf. In doing so, she can take care of the house and wait for the
news of Mai and her brother.... But please don't let them know I'm behind it!

Mr. Chi looked at Thuan, smiled slightly and shook his head:

- You really have such an affectionate heart. There will be more suffering, much more suffering
for you!

There were sounds of footsteps going up the wooden stairs, the door opened and a tall, thin young
man wearing a brown pardessus, a wide-brimmed hat hanging on his head, quickly walked in. Both
pulled up chairs and stood. wake up and say hello.

- Hello, Mr. Chinh

- Why so late, we've been waiting for you for a long time...!

The young man took off his hat and hung it on a hook. He ran his hand through his short, center-
parted hair, revealing a high forehead, bright, intelligent eyes, and a thin face that showed signs of
lack of food and sleep. His thin lips were firm and determined. He was Phó Đức Chính, a cousin who
was a few years younger than Mr. Thuận and Mr. Chi. Although he was young, he was a learned
man who had traveled far and wide and understood the spirit of defiance. He had spent many years
traveling all over Vietnam, even to Siam and Laos, looking for like-minded people to help him with
 6
his great plan. Mr. Chi's two brothers, although they admired him very much, were still somewhat
afraid of him."

Mr. Chinh hurriedly shook hands with the two men and smiled:

- Hello, brothers...I had something to do so I'm a bit late, I hope you'll forgive me...It's nice to meet
you here, I also have something to say.

Mr. Chi smiled politely as he pulled out a chair for Mr. Chinh and said:

- Whatever happens, just sit down here and drink a cup of wine to warm yourself up.

Mr. Chinh shook his thighs and hissed, took the cup of wine, Mr. Thuan gave it, took a sip of it,
opened his mouth loudly "Ha", turned to Mr. Thuan and asked cordially.

- I haven't seen you for a long time, I heard...

Mr. Chi interrupted:

- Your brother has just been appointed to the position of District Attorney with the rank of seventh
grade... When he takes office, I will invite you to join us.

Mr. Chinh smirked and said sarcastically:

- So you are already a parent to the people...Is it important that you can help the people or the
country in these turbulent times?

Mr. Thuan smiled slowly, poured wine into three cups and gave them to everyone, raised the cups
and said sincerely:

- Don't tease me... But today, my brothers and I, in admiration of your great ambition, have
prepared this feast to celebrate your return from afar and also to hear your insights on the current
situation... Come, let me invite you to a drink.

Three stood, raised glasses and drank. Then they turned the bowl over to show that they had finished
drinking. Mr. Chinh turned and gently patted Mr. Thuan's hand as he sat down and said:

- I'm sorry I just said that but it didn't mean anything, please forgive me.

Mr. Thuan smiled thoughtfully and said:

- I do know what kind of person you are...So what do you think should be done in this situation?

Mr. Chinh grabbed the cup hard and said softly:

- We must fight, for the sake of independence, freedom, democracy and civil rights...

Mr. Thuan gently shook his head and said in a low voice:
 7
- I do know that... But at this time, Confucianism was in decline, the people were ignorant and
backward, and there was constant unrest. The people were suffering, and the country was
exhausted in both strength and resources. Meanwhile, the Westerners were strong in military and
generals, rich in wealth, and advanced in technology. How could we resist them? Perhaps the
only way to become strong and prosperous is to learn from them and follow their example.

Having said that, Mr. Thuan took a sip of wine, then looked at Mr. Chinh and then looked at Mr. Chi,
waiting. Mr. Chinh lowered his glass of wine, frowned slightly, looked at Mr. Thuan, nodded and
said:

- What you said is partly right... But you only thought one thing and not two, life is not easy to
please people, especially when the hungry tiger is holding the prey in its mouth. "Do you think
the people before us didn't do what you think they should have done? Well, for example, Mr.
Luong Van Can opened the Dong Kinh School in the past to spread new ideas to his students, but
it was closed by the French after only a few months.". Also, Mr. Nguyen Van Vinh 5 a learned
man who had traveled to both China and the West. He wrote articles criticizing the French, the
Vietnamese, and even the Southern Court. He published several newspapers and magazines,
including Đông Dương Tạp Chí (Indochina Magazine), Trung Bắc Tân Văn (Central and
Northern New News), and An Nam Nouveau (New Annam), which was written in French and
called for social reform.", Again like Minister Pham Quynh, who was a mandarin of the Nguyen
Dynasty. As a supporter of the doctrine of Constitutional Monarchy, he also wrote for Nam
Phong magazine, founded the Khai Tri Tien Duc association, expanded people's knowledge, and
fought publicly for equality and fraternity.

Speaking in one breath, Mr. Chinh held his chest and panted but continued:

- To be fair, this is a good thing, but the idea of using the Direct rule (Truc Tri) theory to demand
that the Westerners fairly and effectively help the Annamese people learn about European
civilization so that one day when they have progressed, the people will naturally awaken and
drive them out to regain independence is absurd. It will be too late if we don’t act now!

Mr. Chinh shook his head and laughed loudly until tears flowed from his eyes. He pulled a dirty
handkerchief from his sleeve and dabbed his face. Mr. Chi also laughed, only Mr. Thuan frowned
and asked thoughtfully:

- So what should we do?

Mr. Chinh picked up a piece of century egg, a yam root, a slice of ginger, put it in his mouth, chewed
it, took a sip of wine, and then made a smack and said:

5 Nguyen Van Vinh (1882-1936) was a Vietnamese journalist, writer, and social reformer. He was a leading figure in the
early 20th century Vietnamese nationalist movement.
 8
- The world has just passed through the rages of war, France is no longer as strong as before, now
is the time for everyone to unite to form a political party... in Japan there was the Dong Minh
Hoi, now changed to the Quang Phuc Hoi. It was initiated by Mr. Phan Sao Nam with the help of
Ky Ngoai Marquis Cuong De, but these people are old and weak, some are incompetent and they
don’t have the judicious platform, so in my opinion, they cannot do big ... in China, now that the
Republic of China has been established. President Sun Yat-sen, whose name is Sun zhong-san,
led the Xinhai revolution to overthrow the Manchu Qing dynasty, forcing Emperor Puyi to
abdicate and establish a Democratic regime...Mr .Sun is a very dedicated and talented person
whose “the three principles of the people” doctrine has been spread among thousands of Party
members. It also set up overseas businesses to support the country. Even this Nhat Tan restaurant
is also where his financial activities happen.

Mr. Chu impatiently interrupted:

- So, what is the theory of “the Three Principles of the people”

- Nationalism, Democracy and Welfarism are the three cornerstones of this theory ... We are
considering how to base our party's doctrine on that..A party must have a platform and a doctrine
in order to act effectively and sustainably.

Mr. Thuan turned his wine cup and sighed:

- It's still borrowed and scavenged from others... When will our Southern country can rely on its
own strength...

Mr. Chinh looked at Thuan, smiled and said mockingly:

- Our country is weak, and resources are scarce. If we don’t rely on them, where do we turn to? Or
do you want to be like Mr. Vinh and Mr. Quynh, expecting civilization from the mother
country...

Mr. Chi lowered his voice and asked:

- Have we formed a party yet... Who is the party leader?

Mr. Chinh whispered:

- Then "Vietnam Nationalist Party", Nguyen Thai Hoc is the party leader... But now it is still a
secret. The Party is still promoting propaganda and enlisting more party members. The core of
the party are patriots who are learned and have resources, irrespective of sexes or social standing.
Pending the right time and favorable conditions, people would come together to rise in mutiny to
drive the Westerners out of the country and wrest back independence, freedom, civil rights, and
fraternity. Even if I have to sacrifice myself, I will do it.

Pausing for a moment, he used his hand to tear off the fatty, golden roasted bird leg, put it in his
mouth, chewed it, took a sip of Maotai, and continued:
 9
- The two of you are active party members... Therefore, everyone must work together to contribute
a lot of resources to the party so that when the uprising occurs, the party will have enough
resources to operate...

Suddenly there was a rumbling sound from afar that shook the whole sky. Three people quickly
stood and looked out the window. Down the street, children and adults panicked and ran back and
forth, looking up at the sky. Some were so scared that they lay down in the middle of the street,
crying and shaking uncontrollably.

Suddenly, a rumbling sound from afar shook the sky. The three hurriedly got up and looked out the
window. On the street, children and adults were running around in panic, looking up at the sky.
Some children were so scared they lay in the middle of the road, crying and kicking. The sky was
gray and dusty, and the noise grew louder, causing people to panic even more and run into the
corners of walls and doors. Three large iron birds flew in a row, flying low over the roofs, the
engines roaring and screaming, drowning out all other noises, causing many people to cover their
ears. A whole squadron of Breguet aircraft, which the people later called "Old Lady" aircraft, flew
and circled over the sky of Hanoi. Panic ensued, and many people calmed down, standing in the
middle of the street shouting and pointing.
Airplanes, Western airplanes, folks...
(in slurred Vietnamese) I saw flying in from over there...
Oh my god, why is it so big... If it falls, we will die...
Hei ay... in China we also have this...

The children were still terrified, they huddled in a corner, hugging their heads and crying. The three
planes circled twice before flying away, the engine noise gradually faded away. The three people
returned to the table; Mr. Chinh angrily growled:

- Well, these bastards want to show off their power to... It's easy to scare everyone so one day I'll
show them... Anyway, I must go now. I've been sitting here with you guys for half a day already.
I'll let you know when everything is ready. Just prepare the money. When we need it, I'll send
someone to get it.

Mr. Pho Duc Chinh stroked his hair, put on his hat, and walked quickly to the door. The two brothers
stood up and shook hands with him.

Mr. Pho Duc Chinh smoothed his hair, put the hat on his head, and quickly walked to the door. Both
brothers stood and shook hands to say hello. Mr. Chi said:

- Please take care, we are waiting to hear from you.

Sitting on the rickshaw returning, Mr. Thuan felt uneasy. He thought he had met a revolutionary and
heard good and bright things, but he became even more confused. He told the driver to tow him
straight to his hometown, partly to visit his grandmother and three children, partly to calm his heart.
 10
Doumer Bridge (present-day Long Bien bridge) was blowing in the wind. The skinny driver in a thin
shirt with a thin waist pulled the iron-wheeled handcart rolling on the wooden slats of the bridge.
Looking at the tragic scene, Thuan left the cart and walked, looking at the murky water flowing
lazily with a heavy heart.

Crossing the bridge, the car rolled quickly on the newly paved road with shiny black asphalt. Near
the beginning of the village, the cart stopped, his brocade coat was draped over his shoulder and he
walked straight, the rain and dust mixed with the smell of grass and trees mixed with the smell of
cattle dung . On the way, he turned to the village temple where his family and the entire Pho family
had contributed a lot to visit an old friend. This man was once a writer, later he was so bored with
life that he had his head shaved and became a monk. He was now the abbot of an ancient temple that
is almost two hundred years old.

Two people sat cross-legged next to a tea tray on a Mit 6 wooden platform in the left row of houses.
The discreet, elegant scent of Moc flowers mixed with the faint scent of incense made people's hearts
calm down. Mr. Thuan closed his eyes and sighed softly. The monk has a tall, white, scholarly
appearance, a brown robe, a large rosary around his neck, a long white beard covering his chest, a
gentle and calm face, slowly wiping his two slender hands like a woman's on the square oak cloth
and then carefully lifted the two cups of Chu Dynasty color poured the tea into two small cup and
said softly:

- I heard from the kids last month that you were coming home to visit, but you never stopped by.
What wind brings you, Sir, to the temple today?

Mr. Thuan frowned slightly, feigning anger.

- Brother, you're being so polite to me... If you address me like that, I won't be able to sit and serve
you...

The monk smiled and raised the cup of water to invite Mr. Thuan:

- Amitabha Buddha, this poor monk is just joking for fun, but I do know what kind of person you
are... You seem to have some trouble in your heart today, right?

Mr. Thuan smiled and shook his head and said softly:

- Nothing can escape your eyes, my dear brother... It is true that I also have many troubles that I
would like to seek your advice.

- Don't dare, don't dare... Amitabha Buddha, the door of Buddha's compassion is always open,
hoping for donors to enter.

6 Wood from jackfruit tree

 11
His mind was so confused with so many thoughts jostling in his head that Mr. Thuan didn't know
what to say... Looking back to see the monk holding the kettle and pouring water all over the cup
without stopping, he softly reminded:

- There, senior brother...!

The monk gently nodded and said:

- Well said, well said... People's hearts are like this cup of water, how could it be calm... Dajian
Huineng 7 taught: - Think not of good, think not of evil, then it’s time for inherent nature to
appear.

Mr. Than quietly raised his voice and retorted:

The teachings of the Buddha are difficult for ordinary people to follow, especially in these chaotic
times when right and wrong, good and bad are mixed up and change unpredictably. What can we do
to cope, dear brother?

The monk stroked his silver beard and spoke slowly:

- In stillness there is movement, and in movement there is stillness... Respond to all change with
unchangingness, and face all change with an empty mind...

Pausing for a moment, he smiled and continued:

- … and if the benefactor cannot follow, please change your clothes and be a poor monk like me,
to rely on the Buddha's doors to eat frugal meals for the day...

After speaking, he shook his thighs and recited a few verses:

The wise person is like the shining moon,
Lighting up the whole sky
If he don’t know how to distinguish between [the land of] Yan and Shu
Then go up to Phu Son mountain and sit and watch the evening smoke.

Late in the afternoon, the sky had cleared and a few pale rays of sunlight shone through. The old
monk invited Mr. Thuan to stay for a vegetarian meal.

The monastic meal was simple, consisting of green vegetables picked from the temple garden and
boiled, fried tofu with peanut oil, and corn cakes dipped in soya sauce from Ban township in Hung
Yen province.

The temple meal was frugal but delicious. Mr. Thuan kept praising it, saying:

7 Also commonly known as Sixth Ancestor of Chan (traditional Chinese: 禪宗六祖 ), is a semi-legendary but central
figure in the early history of Chinese Chan Buddhism
 12
- This is the best meal I've had in a long time. Much better than royal delicacies.

The monk smiled and said,

- That's because the donor uses a lot of meat and fish so it's unique, but people like us probably
can't stand pickles all year round.

The two sat and talked for a long time before breaking up. When he left, Mr. Thuan felt more
relaxed, the burden in his heart was a little lighter, but his anxiety was not relieved at all. He realized
that the common point between revolutionary people and spiritual practitioners is that they give up
everything to follow one direction, the only difference is in the way they behave... But he cannot
follow them because he has many problems. profanity, family responsibilities. As he walked slowly
and high, he was so lost in thought that he paid no attention to the greetings of the villagers. When he
got home, it was already dusk.

The spacious wooden house, with its three rooms and two wings, echoed with the chaos of children.
Four-year-old Hung, a chubby boy spoiled by his grandmother, sat on the steps. His nose dripped,
and he wailed in frustration. His younger sisters Diem and At one year apart, their mouths smeared
with food, cried in sympathy while their nanny tried to feed them.

Grandma, the woman Thuan owed so much to for raising him years ago, was now in her 70s but still
tirelessly cared for her great-grandchildren. Her bald head, blurry eyes, and wrinkled face marked the
passage of time, and her back was hunched. Yet, she sat patiently beside her wailing great-grandson,
trying to soothe him.

She told Hung to be a good boy and promised to scold the nanny for teasing him. As she spoke, she
swatted at the mosquitoes around his legs with a bunch of leaves. But her words only seemed to
make Hung scream louder, his legs kicking the tile floor. The house was dim, lit only by a flickering
oil lamp. In the humid air, mosquitoes rose in thick clouds, and bats darted amongst them, having left
their nests for the night

Mr. Thuan entered the gate and the dogs, seeing familiar faces, rushed out with joy. Seeing the
children’s tear-streaked cheeks, his heart ached. Though his marriage to their mother had not been
born from the kind of love he envisioned, her tragic death from a rabid dog bite left him burdened
with both grief and responsibility.

Even during his demanding years of study, Mr. Thuan never neglected his children. He planned to
have them live with him once he had a more stable position, ensuring their upbringing and education.
However, the thought of raising them alone was daunting – he worried about being an adequate
substitute for both mother and father.

The idea of finding a stepmother crossed his mind, but the risk gnawed at him. Could he find a
woman virtuous and kind enough to love his children as her own? For a time, Miss Mai seemed like
the only possibility - she alone possessed those qualities. Yet, she remained elusive, a distant hope.
After countless disappointments, the search felt futile.
 13
That night, he lay next to Hung and couldn't sleep. He got up and sat on the couch, rolling a
cigarette, and slowly smoking... Images of five years ago appeared clearly in his mind like it was just
yesterday.:

After the day of returning home to pay homage to his ancestors, Thuan was forced by his father to
marry a person he did not love. After the tragic wedding night, Thuan fell ill for a whole month. His
mind was confused, his mind unsettled. He didn't know what to do. For one, he wanted to go to thank
Quan Nghe, his teacher and apologize to Mai. Meanwhile, he was worried and scared. He didn't
know what to tell the person he loved most.

He hesitated again and again until the end of the second lunar month, when he saw that he was
feeling a little better and his mind was calmer, he dared to visit the teacher.

Cu, the handyman of the family put the burden of offerings down in front of Quan Nghe's house,
panting heavily and wiping his sweaty face with the hem of his shirt He then helped Thuan change
into his formal clothes. The space was unusually quiet, every year at this time there must be the
sound of students rushing from inside, but now why was there no human voices? Called a few times,
but no one answered. The gate was slightly closed. Thuan gently pushed the gate and walked in,
looking around lazily. The rows of row houses were deserted, with tables and chairs strewn with
spider webs. This old main house, which was quiet, was even quieter. The doors and tables were
closed. The yellow dog lying on the bed became more lazy and didn't bite, raised its neck to look,
then curled up and went back to sleep. Thuan called loudly:

- Uncle Bong... U Mai oh... Anyone home?

Thuan's voice sank into the lonely space with the faint scent of grapefruit flowers... Confused and not
knowing what to do, there was a soft squeaking sound. Mai’s nanny stepped through the middle door
frame and suddenly saw Thuan, surprised and quickly ran to grab it. Shaking her hands and crying,
she said softly:

- Thuan, oh my god, it's Mr. Thuan... You're wonderful...It’s Buddha's blessing that the old man is
still able to see you...

- My teacher, where is Quan Nghe?

- He's in his room... He's very weak... He keeps talking about you... It's a pity that since the day
Mr. Truc left, he's been getting weaker and the soldiers have come day and night to interrogate
him, they've been cruel. It's so bad that no one dares to visit him anymore... Come in, come on in!

As she spoke, she looked around fearfully as if afraid someone was watching.

Thuan quickly walked up the steps to his room and was suddenly called back by Mai's nanny:

- - Please go this way, don't open the door, the wind will make him tired!
 14
As she spoke, she led Thuan into the middle door frame. In the dim light of two oil lamps, only the
size of beans on the altar, Thuan caught a glimpse of Mai's white shadow hidden behind the door. He
knew it was her but didn't dare to stop, he quickly followed her nanny in. The room was dim, the
musty smell of agarwood was lingering, adding to the gloomy atmosphere. Quan Nghe was half-
lying, half-sitting on a thin mattress spread out in the middle with his arms hanging down, with Bong
supporting his back. He was very thin, the thick cotton shirt could not hide the shriveled appearance
of his body, his breathing was wheezing and intermittent, sometimes accompanied by gut-wrenching
coughs, but his eyes were as bright as burning coal. At his feet was a bowl of half-finished
concoction. Perhaps Ms. Mai was giving him this when she heard Thuan's voice and avoided his
presence by entering the room...?

Mr. Nghe was tired and gently raised his hand to point at the candle. Mai's nanny understood and
quickly lit it. The candlelight shone, reducing the cold and gloom of the room. Feeling so sorry for
his beloved teacher, tears welled up. Thuan knelt and cried softly:

- My apology, Master. I'm so guilty... I'm sorry for you... Please let me...!

Mr. Nghe smiled bitterly, gently waved his hand for Thuan to stand up, tremblingly grabbed Thuan's
hand and pulled Thuan to sit next to him and whispered:

- Son, it's not your fault... I can't blame you... She's not lucky... Let her be your concubine...

A long, dry cough made him grimace in pain. He raised his dry hand full of blue veins and trembled,
pointing to the box containing small pre-rolled opium pills. Bong quickly took one and put it in his
mouth. He tilted his neck and rolled his eyes, trying to swallow the pill. The pain gradually subsided.
He tightly grasped Thuan's hand. His hot hand gradually shook his mouth and whispered:

- I probably won't survive... my family fortune... is exhausted... I treat you like my son... I just
hope... You take care of the two... I am obliged to you...

Saying this, he tiredly let his hands hang down, eyes closed, breathing heavily. Thuan burst into tears
and cried loudly, holding his teacher's hand tightly with both hands, kneeling next to his mouth and
stammering without a sound:

- Master... Please get better... I... I promise you... I promise... Master...

Mr. Nghe opened his eyes slightly, shook his head and whispered in a broken voice:

- Don't cry... If you're like that, I'll know... Whom to rely on...

For nearly a month, Thuan abandoned his duties to care for ailing Mr. Nghe, never finding a moment
to speak with Mai. He sensed her enduring anger, longed for a single chance to plead his case, but
she evaded him. Thuan poured his despair into letters begging forgiveness, but none received a reply.
The mere sound of his voice drove Mai to seek refuge. She would bury her face in pillows, sobs
wracking her body. One night, his whispered pleas echoed from beyond her door. Love's torment
threatened to consume her... she dragged herself to the barrier, desperate to fling it open, to fall into
 15
his arms and weep... Yet Mai remained silent, teeth clenched, swallowing her anguish. Was it pride?
Or had disappointment hardened her heart?

Thuan had no idea he collapsed on the sofa every night after caring for his teacher. Mai would stand
for hours in the doorway, the dim oil lamp highlighting her lover's exhaustion. Her heart felt heavy,
her fingers digging into the doorframe as she held back tears. Even when Thuan rushed home to get
more medicine, she followed, hiding in the whispering cornfield. Mai watched his figure fade into
the mist or driving rain, then walked home, face streaked with tears. "Life is a sea of suffering, love
is an injustice"... it always seemed that way

Mai lived like a shadow. During Thuan's absence, Quan Nghe called her up several times to give her
advice, but Mai just silently bowed her head and cried... Pretexting that she must go to the market far
away, she left at dawn and didn't return home until late at night. The nanny manages all household
chores but Mai secretly took care of everything for her father and him.

Thanks to the tonic medicine, Mr. Nghe got a little better. Thuan was secretly happy. He planned to
take him to a Western hospital for examination. He didn't dare to talk to him yet, but he knew that his
master’s lung disease could only be treated with Western medicine. At this point, Thuan received an
official letter from his superior mandarin assigning him to work as a Mobile Military Officer
(translator) in the Nha Nam region, where fierce battle was going on between the De Tham
insurgents and the royal military and French soldiers. Thuan had to rush and only had enough time to
send a few doses of tonics and a letter of apology to Quan Nghe.

Four months later when he returned, everything was different. Mr. Nghe had become an ancient man,
and Ms. Mai had left, disappearing after the forty-nine-day rites for her father. Even Mr. Truc's
whereabouts were unknown. The house was almost deserted, Bong, the servant, had also left to find
a living, leaving only Mai's nanny in the desolate, gloomy house. He heard that Quan Nghe’s
relatives were planning to sell the house. For half a month, he wandered all over the Kinh Bac area
but still had no news of her... Lighting incense sticks on Quan Nghe's still-green grave, Thuan
painfully realized the end of a long era. The glorious coronation years of the kings, the rituals of
mandarins and concubines...all had withered away, replaced by an uncertain new society. Just as his
own world had been overturned, the old order was gone.

The night passed heavily, the air was damp and chilly. Mr. Thuan sighed and lit another cigarette...
the flickering red light from the oil lamp cast his shadow on the wall. The buzzing of hungry
mosquitoes, the squealing of rats in the paddy bin, the delirious gurgling of the children with the
nanny's sleepy, intermittent lullaby, the sound of dogs biting ghosts echoing in the distance... Silent
night The silence is so long it seems like it never dawns...

One night he stayed awake, Mr. Thuan felt tired and intended to stay another day or two to rest, but
suddenly remembered that today he had to go to the District House for the handover of work from
his predecessor. If he is delayed, it might cause inconvenience. He quickly took the first freight train
back to Hanoi with sadness and restlessness in his heart. Actually, there wasn't much work, signing
papers and books, reviewing and re-checking tax books and records of residents in the district... The
 16
morning's work was quickly done, and in the afternoon he spent time going to meetings. Several
dignitaries visited him, and he consulted his subordinate colleagues. When he returned home, seeing
that it was still early, he stopped by Lan Vien Garden to visit Mr. Nam Diem, an innovative
industrialist and also a man he always admired.

Entering the Tam Mai Gate, Mr. Thuan was led by a servant into a sprawling estate. The grand house
blended Asian and European styles, a testament to Nam Diem’s wealth. The floor is made of stone
blocks several meters high. The ironwood columns run long around the wide porch, paved with
black-and-white floral ceramic tiles, a new product from his factory and much-sought after by well-
off customers. In front of the house is a large brick yard with a semicircular lake and an octagonal
floor with a green glazed tile roof. On the brick pillars built around the lake, the four sacred animals
Dragon, Unicorn, Tortoise, and Phoenix are of crimson or blue enamel, looking both fierce yet
beautiful. Rows of willows quietly cast shadows on the water surface. Countless large and small
ceramic pots planted with dahlias, marigolds and chrysanthemums are placed on pedestals lined up
in two rows on the walkway leading to the octagonal house. In the distance, there are luxuriant rows
of fruit trees with zigzag narrow red-tiled roads.

The quiet space, the charming scenery, the fragrant scent of flowers and grass made Mr. Thuan
ecstatic... His nerves seemed to have eased, the fatigue of the past few days suddenly disappeared, he
leisurely clasped his hands behind his back and walked over. by the lake. The surface of the water is
clear and calm, with the occasional sound of fish stirring at the feet of the duckweeds. Dry lotus
leaves float on the surface of the water next to the fresh shoots of lotus sprouts rising up, signaling
life. The return of spring... He was so absorbed in his contemplation that he didn't notice the sound of
footsteps approaching.

- Hello, respected mandarin! - Mr. Nam Diem’s jovial voice started him from his reverie - What
wind brings you to my humble abode?

Thuan bowed awkwardly.

- Dear sir, please forgive my intrusion. May I continue to call you as before, for old time’s sake?

Nam Diem chuckled.

- Nonsense! Now that you are the parent of this district, such formality… Well , have it your way.
This of me as a friend, old friend.

- Thank you. - Thuan murmured, relief washing over him - I hope to treat you as an elder, so I may
benefit from your wisdom.

- Wisdom is overrated. - Nam Diem quipped. - But come, let us sit upstairs. I heard of your
appointment and meant to congratulate you myself. A precious visit indeed!

They ascended to the Tinh Tam pavilion, a haven of white stone and patterned cushions. Nam Diem
poured tea from a strange contraption. “A thermos, they call it.” he explained, a twinkle in his eye.”
Keep the water hot all day! Western ingenuity, wouldn’t you say?”.
 17
Just then, a servant hurried in, bowing low.” Sir, Tax officials have arrived. Your eldest son requests
your presence.

Mr. Nam Diem signed:

- Not a moment’s peace, it seems. Please enjoy the tea. Wander the gardens if you like. I will
return as soon as possible.

Left alone, Thuan sipped his tea, the bitter-sweetness lingering on his tongue. The scent of orange
blossoms drifted through the open windows. Then, a burst of laughter shattered the quiet. Intrigued,
he wandered into the garden, following the sound of a hidden grove.

“- This monster has nine straps and twelve eyes!” a girl’s voice cried, playful and menacing.
Suddenly, she careened from the busher, nearly colliding with him. Her eyes widened in surprise, a
blush blooming across her face before a dazzling smile erupted. With a flick of her long hair, she
darted away, her laughter echoing behind her.

Thuan stood frozen, his heart pounding. It was her - the girl from Tet. Something tightened in his
chest, a strange, exhilarating mix of joy and unease. Another child scrambled from the bushes,
shrieking, “Sister Sau, a stranger!”.

Mr. Thuan tried to calm down but his heart was still in shock... Her eyes, her mouth, her laughter, the
scent of a virgin still lingered somewhere... His heart was in turmoil, he rubbed his chest with his
hand where his heart was still there. sobbing. Really, since his first love broke up, he had never felt
like that, that feeling of trembling ecstasy as if there was an electric current running through his
body, causing his nerves to numb. He hurried away, sending apologies to Nam Diem and fleeing the
enticing grounds.

He dismissed it as a fleeting impression, the kind that comes and goes, but that was not the case. For
days on end, except for the hours consumed by his official work, Mr. Thuan's thoughts drifted to that
girl whenever he found a spare moment. Nights were the worst. He'd light incense and turn on lamps
to read late into the evening. But with every page, her face and laughter replaced the words, leaving
him bewildered.

That night and the nights that followed, offered no respite. Her face haunted him, the memory of her
scent stirring a longing he did not understand. How could this young girl disrupt his life? It defied
reason, yet there it was. Foolish, he knew. Yet, the feeling refused to fade. It was stronger than good
sense, stronger than duty.

Each time he passed the Tam Mai gate, he'd abandon his cart and walk, gazing towards the house. A
strange mix of joy and worry filled him, a desire to enter and inquire once more. Yet, shyness held
him back.

Finally, the longing was too much to bear. He asked someone to inquire, her name was Ninh - Co
Sau, as her family called her. She was the sixth daughter of Mr. Nam Diem’s family. And she is
 18
expected to attend high school. After sleepless nights and internal debate, Mr. Thuan decided. He
would tell his father, speak to his brother, and ask his sister-in-law to find a match maker.

The family was overjoyed. Mr. Chi had an auspicious day chosen; a feast prepared to honor the
ancestors. Even Mr. Cuu Tien, eyes blind and body frail, struggled to sit, his voice slurred but filled
with undeniably joy,” I am delighted… I wish you luck… I give you another house… on the street of
…. Bring her to see me.”

Mr. Thuan, deeply moved, held his father's hand: “Thank you, father. Thank you. On our wedding
day, I will bring my wife to kowtow before you!

Mr. Cuu Tien smiled with satisfaction evident on his face. Mr. Chi patted his shoulder

- You're doing this so that dad won't regret it and the rest of the family will feel secure... Come on,
let's call Uncle Mai to the top floor of Quang Sinh Long to make a drink... I heard roasted pigeon,
a new dish there, is very delicious. Just leave everything to the ladies and we'll do it on a good
day.

The news of the engagement of Miss caused Mr. Nam Diem's household to be in an uproar.
Everyone was asking each other if it was true, who the groom was and what he was like.Mrs. Nam
Diem was both happy and worried. Her daughter would be a high-ranking wife and this is not a
common occurrence. Mrs Nam Diem was only worried that she's too young to be the wife of a
mandarin who is a model of motherhood. She was concerned that the neighbors and other people
would be watching, that her daughter might do something wrong and embarrass her husband, her in-
laws, and her own parents.

The older siblings were curious as to why the new mandarin picked up Co Sau, despite her being
stubborn and mischievous like a devil. And the younger sisters kept laughing at her, making Ninh so
angry that she cried. Whenever they saw her, they would sing loudly:

- How ugly are the bride and groom, putting baskets on their heads and going into the kitchen,
stigmatizing.

At first, she was very angry, scolded, chased and beat the group, told Mr. and Mrs. Nam Tiem, then
gradually ignored it and just pouted and glared. She also didn't care about getting married, seeing it
as a joke among the sisters in the family. It was only when Mr. and Mrs. Nam Diem called her to say
that she was really scared. She insisted that no matter how much she tried to persuade her, she
wouldn't listen and just cried and asked to stay home and go to school. Mr. Nam Diem was furious
and beat her, then left her into the warehouse and declared:

- No one is allowed to open the door for her... Don't give her anything to eat or drink - As for you,
if you don't agree, you must suffer. When the wedding day comes, I will throw you up and let
them take the car home...

Even though he said that he felt sorry for his daughter... At first, Mr. Nam Diem was also
dissatisfied, not because something was wrong about Thuan or because he was a widower with three
 19
children. The main thing was Mr. Nam Diem’s disappointment. He had put a lot of hope in Ms. Ninh
and planned for her to succeed him in the future, so all his plans were ruined... Being a pragmatic
person, he despised the reputation of Provincial and District mandarin thinking that these are just
nonsense games, puppets set up to take advantage of people. For him, making money is important.
"No business, no wealth". An idea occurred to his mind and he was determined to carry it out.

After the pre-engagement tea party, Mr. Nam Diem invited Mr. Thuan to stay for a private
discussion. Once alone, their voices remained soft, but the tension was clear. Mr. Nam Diem pulled
out all the stops, trying to convince Mr. Thuan to leave his current job and join the factory. He
promised that within a few years, once Mr. Thuan had learned the ropes, he could retire and leave
Thuan and his wife in charge.

"I know your character," Mr. Nam Diem said. "You're careful, diligent, and gentle. Ninh, on the
other hand, is ambitious, clever, and hungry for success. She's the only one in the family with the
drive to carry on my work. Together, you two would be an unstoppable force..."

"This child of mine wasn't made for a life of leisure. She needs to work with her hands – it's the way
of those born in the year of the buffalo. Let her sit idle, and you risk spoiling her. Do you still hold
those old-fashioned notions about industry being beneath you?"

Mr. Thuan softly said:

- I dare not think that way. My family is also pursuing a business career in the market, but family
etiquette has long taught that women must obey their husbands when they get married, and their
sons must obey them, right? I can't do anything else... Sir, if you allow me to form a relationship,
I promise to let her (Ninh) learn the family's traditional Chinese medicine trade and one day
expand it into a shop. I don't dare to let her be idle and become a bad person, sir...

- - I know, I know you think that's right... But what about this factory...

Mr. Thuan politely interrupted Mr. Nam Diem:

- Sir, our family's business is growing, you are still healthy and bright, with Bac Truong (the
eldest) and Cau Muoi (the 10th child of the family) supporting and your brothers-in-law and
sisters-in-law working hard together, so why worry? I think that even if you love me, I cannot
meddle in the family's private matters. I hope you will forgive me...

In the next room, Ninh peeked through the door, eavesdropping on their conversation. She wasn't
ordered to bring water to the guests, allowing the groom's family to see her, until much later. Scared
and embarrassed, she kept her head bowed, not daring to look up. Only then did she take a good look
at him. Ah, it was the man who helped her stand the other day! After that brief encounter, she'd felt a
touch of confusion but quickly forgot about it. He was handsome, his fair skin suggesting the status
of a high-ranking mandarin. She also admired his gentle, yet firm way of speaking – a hint of
defiance toward her father, who commanded absolute obedience from everyone in the household,
including sons-in-law. While she initially disliked hearing he'd been married before, the news that
 20
his wife had passed away and he was only twenty-five eased her mind. Still, a lingering fear
remained.

That's it, everything is arranged. Next month, the groom's family brought betel and areca tea and
wine to the wedding ceremony and asked for the bride's fortune sheet to clearly state her date of birth
so that the fortune teller could read her horoscope... Mr. Chi was unhappy and thought it was two
years old. If these two fates are different, if they continue to combine, it will be harmful to his sister
(Ninh). On the contrary, Mrs. Chi defended herself:

- Traditionally, women were seen as being devoted to their families, and smaller body types were
associated with femininity." Wait and see if what I say is right!

Mr. Thuan smiled and said to the two people:

- Well, I beg you two, no matter how good or bad, now that I have chosen her... man proposes, god
disposes. If it’s fate, there is no way to avoid it. And for me at this age, with three children, she is
good enough!

Mr. Chi grumbled:

- What's the point of talking to you. You're so smitten with her that you've lost your mind. You
agree with everything she says, no matter how ridiculous... You don't even pay attention to your
fortune, and yet you call yourself a bookworm!

Mr. Thuan did not know what else to say. He just clasped his hands and bowed to the two of them:

- I'll accept it... Just ask you two to take care of it for me...!

After the pre-engagement ceremony, the two families went to find out the date for the engagement in
the eighth lunar month. The groom's family brought over a pair of roasted pig carried by four people,
two large trays of red sticky rice, pairs of Chung cakes and Dày cakes filling four lacquered round
boxes, two hundred each of cốm cakes, su sê cakes, and cộng cakes, two thousand betel nuts and two
thousand betel leaves, Chinese tea and Mai Quế Lộ wine filling two carts.

Mr. Nam Diem ordered the lanterns to be lit and a large firecracker to be set off to welcome the
groom's family, then opened a feast to entertain them. The children had the opportunity to wear new
clothes and tease Ms. Sau until she cried. Since then, the groom's family regularly brought seasonal
gifts- In the eighth lunar month, they brought green rice and pink rice cakes... In the ninth and tenth
lunar months, they brought new rice and claypot birds…Every time that happens, Mrs. Nam Diem
ordered her daughters to divide them in half, wrap them up carefully, and bring them back to the
groom's house, which is called “gifts reciprocated by the bride’s family”.(“Đồ lại quả”)

Since then, Co Sáu was no longer allowed to go to school. She had to do the cooking, sewing, and
embroidery all day long. Mrs. Năm Diệm taught her everything, from how to speak and walk to how
to behave. She even hired a midwife to teach her how to change diapers and bathe children. And
 21
even the most intimate matters were taught to Ninh by her mother and older sisters. Co Sáu was so
embarrassed and angry that she cried and complained

- If getting married is so miserable... It's better not to marry ...!

Mrs. Nam Diem laughed and scolded her in a loving way:

- Silly girl... You will be enchanted with your marriage one of these days. At that time, when I ask
you to go home, you will spout and say I must return to my husband. That will be true as life.

Then she whispered again:

- Being a daughter is like a raindrop falling, one drop falling into a rice jar, one drop falling into a
mud puddle. You must get rid of your stubbornness and learn to be sweet and savory.

Men like sweet wives. Therefore, you should remain calm, even when he gets angry. This is
important to maintain a loving relationship. as for the children in the family. Also, remember to treat
them fairly, irrespective of whose child it was, this command of respect from your husband have you
heard?

Only a few months after the engagement ceremony, Ms Ninh had changed a lot. She was no longer
the mischievous and playful girl she once was. Her innocent look gradually disappeared, replaced by
a woman's natural instincts. Not only her looks but her temperament had changed. Now she looked
like a grown-up.

Although she was embarrassed, she liked to be called Ba Huyen or Big Lady.

Little did she know that ahead would be a life of hardship and hardship that would weigh heavily on
her small shoulders with only her will and strength. Her intelligence and great sacrifice helped her
overcome everything to raise her young children during the tumultuous and lost years of her entire
life.

The wedding ceremony took place at the end of the year of Ky Mui (Goat), when Ms. Ninh was just
nineteen years old.

END OF EPISODE ONE

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