Today’s
Enlightening
will be presented in
Aulacese (Vietnamese),
with subtitles in Arabic,
Chinese, English,
French, German,
Hungarian, Indonesian,
Italian, Japanese,
Korean, Malay,
Mongolian, Persian,
Portuguese, Russian,
Spanish, and Thai.
Âu Lạc (Vietnam)
is a nation that has
a long-standing
traditional culture.
Aulacese music
is very rich;
since ancient times,
there have been
many musical instruments
that move the soul with
a wide variety of sounds
like those
of the copper drum,
gong, lithophone,
bamboo xylophone,
cymbals and panpipe.
In 2003, Elegant Music, a
form of Huế royal music,
was recognized
by the United Nations
Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO)
as an intangible cultural
heritage of the world.
Âu Lạc’s music represents
the unique features of
each region, for example,
Quan Họ folksongs
in the North,
Huế tunes in the Central,
and cải lương
(modern folk opera)
in the South.
In addition, there are many
other forms of music,
including hò
(work songs),
lý (village songs),
ceremonial songs,
Aulacese classical opera,
chèo traditional opera,
Hồ Quảng opera,
and so on.
Indeed, music has been
deeply instilled
in the hearts of people
in this beautiful country,
and has been cultivated
until this day.
Northern Âu Lạc
has a folk art
called xẩm singing
that is very popular
in the northern plains
and midland.
This genre, in the old time,
was performed
by minstrel bands.
In a gathering
with a small group of
our Association members
some years past,
Supreme Master Ching Hai
was inspired to
spontaneously compose
and sing in the xẩm style
a poem she had written in
her late 20s in Germany.
The poem was originally
written in English which
the poet herself
translated into Aulacese.
We now invite you
to enjoy an excerpt
of the xẩm singing
“We Don't Live More
Than One Hundred Years!”
composed and sung
by Supreme Master
Ching Hai.
I mean tonight I was nuts!
But so what:
Aren’t the rest of us!...
Otherwise how could we
carry on living,
For life isn’t worth a thing!?
You know that I am still
in love with you!
But that has nothing to do...
I cannot please everybody,
So I will please me!
That doesn’t mean
you are not right;
We all have only one life!
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.
Chèo traditional opera
is a folk theater art
which originated
from the regions
near the mountains
and from the plains of
northern Âu Lạc.
There are varied opinions
about the beginning
of chèo traditional opera:
the earliest time
is believed to be
in 4th century BCE
and the most recent
is 14th century, at the end
of the Trần dynasty.
Chèo is a narrative genre
of folk theater,
recounting stories
through a combination of
music, singing and dance.
One of the unique
features of chèo
is a skillful portrayal
of subtle gestures
and movements.
During festivals,
people in the plains of
northern Âu Lạc often
look forward to watching
chèo traditional opera.
The lyrics are infused
with folk poetry and
proverbs; tragedies are
usually counter-balanced
with satires.
Chèo is replete with
the pure simplicity of the
common folk, yet equally
profound in meaning.
The chèo
traditional opera
“The Lullabies
of Two Mothers”
is about two boys born
on the same day and how
their development was
shaped by their mothers
through the advice
embedded in their lullabies.
The two lullabies
fostered two
contrasting personalities,
leading their lives
to inevitable endings.
We now invite you
to enjoy part 1 of the
chèo traditional opera
“The Lullabies
of Two Mothers,”
written by playwrights
Nhật Minh and
Doãn Hoàng Giang.
This opera is presented
in 2 episodes,
with performances by
Thanh Nhàn as Queen,
Hương Quế
as Second Queen,
Hà Quân as
Prince Vương Tùng,
Đình Hưng
as Prince Vương Thảo,
Thanh Hường
as Ngân Hà,
Nhật Điềm
as Field Marshal,
Anh Tuấn as Tiểu Quân,
Thanh Hải as Warden,
Quang Lâm as King,
Quỳnh Mai as A Sa,
and other artists.
Thank you for watching
today’s
Enlightening Entertainment.
Please stay tuned to
Supreme Master
Television.
Coming up is
Words of Wisdom.
May you and your family
be blessed
with peace and joy.
Farewell for now.
Attention, everyone!
Listen carefully!
Listen well!
Listen carefully!
Listen well!
Here comes the good news!
The Queen gave birth
to a baby boy.
The Second Queen also
gave birth to a baby boy.
Two princes have been
born to the King.
They are brilliant
and handsome.
Both are radiantly beautiful.
Who will later
ascend to the throne?
Who will continue
his family lineage?
What happy news!
I lull you with the words
of Heaven and Earth.
You’ll become wiser
through life’s trials,
through continuous rain
and scorching sun.
O child, remember your
gentle mother’s words,
that is to uphold
righteousness and
kindness unswervingly,
and requite all love
and affection fully.
Offer to the world
a thousand melodies,
fragrant scent and
sweet fruits.
O beloved son, sleep well.
Grow up to seize
the throne for yourself.
One day presiding
over the royal palace
is better than
many thousand lives
living in poverty.
Grow up fast, O child,
to seize the throne.
Be careful, son!
You’ve just
stepped on a flower.
Pick it up and re-plant,
dear.
Vương Tùng,
listen to my advice:
Flower is
a precious product
of Heaven and Earth,
as a human
is a wonder of Creation.
You must cherish
every blossom, every leaf,
every human with lofty,
magnanimous love.
Seeing suffering,
you must feel compassion.
You must be sympathetic
with the hardships
of your fellow humans.
Vương Thảo!
Why walk around it?
Just trample
on those flower beds
to come here to me.
Don’t be afraid of
ruining the flowers
that you tread softly.
If you’re concerned for
every leaf on the branch,
how can you secure
great achievements?
Your ambition must be
like the immense sky
and sea.
It must be the golden
throne on high,
the royal mantle that
I have dreamt of for you.
Brother Vương Tùng!
Ngân Hà!
Brother Vương Tùng!
Ngân Hà! I have a feeling
that you only
have the words
“Vương Tùng” on your lips.
No! You’re both
my father’s students.
I esteem you both equally.
No! I see it clearly
in your eyes.
So, the two brothers have
but one young lady.
Two princes have
only one gentle miss.
How do we resolve this?
There must be a duel.
Then I surrender.
I’ll concede this
beautiful princess to you.
Concede me!
What if I really
am your beloved?
You’ll give me up still?
How terrible you are!
I don’t want a...
fratricidal strife.
Well, how about this?
Let’s pretend that
Ngân Hà is a princess.
You and I are princes
from neighboring countries,
who come to ask
for her hand.
Do you agree?
That’s fine, I agree.
Oh, whose proposal
should I accept?
I can’t accept both, can I?
No! A girl can’t have
two husbands.
So brother Vương Tùng
and I might have to duel.
The winner will be king
and will have..
The loser will have to go
tend the buffalo
and cut the grass.
Agree?
Agree!
But, O brothers,
it’s just for fun, okay?
We’re just having fun.
Let’s begin.
Pick up your sword,
dear brother.
Brother Vương Tùng!
So, you won.
Brother Vương Thảo,
you lost, all right?
Now,
one will become the king.
The other will go
tend the buffalo
and cut the grass.
Vương Tùng!
Come to me.
Ngân Hà! (No!)
I’m the winner!
I lost!
How could you resist
this maneuvering?
Vương Thảo!
I’m defeated already.
Ngân Hà belongs to me,
and the throne
also belongs to me.
Vương Thảo!
Respected greetings,
master.
Look up at me.
Look straight
into my eyes and
listen to my question.
Where did you learn
that despicable
back-stabbing move?
What I did
I teach you every day?
Repeat to me.
O Father!
We were just playing.
Be quiet! Speak!
Master has always taught:
“When confronting
his enemy,
a gentleman still acts
rightly and
straightforwardly.”
How is Vương Tùng
related to you?
We’re blood brothers.
But, respectful teacher,
this was just a game.
Yes, it was just our game.
Even in a game, people
show their every quality:
a pure and bright quality,
and a vile quality.
But, master...
Vương Thảo!
Mother!
Our respectful greetings,
Mother!
Stand up.
Esteemed Field Marshal!
I’m a mother
who has failed to
teach my son properly.
Please pardon me.
Your Majesty,
I just hope that
His Highness
fully understands
the moral principles,
so I had to resort
to using strong words.
Your Majesty.
Respected Field Marshal,
Your Highness
the Princes and gentle miss.
Bow to greet them, son.
Respectful greetings,
Your Majesty
and Your Excellency
Field Marshal.
Warden! (Yes.)
Why is it that you show
up here discourteously,
and who is the child
you bring along?
Your Majesty,
Your Excellency
Field Marshal,
do you recognize
this child?
He’s my son.
His name is Tiểu Quân;
he was born
on the same day
as the two princes.
But he is
an unfortunate child.
His mother passed away
right after
giving birth to him,
so I’ve been like a rooster
raising his chick alone.
That day, His Excellency
Field Marshal, pitying
a motherless child,
offered monetary support
for our livelihood.
Your Excellency,
he’s now grown up.
May he pursue
swordsmanship
under your patronage?
I just want him to have
a better life than me,
a lifelong warden.
I find this child to be
agile and intelligent.
All right,
I agree to let him join
the two princes to
practice swordsmanship.
Teach him to be filial
to his father,
grateful to his teacher,
loyal to his country.
That’s how you two
repay my favor.
We’re very grateful,
Your Excellency.
Now students! Listen!
From this day on,
Vương Tùng
is the eldest brother.
Yes.
Vương Thảo
is the second brother.
Yes.
Tiểu Quân
is the third brother. (Yes.)
And Ngân Hà
is the youngest sister. (Yes.)
You should treat
one another as flesh
and blood, all right?
Yes, we’ll remember
your words.
Brothers and sisters
are like bodily parts.
Love one another
wholeheartedly.
Share your happiness.
Show kindness to
comfort lonely hearts.
Hold a constant love
for one another lifelong.
Clouds may drift on,
the world endures.
Stick together in hardship,
separate not in poverty.
Though the world
is ungrateful,
keep your vow intact.
Brotherly affection
changes not
through rain and shine.
Gratitude fades not
in time of perils.
Though life
is still difficult,
our hearts are steadfast
through storms.
We’ll engrave our sacred
vow on gold and stone.
Hey kid!
Yes, Second Brother.
I’m here.
Say it again!
I’m present,
Second Brother.
I told you to say it again.
Who allowed you
to address me
as Second Brother?
You should know
your place.
Listen to my question:
Who am I?
You’re Prince Vương Thảo,
His Majesty’s son.
And who are you?
I’m Tiểu Quân,
the warden’s son.
Then how dare you
call me Second Brother?
I’m no brother to you.
It’s our master’s
instruction; otherwise,
I wouldn’t dare.
You and I are only
brothers in front of him.
Off school,
you’re just a servant.
Even your father
is my servant,
much less you.
Understand?
Yes, I understand.
Walk! (Yes.)
Stop!
Hold up the wood stick
for me to practice fencing.
Your Highness is holding
an iron sword,
and I’m holding
this wood stick.
How can I ward off?
You can’t?
Even so, you must!
Take this!
Oh, Your Highness!
On guard!
O Your Highness,
I’m so much in pain,
I could die.
All humans’ flesh
and skin are the same.
How can a broken branch
or a cut flower
not be hurt?
Whose flesh and skin
would feel no pain,
O God?
Your Highness,
I beg you!
How can a broken branch
or a cut flower
not be hurt?
Your Highness,
I beg you!
Be quiet!
O Your Highness,
I’m so much in pain,
I could die.
It’s nothing and you
moan like death is near.
What a coward!
Yes, I’m a coward.
If you pursue
swordsmanship,
you must learn endurance.
Vương Thảo!
O God, Tiểu Quân!
How come?
O God, how did you
get injured like this?
What happened?
Nothing at all.
He and I were just
practicing fencing.
I practiced to defend
Prince Vương Thảo’s
attack.
Vương Thảo!
It’s just practicing,
and you treated
Tiểu Quân like this?
Practice should be
like real, so that in battle,
one can destroy his enemy.
Tiểu Quân,
is it very painful?
Ngân Hà! (Yes.)
Please apply medicine
and dress his wound.
(Yes.)
The guy is only
pretending!
Vương Thảo!
These are such
horrible cuts,
and your said that
Tiểu Quân is pretending?
What a fake weeper!
O Tiểu Quân,
tell me what happened.
Your Highness... I...
Don’t address me that way.
What did our teacher say?
We should treat one
another as siblings.
Your Highness, but...
You’re saying it again!
I’m your elder brother.
Yes, you allow me
to address you as such.
But Prince Vương Thảo
wouldn’t let me.
He often tells me,
“You’re the warden’s son,
a dirt poor person
of the lowest class.
How dare you
be my brother!”
Just ignore him.
He’s used to being
domineering and mean.
But brother Vương Tùng
and I still consider you
our loved one.
You’re my elder brother.
There’s no social rank
that separates us.
Now, do you feel better?
I do, noble lady.
It’s not right!
Brother Tiểu Quân!
Let me hear it again.
Who am I to you?
You’re a noble lady.
Incorrect! Say again,
what am I to you?
Ngân Hà,
you’re my younger sister.
That’s right!
His Majesty just arrived.
Please welcome
and greet him.
Where are the royal maids?
Prepare to greet
His Majesty
upon his arrival. (Yes.)
Long live Your Majesty!
Protocols waived.
I respectfully wish
Your Majesty longevity.
My beloved Queen,
stand up.
Why observe formal
etiquette with me?
Which palace have you
indulged at lately
to leave me all alone
in my chamber
these past few months?
O sweet Queen,
there is no other palace.
I’ve been so occupied
in national affairs.
Last night, seeing myself
in the mirror, I realized
that I’m already in the
fading twilight of life.
I suddenly felt
heavy-hearted,
thus I came here
to ask my Queen...
my Second Queen,
and see how
the children are doing
to plan for the future.
What else is there
to plan for?
That golden throne
is readily reserved
for Vương Tùng,
the Queen’s son.
Beloved Queen!
And me, being
a lowly second queen,
I must accept it.
O sweetheart!
Alas! How can humans
resist what is predestined
by Heaven?
Beloved Queen!
My ill fate, I must bear it.
O Your Majesty!
Please don’t be concerned.
Sweetheart!
Why bother
to pity a woman?
It’s my fate.
I just feel sorry for myself.
I’ve always loved
and missed you,
so you shouldn’t sorrow.
I blame myself
for being so indifferent.
How do I manage
worldly affairs?
O sweetheart,
why are you crying?
Listen to me!
Please stop crying.
But I haven’t yet
made the decision
whether it’ll be the first son,
the second son,
the Queen’s son
or Second Queen’s son.
Everything rests upon me.
Don’t worry, dear.
Oh, I haven’t seen you
for a few moons already,
is that right?
I really felt so uneasy
to let you spend
lonely nights.
I couldn’t sleep well
for several months straight,
sadly waiting
for my beloved
in my forlorn chamber.
O dearest!
I’m here already.
Please don’t feel bitter.
Your Majesty!
I’ll stay here
to keep you company
and happy tonight.
O Your Majesty!
Darling!
Your Majesty!
My dearest!
Royal maids!
Present heated ginseng
for His Majesty. (Yes.)
Oh! Sweetheart!
Your Majesty!
Your Majesty!
My love!
Your Majesty!
O master,
we were having fun.
Why did you leave?
Fun? I don’t care a bit.
I couldn’t stand
playing with that
son of a commoner.
Then you’re wrong.
Without commoners,
where would kings
and lords come from?
Without the multitude,
who is there
to extol the king?
Without the water,
what will support the boat?
And without farmers,
even kings would be
sitting there starving!
Insolent!
You’d better be careful
when talking to me.
Yes, yes.
What is this?
The old man’s royal mantle!
Since it’s here, I’ll try it
on for a little bit.
Goodness, O master!
To see if I deserve
to be a king.
O master, please!
It’s impossible.
Clown! (Yes.)
Help me!
But please hurry up,
master!
Take a look at me!
O master,
who wouldn’t look good
with this mantle on?
Even those as ugly
as ghosts would look
handsome and dignified.
Even a loser
or a weakling
would look like a hero.
O court officials! (Yes.)
Convey my order: (Yes.)
Have lanterns
and flowers decorated
everywhere.
Order everyone to sing
and exalt the King.
Order obeyed!
O God!
Where are the master
and lady of the house?
He’s eating big portions
of food, leaving the poor
starving to death.
What did you say?
Nothing.
You dared sing
to make fun of the one
on the high throne!
No, I didn’t!
Imperial guards! (Yes.)
Chop his head off and
display his dead body
as an example for all!
Order obeyed!
Behead, behead, behead...
Vương Thảo!
Respectful greetings,
Mother.
You’re dismissed.
Yes,
with your permission,
Your Majesty.
Vương Thảo! (Yes.)
You crave to wear
that royal mantle?
Yes, Mother...
I’ll help you
obtain the royal mantle.
What did you say?
You should remember:
Ngân Hà loves Vương Tùng
because of the throne.
So if you want
to have her, you must...
I must what, Mother?
You must not be
empty-handed.
I understand.
It means I must be
the victor, by all means.
Exactly! I’ll help you
so that you won’t be
an empty-handed person.
So you have to take action.
Any moment of delay
and your life
is insecure and shaky.
You can help me then.
Even I have to jump
into the fire to help you,
I’d be willing.
Well then... Listen
to what I’ll tell you,
Mother.
I told Vương Tùng
to come here
to practice fencing.
You only need to...
O God! Must we do that?
Mother! You just need
to bear a little pain.
But I...
Mother!
Didn’t you just tell me
even if you must
jump into the fire,
you’d still do it?
O Vương Thảo,
I’m afraid...
Look,
Vương Tùng is coming.
Please help me, Mother.
Just do as you plan. (Yes.)
Vương Thảo!
Brother Vương Tùng!
Respectful greetings,
Mother.
Vương Tùng,
stand up, son.
Stand up, dear!
Let me take a look at you.
Handsome,
very handsome!
I heard the Field Marshal
praising you so much.
I wish that my Vương Thảo
can be like you.
Respectful Mother,
Thảo studies very well.
He’s not inferior to me
at all.
You’re humble
so you’re just saying that,
but my Vương Thảo
has to learn a lot from you.
Mother...
Vương Thảo,
ask your elder brother
to show you
the fencing moves your
teacher has taught him.
Yes, please teach me
the additional lessons
you have learned.
All right!
That’s right!
Stay here and show
your younger brother
to practice fencing.
Let me go inside
to prepare ginseng tea
for you two.
I’m grateful, Mother.
All right, teach me now.
Vương Thảo!
Our teacher taught that
the apricot flower
movements must be
gentle and flexible.
The apricot flower
movements must be
gentle and flexible.
Like a butterfly hovering,
like the breeze
blowing in the veranda.
Like a butterfly hovering,
like the breeze blowing
in the veranda.
All right, let’s begin.
Vương Thảo!
Be careful, dear.
Assassin! Guards...
Your Majesty,
what is the matter?
Arrest Vương Tùng
immediately.
He’s the assassin.
Your Majesty,
I’ll die for sure!
Second Queen!
I didn’t expect it
to end up like this.
O God,
why did this happen?
Didn’t you see,
Your Majesty?
Vương Tùng’s sword
is stained with blood.
What?
O Vương Tùng!
I love you even more
than Vương Thảo.
What wrong have I done
that you have the heart
to do this?
O God! How could
such a thing happen?
Summon the Queen here!
Vương Thảo! (Yes.)
Tell me what’s going on.
Respectful Royal Father!
I was practicing fencing
with brother Vương Tùng.
Right when Mother
brought the ginseng tea
out for us,
he brandished his sword
and struck her
again and again.
My God! Dearest Queen!
Your Majesty!
Vương Thảo!
That’s not true!
It wasn’t like that!
O brother Vương Tùng!
What did I do wrong that
you wanted to make me
an orphan for life?
Vương Tùng!
Vương Thảo!
Vương Tùng!
Mother!
Is it true, son?
No! This tragedy
is inconceivable.
Your Majesty!
My dearest!
Mother, it wasn’t like that.
I didn’t expect
it was like a nightmare
that drove the movement
of the sword.
Who knows the truth
behind this?
O wise Heaven, please
look into this injustice.
Heaven and Earth
are the witnesses.
Stop it! Ungrateful child!
Why are you standing there
quietly all this time?
What did you teach him
that he became
such an impious son?
Your Majesty,
this must be
a misunderstanding.
What did you say?
That is true, Father!
I don’t believe
that brother Vương Tùng
is wicked.
He’s a gentle and
kind-hearted person.
How come injustice
befalls his life?
If everyone thinks
that Vương Tùng
was wrongly accused,
then I must be
the deceitful one.
Please just take my life.
Don’t waste your time
interrogating!
As a lowly Second Queen,
I’ll have to endure it.
All right, my dear.
Your Majesty.
I’m unfortunate
to have given birth
to a foolish child.
Allow me to take all
punishments in exchange
for my son’s life.
No, Mother! If I sin,
I’d like to serve the sentence.
I can’t be so unfilial
and inhumane
to let you bear
the punishment for me.
Stop it!
Don’t weep and plead
anymore to irritate my ears.
Ungrateful Vương Tùng!
You’re a beast,
so you should go live
in the jungle with the wild.
Royal Father!
Your Majesty!
Your Majesty.
Mother!
Your Majesty,
I don’t believe that
brother Vương Tùng
is cruel.
He’s caught
in a bad retribution,
as the world is still
full of treacherous plots.
Your Majesty,
I don’t believe
that brother Vương Tùng
is wicked.
He wouldn’t hurt a leaf
on the tree, how would
he want to harm Her
Majesty Second Queen?
Ngân Hà! If you said so,
then my mother must be
a dishonest person?
My mother wrongly
accuses brother
Vương Tùng to harm him?
Your Majesty!
If today I can’t manage
my family,
how am I able to take
care of national affairs?
I hereby entrust the trial
of Vương Tùng
upon Second Queen.
Your Majesty!
Mother!
Your Majesty,
I wouldn’t dare do so.
O dearest,
you’re the injured one,
so you should be the one
to judge your offender.
Royal Father has
permitted you already.
Just pass the judgment,
Mother.
Well then... I shall obey
Your Majesty’s wish.
Go ahead, my dear!
Listen, everyone.
I spare Vương Tùng
the death penalty.
I’m very grateful,
Your Majesty.
Wait!
I ask only to cut off
his two arms and
send him to the jungle.
Vương Tùng!
O God!
Losing both arms
isn’t any different
than a death sentence.
And living in the jungle,
how will he be able
to survive
from the wild beasts?
Where is the warden?
I’m present.
Imprison the Queen
in the isolated palace.
Cut off Vương Tùng’s arms
to make an example
for everyone.
Bring his two arms back
for me to confirm.
Is it clear?
Order obeyed!
Mother!
Vương Tùng!
Listen! (Yes.)
Execute the order exactly!
Yes.
O Heaven, know you not
this agonizing pain?
O dark clouds
cover a sky shrouded
by wind and rain.
Blue Heaven,
know you not our anguish?
You may go back. (Yes.)
Go back!
I’ll send Prince
Vương Tùng’s two arms
back to the court.
O Your Highness!
Are you exhausted?
Please sit down here
for a little rest.
Elder, don’t call me Prince.
I’m no longer anybody,
just a criminal awaiting
the punishment.
No, Your Highness
is always a Prince to me.
Elder!
You’re being
wrongly accused.
A net set out, a trap
dropped on your head.
Alas, I can’t understand
the ungratefulness
in the world.
It’s just for a little power
that family members
destroy one another.
What an ungracious
and deceitful world!
People can be so wicked
and merciless!
Why do they harm
even loved ones?
How tormented I am,
O Prince!
Elder!
Why must an upright
and honest person
endure injustice,
O Heaven?
O Elder!
I’ve already accepted
my tragic fate.
Please carry out
the punishment.
Cut off my two arms
to give to the one
who gave the order.
What? I have to
sever your arms?
O God! Why this
dreadful moment?
Today’s
Enlightening Entertainment
will be presented in
Aulacese (Vietnamese),
with subtitles in Arabic,
Chinese, English,
French, German,
Hungarian, Indonesian,
Italian, Japanese,
Korean, Malay,
Mongolian, Persian,
Portuguese, Russian,
Spanish, and Thai.
Âu Lạc (Vietnam)
is a nation that has
a long-standing
traditional culture.
Aulacese music
is very rich;
since ancient times,
there have been
many musical instruments
that move the soul with
a wide variety of sounds
like those
of the copper drum,
gong, lithophone,
bamboo xylophone,
cymbals and panpipe.
In 2003, Elegant Music, a
form of Huế royal music,
was recognized
by the United Nations
Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO)
as an intangible cultural
heritage of the world.
Âu Lạc’s music represents
the unique features of
each region, for example,
Quan Họ folksongs
in the North,
Huế tunes in the Central,
and cải lương
(modern folk opera)
in the South.
In addition, there are many
other forms of music,
including hò
(work songs),
lý (village songs),
ceremonial songs,
Aulacese classical opera,
chèo traditional opera,
Hồ Quảng opera,
and so on.
Indeed, music has been
deeply instilled
in the hearts of people
in this beautiful country,
and has been cultivated
until this day.
Northern Âu Lạc
has a folk art
called xẩm singing
that is very popular
in the northern plains
and midland.
This genre, in the old time,
was performed
by minstrel bands.
In a gathering
with a small group of
our Association members
some years past,
Supreme Master Ching Hai
was inspired to
spontaneously compose
and sing in the xẩm style
a poem she had written in
her late 20s in Germany.
The poem was originally
written in English which
the poet herself
translated into Aulacese.
We now invite you
to enjoy an excerpt
of the xẩm singing
“We Don't Live More
Than One Hundred Years!”
composed and sung
by Supreme Master
Ching Hai.
I mean tonight I was nuts!
But so what:
Aren’t the rest of us!...
Otherwise how could we
carry on living,
For life isn’t worth a thing!?
You know that I am still
in love with you!
But that has nothing to do...
I cannot please everybody,
So I will please me!
That doesn’t mean
you are not right;
We all have only one life!
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.
Chèo traditional opera
is a folk theater art
which originated
from the regions
near the mountains
and from the plains of
northern Âu Lạc.
There are varied opinions
about the beginning
of chèo traditional opera:
the earliest time
is believed to be
in 4th century BCE
and the most recent
is 14th century, at the end
of the Trần dynasty.
Chèo is a narrative genre
of folk theater,
recounting stories
through a combination of
music, singing and dance.
One of the unique
features of chèo
is a skillful portrayal
of subtle gestures
and movements.
During festivals,
people in the plains of
northern Âu Lạc often
look forward to watching
chèo traditional opera.
The lyrics are infused
with folk poetry and
proverbs; tragedies are
usually counter-balanced
with satires.
Chèo is replete with
the pure simplicity of the
common folk, yet equally
profound in meaning.
The chèo
traditional opera
“The Lullabies
of Two Mothers”
is about two boys born
on the same day and how
their development was
shaped by their mothers
through the advice
embedded in their lullabies.
The two lullabies
fostered two
contrasting personalities,
leading their lives
to inevitable endings.
We now invite you
to enjoy the conclustion of
the chèo traditional opera
“The Lullabies
of Two Mothers,”
written by playwrights
Nhật Minh and
Doãn Hoàng Giang,
with performances by
Thanh Nhàn as Queen,
Hương Quế
as Second Queen,
Hà Quân as
Prince Vương Tùng,
Đình Hưng
as Prince Vương Thảo,
Thanh Hường
as Ngân Hà,
Nhật Điềm
as Marshal,
Anh Tuấn as Tiểu Quân,
Thanh Hải as Warden,
Quang Lâm as King,
Quỳnh Mai as A Sa,
and other artists.
The Queen and
Second Queen both gave
births to royal sons.
While Prince
Vương Tùng grew up
in the Queen’s lullaby
filled with kindness
and righteousness,
Prince Vương Thảo’s
mind was only instilled
by the Second Queen’s
words of thirst for fame
and usurping the throne
for power.
The two princes
studied martial arts with
the Marshal who also
accepted to teach
Tiểu Quân,
son of a warden.
The Marshal advised
all his students
to bond in brotherhood.
While Vương Tùng loved
Tiểu Quân as his own
brother, Tiểu Quân was
bullied by Vương Thảo.
One day, Vương Thảo
and the Second Queen
plotted to accuse
Vương Tùng of
intentionally harming her.
Permitted by the King,
the Second Queen
ordered to have
Prince Vương Tùng’s
arms cut off .
He was to be sent
to the deep forest and
his mother the Queen
to an isolated palace.
Supreme Master Ching Hai
caringly sent gifts
to the artists
and professionals who
contributed to the opera
“The Lullabies
of Two Mothers,”
broadcast on
Supreme Master Television.
They shared their
thoughts and expressed
gratitude toward Master.
Playwright Vũ Nhật Minh:
Respectful greetings,
I’m Nhật Minh,
the playwright of
the opera “The Lullabies
of the Two Mothers.”
My respectful greetings
to Supreme Master
Ching Hai
and Supreme Master
Television’s viewers.
I’ve been with this
profession for 50 years,
but this is the first time
I feel it’s a great honor
when a work I wrote
and created are being
broadcast worldwide.
My immense
and sincere appreciation
to Supreme Master
Ching Hai.
I’m very touched to know
someone who has
dedicated all her life
for spirituality.
I myself also wish very
much to do good deeds.
If I’m not a person who
aspires for goodness,
I certainly could not have
written such an opera.
She has done
all these good deeds ,
not just for
a group of people,
but for humanity at large.
She loves the animals
and also takes care
and provides medical
treatment for them.
That’s even greater.
If a person like this
can be multiplied
among humanity,
then this world
will be a very good place.
Protecting
the environment
by being veg is
a very practical thing,
very useful, during this time.
Now when passing
by restaurants
and bars on the street,
I feel repulsed,
very sickened.
I myself now eat sesame,
peanuts,
and more vegetables.
Protecting
the environment doesn’t
just mean no littering,
no producing toxic gases
– not just that.
In addition to that,
the vegetarian diet
is a way to protect
this environment.
I think that viewpoint
is a wise one.
I admire that very much.
And of course I support it
wholeheartedly.
Many meals in
Buddhist temples
are very delicious.
You don’t feel that
you are eating vegetarian
at all. If people can
do that on daily basis,
if they can alter
their dietary habit,
that’ll be very ideal.
Just replace it completely
so that one can’t
really see the selling
of real meat, of pork
out there anymore,
but all they see on sale
are vegetarian foods,
then surely it’ll become
a normal thing.
Actress Thanh Nhàn
as the Queen:
I’m Thanh Nhàn,
an artist of merit
in Chèo Art Group.
I find
Supreme Master Ching Hai
a very talented person,
who has brought
very precious love
to everyone,
especially the artists.
As artists, we very much
wish to meet Master
as soon as we can,
and we also wish
Master good health.
Actor Đình Hưng in
the role of Vương Thảo:
I wish good health
and the best for
Supreme Master Ching Hai.
She has promoted our
traditional performing
art globally and it has
been enthusiastically
received by viewers
in various nations.
Actor Đình Hưng and
actress Thanh Nhàn sang
the Quan họ folk song
“Having Charm Still”
in respectful dedication
to Supreme Master
Ching Hai:
Stage director Bùi Đắc Sử,
actress Thanh Hường
as Ngân Hà,
actress Quỳnh Hương Mai
as A Sa,
actor Thanh Hải
as Warden, and actor
Anh Tuấn as Tiểu Quân,
all of whom have
contributed
to Supreme Master
Television before,
also received gifts along
with Supreme Master
Ching Hai’s affection
and well-wishes.
We sincerely thank
the playwrights,
directors, artists
and professionals who
contributed your talents
and efforts to bring
about valuable chèo
traditional operas.
Thank you
for your endeavors
to preserve chèo,
a performing art
in Aulacese
traditional culture.
We wish you and your
families all the goodness,
upliftment,
and happiness in life.
Thank you for
watching today’s
Enlightening Entertainment.
Coming up is
Words of Wisdom.
Please tune in on
Supreme Master Television
next Thursday
for the Aulacese modern
folk opera “Filial
Loquat-Leaf Medicine"
by playwright
Bửu Truyện.
So long for now.
Tiểu Quân!
Brother Vương Tùng!
Why are you here?
Brother Vương Tùng!
Tiểu Quân!
Brother Vương Tùng!
Tiểu Quân,
you should go home too.
Your tears, however much,
will not save me.
O brother,
why must it be this tragic?
How will you survive
without your arms
in the dark, deep forest,
amidst misty rain
and storms?
Tiểu Quân!
Brother Vương Tùng!
Tiểu Quân!
Don’t worry for me.
I can endure this pain.
Brother Vương Tùng!
Go back, my dear!
O Elder!
What are you waiting for?
It’s getting dark.
Please cut off my arms
to bring back
to the Second Queen
before it’s late.
Don’t be afraid
that you will hurt me.
Don’t pity me anymore.
This order must be
carried out sooner or later.
Without my arms to
bring back to the court,
you will be charged
with disobeying order.
Don’t feel pity for me
anymore.
It must be done anyway,
Elder!
O God!
Severing your arms
is like severing my own.
That is plunging this
knife deep into my heart.
Tie me up, Elder!
Don’t become
an offender
because you pity me.
Your Highness,
I’ll tie you up.
That’s right. Tiểu Quân,
come tie me up.
Give Elder a hand.
Tiểu Quân,
what are you doing?
Don’t forget that
Vương Tùng
is your brother.
There’s no other way,
Father.
Sooner or later,
you’ll have to bring
brother Vương Tùng’s
arms back to present.
All right, stay back,
Father!
My God! Tiểu Quân!
You’re so eager,
aren’t you?
You’re very quick,
aren’t you?
Elder!
I wish to ask you
one thing, Father.
What is it?
Please cut off my arms
instead of brother
Vương Tùng’s arms.
What?
Tiểu Quân!
What did you say?
Please cut off
my two arms to
replace His Highness’.
O God!
No! Tiểu Quân!
Why are you doing that?
I’m the indicted.
Why should I make you
endure calamity?
O elder brother,
please give me a chance
to requite your kindness
for me.
You taught me
to shun evil deeds.
You taught me
to live proudly.
I’ve shared moments
of joy.
Allow me to bear
this pain of yours once.
Please don’t, Tiểu Quân!
O Father, please cut off
my two arms.
My God, what a tragedy!
What an agony!
But my son is right.
He’s learnt
to be a true human.
He’s learnt to love
wholeheartedly
the person who
offered him guidance.
And I, as his father,
have to plunge this knife
into my own kin whom
I have nurtured for years.
O Elder, I beg you
not to do that.
Don’t destroy Tiểu Quân
because you pity me.
But my son was right!
He’s done such
an extraordinary thing
that as a father,
I’m so proud of him
though it’s very painful.
So Father,
what are you waiting for?
Save His Highness.
Save my elder brother,
Father!
Tiểu Quân!
Don’t fear that
you will hurt me.
I can take it.
These are the stabs of
kindness and affection.
Please don’t
feel anguished.
You’ll see me smile
when the knife
comes down.
No! Tiểu Quân!
Elder,
please don’t do that!
O Elder!
Tiểu Quân!
O Vương Tùng, where
are you drifting to now?
In the cold palace,
yet I feel like
sitting on fire.
All my love and longing,
I’m sending into
the lullaby of yore.
I lull you with the words
of Heaven and Earth.
You’ll become wiser
through life’s trials.
Mother!
Vương Tùng! O God!
O my pitiful son,
where are your arms?
They were cut off
per order of the one
who detests me, Mother!
So where do you live now?
I’m in your lullaby.
I hastened back
upon hearing the song
of the past.
Are you cold?
Your lullaby has always
warmed me.
I only feel sorry
for your being alone
in the cold palace.
O child, your arms
were severed
by your father’s order.
Where are your
two hands of purity
and compassion?
Those hands that
dared not even touch
the branch for fear of
causing flowers to fall.
Hands that dared not
pull the bow for pitying
the bird who would be
robbed of her mate.
Those gentle hands
were hated and resented.
Nets are being cast
all over, where are you
taking refuge?
I dwell in the deep forest,
and I’m saddened
only from missing you.
My fate I’ve accepted,
I just feel tormented for
getting my kind mother
in trouble.
O Mother, forgive me.
Where do I go in the deep,
forlorn forest?
Trees block the way,
darkness stretches.
I long for you
unceasingly.
You were unjustly
incriminated
because of me.
O Mother,
we’re separated now.
I’m amidst a desolate,
remote forest.
Oh, I find no sight of you
in my earnest lullaby.
In anguish,
I pine for the olden days.
Alas, what a misery
of human life!
Vương Tùng!
What is the matter,
Your Majesty?
Oh God,
I just saw Vương Tùng!
Your Majesty,
the isolated palace
is well protected,
how can Vương Tùng
get in here?
It’s just that you so much
love and long for him
that his image comes
back in an illusion.
Now,
please receive the Queen.
My greetings to you,
sister.
Goodness!
We haven’t seen
each other only
for a short while, and
you look so emaciated.
I gave orders that
you must be taken care of
every minute regardless.
Why did they let you end
up in such a condition?
Your Majesty, I was
demoted by the court.
As a servant,
this is very good already.
I’m very thankful to you.
But your compassion
makes me shed tears.
This seems to be just
a game of cat and mouse.
You’re here
with a honey tongue
and a vile heart.
What is your purpose
of coming?
Just tell me.
Don’t give me
this stale double-talk.
So you know! I’ve come
to crush your pride.
If you’re sensible,
kneel down and
beg me for a pardon.
I’ll spare your life.
You want to turn me
into a coward.
But may I say that
you’ve tried a useless thing.
That means
you’re willing to die.
Because living cowardly
is just a form of death
anyway.
All right,
then you have to die.
I have to die?!
Where is the royal decree
to execute me?
Let me see it
with my own eyes.
Here is the royal decree.
My God!
It’s His Majesty’s
written document.
Then please go back
and report to the King:
“This servant is grateful
to him and will carry out
his sentence.”
Guards! (Yes.)
Bring me a sheet of silk!
(Yes.)
Vương Thảo!
Here! Handle it yourself!
Wait!
Please forgive me.
Vương Thảo!
Being imprisoned
in the isolated palace,
she’s as if dead already.
I beg you.
That’d be too wicked,
too cruel!
No! No cruelty, no hero.
If one wants all,
then he must dare do all.
Vương Thảo!
Didn’t you teach me
like that all the time?
I beg you, son.
Go back and rest,
Mother.
Leave it to me.
Warden!
I’m present.
After the sentence
is carried out,
bring the corpse
of this servant
to the inner palace to me
as proof. Is it clear?
Order obeyed!
Oh God! Why is it so?
Until now,
those who came to the
isolated palace served
their sentences for life.
Why is there
a royal decree today
for death penalty?
I think...
If the King decrees death,
then his subject has to die.
O Vương Tùng!
My singing will cease
from now on.
No longer will there
be my lullaby in the wind
calling you back.
Vương Tùng!
Farewell, son!
Hold it! O Queen, stop it!
My God!
Why? What happened?
Your Majesty,
the Prince brought
your decree here
to force the Queen
to commit suicide.
I ordered her to die? No!
I issued no such decree.
But where is it now?
Your Majesty,
the incumbent Crown Prince
took it away already.
I haven’t seen it.
I’ve never issued
such a decree!
Your Majesty!
O Queen! Warden!
(Yes.)
Listen to me!
From now on,
besides me,
no one is permitted to
enter the isolated palace
at will.
If someone violates,
I won’t spare his life.
Order obeyed!
My Queen!
Your Majesty!
My Queen!
Stop!
Stop!
Who are you?
Why are you coming here?
Who are you anyway?
Your two arms?
You don’t need to know
about it.
Just go away!
Stop!
Who are you
to dare dismiss me?
It should be me who can
throw you out of here.
Do you know
where this is?
Where this is!
This is the deep forest,
my place of refuge.
Go away
and leave me alone.
How bold of you!
You’re disabled
but still dare talk rudely
in front of me.
Aren’t you afraid of
losing your head?
Aren’t you afraid of
losing your head?
Ladies, don’t threaten me;
just go away.
Don’t be wordy.
Stop!
So, sisters... (Yes.)
Give this disabled guy
a lesson.
O sisters, leave him to me.
Today, I’ll let you know
the fencing skills
of mountain girl A Sa.
Hold it!
Please stop, Miss!
Oh God! Tiểu Quân!
What made you upset
with my disabled
younger brother?
This is my mountain camp,
and he dared trespass.
When I questioned,
he even told me
to get lost. Insolent!
I’m so sorry, Miss.
My apologies to you all.
Who are you?
Why are you here?
You don’t need to know
who we are.
If you want to kill me,
go ahead!
Tiểu Quân!
If you want a duel,
then duel!
All right,
I’ll take on both of you!
Please lessen your wrath,
Miss!
If my younger brother
has done something
that displeases you,
I sincerely apologize.
Tiểu Quân,
since we lost our way
into her mountain camp,
we are at fault.
Apologize to her,
brother!
Apologize now!
I apologize.
Please lessen your anger.
Let’s go, brother.
Stop!
Hold it!
You haven’t answered
my question yet.
You’re not
the court’s soldiers;
you have no right
to interrogate us.
Tiểu Quân!
Respectful Miss,
we lost our way
in the forest.
My brother encountered
a wild animal,
so he got hurt.
That’s not true.
I grew up in the wild.
That wound wasn’t
inflicted by a wild beast
but by a sword or spear.
Girls! (Yes.)
Capture them!
Hold it!
Please stop, young ladies.
Oh God! His Excellency!
Master, why are you here?
The court is all in turmoil.
What for do I remain there?
I went looking for you.
Master!
But how come
it’s like this?
Tiểu Quân has been
enduring the calamity
in my stead.
Tiểu Quân! Tiểu Quân!
Master!
There was no other way.
Brother Vương Tùng’s
arms are of more service
to the country than mine.
What did you just say?
Who is Prince Vương Tùng?
This is
Prince Vương Tùng!
How come I heard that
Vương Tùng was a rebel
who wanted to harm
the Second Queen,
creating chaos
in the court.
He was punished
by getting his two arms
cut off and dismissed
to the forest.
Why are you still
standing here
with your arms intact?
Miss, this is indeed
Prince Vương Tùng.
But it isn’t like
what people said.
Prince Vương Tùng
is not a wicked person.
He didn’t harm
the Second Queen.
He didn’t create
turbulence in the court.
And my disabled brother
here was willing
to offer his two arms
so that I may remain
whole physically.
Oh Lord!
Is there really such a thing?
So you’re a person
of noble spirit.
You sacrificed yourself
to take on the misfortune
for your loved one.
You’re an extraordinary man.
You’re a rare person
in this world.
Oh, Miss...
Please come to my
father’s mountain camp.
Who knows, someday we
may be able to help you
reclaim your throne.
We’re very grateful to you.
Someone is coming,
it seems.
Retreat, everyone!
Let us take care.
O Vương Tùng!
I’ve searched for you
all over the mountain
and forest.
I’ve braved hunger
and thirst these few days
looking for you.
I’ve searched for you
and yearned to see you
and share your pain.
Where can I find you?
Alas! The deep forest
is forlorn and endless.
Where are you in the
thousands of mountains?
Do you hear my calling,
wherever you are?
It’s the earnest voice
from my very heart.
O love,
I’ve crossed the mountain
looking for you.
You’re traceless like fish
in the sea, birds in the sky.
The deep forest
and distant stream
see no sight of you.
Ngân Hà!
Vương Tùng!
Ngân Hà,
calm down, dear.
It’s me!
Oh God!
Is this Tiểu Quân?
What does this mean?
Ngân Hà!
Father!
Why are you here?
What does this mean,
Father?
Tiểu Quân has endured
the misfortune
for Vương Tùng.
My God!
Brother Tiểu Quân!
Ngân Hà!
Brother Tiểu Quân!
Ngân Hà!
Suddenly, the old King
groped his way
to the isolated palace
to save that slave’s life.
He told me to present
the forged royal document
for his judgment
in a court meeting.
O Vương Thảo!
You must find a way,
or we’ll lose everything.
It was you who forged
your Royal Father’s writing
to order her to die.
Vương Thảo!
Why are you
in such a panic?
As soon as you met
with any difficulties,
you’re like a hen
choking on hair.
Yet you aspired
after great achievements.
How?
Mother, listen!
I’ll seize the throne!
My God!
You dare do such a thing,
Vương Thảo?
Just wait and
you’ll see everything.
Vương Thảo!
His Majesty has arrived!
O God! What am I to do,
Vương Thảo?
Stay calm, Mother.
Yes... Yes...
Long live the King!
I take great pain
to inform you that
the Queen and Prince
have committed
a serious crime by
forging my royal decree.
It’s intolerable by
court’s law, thus
I summoned you to
decide on a judgment.
Well...
So, what is your opinion?
Well...
Royal Father,
so you already know
what the court’s opinion is.
That royal decree was
issued in my own writing.
A son acting
on behalf of his father,
what’s your concern?
But it’s about time.
What did you say?
What time?
It’s time for you to step
down from the throne
and I’ll replace you
to rule the country.
Vương Thảo!
That time has come already?
Sure! You’re old now.
Your strength is waning;
your hand can’t hold
steady the brush;
you can’t sit firmly
on the throne when
your legs are shaking.
Vương Thảo!
I’ve become
a fading sunlight
in the evening of my life.
Your Majesty!
I remember it now.
There was a time
you sneakily tried
on the royal mantle
to practice being a king.
The practicing period
is over.
Now is the time
I put it on for real, Father.
Now, please step down,
Father! (No!)
Vương Thảo!
Come on!
Do it quickly, Father.
You walked up to the
throne so lightly before.
Why is it so heavy
for you to leave it now,
respected Father?
Officials? (Yes.)
Quickly help my father
down so that I can
preside over the court
for him. (Yes.)
Hold it, Vương Thảo!
I beg you!
Don’t you think
anymore of
father and son relation?
Don’t you care anymore
for moral conduct?
What did you teach me,
Mother?
O beloved son, sleep well.
Grow up to seize
the throne for yourself.
Now is the time I seize it.
O Vương Thảo,
sooner or later,
the throne will be yours.
Vương Tùng already
had his arms cut off and
sent to the deep forest.
No one else can compete
with you now.
Why are you in
such a hurry to do that?
But I want it right now.
That’s so wicked,
so ruthless, son!
That lesson you taught me,
Mother.
Vương Thảo!
Why walk around it?
Just trample
on those flower beds
to come here to me.
Do not be afraid of
ruining the flowers that
you take gentle steps.
If you’re concerned for
every leaf on the branch,
how can you secure
great achievements?
O Vương Thảo!
I’m pleading to you, son!
I remember clearly
what you taught me.
All right!
Stand up, Mother.
Go back to rest!
Vương Thảo! Son...
Go back!
What?
Now, are you going
to step down, Father?
Court officials? (Yes.)
Quickly help my father
down so that I can
preside over the court
for him. (Yes.)
I get it, now.
We also understand now.
It’s too late
when I realize things.
I alone shed tears of regret.
Alas! It’s too late!
I’m beset with many traps.
How tormented it is
to be betrayed
by your loved ones!
Oh, I deserve it anyway.
I’m surrounded
with darkness.
Even repentance
is pointless like
passing clouds and wind.
Here!
This is my whole life
of building an empire.
Take it!
No need!
The new King doesn’t
need worn-out clothes.
Guards! (Yes.)
Take the old man
to the shack in the corner
of the flower garden.
Send soldiers to guard him
carefully day and night.
Don’t let him
wander outside to
embarrass the new King.
Yes. Please, Your Majesty.
Bow to the new King!
Court officials? (Yes.)
Put up lanterns
and flowers to extol
Heaven’s Son! (Yes.)
Urgent report!
What is it?
A very strange army
is besieging the citadel
with the support of
the people in the capital.
Block access to all
the citadel’s gates. (Yes.)
Royal guards! (Yes.)
Charge out there
for a mortal combat!
Urgent report!
What is it again?
The citadel’s gates are open.
The capital city’s
residents and the strange
army are rushing in.
It’s come this far...
I have no choice
but to fight to death.
This sword I have trained
with for years.
I’ll show the worthless
bandits the new King’s
swordsmanship.
Vương Thảo, stop!
Kneel down to surrender!
No one can save you now.
Oh God! Vương Tùng?!
Am I awake or dreaming?
Are you a human
or a ghost?
His arms are still intact.
Why is it so?
So whose arms
were brought back?
Go away anyway.
I’ve seized the throne;
I’ll never release it.
But you’re surrounded
by soaring flames.
And the cowardly
court officials have all
run off in disarray.
You’re left alone
with deceitful spirits.
Kneel down to admit
your crime and
accept your death.
Kneel down
and admit your sin.
So, you left the court
all this time to lead your
army of rebels back here.
I brought the benevolent
troops back
to eradicate a traitor.
Kneel down
to admit your crime!
Kneel down
to admit your crime!
No! I’d never kneel.
If I couldn’t be king,
I’d rather be a cold corpse.
Vương Thảo!
I didn’t mean to come
back to fight over
the throne with you.
Alas! Was it just
because of that throne
that brothers destroyed
one another?
Vương Thảo,
where is my son?
Oh God! Vương Thảo!
My son!
O beloved son, sleep well.
Grow up to seize
the throne for yourself.
You’re dead.
Who killed him?
Was it me
who killed my own son?
Take that corpse away!
That’s right. I killed my son
by my lullaby
full of ambition.
Vương Thảo, my son.
Where are you?
Wait for me! Vương Thảo!
I lull you with the words
of Heaven and Earth.
You’ll become wiser
through life’s trials.
Your Highness,
I’ve brought
the Queen here
from the isolated palace.
Mother!
Vương Tùng!
Mother!
Vương Tùng!
O Mother,
I’ve wronged you.
It’s my fault to let you
endure this plight.
No, it wasn’t your fault.
But where is your father?
I heard that the rebellious
Vương Thảo dethroned
His Majesty your father.
So where is
His Majesty now?
I bow to the new King!
O Father, it’s me!
My son?
What son do I have left?
One son had his arms
cut off and sent to the
forest by me mistakenly.
The other son
has become an emperor.
Who is left to call me
his father?
No, Father,
please wake up!
It’s me, your son.
I’m still your Vương Tùng
from before.
Vương Tùng?
Is that you, really?
Father.
My God! Vương Tùng!
Father.
Vương Tùng, my son!
Don’t you resent me?
No, Father.
We both were deceived.
How could I bear
any grudge against you?
Oh God, Vương Tùng!
Father.
But Vương Tùng, son,
how come your two arms
are still intact?
Respected Father,
dear Tiểu Quân
has endured
the misfortune for me.
Tiểu Quân!
Your Majesty!
O Tiểu Quân!
So it was you who
sacrificed your two arms
for Vương Tùng to
remain whole physically.
O Tiểu Quân!
I’m deeply grateful to you.
Your Majesty!
Tiểu Quân!
Your Majesty, I was just
an adopted brother,
but Vương Tùng treated me
like his relation by birth.
I vowed to sacrifice
to requite his kindness.
Tiểu Quân!
Your Majesty.
For that reason, I cut off
Tiểu Quân’s arms
to bring back and
deluded Your Majesty.
Deluding me?
No, it was a sacred delusion.
I’d like to bow to you in
gratitude and admiration.
Your Majesty!
Everything happened
just like a dream of
loftiness and lowliness,
of purity and wickedness
amidst laughter and tears.
Just for the high throne,
people are willing
to do all deceitful things,
causing so much
bloodshed and misery.
Your Majesty!
Royal Father.
Your Majesty.
My Queen!
Vương Tùng!
Yes.
I now pass this throne
to you, son,
and keep in mind
this painful lesson.
Remember it from
your childhood
till your manhood.
It’s extremely difficult
to be a true human, son.
I’ll remember it,
Royal Father.
All my people!
Yes.
Have lanterns
and flowers put up to
celebrate Heaven’s Son!
Attention, everyone!
Listen carefully!
Listen attentively!
Here comes the good news!
The Queen has returned
to her palace.
The Second Queen was
sent to the dark prison.
Everything is as clear
as black and white.
Everything is now discerned.
The Queen joins the King
in a blissful
family reunion.
That tale is a happy one.
When you still have charm,
many wait upon you,
but when the charm
is gone,
you walk alon e.
Are you available?
I’m still available.
I’m not yet betrothed.
And I have no one.
O joyous festival…
When you have charm,
you sit under the pine tree.
But when the charm
is gone,
you sit by the rose bush
picking flowers.
If you love me,
please come by my house,
so my parents
can know about you,
and our wedding date
can be chosen.
O joyous festival…