Today’s Enlightening Entertainment will be presented in Aulacese (Vietnamese), with subtitles in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Hungarian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Thai.

The drum tempo varies between fast and slow, merging with singing voices which at times are elevated in pitch, other times deep and powerful. In brilliant costumes, lissome movements are in every gesture. Actors and actresses are differentiated by distinctive make-up, so that the audience can easily identify between the loyal and the obsequious, the noble ranks and humble subjects.

This is hát bội (classical theatre), a performing art in Âu Lạc (Vietnam), originating from the common people and becoming more widespread among them in the 13th century under the Lý and the Trần dynasties. In the later Lê dynasty, classical theatre was introduced to the Court to entertain the royal family and mandarins.

In the 19th century, Mr. Đào Tấn developed classical theatre and opened a performing school. He also built the first classical theatre in Bình Định province, central Âu Lạc. Since then, classical theatre has flourished in both artistic and literary aspects. Classical theatre operas are often based on historical references, highlighting moral values. Today, classical theatre is considered a traditional performing art of Âu Lạc.

On Enlightening Entertainment, Supreme Master Television is pleased to introduce different forms of arts from Âu Lạc (Vietnam), as well as from other countries in the world, in order to share the beauty and cultures of the peoples on our planet.

The classical theatre opera “Legend of a National Mother” was based on a tale of the Champa people in Âu Lạc about the Mother Goddess Po Nagar (also venerated by the people as Goddess Ya Na or Lady Jade), a holy mother who taught people to weave and plant rice, so they could live independently and prosperously.

The story also demonstrates that all heavenly arrangements are derived from God’s boundless compassion, so that all souls have the opportunity to advance. Till this day, every year from the 20th to 23rd days of the third month of the lunar calendar, local people, especially in central Âu Lạc, still celebrate the Po Nagar Festival to express gratitude to a beloved National Mother.

We now invite you to enjoy part 1 of the classical theatre opera “Legend of a National Mother” by playwright Nguyễn Sỹ Chức. This opera will be presented in 2 episodes,

with performances by artists Kim Hùng as Prince Lưu Quang, Thu Hà as Fairy Dương Ngọc, Thanh Hoa as Phú Loan, Bạch Én as Holy Queen Mother, Xuân Hùng as Phú Long, Như Yến as Chế Phụng, Kim Khiên as Thúy Hồng, Anh Sang as the Jade Emperor, Văn Nghiêm as Southern Sphere Deity, Quang Hưng as Northern Sphere Deity, Hữu Hải as Thunder Deity, and other artists.

We thank you for watching Enlightening Entertainment today. Please stay tuned to Supreme Master Television. Words of Wisdom is coming up. So long for now.

We’re the saints and fairies from a hundred grottos and nine lakes, gathering here. May almighty Jade Emperor preside over Paradise and reign over all creations.

Be at ease!

Long live the Jade Emperor!

I’m the legendary God, eternally titled “Jade Emperor.” I ride the benign wind, my supremacy renowned in ten directions. I tread down dark clouds to pacify the six realms. On the occasion of this Double Nine day, I open a celestial festival to celebrate the nine palaces’ peaceful time and the eight directions’ bounteous blessings. Fays! (Yes.) Present your lively singing and dancing for me and the thousands of fairies and deities to relish our jade cups of nectar to our hearts’ content!

Yes. A pearl is infused with royal grace. Nine strata of suns and moons reverberate with music. Gentle breeze wafts the ethereal grottos. Tender air permeates the millions of courtyards. Lush willows silhouette in the palace front. Crystalline pear blossoms are dotted with snowy dew. Luscious ambrosia, blissful melody, and rainbow dances delight the celestial assembly. Luscious ambrosia, blissful melody, and rainbow dances delight the celestial assembly.

Let’s celebrate! Oh, how strange! What kind of an unusual sound is it that makes me half elated, half agitated? I feel dazed all of a sudden listening to this music resonating from the lower realm.

Very bizarre! Very extraordinary! Your Divinity, allow me to go to the north gate of the Celestial Palace to find out what it is.

I approve. Thunder Deity!

Yes. (Carry it out!) Order obeyed.

Revered Jade Emperor! Earth is now lively with the sound of gongs, elegant singing and dancing. Young men and women from all villages gather to rejoice in festivities.

What!? Young men and women from all villages gather to rejoice in festivities?

Yes.

So, the worldlings are celebrating? But what are they celebrating, Thunder Deity?

Revered Jade Emperor, from what I saw, rain and wind have ceased to threaten Earth; hurricane has halted for the time being. But the oddest thing is amidst the vast water body, now suddenly appears a mountain alongside the forest helping the earthlings escape the great flood.

How infuriating! For the last few days, I’ve ordered the Water World’s Crown Prince to raise the Eastern Sea level and use aquatic monsters to punish the world because moral values are lost in human relationships, and kindness and gratefulness are absent among people. Some celestial beings must have used their magic power to manifest a high mountain amid the swamp and help the lower world escape the great flood.

Revered Jade Emperor, please have the Thunder Deity descend on Earth immediately and seize the one who deliberately disobeys orders for a fair trial according to Heaven’s law. Let the nine levels of saints, sages and fairies realize God the Jade Emperor’s supremacy.

Petition approved. Thunder Deity! (Yes.) Carry out orders! (Yes.)

By Heaven’s decree, I have brought here the culprit.

Who is that, Thunder Deity?

My Lord, that is fairy Dương Ngọc, a disciple of Western Palace Holy Queen Mother.

What? The one who causes disturbance and turns topsy-turvy heavenly law is a disciple of the Holy Queen Mother on fairy palace? What have you to say, fairy Ngọc Vân?

Ngọc Nữ, child! Report to His Divinity what happened.

Revered Jade Emperor, I humbly think that in governing the Earth, we should rely on kindness and generosity to convert people. Why has Heaven the heart to use harsh punishment and sow misery and resentment?

Be quiet! Don’t you forget that all this time on Earth, the strong oppress the weak, the wealthy repress the poor. They wage wars to expand territories. They hold neither veneration for God in Heaven nor regard for the Goddess on Earth. Thus Heaven must have severe punishments for earthly people to realize that their existence or destruction and all topsy-turvy are caused by the self-opinion of what is right and wrong.

Your Divinity, though the world engages in fierce fights, it’s due to those who covet fame and wealth. But other people in eight directions are very kind and caring. It’s the wicked who must be disciplined for their serious offenses, while the decent people should enjoy heavenly grace. Doing so is true sagacity; judging so is true wisdom. I humbly implore the mighty God to make a judicious judgment. Heaven shouldn’t let all earthly people endure the same misfortune.

Be quiet! How a punishment or reward is carried out in the universe is Heaven’s business. How could Heaven’s decision or judgment be erroneous?

How could it be wrong?

Revered Jade Emperor, I personally think Dương Ngọc should be exiled to Earth for three full years to experience the suffering worldly life.

That’s right! We must let all celestial deities see that as an example.

We must wholeheartedly repay heavenly grace.

Very reasonable! Very advisable! One who doesn’t appreciate life in Paradise must join in the worldly existence. One who spurns the power of the Ninth Celestial realm will be banished to the perilous life on Earth.

Revered Jade Emperor!

Talk no more, Queen Mother! I do not wish to discuss this further. Thunder Deity! (Yes.) After three resounding strikes of the celestial copper drum, exile Dương Ngọc to Earth right away!

Order obeyed.

Court dismissed.

O Jade Emperor!

Alas, I’ll be confined on Earth for three long years.

Ngọc Nữ, my child!

O Queen Mother, after my departure, I’ll gaze up above at the Ninth Palace in anguish, braving countless hardships. O Holy Queen Mother!

Ngọc Nữ, O child!

Who will think of a lonesome soul? Inescapable is the net of Heaven and Earth. Unassuaged is my sorrow.

Beloved child!

I grieve my plight. Now I take leave, tearful and heartbroken.

The celestial drum resounds at the celestial palace. It’s time to bid farewell. My sorrow is untold, my grief immeasurable, O child!

Queen Mother!

Who has the heart to devise misfortune, sending you to the deep forest and mountain? Now you’ll go to the far end of the sky and sea. You’ll create affinity with the earthlings to where you are exiled. Your steadfast heart of goodness will shine brightly when you return to Paradise. Ngọc Nữ!

Per Divine order, I am to exile fairy Dương to the lower world. If you deliberately act against it, Earth will be your eternal prison.

Ngọc Nữ, child!

Say what you want to say quickly and let me carry out our superior’s order.

Alas, I resent the lofty authority. I’m frustrated despite my full magic power. How I pity your bearing so much bitterness! I’m choked with tears at the parting moment, O child!

O Holy Queen Mother, Heaven and Earth are vastly far apart. I’m pained thinking of this separation! Day after day, I’ll gaze longingly at the Milky Way.

Month after month, I’ll weep unceasing tears of grief.

I shall take leave now and wait for the moment I return to Heaven.

O Ngọc Nữ!

Ngọc Nữ! Quickly follow me to your exile, so I can return to report to the jade throne!

Ngọc Nữ!

O five-color clouds! Take Ngọc Nữ down to Earth.

Ngọc Nữ, child!

With the sound of the weaving loom each fine thread sparkles in spring sunlight. Flowery brocade boasts its bright color. My hands move in rhythm as I embroider a sheet of rosy-hued fabric. Spring arrives with singing in the air. Lush coconut trees tilt to wave at the emerald sea. Birds glide over rolling waves. Our homeland’s sky and ocean are evermore beautiful in spring.

O sisters! We were too enraptured in weaving so we forgot that it’s getting late.

If the sun sets, we will have the moonlight. Mountains and forests will appear even more enchanting.

Respected sister, I think the rosy-hued fabric, we should continue to weave. Let’s challenge one another in skill.

When the moon rises to the zenith, Sister Ngọc will come to see who is the best.

That’s right. Good idea! One sheet of fine fabric for each person. See who will finish first?

One, two, three. Let’s begin!

With the sound of the weaving loom each fine thread sparkles in spring sunlight. Flowery brocade boasts its bright color. My hands move in rhythm as I embroider a sheet of rosy-hued fabric. Spring arrives with singing in the air. Lush coconut trees tilt to wave at the emerald sea. Birds glide over rolling waves. Our homeland’s sky and ocean are evermore beautiful in spring.

Greetings, Sister Ngọc.

Greetings, all my younger sisters.

O Sister Ngọc, you left since the moon was young, and now it’s round perching on the mountain top.

Before I was not adept at the shuttle, and now I’m proficient at that loom.

This piece of silk was made from the jutes.

Every thread was completely soaked in water.

O Sister, this moonlit night, we’ve determined to demonstrate our best needlework.

Sister Ngọc, please see who is adept or who is still inept at the loom.

O, very beautiful! Very skillful! This piece is both smooth and thick. This sheet is soft and also shiny. You’ve chosen a rather hot tone for this fabric’s background.

How about mine?

This fabric has some threads not yet refined.

How about...

Although more practice is still needed, but in my opinion...

What is your opinion, Sister?

I think you all deserve to be praised.

Bravo, Sister Ngọc!

If you don’t have any questions, then on this full moon occasion, I’ll borrow the moonlight as our lamp and teach you all how to germinate and plant rice seeds.

You’re going teach us how to germinate and plant rice seeds?

What is a rice plant, Sister?

You must realize: For earthly existence to be less miserable, humankind can’t just know manioc and potatoes. I’ve brought Heaven’s rice here to help the world make a livelihood.

We, country girls, are grateful to Heaven’s grace.

Now! Quickly line up and watch. I’ll teach you to sow the rice seeds. In lively rhythm, the hands move gracefully. Rice seeds sown will grow lush in the fields. Rice seeds sown will grow lush in the fields. With it, we build a comfortable life. In lively rhythm, our hands move gracefully. Rice seeds sown will grow lush in the fields. Rice seeds sown will grow lush in the fields. With it, we build a comfortable life.

Phú Long! Phú Long! Know You not, God the Jade Emperor? Earthly life is beset with anguish and heartache. An aged mother bemoans her filial son who stays in a deep forest with altered appearance. Blind eyes shed tears like pouring rain. Late at night, I’m still steeped in mounting grief. Late at night, I’m still steeped in mounting grief.

O Auntie, sit down here to rest for a while. We have crossed 8 mountains and 9 meadows, but there’s still no trace of Phú Long. I think...

No, we can’t, O child! If your legs are weary, let’s stop here for now to find a place to rest. I believe that my son Phú Long is still alive, but he dares not face people in the village. I’m intent on fulfilling my vow to Heaven and Earth: even I must die, I’m determined to find that child.

Please sit down here, Auntie.

I, Dương Ngọc, would like to greet the Elder. May I ask where you are from? Why do you keep shedding tears? Why do you keep calling your son, looking so wretched?

O Sister, Auntie Phú Loan lost her eyesight in a mishap. Brother Phú Long, out of love for his mother, couldn’t leave the deep forest. On hushed moonlit nights, he still turns toward the village, howling.

What? On hushed moonlit nights, he still turns to the village, howling? (Yes.) You mean that young man has forgotten his mother tongue and transformed into a wild beast. How in the world did such a frightful thing happen? Why sow anguish, O Heaven and Earth?

O Phú Long! If you’re indeed my son, come let me embrace you. I’ve languished after years of longing and searching for you. Come here, child!

Phú Long!

That’s right. It’s my son. O God very high above, beyond the nine clouds, know You not the heartrending scene on Earth? Phú Long! The vastness of Heaven and Earth has limit, yet the world’s resentment spirals to no end. Phú Long!

O Phú Long! You promised to return to your aged mother and the villagers after one moon. Who would expect that... It’s been three seasons of falling leaves on the field, you’re still somewhere deep in the mountain, leaving not a trace in the wild. O Phú Long! My tears pour as I see your wretched form.

Phú Long!

Don’t run away, Brother!

Don’t run away, my son! I’m choked with tears, grieving for a lone soul. O God! Have You eyes or not? How could You let the world be beset with woes? Son, I’ve turned blind from crying for you. How can you have the heart to desert me? When will mother and child reunite? Phú Long!

Don’t run, Brother!

Why is the world afflicted with many misfortunes? Witnessing their plight, I feel perplexed. If I help them, I’m at fault with Heaven. But if I don’t save that young man and his mother, I’ll regret for eternity. Alas, if the Jade Emperor is angered, I’ll shoulder the grave punishment myself. O Holy Queen Mother, I’m determined to help people out of an utterly tragic plight. O brightly shining Sun and Moon! O Heaven, deities and fairies of a hundred grottos! Help me return vision to the virtuous mother. Return to the filial son his voice. Return to the filial son his voice. Help me return vision to the virtuous mother.

Oh, Mom!

Mom! (Phú Long!) Mom! (Phú Long!)

Your vision is back all of a sudden. It’s Phú Long’s voice calling his mother!

I bow in gratitude, O benefactor. Heaven indeed has eyes to bestow such grace.

Girl, stop praying right now! What kind of grace is it? What’s right or wrong? What do you humans with physical eyes know to dare sing praise?

And you! You violated the law from the celestial palace and are thus confined on Earth. Yet you continue to use Holy Queen Mother’s magic power to rescue mother and son before seeking approval from God the Jade Emperor. I now obey the Jade Emperor to banish Ngọc Nữ to the Northern Sea.

No, you can’t take the fairy away. Why judge a righteous person?

You can’t take the fairy away. Why judge a righteous person?

A headstrong bunch indeed! Dare you go against Heaven’s sanction? Ngọc Nữ, listen! If you want those people to stay alive, then get to Northern Sea immediately. If you disobey, two people will be crushed under this divine spear. That’d be Phú Long and Chế Phụng. (No!)

Hold it! I agree to be exiled to the Northern Sea.

O Fairy!

O Elder, Phú Long, Chế Phụng and everyone, listen! A human life, with its 36,000 days, is brief. After I leave, Elder and all of you just stay and learn to cultivate rice and weave fabric. That is to create good fortune and happiness, to build your homeland amid adversities.v Ngọc Nữ! Be quiet, now!

I leave here with you my love. My anguish grows as the miles stretch between us.

O Fairy, the tide rises wave after silvery wave. You go to a strange land, yet your great favor is remembered.

O Elder, look forward to our reunion in the future.

Though Southern sky and Northern Sea are apart, we engrave this love in our hearts.

O silvery waves! Send Dương Ngọc faraway from here!

Fairy!

Deities and fairies, countless well wishes and melodious singing. For thousands of years, our achievements are as magnificent as the Thái Mountain, as splendid as the everlasting Hoàng River. Like green buds, strong and vibrant, we firmly steer the ship of rank and power to glory. we firmly steer the ship of rank and power to glory. We raise our cups amidst countless well wishes and melodious singing.

Dương Ngọc! Please!

For thousands of years, our achievements are as magnificent as the Thái Mountain, as splendid as the everlasting Hoàng River. Like green buds, strong and vibrant, we firmly steer the ship of rank and power to glory. we firmly steer the ship of rank and power to glory.

Dismissed! That dance tenderly rouses a romantic mood. Golden moon shimmers on the shrine loft. Why is your youthful and lovely countenance lacking glow?

Since Your Highness asks, I’m obliged to explain.

What is it, Dương Ngọc?

I’m someone who dwells amidst the mountain and forest in foreign soil. The blissful time with people in that distant land of Đại An has been deeply ingrained in my mind. Coming to the Northern Sea, I’m fortunate to be brought here to keep Your Highness company. In the royal garden, we’ve sung and composed twin poems at late night. O Your Highness, that may be called joy, but I...

Dương Ngọc! But... but what, precious?

Alas! I miss the times when I sowed rice seeds. I miss that life when food and clothes were lacking, yet people were truly loving, heart and soul. I now take refuge in foreign soil, but my mind lingers in that blissful time. O Crown Prince, though my body is imprisoned in the Northern Sea, my heart yearns ceaselessly for the Southern sky.

O Dương Ngọc! Since I met you, the splendor of the capital city isn’t different from worldly dust, and the royal garden seems like a mountain area. Every morning, I falter with every step, overcome with emotion. Every evening, I await anxiously. When the sky turns red at sunset, it’s when you appear from this aloewood statue and join me in poetry and recital to our hearts’ content. O Dương Ngọc! This is a silken fan bestowed by my Royal Father, on which we will compose twin poems tonight.

I borrow poetry to confide my feeling. Please render some comment, lovely Fairy.

Yes, Your Highness. Such a beautiful poetic work! Dew falls on the royal palace at late night. Dream fades – Spring impression lingers still. Timidly, a waft of breeze comes through the chamber’s window. A waning moon, a perplexed soul, forlorn! I wander about the night-long, awaiting my precious friend. In the literary room, alone I brood. This world is vast, people are myriad. Where am I to find a kindred soul? Alas! In your self-narrative poem, every word, a lofty melody of love, every thought stirs the heart.

Oh Dương Ngọc, why?!

But as I think of the changing nature of this world, I feel it difficult to tell the particulars of my story.

Dương Ngọc!

The drum signifying night’s end is resounding. Alas, our time together has come to an end!

Dương Ngọc!

In that wooden statue, I seek refuge during daylight. (No.) I will be with you again at moonrise.

No, Dương Ngọc! Wait! O Dương Ngọc, we’ve just met; why part so soon? Our heart-to-heart talk isn’t yet complete, we already have to part ways. For a thousand days since I have known you, that many nights I’ve shed doleful tears. O cherished, I’ve wept far into the night.

Lưu Quang, O beloved! One is a celestial being, the other an Earthling; thus I advise you not to make solemn vows to the sea and mountain.

O Dương Ngọc! Why did we chance upon each other if we aren’t meant for a lifetime bond on Earth? Dương Ngọc!

Look! The horizon is brightening.

Dương Ngọc!

It’s time I must bid you adieu.

Wait! Dương Ngọc!

Today’s Enlightening Entertainment will be presented in Aulacese (Vietnamese), with subtitles in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Hungarian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Thai.

The drum tempo varies between fast and slow, merging with singing voices which at times are elevated in pitch, other times deep and powerful. In brilliant costumes, lissome movements are in every gesture. Actors and actresses are differentiated by distinctive make-up, so that the audience can easily identify between the loyal and the obsequious, the noble ranks and humble subjects.

This is hát bội (classical theatre), a performing art in Âu Lạc (Vietnam), originating from the common people and becoming more widespread among them in the 13th century under the Lý and the Trần dynasties. In the later Lê dynasty, classical theatre was introduced to the Court to entertain the royal family and mandarins.

In the 19th century, Mr. Đào Tấn developed classical theatre and opened a performing school. He also built the first classical theatre in Bình Định province, central Âu Lạc. Since then, classical theatre has flourished in both artistic and literary aspects. Classical theatre operas are often based on historical references, highlighting moral values. Today, classical theatre is considered a traditional performing art of Âu Lạc.

On Enlightening Entertainment, Supreme Master Television is pleased to introduce different forms of arts from Âu Lạc (Vietnam), as well as from other countries in the world, in order to share the beauty and cultures of the peoples on our planet.

The classical theatre opera “Legend of a National Mother” was based on a tale of the Champa people in Âu Lạc about the Mother Goddess Po Nagar (also venerated by the people as Goddess Ya Na or Lady Jade), a holy mother who taught people to weave and plant rice, so they could live independently and prosperously.

The story also demonstrates that all heavenly arrangements are derived from God’s boundless compassion, so that all souls have the opportunity to advance. Till this day, every year from the 20th to 23rd days of the third month of the lunar calendar, local people, especially in central Âu Lạc, still celebrate the Po Nagar Festival to express gratitude to a beloved National Mother.

We now invite you to enjoy the conclusion of the classical theatre opera “Legend of a National Mother” by playwright Nguyễn Sỹ Chức

with performances by artists Kim Hùng as Prince Lưu Quang, Thu Hà as Fairy Dương Ngọc, Thanh Hoa as Phú Loan, Bạch Én as Holy Queen Mother, Xuân Hùng as Phú Long, Như Yến as Chế Phụng, Kim Khiên as Thúy Hồng, Anh Sang as the Jade Emperor, Văn Nghiêm as Southern Sphere Deity, Quang Hưng as Northern Sphere Deity, Hữu Hải as Thunder Deity, and other artists.

In the last episode, to discipline worldly people, the Jade Emperor raised a great flood. Pitying the good people who had to share the misery, Fairy Dương Ngọc manifested high mountains with her magic power to help them escape this misfortune. For her defiance of Heaven’s order, Fairy Dương Ngọc was exiled to Earth, in the country of Đại An. There Fairy Dương Ngọc taught villagers farming and weaving to help improve their living conditions.

During this time, having sympathy for the plight of Phú Long, a filial son who lost his human voice after venturing into the forest to find a remedy for his mother’s blindness, once again Fairy Dương Ngọc disobeyed celestial law. Willing to accept the penalty, she used magic power to return eyesight to the mother and human voice to Phú Long.

Being confined in an aloewood chunk as a punishment, Fairy Dương Ngọc drifted to the North Sea and was brought to the palace by Crown Prince Lưu Quang. Every night, the Fairy appeared to converse with His Highness.

Thank you for your company on today’s Enlightening Entertainment. Coming up is Words of Wisdom. Please tune in to Supreme Master Television next Thursday for the Aulacese film entitled “A Good Heart Changes Fortune,” screenplay by Nguyên Chơn. Farewell for now.

So, she makes me wait for her until tomorrow night. O Dương Ngọc! For every ten turbid currents, there’s only one clear stream. Among ten thousand worldly people, there’s only one pure soul. Dương Ngọc! I wish to bond with you lifelong in love. Would you share with me one happy dream? Would you share with me one happy dream?

Greetings, Your Highness!

Thúy Hồng! When did you arrive?

O Crown Prince, I received a secret report by the royal maid that the Crown Prince all this time has been infatuated with a beautiful lady in the aloewood, who appears on quiet nights. Your Highness has had literary exchanges with her late into the night without feeling satisfied. Though not in paradise, it isn’t inferior to the celestial palace. Now having witnessed it myself, I realize the rumor isn’t unfounded. Indeed you’re so immersed in personal affairs and oblivious to all worldly matters. Having indulged in a beautiful woman, you forget your betrothed.

Thúy Hồng! You were saying... What were you saying all this time? I don’t really understand.

O Your Highness! What is so difficult to understand? It’s like this: Yesterday morning, after the court meeting, my father was summoned to the inner palace so that the eunuch could present the royal decree to receive me in the Crown Prince’s palace.

What? Receiving you in the Crown Prince’s palace?

Yes, to join you in matrimony.

Thúy Hồng! (Yes.) As a son, I wouldn’t dare go against a marriage arranged by my Royal Father. But I advise you be not hasty in love, lest you will be in great distress later. I’ll soon go to my Royal Father to report my innermost feelings. As for me and Deity Dương Ngọc, we’re just kindred friends.

What? Just kindred friends? However you think is up to you, but this marriage arrangement you cannot decline. I dare not disobey my father’s wish. You can’t single-handedly defy the royal decree. O Your Highness! My father had people select a lucky date for the wedding. And the royal family has the Eastern Palace prepared with horses and carriage. Doesn’t it mean we will soon tie a lasting bond?

Thúy Hồng, the drum has sounded for the court meeting. I must hasten to the palace.

Yes.

Thúy Hồng, I’m taking leave now!

Oh, Your Highness!

Thúy Hồng, where is His Highness? How come you’re here?

Father, I’d blame you for it!

Blame me? But why?

Why? This morning you told me that this is the dragon boat I will rely on for life. In my chamber, I was exhilarated with happiness, so I came right away to the royal garden to visit him. I didn’t know he’d treat me so coldly. He’s more infatuated with this chunk of aloewood than me. He’s more infatuated with this chunk of aloewood than me.

You said that His Highness loves this chunk of wood more than you?

That’s right, Father!

I understand now. Beloved child, His Highness has no one taking care of him, so, seeing the sacred wood, he’s enamored with it. Now he has you by his side morning and night. You will talk to him and cherish him. Then, even though you tell him not to see you, he’d come for you anyway. Once the bee is charmed by the stamen, who else will claim the queen’s throne?

Who else will claim the queen’s throne? But what would you do about the beauty in that chunk of aloewood?

Thúy Hồng, my child! When you later become Princess Consort, you can burn or destroy it as you wish.

Really, Father?

That’s right. (Father!)

With the sound of the weaving loom each fine thread sparkles in spring sunlight. Flowery brocade boasts its bright color. My hands move in rhythm as I embroider a sheet of rosy-hued fabric. Spring arrives with singing in the air. Lush coconut trees tilt to wave at the blue sea. Birds glide over rolling waves. Our homeland’s sky and ocean are evermore beautiful in spring.

O Mom, since the Fairy left for the remotely distant North Sea, the forest has changed leaves three times. Our village has been living in comfort. Counting on my fingers, it’s been a thousand days even, yet the Fairy is still away. O Chế Phụng, if the Fairy didn’t help restore my Mom’s vision and return to me my voice, my Mom’s life would be miserable and I’d spend my entire life in the dark wild forest. O young sister, how can I possibly repay her favor!

Her kindness, I’ll forever ingrain in my heart.

O Phú Long, as humans, we must remember the Fairy’s immense merit toward Đại An, a favor comparable to the wide sea. Every night for the past three years, Đại An people long for the Fairy’s return. Alas! This season, the northeastern wind begins to blow. Why don’t you and your friends from the village use a wooden boat to sail with the wind to the North Sea, find the very place where the Fairy is exiled, and bring her back here soon? Wouldn’t that fulfill both common and personal goals?

What? Sail with the wind to the North Sea, find the very place where the Fairy is exiled and bring her back here soon? Fulfilling both common and personal goals? How wise of you, Chế Phụng! Good idea, Chế Phụng! O everyone! Cease what you are doing. Listen to me!

Yes, we’re ready for your instruction.

Beloved Mom and villagers, this land of Đại An was helped by Fairy Dương Ngọc who descended on Earth and taught us to weave fabric and cultivate wet rice plants. Since then, our village has escaped poverty. It’s also thanks to the Fairy that my mom and I can have a normal life like any other. Yet in doing so, Fairy Dương Ngọc violated Heaven’s law and was exiled for three years to the North Sea. We owe her the food we eat, the clothes we wear.

Now, as the wind changes direction, I’m suggesting that we together cross the Eastern Sea to bring the Fairy back. You all have heard it clearly. Let’s discuss the option thoroughly.

We consent and are waiting for your order to set sail.

Wait, children! Now that you’re going to the North Sea, I want to remind you to firmly steer your boat amid the high sea and big waves.

Beloved Mom, on this journey, my young friends and I must persevere to overcome the eastern wind and roaring thunders. On board, everyone!

Phú Long! On your trip, please don’t forget our mountain and forest at every moonrise. Gazing at the moon, this country girl will feel love evermore in her heart.

Sailing on a voyage of thousands of miles, we look forward to a day of reunion with our family.

Sail off! Swing the oars to enter the blue sea. Water and clouds stretch into the sky.

Countless waves rise and fall all around. Countless waves rise and fall all around. Row on!

Eunuch, where are you? Oh God, are you still sleeping in there?

Don’t you know what to do? How come you’re still sleeping on?

What are we to do? Tell me.

This morning, we were ordered by Her Highness to move the wood.

This chunk of wood? You just sit here; let me do it alone.

There, go move it!

My God! O Brother!

What now?

I used all my strength, but it wouldn’t budge an inch.

Brother, let me tell you. One single person cannot get the job done but two persons can make things happen.

You’re always right.

Obviously you couldn’t move it alone. You need my joined effort. Let’s move the wood together.

That’s right; let’s do it together.

Ready! One, two, three! Three! Try harder! So, what happened?

I’m exhausted, Brother!

All right, if you’re tired, then sit there, listen to my riddle.

What’s your riddle? Let me hear it.

Do you know why that wood chunk is so heavy?

Very simple! (Why?) Because it’s a chunk of aloewood, right?

Wrong! Think again.

I know why. Because its base affixes to the ground like the way the root of an aloewood tree grows in the forest. The earth transmits vitality to the tree; the tree provides the earth a fresh green. Is that right?

Wrong again, Brother! If you don’t know, let me tell you. It’s a very serious matter.

Really? You sit here. Now, tell me.

Here it is! Fairy Dương Ngọc is the person who taught the people of Đại An to weave fabrics and to cultivate wet rice.

Really?

But her spirit is confined to an aloewood by Thunder Deity per Jade Emperor’s order, which was set adrift on the Eastern Sea. After many months floating on the water, the aloewood was washed ashore at the North Sea. However, of all their people, no one could lift it.

You’re joking! If no one could lift it, how come it lies here?

When His Highness tried it himself, the wood suddenly became as light as paper. Then, he placed it here. And every night since, a lovely fairy appears to converse with His Highness. You see? No one could lift it. How could you and I possibly manage it?

You’re right.

Your Highness!

Our respectful greetings, Your Highness.

Greetings, Your Highness.

Court servant! Eunuch!

Yes.

I entrusted you the task early this morning. Now it’s noon already, and that chunk of wood still stands undisturbed and placidly taking up space in the gazebo. You couldn’t find a way to remove it from here, or what?

Your Highness, we’ve tried all kinds of ways, yet it wouldn’t move.

It wouldn’t budge an inch.

What? It wouldn’t budge an inch? (Yes.) If humans can’t move it, then use horses and elephants. By all means, you must rid this place of that wood chunk.

But, Your Highness!

Eunuch! (Yes.) Have the guards bring me two strong horses.

What for, Your Highness?

Just do it, then you’ll understand. (Yes.) Eunuch! (Yes.) Go get two strips of Sichuan brocade for me!

Yes.

Kindred souls? A sham! Southern Fairy? A deceitful person! Whether you are a fairy or mere human, you can’t fool me as I know what all women want. You came here from the South. I preside over the palaces on my husband’s behalf. Why haven’t you left? Why stand there wasting your time?

Your Highness, the two horses are here.

Your Highness, two strips of blue brocade are ready.

Now you two wrap those pieces of brocade around your body. (Yes.) Steer the horses toward the sea. From the South, she drifted to the North Sea. Now I myself return her to the South. Carry out my order, Eunuch! Have the horses gallop!

Now, let the horses gallop! Your Highness, the wood didn’t move at all.

It wouldn’t move an inch.

What? It wouldn’t move an inch? (Yes.) Then have the horses gallop at full speed!

Yes. Now! Gallop at full speed!

Your Highness!

What’s the matter?

The bridles snapped and the two horses escaped to the royal garden.

Your Highness! The two strips of brocade were ripped apart from the pulling.

Alas! I can’t possibly be out of solutions. No! If this scheme fails to work, I’ll devise another. Though you’re a Fairy, I’m also a beautiful woman. The heart? The heart is where all blood veins converge and is the source of love. If the blood exists, so does a person; if the blood is gone, so is one. You’ve persisted in your way; I’m determined to quench my resentment.

O Brother, the Fairy appears! Your Highness, the Fairy appears.

She appears.

Oh my! In broad daylight, a demon appears. Eunuch! (Yes.) Inform my father right away that there’s a demon hiding in the forbidden palace.

Yes. (Yes, yes.)

Thúy Hồng! You’ve entered the rank of a Prince’s wife, whose power and fame few can match. Yet your every word is ruthless, and your action is malicious. You and I, an earthling and celestial being, are separated by nine levels of sun and moon. I know I’m not your native folk and have no close relation in this place. I violated Heaven’s law and was exiled to the North Sea. Yet it turned out I met you, a small-minded earthly woman with a wicked heart.

A thousand bows to you, Fairy! O Fairy, I’m just an ordinary woman whose jealousy drove me to resentment. A thousand bows to you, Fairy! O Fairy, please have great mercy to forgive this earthling for once.

Thúy Hồng! (Father!) I’m here now. Don’t be frightened, child. (Yes.) That woman! All this time, you’ve always remained hidden in daylight and only appeared at late night. Now it’s just mid-morning; why have you already waged trouble?

Greetings, Elder Mandarin. If you want to an answer to your question, why don’t you ask your daughter? As for me, I just want to be left alone. I don’t like any trouble. Elder Mandarin! You now enjoy royal salary and allowances; you should preserve your future. Don’t covet higher rank to risk a fall. A mandarin’s career and life is full of pitfalls.

Only a nonsensical person would talk like that! A frog at the well’s bottom fancies the well’s opening as high Heaven. A kid teaches an elder mandarin? Insolent!

Your Excellency!

What is it?

While patrolling the beach, we captured a boat of over ten people from the South. When asked where they were heading to, they said, “We travel North to find the Fairy.”

What?

Looking for the Fairy? All right, bring them here.

Yes.

Oh, Phú Long!

Sister Ngọc!

Why do you sail all the way here? How are your mother and Chế Phụng? How are the villagers?

O Sister Ngọc, words cannot convey our immense longing. Since you left for the northern soil, the lonely village waits for you day and night. It’s been three autumns already. We feel saddened with every passing season.

O young brother! (Yes.) Since we parted, my mind drifts to the four directions as my heart deeply yearns for the southern sky.

Sister Ngọc!

Enough! This is His Highness’ palace, not a deserted hall for you people to share your inner feelings and to freely come and go. Soldiers! (Yes.) Shackle them immediately to wait for a punishment to be meted out! Whoever disobeys, just take away his life!

Sister Ngọc!

I’ve already told you people: As humans, you must eschew the violent way.

Eschewing violence? Even if you’re a Fairy or Saint from Heaven, you will share the same fate. Tie them up! (Yes.)

Sister Ngọc!

So, you want to ask for trouble, then don’t blame me for making it!

Your Excellency!

What’s the matter?

I saw with my own eyes amid the hurricane...

What did you see?

I saw that group of men carry the wood chunk away. How strange! Early this morning, the horses couldn’t do a thing; now they carried it on their shoulders with ease.

How bizarre! Who is she, human or ghost, that is so powerful? Is she a ghost or human that disappears in a blink?

O Father! Why should you be angry and frustrated? I myself feel so elated that they took away the chunk of wood.

Why are you elated?

Beloved Father, they’ve taken that piece of wood back South; wouldn’t my position in the North be more secure now?

His Highness has returned!

Where is my Fairy? Where is my Fairy? Woe is me! Where is the aloewood statue? Why is it so quiet all around? O Fairy, Fairy! Alas, what danger has befallen you? Something unusual happened in the court. My mind was dazed. O God... It’s all topsy-turvy!

Wake up, Your Highness!

Your Highness, wake up!

Elder Mandarin! Tell me why this happened.

Your Highness, recently a group of men from the South sailed over the big waves to the North Sea. They stole that chunk of wood from your palace, then sailed away.

Then what?

If favored by the south wind, they’ll conquer the big waves and reach home safely in just two weeks or half a month.

What about my Fairy?

Your Highness is bereft of your dream lady from now on.

No, impossible! Listen, Minister of Defense! (Yes.) Quickly order the marines to prepare water and food. Go after those Southerners to seize and bring back the aloewood statue!

Order obeyed.

We sing to celebrate the ripe golden rice. We sing to celebrate our village’s new joy. We sing to celebrate the Fairy for crossing the myriad ocean waves to return to the forest and Đại An.

From now on, the village young men and women will enjoy the tender affection of devoted couples, will sing and dance and kindle the flame. In music resounds the passion for life. In passion sparkles the glow of love. In passion sparkles the glow of love.

O God, it’s Thunder Deity!

That’s right! I, Thunder Deity, hurriedly descend on Earth to carry out the Jade Emperor’s order.

Hurriedly descended on Earth to carry out the Jade Emperor’s order? What is the order, Thunder Deity?

Greetings, Fairy! Greetings, all villagers! Why is it that everyone stares at me in complete silence?

I, Phú Long, respectfully greet Thunder Deity.

A true gentleman, indeed! A young man, yet you’re very courageous. Now, listen, Ngọc Nữ! Jade Emperor has just ordained that Ngọc Nữ be escorted back to the Fairyland.

What? Bring Ngọc Nữ back to the Fairyland?

That’s right! Perfectly right! In these few years, Fairy Dương Ngọc had to come down to live among earthlings and undergo countless ordeals. That was just God’s testing her before admitting her into the rank of the immortals. Thus, after having her endure three years in exile, now it’s time to bestow upon her a miracle:

“Life after life, you are immortal; your youthful beauty will last eternally.” Through the three-year sentence seemed to be a grave sanction, your great merit is now recompensed satisfactorily. O Fairy, quickly bid adieu to the villagers then follow me back to Heaven!

I’m elated upon hearing this news, and yet I feel pained thinking of our separation. Respected Thunder Deity! Please go back to ask Jade Emperor for the Fairy to remain with us Đại An people. If it could be so arranged, that favor will be forever remembered, and for ten thousand lifetimes we’ll worship the Jade Emperor .

That favor will be forever remembered, and for ten thousand lifetimes we’ll worship the Jade Emperor .

No, it can’t be! It shouldn’t be! That Fairy Dương Ngọc is graced with immortality by the Jade Emperor is her destiny and affinity. For if Heaven humors your and the Đại An people’s wish to let Ngọc Nữ remain on Earth, who will look after the Fairyland in the future? Ngọc Nữ! Do not linger. Hasten back to the heavenly palace, so that I may soon report!

Yes. Elder and my young brothers and sisters, though you wish for us to stay together, we can’t possibly act against Heaven’s will. What a torment! How heart-rending!

O Fairy!

From now on, I must part with you.

That favor, we’ll imprint in our minds forever.

Earth and Heaven are vastly apart.

That kindness, we’ll engrave in our bones for eternity. That kindness, we’ll engrave in our bones for eternity.

How odd! There’s a strange fleet of boats heading this way, loaded with soldiers who are armed with swords and spears. They are the group from the North Sea. The boat with the Elder Mandarin is heading directly to shore. They beat their drums continuously. O Đại An people! (Yes.) The Northerners suddenly come here. They intend to invade the South, obviously. We vow to live or die together to preserve our motherland.

To preserve our motherland!

Alas! Fires are ablaze in the East.

Fire blazes up in the North. Ngọc Nữ, listen! Don’t bother to rack your brains. Just show me their leader. I’ll give him a thunderbolt right in the middle of his forehead. That will resolve it all. Now, which one is he? Tell me quickly, Ngọc Nữ!

No, that can’t be. Now, Thunder Deity!

At your command!

The gray-haired man, can you spot him?

Yes, I can.

And the young man with the purple outfit in the middle of the boat.

Where? Oh, yes. I saw his face clearly now. What next? Which one? Tell me quickly, Ngọc Nữ!

I will stir up a hurricane.

And I?

Seize those two men!

Lưu Quang! (O Fairy!) Listen to me, beloved. You’ve fallen into a wicked scheme.

It’s he who orchestrated the plan to bring marines to the Southern land in an attempt to lord over this region. Now, at dead-end, he tries to escape.

Dương Ngọc! I have no other intent but to trace your fairy steps. Phàn Tiếp! And you? Why did you heartlessly deploy powerful troops to invade?

Phàn Tiếp, listen to my interrogation. You possess all the power, title and fame. Why still pursue immoral ambitions?

It’s because I was so ignorant that I brought disgrace upon myself. Forgive me, please!

So, taking advantage of His Highness’ pursuing his friend, you’re intent on invading other people’s land. You’re indeed a cunning person. Heaven would find it hard to forgive you. I judge that for your sin, you must be turned into a rock, wave-lashed on the beach eternally to set an example for other invaders. But now that you repent, I’ll spare your life.

I’m deeply grateful to you, Fairy.

Go away now!

O Fairy!

Phú Long! (Yes.) Though your homeland is poor without gold and silver, your people’s hearts are magnanimous. Prepare drinking water and food for His Highness to sail back North.

What? (Yes.) O Dương Ngọc, since you left the Northern land, I immediately set out to go after you. Why are you indifferent now that we meet? I haven’t wronged you in that love. I sobbed every night in the moonlight, saddened from pining for my kindred friend.

O Lưu Quang, beloved, what in the past was like a drifting cloud. The Northern empire was extreme in sun and rain. Returning South, I still miss my kindred friend.

Dương Ngọc!

In the land of North Sea, you deeply missed your friend. But, as a being from another realm, it’s hard for me to be your lifelong partner. I must now return to the celestial palace and be forever separated from the earthly world. O beloved, the heavenly cloud’s path will divide us. Now that I leave, when will your sorrow ever subside?

Dương Ngọc!

My cherished people, though South and North are far apart, all belong to the same Milky Way and are shined upon by the same sun.

O beloved, people may be of different nationalities, but happiness and love are everyone’s yearning since time immemorial. I wish that from now on, people of Đại An and North Sea will let go of all enmity and live harmoniously with kindness.

O Fairy, your time is up. Quickly return to Heaven.

Buddha be praised!

Fairy!

Dương Ngọc!

Beloved Mom and villagers. Fairy Dương has returned to Paradise with Thunder Deity per Jade Emperor’s order. It’s painful for many of us worldly people who will miss her for the rest of our lives. Let’s use the saps from readily available forest trees and the earth for making bricks, then join hands, both the young and old, to build on the mountain top a flame-shaped tower. We’ll take turns to burn incense for worshiping. A statue of Goddess Ya Na will be carved in the middle of the sacred stage, so that eight directions will unite as one source.

A statue of Goddess Ya Na will be carved in the middle of the sacred stage, so that eight directions will unite as one source. A tower in the shape of a flame will forever illumine the Southern sky.