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.

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 Singing Voice of Trương Chi” is a chèo traditional opera based on a timeless love story in the treasure of Aulacese folk tales about Mỵ Nương, a young lady from an aristocratic family, and Trương Chi, a boatman with a noble singing voice and heart. The tale about the talented yet ill-fated singer has been the subject of many poems and musical compositions until this day.

We now invite you to enjoy part 1 of the Aulacese chèo traditional opera titled “The Singing Voice of Trương Chi” by playwright Trần Đình Ngôn. It will presented in 2 episodes, with performances by Phú Kiên as Trương Chi, An Chinh as Mỵ Nương, Khắc Tư as the Prime Minister, Mạnh Phóng as the Village Elder, Phúc Lợi as Nobleman Hoàng, Tuấn Kha as the Sorcerer, Lã Khương as Guard Tốt, Mạnh Huấn as Guard Binh, 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 graced with happiness and love. Farewell for now.

Immense are the silvery water and golden moon. My love is like the waves, yours the moonlight. A carefree boat at midnight carries the golden moonlight to shore. Leaving, would you remember my love? Waves are lapping on the riverbank. O beloved, let us forget not each other! The oars haven’t rested; I still wait late into the night. O my beloved!

Trương Chi! (Elder.)

I heard that you plan to go to the Western Palace?

What? You’re going to the Western Palace?

Elder and villagers, yes, I am.

I tell you honestly: You should not go there, son. At the mandarin’s palace, you’d incur more ill luck than good fortune. I advise against it.

Brother Trương Chi, you’re just a poor boatman. Why would the Prime Minister summon you there?

The Prime Minister likes my singing, so he asked for my presence at the Western Palace.

People love your singing. Let’s assume so. But you go there to accept praise and reward or to sell your voice too?

That’s right. You go there to accept praise and rewards, or to sell your voice too?

They have money to buy precious things; they may as well buy your singing.

May I take leave, Elder and villagers? I must go to the Western Palace to find out if it’s true that people in luxurious mansions also know how to appreciate a lotus in muddy water.

You should not go there, son. If you don’t bow to authority and bring out your sweet singing voice to flatter them, you’ll be charged for showing contempt and being arrogant. You may lose your head because of your noble heart.

The elder is right. Don’t go, brother.

Please forgive me, Elder and villagers. I have to go.

Trương Chi! (Elder!)

In planning a lifelong relationship, don’t forget that people’s hearts, though sometimes like a vast sea, are still strewn with spikes and thorns. Don’t forget that people’s hearts, though sometimes like a vast sea, are still strewn with spikes and thorns. O son, being poor by fate, don’t covet someone else’s lot. O son, being poor by fate, don’t covet someone else’s lot.

Thị Hường. (Yes.) Have you finished preparing?

Yes, I have.

You should help your noble miss receive Trương Chi courteously.

Yes, I’ve followed Your Excellency’s instructions exactly. Mr. Trương should be here soon.

Invite your noble miss here for me.

Yes, Your Excellency.

What a pity! She’s been lovesick for Trương Chi’s singing for days. A noble young lady, daughter of the Prime Minister, is pining for a boatman. But I do not mind, as long as my daughter is cured of illness.

O child, I’ve gratified your wish. I’ve had Trương Chi invited and you may meet him right here.

I’m very grateful, Father.

I also came from poverty. It is due to my diligent study, then dedication in a mandarin’s duty, that I’m trusted and promoted by His Majesty. Though the highest- ranking mandarin in the court now, I haven’t forgotten my time in hardship. I dare not look down on the labor class. It’s just that nobleman Hoàng came asking for your hand in marriage, and the Deputy Prime Minister is greatly favored by His Majesty. So it’s really hard for me to refuse them. O child, it’s not easy to choose one from the countless paths in life. Human’s assent must still have Heaven’s consent. In marriage, who wouldn’t depend on affinity?

Respected father, please allow me to once meet him whose singing resounds amid the emerald river. If fortunately it’s Heaven and Buddha’s will, please have pity and make my wish come true.

If you truly love the boatman, I won’t be small-minded. Han Xin was poor but later in command of many thousand soldiers. Who knows? The poor boatman may later shoulder national affairs. I shall let you freely decide for yourself.

I’m grateful, father.

Thị Hường! (Yes.) Is it reality or am I dreaming? Is it true that he will join me in a vow of love? Please advise me! What are the most beautiful words to say? Should I express my intention or let him take the lead?

Alas! I don’t know what is right to tell you. I’ve never made a vow with anyone. Please speak from your heart, gentle miss, then it’ll surely flow beautifully.

Later, in this Western Palace, not on the deep emerald water, his singing will lull me to peaceful sleep. Garden blossoms will be more fragrant and colorful. Yellow orioles will fly away embarrassed as their carol pales in comparison to his singing.

Noble miss, you look so beautiful today!

Not really! My appearance has withered due to many forlorn days.

Noble miss, the gray cloud has dissolved; the moon was dim but now is bright again. Flowers in spring breeze are evermore enchanting. Gentle miss, here is the mirror; take another look at yourself!

Lo, jeweled eyes! Behold, fair tresses, making you all the more lovely! Such love-yearning eyes, fairies wouldn’t easily possess. On the emerald river, he rests the oars to sing for her who’s been mesmerized and waiting. She waits for him to make a vow under the moon.

You know, his coming to me is like spring returning to flowers and leaves, like the pouring rain upon a barren field. I’m beautiful? No, no. How can I compare to his singing? Alas! What words can fully express my feeling? Know you not, I still wait for you. How I wish to convey my longing! Swallows flying at sky’s end as the Western veranda tilts its shadow.

Knowing the singer, you love him more ardently.

My heart is stirred with yearning every evening.

Mesmerized, you’ve become lovesick.

Respectful greetings, noble miss!

Thị Hường! (Yes.) Is it really him who just comes?

Noble miss, your wish has come true. Look, noble miss! Have courage and go out to greet him!

Oh!

Noble miss! Noble miss!

Thị Hường! (Yes.) Please ask him to have a seat.

Precious guest, my lady asks that you have a seat and she will receive you.

Please forgive me. I... I’m weak and tired. I’ve just caught a gust of cold wind. Please have a seat!

You don’t feel well today. May I take leave so you can rest?

Please don’t leave so soon! When will I ever see you again? Today I invited you here to thank you for letting me enjoy your singing which resounds from the river.

My rural singing voice isn’t worthy of your golden feeling.

No. Your singing is very beautiful! Your singing is immense like the sea, gentle like a waft of breeze, warm like a kitchen fire in the winter, cooling like the summer’s rain. Your singing is sweet like the scent of orchid and lily, crystal clear like a precious gem. When you start singing, birds can barely fly, and clouds are reluctant to drift. Even the sparrow in the meadow or the yellow oriole in the shrine has to cease twittering to listen to your singing, how would those sentimental and melancholy souls not adore your voice?

Thank you, noble miss. You’ve offered beauteous praise of my singing. But I’m afraid this boatman’s singing doesn’t deserve your compliments. Perhaps it’s just your imagination, because how could an unrefined country man have any talent worthy of jade and gold?

No. I didn’t imagine it. Your singing voice is like that. I dare not look down upon the labor class and having always admired your talent.

I know. You would imagine a sweet orange to have bright red skin, a fragrant lily to have soft white petals. Yet you’re surprised to find an aromatic and tasty water caltrop to have an ash-like shell. Reality and dreams are two different things. I... I’ve done you wrong for bringing here the reality that ruins a golden dream.

No, no. Please don’t think like that! I invited you here because I love your singing. Please drink down your cup in honor of your voice.

Thank you, noble miss. Having known now the sweet, sour and bitter tastes, I feel no passion to drink with you this cup. Your jeweled words are respectfully appreciated. I bid you farewell.

The singing echoes from the long river amid strong tides. A silhouette tilts in the north-east wind. Who would understand how I feel? The lyrics contain seasons of rain and shine. I... I invited you here, yet I’ve displeased you. I’m really at fault. Here is a token of my gift to celebrate the day I meet an exquisite talent. Please kindly accept it. If you don’t think my father’s residence is small, please come here to water the flowers and trim the hibiscus wall. My father will reward you greatly. And I will be able to listen to your singing right in the Western Palace, not an echo from the river. Do you agree to it?

I appreciate your sympathy for a poor person, but I can’t sell my voice to anyone nor can I sell my dignity.

Even pure gold is spurned.

Noble miss, respect can’t be measured by gold and silver. I’m sure that if only to thank me for my singing, you wouldn’t have asked for me to come all the way to the Western Palace. Regretfully, I’ve turned out to be a different person than what you’ve been dreaming of. You’ve tried to be courteous, but your eyes quietly tell me: “What for do you come here? I just need your voice.” Noble miss, take another look! The mirror has been dropped and shattered.

I’ve lingered here too long already. I’d like to take leave, noble miss. The passengers, the oars and the water are probably waiting for me now. I wish you peace and good health.

You loved and pined for the boatman so much, but when you met him, you were indifferent.

Is that the truth? It isn’t what I dreamt of. His appearance is not as exquisite as his singing. Alas! Why does reality have to be so harsh? To whom shall I consign my love?

He’s indeed a noble person with respectable and admirable demeanors. Unfortunately, his unsightly appearance has obscured his inner beauty. Could it be that all his charm has gone into his singing voice? Gentle miss, he already came here, why did you let him go back? You want a flawless jade, but once having got hold of this one, you let it drop.

The mirror was broken for real? Is the mirror cracked, or is my face divided in two? One half is gentle and sentimental, the other half is arrogant and snobbish. The mirror has shattered, or the image of a faithful lover has dissolved with a beautiful dream?

Immense are the silvery water and golden moon. My love is like the waves, yours the moonlight. A carefree boat at midnight carries the golden moonlight to shore. Leaving, would you remember my love? Waves are lapping on the riverbank. O beloved, let us forget not each other! The oars haven’t rested; I still wait late into the night. O my beloved!

Trương Chi!

Not many people rise to paradise in one step. With wicked plots and cunning schemes, with clever tricks and a bit of kowtow, I’ll secure rank and title some day. Gem-studded palanquin, luxurious mansion... A golden dream! I’ll go sightseeing in a purple carriage with pomp and splendor. Many beautiful women will serve me intoxicating drinks with their ivory hands. What a thrill to be a man of rank and to have the commoners bow at your feet!

O nobleman! Serious trouble, O sir! Sir, it’s serious!

What’s the matter?

The medicine...

What happened to the medicine?

It’s burnt already!

O God! You’re good for nothing! Don’t you know? It’s not easy for the Prime Minister to allow me to take care of the ailing gentle miss.

Yes, I know.

My relationship with her depends on the medicine bowl. But you let it burn to shame me. You...

Please, please forgive me, sir. Yes, I know, sir. It’s said that burnt medicine or overcooked rice is bad luck.

That’s right!

But to you, even when the rice is good and the medicine is sweet, I still don’t see any good luck. (What?) I also heard this from the noble miss’ attendant.

What did her attendant say?

She said that the medicine was prepared very meticulously and brought all the way from the Deputy Prime Minister’s residence. (Right.) However the gentle miss never took it; she even showed disdain. I regret the effort of keeping my eyes wide open all dayand night. I regret my effort of serving you. I regret my effort of serving you.

Look, look! (Yes.) You can only serve me, all right! (Yes.) Now, go wash the pot and prepare another bowl of medicine, quickly! (Yes.) Hurry up! Wait! (Yes.) Try to serve me wholeheartedly. (Yes.) If one day I can marry the Prime Minister’s daughter, I’ll help you become a waterway patroller.

Well, sir! I wouldn’t dare. (Why?) You incite me to have high hopes. It’d only make me feel self-pity, lamenting my own lot, O sir.

Listen! (Yes.) I’m still alive and you’re crying, that means..

O sir, it went like this. Just now, when I sat fanning the fire for the medicine, I looked outside and saw a...

A what?

A toad. Goodness, it’s very stinky, sir!

I don’t see anything.

It’s sitting under a taro leaf. (Is that right?) He probably detected the fragrant scent from the noble young lady’s dress, wafting here all the way from the Western Palace.

Really?

Yes. He saw that the veranda there is a thousand times bigger than the taro leaf. So he tried to climb up. He jumped along the wall. But woe to him, the wall was vertical. The toad kept climbing up then falling down. Falling down, he tried to climb up again. He kept trying... until he was exhausted, then he dropped dead. (Really?) Seeing all that, I felt very sorry for the toad. So I ran into the garden right away, picked up a dry willow branch, and stuck it by the toad. O God, help the poor toad!

You’re such a pious man!

Indeed, a dead toad covets a beautiful maiden. An unemployed homeless dreams of sounding the village’s night drum. Do you know what, sir? I was so busy watching the toad that I forgot the medicine and let it burn.

Enough! You’re only good at being glib. Go clean up the pot to prepare another bowl of medicine! Quick!

Yes, I’ll go inside now to prepare...

Be quick! (Yes, sir.)

How is it? Is it done?

All done. I crawled under the bed of the noble miss and placed a charm at its front foot. But... it was a very difficult task.

Something is wrong with your charms lately. Many charms have been installed to no effect. The Prime Minister keeps using her illness as an excuse to decline my betrothal gifts. And she keeps rejecting me. Every time I went over to ask about her health, she wouldn’t let me get close to her bed.

A beautiful woman playing hard to get, that’s normal, sir. If she puts on airs, you must play humble. If she puts on airs, you must play humble. Even if you must crawl under her bed, do it anyway. Bow to one person, so that you can rule many thousands of people. If you want to be the Prime Minister’s son-in-law, you’ll have to yield at the Western Palace.

Right! That’s why I had to humble myself to crouch under a lady chamber’s curtain. It’s said that “a young man staying with his wife’s family is like crawling under the pantry.” Even if I had to creep under the pantry or crawl under the bed to be the Prime Minister’s son-in-law, I would bear it. Alas! High salary and title are like a dream of fame that keeps hovering before my eyes. Days of glory are awaiting me.

Sir, while crawling under her bed to install the charm, I heard her mumbling to herself about Trương Chi’s singing. So the singing voice on the river is more powerful than any love potion or charm.

Impossible! She didn’t care to look at the face of that boorish boatman.

It’s correct that she doesn’t like that boorish guy, but his singing keeps stirring her heart, evoking many fancy dreams. The noble miss aspires very high, while you haven’t got much. Thus, for the love potion and charm to be effective, you must eliminate Trương Chi’s singing right away.

So, my opponent is Trương Chi’s singing. Fine! I’m the waterway patroller in charge of rivers in this area. The area where he works is the meritorious land of the Deputy Prime Minister, my father. I’ll find a way to falsely accuse Trương Chi, then I can get rid of him easily as putting my hand in my pocket.

That’s right.

Why wait? Let him go see Heaven, finished!

Hold it! No need to kill him. Just forbid him to sing.

His singing keeps weaving lofty dreams, while I’m plain and coarse. I detest Trương Chi’s singing voice. I resent Trương Chi’s singing voice. Guards! (Yes.) Bring two sharp swords here for me!

Here they are, sir.

Are they really sharp?

Yes, very sharp.

Try it out for me to see!

Try it out where, sir?

If Trương Chi refuses to stop singing, behead him immediately.

Immense are the silvery water and golden moon. My love is like the waves, yours the moonlight. A carefree boat at midnight carries the golden moonlight to shore. Leaving, would you remember my love? Waves are lapping on the riverbank. O beloved, let us forget not each other! The oars haven’t rested; I still wait late into the night.

Hey, Trương Chi the boatman! Be quiet! You’re not allowed to sing! Come up here for the waterway patroller’s words of teaching.

That guy over there, listen! Who permits you to ferry people?

Sir, my family, for three generations, have paddled to ferry passengers. I’ve paid docking tax and ferry tax on time.

Your ferry business is considered all right, but listen to my question. Who gives you the right to sing?

Who permits you to sing?

Sir, people in this world, when they couldn’t fully express their excitement, they’d move their arms and legs; when their lament couldn’t yet relieve their grief, their tears would flow; and on moonlit nights with cool breeze, when their hearts are light, they’d think about worldly life and feel inspired to sing. To sing or not is permitted by their hearts.

Insolent! You gave yourself the right to sing anything you want?

Wretched! Now, are you going to sing properly? Just sing the song “A stork, a heron, and an egret…”

Just sing like that.

Right!

Just sing about goby and dory, the kind of song that lulls kids to sleep, then why would anyone forbid you?

That’s right! Just sing like that, why would anyone forbid you?

I sing about compassion in life and kindness among humans, for neighbors to care for one another, for families to be harmonious, for couples to express true love. Should that life-loving singing be forbidden?

There you are! It’s because that kind of singing brings harm. It makes a virtuous maiden in her chamber feel melancholy. It makes a gentleman on his horseback feel discouraged. Your singing incites students to think corruptly, speak wrongly and slight the sages’ books. It induces the country bumpkins to desire good food and beautiful clothes, not accepting their lots. Listening to your singing, a servant is dissatisfied with his master, a precious horse turns unruly. The land belonging to my father and me is flourishing on wealth and glory, but it could become unfavorable if we’re not careful.

You spoke very strangely, sir! We villagers are in love with Trương Chi’s singing. His singing makes vegetation lush, the water gentle, and the village happy and harmonious. His singing is like early morning air, like a pure drop of rain, like a white grain of salt and sweet-smelling rice. We villagers can’t be without Trương’s singing.

Now, now! It doesn’t matter if you’re with or without it. A land has its land god, a river has its river god. This region, within 10 square miles, is the meritorious land of the Deputy Prime Minister, my father. Above is the King who rules on behalf of Heaven, below are my father and I who lord over this territory. Therefore, besides the royal court’s laws, there are my and my father’s regulations. Listen to my dictate! From now on, the boatman Trương Chi is forbidden to sing.

How could you forbid unreasonably like that? Poor and now without the singing, how can people live on?

Reasonable? Your reason isn’t as sharp as mine. Guards! (Yes.) Tốt (Yes.), Binh (Yes.), sit right here to keep watch. As soon as he starts singing, behead him. (Yes.)

Let’s get some sleep to feel rested! With one on guard and the other sleeping, we’ll end up with only half a dream.

We can’t! If we sleep now, and Trương Chi starts to sing, we’ll be finished.

Look over there! Poor him! He craves to sing, so all day long he’s restless, tormented and distressed. What do you think? As for me, I feel so sorry for him.

O God! If you feel sorry for others, you’d only cause harm to yourself.

O Binh! (Yes?) How about we just let him sing a little?

Impossible! Look, he’s walking up over here.

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.

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 Singing Voice of Trương Chi” is a chèo traditional opera based on a timeless love story in the treasure of Aulacese folk tales about Mỵ Nương, a young lady from an aristocratic family, and Trương Chi, a boatman with a noble singing voice and heart. The tale about the talented yet ill-fated singer has been the subject of many poems and musical compositions until this day.

We now invite you to enjoy the conclusion of the Aulacese chèo traditional opera titled “The Singing Voice of Trương Chi” by playwright Trần Đình Ngôn, with performances by Phú Kiên as Trương Chi, An Chinh as Mỵ Nương, Khắc Tư as the Prime Minister, Mạnh Phóng as the Village Elder, Phúc Lợi as Nobleman Hoàng, Tuấn Kha as the Sorcerer, Lã Khương as Guard Tốt, Mạnh Huấn as Guard Binh, and other artists.

In the previous episode, Mỵ Nương was lovelorn for Trương Chi’s singing voice and became seriously ill. Feeling sympathy for his daughter, the Prime Minister invited Mr. Trương to their private residence; however the boatman’s appearance shattered Mỵ Nương’s dream. Meanwhile, nobleman Hoàng, son of the Deputy Prime Minister, out of greed for fame and fortune, proposed to Mỵ Nương. Upon learning that she adored Trương Chi’s voice, he used all his power to forbid the boatman from singing ever again.

Get some sleep, my friend! A beautiful dream will ease your sorrow. Why bother to keep pondering? You look emaciated.

Go get some sleep! You’ll feel better. No one dies if you don’t sing.

What makes you think so? Have you two ever seen that death? Unable to hear the singing overflowing with human kindness, people have to listen the sound of sorrowful lament. Smiles will fade from rosy lips and tears will flow again on sad faces. People still live on in their physical bodies, but perish slowly with the decline of kindness and morality. The river is hushed, the water silently flows. One isn’t far away, yet it’s as if he already passed.

Sweet river turns bitter. Who makes my singing choked with tears?

O God! It’s a frightening prospect really! How can people carry on their lives when the loving singing ceases?

Trương Chi, you still don’t want to go to sleep?

You still don’t want to go to sleep?

The entire village is still awake, how can I sleep?

Without a covenant, it became a tradition. At this hour, every house is tranquil, the weaver’s shuttle ceases to turn, the rice pounding stops, old men refrain from their coughing, and mothers comfort their children to sleep. All are waiting for Trương Chi’s singing.

Yet for half a month, I haven’t been able to sing. I’ve betrayed the villagers’ expectations.

No. We’re not here to ask you to sing but to stay awake with you. Like you, we’re also choked with grief when deprived of your singing.

We’d rather come here to share your pain and resentment, instead of lying sleepless late at night on a tattered mat.

Devoid of your singing, we’re utterly sad; we have neither interest in working nor dream of going to the festival like Miss Tấm who tried on the flowery slipper. Lovers’ vow has become tepid, and we’re indifferent about getting married.

The village is quiet, but it isn’t the solemn hush to reserve the vast Heaven and Earth for the singing. It is the silence that shrouds the misty night as if attending a funeral.

No. No. I must sing.

What about the ban by the Deputy Prime Minister and his son? What about the sword begrudging the singing voice?

That’s right! What about the sword that begrudges the singing?

How can you possibly sing, brother Trương?

No. Let me sing! O brother guard, don’t be afraid! I won’t get you in trouble. Let me sing! Please let me sing one last time to say adieu to my home village and my most beloved people.

No. In that case, I can’t let you sing, then you won’t stay with the river anymore.

No, O Elder! I’ll remain with you always. I’ll stay with the crystal clear river year-round. These eucalyptus trees will sing on my behalf. The lush eucalyptus gives fragrant leaves for the poor country girls to wash their hair with. O willowy eucalyptus, your leaves flow gracefully like a girl drying her hair by the river.

O eucalyptus that gives wood to support houses, to erect a sturdy mast and build the oars for me to paddle steadily throughout the year. Remain with our homeland, remain with the river, and sing on my behalf. I’d like to entrust my heart in the wind-swept eucalyptus.

The scorching sun wilts the areca nuts causes the mulberry to shed leaves. I sing a lullaby for rice plants. I sing in every cloud sending rain. I sing for tears to stop falling, for the joy on your face to disappear not. I sing a lullaby for the children to have a beautiful dream in the hammock. I sing for the river to flow amply and ease the longing of our homeland.

Trương Chi!

Tốt! Tốt!

You’re killing me! Oh God!

Forgive me, sir. Pardon me, sir!

You were supposed to watch the medicine pot, but you sat there, dozing off. If the medicine is burnt, you’ll expire, son!

Sir, it happened that I sat there and had a dream.

You dream hen lying down. No such thing as sit and dream!

Oh, I was just dozing off, then dreaming.

You were dreaming? (Yes.) What were you dreaming about?

It was a wonderful dream. If I tell, you’d crave it too.

So you dreamed that you became a mandarin?

A mandarin? I wouldn’t care for such a dream.

Or you dreamed that you became a king?

Oh, no. I dare not dream to be a king.

Then what did you see in your dream?

I saw all bizarre things.

Bizarre?

Yes. But I’m afraid you’d beat me, so I dare not tell.

You have my permission. I swear I won’t even touch your body.

Really?

Would someone like me trick you?

I don’t believe it. You must let me rub lime on you so that this moustache becomes twisted.

Insolent! You intend to smear my face?

Never mind then. Your face already has dark spots. I wouldn’t need to do that anymore. But you must keep your word.

All right. I just need your bizarre dream. Tell me about it!

I’ll tell you, yes? I was staying awake all night to prepare the medicine. My eyes were burning and closed tight. I tried to open them, but they didn’t want to. Then I dreamed.

You dreamed? (Yes.) What did you see?

I dreamed that I lost my way and entered a wonderland. I went to a fast flowing river. Before me appeared a bridge named “Glory.”

Glory Bridge?

On the other side of the bridge was a magnificent castle. On its large gate was written “Riches.”

What? Riches? (Yes.) Glory Bridge, Riches Gate.

From inside came the sparkling light of gold and jewels.

Really?

And glimpses of beautiful faces glimmered. O sir! (What? What?) I thought this had to be fairies’ abode.

Fairies’ abode?

I was mesmerized. I was about to run to the gate. Then I saw a sign.

What was on the sign?

It said “Human above.”

“Human above,” what does that mean?

I found out that the bridge had two levels. The higher level was for humans.

Your dream was quite interesting, indeed.

I thought for sure that I was a human. So I stepped right onto the high level. Then I looked down. I looked down, and I saw you crawling right into the lower level. (Really?) I didn’t trust my eyes anymore. So I tried to look down again to see if it really was you.

Was that so?

I saw that you were drunk and fell fast asleep.

All this time, you made up the story to insult me! I must give you a good lesson.

Respectful greetings, sir!

You’re back already?

Why? Your face is all smeared with soot.

Never mind. How was it? The investigation task I asked you to do, did you have it figured out?

Sir, I went there to check out and discovered an unusual matter. It turned out the eucalyptus tree can sing.

The eucalyptus can sing? (Yes.) But what does a singing eucalyptus have to do with me?

Well, the singing voice of the eucalyptus is actually that of Trương Chi. Every night it still reaches the Western Palace, causing Mỵ Nương to feel more bitterly sorrowful.

Not true. I stay awake every night, but I hear nothing at all.

How could your ears and mine perceive it?

My ears and yours can’t detect it? Fine. Even if it’s an entire forest of singing eucalyptuses, I’ll cut down, much less a single tree. Guards! (Yes.) Bring two cleavers here for me!

Wait! This time you must be cautious. Let me work magic on a charm. After that, I’ll dig up all the tree’s roots and install the charm, only then can we rid the problem completely.

Great! Show your magic power and stamp out that singing voice for me!

Immense are the silvery water and golden moon. My love is like the waves, yours the moonlight. A carefree boat at midnigh carries the golden moonlight to shore. Leaving, would you remember my love? Waves are lapping on the riverbank. O beloved, let us forget not each other! The oars haven’t rested…

Why did the singing end abruptly like that?

Something wrong must have happened?

Or have any of us misbehaved? Did you girls just play around?

No, elder. We still kept quiet while listening to the singing.

Whoever errs, just stand up and ask the eucalyptus for forgiveness. No one did anything wrong? Then why did the eucalyptus stop singing? In wistfulness, may I ask the mountain wind and cloud afar? How heart-rending! By the river, the singing voice of longing still echoes. I’d like to ask why your voice is silenced? Your homeland misses you deeply. Alas, such overflowing love!

O eucalyptus! Villagers here are still making an honest livelihood. We’re still the devoted and loyal people.

Everyone loves and misses you, brother Trương Chi! We still care for the eucalyptus’ roots and weed the area around it. So...

What made you unhappy that you stopped singing?

Look! It seems someone from the palace is coming this way. Perhaps that’s why the eucalyptus stopped singing.

A noble young lady, she must be Mỵ Nương.

If it’s indeed Mỵ Nương, then she doesn’t deserve to hear the singing.

The noble miss is coming.

Let’s go home.

Noble miss, this is the eucalyptus tree I often told you about.

Oh, the eucalyptus grows very tall! From afar, I already heard its singing and I thought there was a waft of sweet fragrance in the breeze. From the distance, I saw many people surrounding the eucalyptus and thought I heard the singing. But now that I’m here, it’s quiet in all four sides. The tree is motionless, the wind still; those commoners have left too. Could it be that I don’t deserve to hear the singing?

O eucalyptus! My lady stays in the forbidden palace. She risked coming here without her parents’ consent. Please pity her, O eucalyptus, and sing.

O eucalyptus! I didn’t love the boatman but I still need to hear the singing voice which has brought me lofty aspirations, and in my dreams, I render my feelings.

You couldn’t love the person, so you fall secretly for his shadow. Without Trương Chi’s singing voice, the shadow of your dreamt beloved also evanesced. I don’t know how to help you. The eucalyptus tree still won’t sing, and the sun is about to set. Noble miss, please go home before it gets late.

No, no. Sitting under the eucalyptus, I feel so lightened. I wish my father would indulge the request of this unfortunate daughter, to have a secluded temple built under the eucalyptus where I devote my life to reciting the scriptures and Buddha’s name to make merit so as to pray for Mr. Trương’s liberation.

Noble miss! You plan to be a nun? Impossible! Wherever you hide, people will drag you out by all means to love you, to marry you, to cherish and pamper you.

It’s not their intention to cherish and pamper me, but to use my father and me as a means to gain fame and wealth. You know what? Before my eyes country men are clumsy and boorish, while the rich noblemen are deceitful and greedy. Whom should I marry? It’s better that I leave home and be a nun. It’d be really beautiful to have a small temple at this place: quiet, tranquil, far from the mundane world. I wish I can stay by the eucalyptus forever and listen to his singing. He sang under the waning moon. Loving the river, he often sang under the waning moon, missing the many cherished and devoted ones in his homeland.

Mỵ Nương! You’ll never hear the singing, if you haven’t yet realized your misconception.

Trương Chi!

Noble miss! Noble miss!

Greetings, noble miss! I was ordered by the Prime Minister to come here and bring you back home. Your jewel form is ailing and frail, but you come to an open and deserted place like this, how can you possibly avoid catching a cold? I’d like to escort you back to the palace. I’ve had people bring a hammock here in your service.

Thank you for troubling yourself for my sake, but I don’t want to bother anyone. I came here myself, so I can go back on my own.

Why? Noble miss! I have the duty to attend to your every need, though it’s a short distance home, your lotus feet aren’t familiar with the road. A chamber-bound virtuous woman isn’t used to rising wind and scorching sun. I’d like to escort you back.

No, noble miss will not go anywhere. Her lady’s wish should be honored above all.

Thị Hường! You didn’t take care of noble miss properly, letting her set out on such an arduous trip without her parents’ permission. You’ve committed an offense thereby. If you’re sensible, let me bring noble miss back. Guards! Lift noble miss onto the hammock, take her home! (No!)

Thị Hường!

Noble miss!

Thị Hường!

Noble miss! Noble miss!

Thị Hường!

Noble miss! Noble miss!

Sir, noble miss was carried home already.

Really? (Yes.) Good!

Sir, this is the singing eucalyptus.

Guards! (Yes.) Dig up all of the roots. Gather every single leaf and burn them all for me! (Yes.)

Day after day, I lean against the window, yearning for the singing coming from the river, the singing echoing from the emerald river. Someone’s singing makes me feel a deep longing and regret days of yore. I blame myself for not tying the thread. Now that love is gone, I feel a relentless torment.

O Mỵ Nương! (Father!) You worry me so much. After the court meeting with His Majesty, I was anxious to go home. Then I learned that you’d left the Western Palace for a sightseeing trip. What a very risky venture! O child, I keep you in the forbidden palace not to hide a wholesome gem to keep it high priced, but because I don’t want you to be in contact with the outside world.

The capital is packed with wanton and extravagant people. The countryside is still pestered by the bandits. Leaving this house, you may either fall into thugs’ hands or be influenced by the debauched. Besides, you’ve been ill for a long time; you’re feeble like a baby left in a storm. Don’t you realize how precious your body is?

But.. why did you let nobleman Hoàng seek me out, when in fact he came to force me home? They lifted me by the arms then threw me onto the hammock. It was supposed to be high-class, but it was no different than carrying a pig or a buffalo.

No. I didn’t ask for anyone’s help. When I came home, I heard that nobleman Hoàng had gone to fetch you shortly after you left the Western Palace. As I sent our people out for you, I saw you being carried home on a hammock by the guards from Deputy Prime Minister’s residence. I really am surprised that nobleman Hoàng treated you that rudely.

Nevertheless, I’m to blame for making you worry. Father, please be generous and forgive me.

It’s all right. Don’t think about it and deplete your mental strength.

O Father, since I went to the eucalyptus tree, I feel so light-hearted all of a sudden and much better physically.

Really? (Yes, Father.) Heaven perhaps has tied your fate to Trương Chi’s. How strange! O child, I already reported this story to His Majesty.

Father, if you reported the truth, how can the Deputy Prime Minister and his son get away from trouble?

No, I can’t be apathetic to the unjust death of an exquisite talent. His disconsolate singing seems to linger on the emerald river all this time. How have I the heart to ignore his soul’s ceaseless questioning of justice and unrequited affection?

How regretful when love was unfulfilled! An ill-fated talent bore an unjust death alone, letting your heart wither from sorrow night and day. If the King pities a righteous and talented man as to confer a title upon Trương Chi and allow the villagers to erect a shrine by the river, then year-round incense burning will help lighten his spirit. But if the King only listens to the Deputy Prime Minister’s defamation, then even if I must resign my post or lose my head under the executioner’s sword, I’m willing to accept it.

Father, please don’t risk getting into trouble because of me.

No, I do this not just because of you, but to ease my conscience and fulfill my duty as well. I have faith in the King’s righteousness anyhow.

If it was as my father reported to His Majesty, then building a small shrine by the river to worship the Buddha will not be a problem.

O noble miss!

What’s the matter, sister?

The eucalyptus tree was uprooted and its every leaf was removed. They burnt that eucalyptus alive.

O God!

Noble miss!

Is there such a thing?

The eucalyptus was thought to be completely burnt, but there is still a chunk of its core lying unscathed in the pile of ash.

The core still remains? (Yes.) If the core remains, the tree isn’t all lost. Do you know of a way to bring the core here for me?

Noble miss!

Noble miss, I know you greatly treasure the eucalyptus, so I’ve secretly brought here a portion of the core for you.

O God, the eucalyptus’ core. Alas! It wasn’t burnt, and neither permitted the ash to smear it. Sweet Thị Hường! (Yes.) Kindle for me an incense stick. (Yes.) I’d like to burn this incense to show my genuine respect. If your spirit has gathered in the eucalyptus’ core, please witness my sincerity. O Trương Chi! It wasn’t that I betrayed your affection, but it was due to our tragic fate that we couldn’t join in marriage.

Oh! Do you smell a sweet scent permeating the whole room?

Sparkling light and a fragrance fill the air. O eucalyptus! Please stay with me forever in the Western Palace.

O brother and sister, having the eucalyptus core, I feel overjoyed. I love and trust you even more as I look at you. All my emerging thoughts are of goodness. I’ll stay in the Western Palace for the rest of my life. I’ll live with the eucalyptus core which emits a sweet perfume and wonderful light.

Noble miss, the eucalyptus core is indeed invaluable, but I’m afraid you can’t keep it for yourself to cherish.

Why?

Because if the King learns about it, you’ll have to offer it to the King, or if the villagers find out, you’ll have to return it to them. As with the singing voice, this treasure belongs to the world.

So... what should I do now? Brother Tốt, please advise me!

Brother Tốt! Please offer noble miss an advice.

Ah! My father is the most skilled turner in the capital.

If noble miss would be so pleased, I’ll take home a portion of the core. My father will help make for you a eucalyptus cup so that everyday you can drink from it. Wherever you go, you can carry that small cup with you.

Wherever you go, you can take the small cup with you.

Thank you, brother and sister. Brother Tốt, please ask your father to help make me a cup. (Yes.) Please send my sincere gratitude to your father.

I’m taking leave, noble miss.

O Thị Hường! Open all the doors for the sunlight to fill the Western Palace.

I’ll open all the doors to fill the room with light and human hearts with joy. Sunlight dissipates all dewdrops falling on the branches for someone’s heart like a shattered mirror becoming whole again.

Oh God! Is that nobleman Hoàng?

Yes, indeed it’s nobleman Hoàng in shackles. But how strange!

Father!

It’s not strange at all. One must pay for his wicked deeds. The flame that burnt the eucalyptus had stirred up the whole capital, making many officials angry and people discontented. His Majesty summoned me for an enquiry, and I told him every detail of the truth. The King deeply mourned the loss of Trương Chi and was outraged by nobleman Hoàng’s acts. He’s shown his judicious ruling by deifying the talented man who suffered unjust death, permitting villagers to erect a shrine by the river and ordering the imprisonment of the one who intentionally buried the singing voice of love.

People must be very gratified upon learning of this news.

As for you, child... It’s regretful that the mirror has shattered!

The mirror shattered, but I’m fortunate to have the eucalyptus cup still.

O noble miss! Something very bizarre happened.

What is it, brother?

Nobleman Hoàng was struck dead by lightning on the road.

What? Nobleman Hoàng was struck dead by lightning on the road?

Yes.

It’s indeed retribution. Brother Tốt, about what I asked you...

Noble miss, I already handed the eucalyptus core to the Prime Minister to present to His Majesty. And this is your souvenir; I’d like to return to you.

A eucalyptus cup! I’ve never seen such a small and adorable cup. Your father is very dexterous. Please thank him for me.

Noble miss, this is a bottle of pure rainwater.

I’m blazing with thirst inside. It’s the flame which burnt down the eucalyptus that makes me fiery thirsty.

Noble miss, you have the eucalyptus cup. Please drink some water for relief.

Oh, he has returned, rowing a ferry inside the cup.

Immense are the silvery water and golden moon. My love is like the waves, yours the moonlight. A carefree boat at midnigh carries the golden moonlight to shore.

Alas! Your singing voice torments me. I’ve killed you. I’ve unwittingly harmed you. It’s my nonchalance that led to your ruin by other people. I’ve inadvertently killed an exquisite talent. I’ve unthinkingly murdered a noble soul. I’ve destroyed a love unknowingly. Oh, Trương Chi! I don’t deserve to live. Let me follow you in death.

Mỵ Nương! Mỵ Nương! What good is it to follow me in death? Please live in peace and happiness. One thing you must know: Without Trương Chi, there’d be no singing voice. How could you ardently love the voice yet it seemed you rejected Trương Chi?

O God! Until now, I’ve yet to realize that one simple truth. Oh Trương Chi! I’ve done you wrong. O God! The cup has shattered. The cup is broken without any of its pieces found. Did the cup shatter because of my falling teardrops? Alas! The cup vanishes, but the mirror is whole again. My face no longer splits in two. The cup vanishes but my heart has returned to goodness, carrying Trương Chi’s image and singing voice.

Leaving, would you remember my love? Waves are lapping on the riverbank. O beloved, let us forget not each other! The oars haven’t rested… I still wait late into the night. O my beloved!

Supreme Master Ching Hai lovingly sent gifts to the artists and professionals contributing to the chèo traditional opera “The Singing Voice of Trương Chi,” broadcast on Supreme Master Television. They shared their thoughts of Master’s kindness.

Playwright Trần Đình Ngôn:

I sincerely thank Supreme Master Ching Hai for your regard

and for sending me gifts. I very much treasure Master’s affection. I’m very touched.

The noblest goal of artists, is to move toward humane values. Aulacese folktales are imbued with the spirit of compassion, always have an educational purpose.

Spiritual practice is to perfect ourselves, to perfect our society.

Director Trương Tấn Nghĩa:

I sincerely thank Supreme Master Ching Hai. I’m very happy to receive Supreme Master Ching Hai’s gifts.

To an artist, the highest goal is to somehow enable viewers to recognize the goodness and beauty of a creative work, as well as in everyday life.

Opera actor Phúc Lợi, in the role of Nobleman Hoàng:

On behalf of the artists participating in “The Singing Voice of Trương Chi,” I would like to wish Supreme Master Ching Hai good health, peace and prosperity. We’re very touched and grateful.

Our ancestors often said that “Food nourishes the body, singing nourishes the soul.”

Artists are ordinary people like Trương Chi, who use their voices to make people happier, and from that people can do many good things. I’d like to thank Master Ching Hai.

Opera actor Mạnh Phóng, who plays the Village Elder:

Through introductions about Master Ching Hai’s works and based on how I think and feel, I’d like to sing an excerpt by “Lưu Bình.”

We’ve come to Welcoming Fragrance Inn. The place is cooling. Let’s go in for a rest,

What an amazingly enchanting scenery! A boat’s drifting on the river; somewhere comes the sound of flute by a buffalo herder. White herons glide gracefully over vast green fields. The scent of yellow comb orchid pervading, have I lost my way into paradise? Land of the fairies knows to tease the one without affinity.

Seeing the beautiful scenery, I feel pity even more for my drifting life. Respected Master Ching Hai, I’d like to dedicate this song to you and the viewers. Your work is very meaningful. For all your abilities, talents, virtues and ways of working with the international community, I am very grateful. I respectfully wish Master good health always.

Opera actor Tuấn Kha, in the role of the Sorcerer:

I received a special gift from Supreme Master Ching Hai. She is highly compassionate, loving, and humanitarian. And it’s from her heart. She does not ask for anything in return. She is a person I very much respect and admire. I would like to dedicate to Supreme Master Ching Hai and viewers a poem that I feel is very touching. I would like to read one of Master's poems entitled “Friendship.”

It’s easy to win friends, they are hard to keep. Everyone knows it: A true friend is always near Even when the whole world disappears. Trust and reliability Are the nourishments to friendship. On the contrary, selfishness, harsh resistance, Being cold and haughty, these are true companion’s enemies. So we should know, there are only two things to choose: The one that keeps friends another destroy confidential trust.

In life, have friends we must, Then do take care, that we treat others The way we know that is just and fair. Loyalty and loving heart are the noble virtues That all wise men cannot ignore, For without them, we are no longer human! There is much more, but let it be another chapter… Just to cultivate these, would now be sufficient for thee!

Opera actor Lã Khương, in the role of Tốt:

First, my respectful greetings to Supreme Master Ching Hai. Today I have received a gift from Supreme Master Ching Hai. I’m very proud and touched. I would like to wish Supreme Master Ching Hai and all viewers, the best of happiness, peace and prosperity. I sincerely thank you.

Actor Phú Kiên as Trương Chi, actress An Chinh as Mỵ Nương, and actor Mạnh Huấn as Binh, all of whom have appeared previously on Supreme Master Television, also received gifts and best wishes from Supreme Master Ching Hai.

We sincerely thank all playwrights, directors, performing artists, and other professionals for contributing your talents and efforts to produce valuable chèo operas and for your continual concern to preserve chèo, a traditional performing art in the Aulacese (Vietnamese) culture. We respectfully wish you and your families abundant grace in life.

We thank you for your company on today’s Enlightening Entertainment. Words of Wisdom is coming up. Please tune in to Supreme Master Television next Thursday for a special Aulacese modern folk opera based on the poem “Words of a Piglet” that was composed by Supreme Master Ching Hai in her late 20s. Titled “A Tale of Karma,” it is written by playwrights Thái An and Hoàng Song Việt. Farewell for now.