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.

SORRY darling if I could wait no more, I am not a nun, and never want to be so. You don’t wish to share your life, So let me go on my way!

I know you think I am crazy, But what difference will that be? I live my life as I please No matter what other think. Everyone has different things!

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 Aulacese chèo traditional opera titled “The Golden Areca” is an interesting tale about the road to success of Thức, a gentle and intelligent student. Sometimes people don’t recognize their inherent wisdom or talent until they are in a difficult situation. Realizing this, Miss Tuyết, his betrothed, graciously encourages and quietly helps him, exemplifying a noble love.

We now invite you to enjoy part 1 of the Aulacese chèo traditional opera titled “The Golden Areca” by playwright Trần Đình Ngôn. This opera will be presented in 3 episodes,

with performances by Phú Kiên as Thức the Student, Đoàn Bình as Thức’s Mother, An Chinh as Miss Tuyết, Thanh Mai as Yến Nhi, Quốc Anh as the Mandarin’s Son, Vũ Ngọc as the Son’s Valet, Ngọc Kình as King, Thanh Ngoan as Queen, Kim Liên as Princess, Hải Điệp as Eunuch, Ngọc Minh as Royal Physician, Đoàn Vinh as Royal Chancellor, Trần Hải as a Candidate to Cure the Princess, and other artists.

Thank you for your company on today’s Enlightening Entertainment. Please stay tuned to Supreme Master Television. Up next is Words of Wisdom. May your life be filled with joy and divine grace. Farewell for now.

Miss, my eyelids twitch and I feel fidgety all of a sudden. Mr. Thức must have passed the exam this time.

Eyelids? It’s just your mouth twitching. You know that I’m anxious, so you made that up.

I’m telling the truth; just wait and see. Mr. Thức’s name will be on the honor roll as Doctor of Letters this time. Not only you, but the whole village is glorified.

You’re only good at putting the cart before the horse. If Mr. Thức fails this time, we’ll have to dig a hole to hide in.

O Miss, don’t worry. In this county, Mr. Thức is the most brilliant man of letters. I’m sure sooner or later, he’ll graduate to be an official.

Sister Tuyết, you came all the way here to await news of brother Thức?

If he passes the exam this time, there will be a wedding ceremony. You go first, so we’ll call you big sister.

Let us follow you and be your younger sisters.

Just to share some of your noble status. With his unsurpassed talent, he’s making his parents proud.

The students are back.

O sister, why do they look so sad?

They must have flunked.

O brothers, you all failed?

You all failed?

All of Teacher Tre’s students failed this time.

You mean Mr. Thức has failed too?

We were thinking at least brother Thức would make it, but...

My God! Even the one known as a literary genius couldn’t make it, let alone others.

Actually, a lot of capable people failed, not just brother Thức.

But where is Mr. Thức? Why isn’t he back yet?

He’s caught a bad cold.

O God!

Sister Tuyết!

Sister Tuyết!

Don’t be sad, Miss Tuyết. Try to wait for the next exam.

Wait till next time, sister.

Sister Tuyết!

I hope you understand. It’s not that I want fame and wealth. I just regret not being a dutiful daughter-in-law. Although we were only engaged, his parents have loved me very much. His terminally ill father called me to the bedside and entrusted me with helping Thức to study to be the valedictorian and honor our ancestors.

Both sides of parents determined that academic achievement comes before the wedding celebration.

He studied hard, yet he failed three court exams. Is it because his time hasn’t come or his skills are not good enough? When my hair turns gray, I’d still be alone. What am I to do? Status and faithfulness are both to be upheld.

Though his good luck hasn’t come, just keep your pledge intact. We advise you to stay steadfast and persevere.

Where are the new Doctors of Letters? Any party for me to offer condolence verses?

Congratulatory verses! Condolence verses are for funerals!

What a dim wit! They flunked the exam. Isn’t their coming home a funeral?

O young nobleman, you knew we failed the exam, so you came here to make fun of us?

So? Failing all the way?

Failed already?

Before you went, I already knew you’d fail. I just pity you all, studying hard so many years. I also feel sorry for the faithful girls who wait for your return in glory. Look at me. I know that I’m a lousy student, but I have good luck with trading.

It depends. A trader like you, there’s only one in this district. Your capital is just saliva, but the interest is thousands of gold bars. Relying on the power of your grandfather and father, you freely indulge in pleasures.

You envy me? All right, I’ll let you be my servant.

Let me, master! O sweetie! My master was right. Why bother to study literature? No wonder there’s a saying: A literary talent is no match for a rich illiterate man. My master openly relies on title and power. Countless beautiful girls run after him.

You’re fibbing! Who runs after him? Tell us.

You’re quick-tempered, dear Tuyết! Thức failed the exam already. Just return his betrothal gifts of areca and betel, then follow me, sweetie! One night leaning against the dragon boat is better than a lifetime waiting for a raft. One night leaning against the dragon boat is better than a lifetime waiting for a raft.v Don’t you rely on wealth to openly woo someone else’s wife.

Flunked students, homely girls! Let me tell you. I have plenty of capital. I can cart you all to sell to the mountain area.

Don’t you slight my master’s illiteracy. He’s unlettered but has good luck, so he’s still appointed an officer.

What officer?

Trade officer. You got it?

Trade officer. You got it?

Since ancient times, people only spoke of traders, never trade officers.

You only know Confucian “Four Books and Five Classics.”

You don’t know that trading for oneself is called trader, but if for the court, one is called trade officer. My master is a trade officer. Recently he bought goods for the Ministry of Public Works.

So it’s you who was just defrauded in a recent purchase. You traded a lot of gold for the cast-off goods from a foreign country. A trade officer who is illiterate and foolish, yet covets lavish gifts, would just be giving away gold for free.

How dare you bookworms slander me! Where are you, Valet? (Sir.) Beat them up for me!

Oh no! They may be skilled in both literature and martial arts. You’re unlettered, use kungfu then. You go ahead, I’ll back you up. Quickly!

What a waste to feed you!

It’s so true!

Fine. You guys challenge me? I’ll show you how to behave. I’ll show you a piece of my martial arts. You’ll see.

Hear ye, hear ye!

I forgive you.

Attention, everyone. Be quiet and listen to the king’s decree. Hear ye, hear ye!

The king’s edict!

The Princess caught a cold and lost her voice. Whoever can cure Her Highness will be granted a title and become the Prince Consort.

Brothers, how about becoming the Prince Consort?

O Valet! A title and the Prince Consort’s post are offered! Is it true that a title and the Prince Consort’s post are bestowed if you cure the Princess’ muteness?

Is that true, sir?

Why not? His Majesty even worried that the district chief’s guards wouldn’t convey the decree correctly, so he ordered me to announce it myself.

What if the one who cures the Princess of muteness is a woman?

Will His Majesty allow her to be the Prince’s wife?

O dear! The King and court officials only thought of the men and forgot the women completely. Even the royal decree sometimes has errors, see! It’s because the King lacks the talented by his side.

You’re so smart.

All right, I’ll report to His Majesty about this. If you girls have special medical skills, hasten off to the court to cure the Princess. Go quickly!

If all the royal doctors gave up, Her Highness’ case must be very difficult. I’m not sure if common citizens can make the Princess utter a word.

This sounds like a battle of wits. If medicine doesn’t work, tricks might do it.

Whatever remedy you people know that can cure the Princess, quick go to the court. I must go now to the next district to make the announcement. I’m leaving now, dear!

Farewell! Hear ye, hear ye! Attention, everyone! Be quiet and listen to the King’s decree.

O Tuyết, is it you?

There! Why compete with people in this village? If you’re talented, go to the capital city to make the Princess talk.

If you’re good, go cure the Princess of her muteness.

Cure her!

Fine. I’ll make the Queen and King know who I am. Who knows? The lovely Princess may fall passionately in love with me.

Goodness! You’re bragging too soon. I’m afraid you’ll make a laughing stock of yourself.

Look, I’ll go abroad to look for miracle medicine to cure the Princess. Now, I’ll make a bet with you all. (What’s the bet?) Whoever can cure the Princess of muteness will get my 100,000 pounds of silver. If I can cure the Princess, you men must be my servants for life and for free. The women will be my second, third, fourth and fifth wives, to do farming work and serve my needs.

A gentleman keeps his word. The mandarin’s son and trade officer has spoken! We accept the challenge.

Why not?

But if you can’t make the Princess talk and instead get spanked and dismissed, then you’ll let each girl in this village ride on your back as you crawl around the inn.

We’ll ride on your back around the inn.

You dare?

It’s a deal!

Heaven and Earth and the deities are our witnesses. Let’s make a solemn finger promise.

(You dare?) Why not?

O master! I’m afraid it’s going to be very difficult. If you lose, how can you go back on your word? I beg you to swallow your pride.

You must have lots of miracles. We’ll follow you home to wait on you. Once you give your word, don’t say it’s blown in the wind. So, dare you make the bet?

Why not? I have nothing to fear!

My academic path is unfavorable; I’ve been unsuccessful in examinations. Bound by an engagement, my beloved suffers. Is it due to a last life’s affinity that I’m burdened with literary obligation?

Thức, my son!

Mother!

Don’t feel sad and bitter. If you don’t make it this time, wait till next time. It’s just that our ancestors’ burial feng shui hasn’t yet thrived and I lack good merits. But it’s also good that you didn’t pass the exam to become an official. You need not exhaust your mind and can be carefree. If you passed the exam, you’d have to shoulder national affairs.

You’d worry about being harmed by the bad and corrupted. Many people have lost their morals after gaining some fame. Come to think of it, failing the exam is better for you.

You’re just reasoning to comfort me, Mom. All his life, Dad wished for me to attain academic success. I don’t covet fame and wealth; I just wish to repay Dad’s favor of raising me.

If that’s how you feel, I’ll continue to work hard to support your study until your goal is achieved, so that in the other world, your dad won’t blame me for being a shallow-minded woman. Since you failed this exam, your wedding may not work out. Though engaged, you two aren’t matched in social status.

Greetings, Auntie and Mister!

Greetings, Auntie!

Be at home. Please come in, both of you.

Respected Auntie, I’ve asked my parents to come over to speak to you and Thức today. Both families have made a pledge: Thức’s academic achievement must come before our marriage. But he has failed three examinations so far. A woman’s youth doesn’t last forever. Betraying our vow, I’d feel ashamed with everyone, but waiting for his success, how long will it be? We can’t wait for each other until old age. Therefore, I venture to come over to ask your permission to return the betrothal gifts.

Oh God! I’ve been waiting for many years. You really want to return the betrothal gifts now?

Yes. Please love me and forgive me. I’m not happy either when the areca and betel turn bitter.

Mother, Miss Tuyết has properly returned the betrothal gifts. That is already very thoughtful. I’ll divide and send the areca out to inform our relatives. I didn’t make it to the roll of honor to deserve her hand in marriage. How many full-moons can the moon have? A young beauty has languished in waiting for the eagle to soar high.

Alas, I’m incompetent and thus have betrayed your love.

Because of our parents’ promise, you’ve wasted your youth on me. This poor, meritless student fails to achieve distinction. Allow me to take back my betrothal gifts.

Miss, you already decided, why are you still crying?

Though not married, we’ve been engaged for ten years. I’ve betrayed your trust all this time. Your affection and kindness are truly deep. This bow is to thank you.

Don’t do that, or I’d wrong you even more. Because you didn’t achieve academic honor, our bond has to dissolve. I have no heart to see love sadly fall apart. I hope after the rain, the sunshine, as I’m not the fickle type. I’m taking leave now, Auntie. Yến Nhi, let’s go home!

Auntie and Mister, I’m going home.

Don’t feel sad, Mother. I won’t let you wither from sorrow and shame. Tuyết has refused the marriage offer. Her family must have scorned our poverty. But I won’t let myself be insulted. Allow me to seek a teacher in the capital. I’m determined to compete in wits and talents.

But the examination is over. You have to wait another 3 years, possibly 5.

Mom, there’s a new royal decree. The Princess caught a severe cold. Her life is safe, but she no longer can talk. The King orders that whoever has a miracle medicine or can make the Princess laugh and talk again will become the King’s son-in-law and an official according to his talents.

The court has many great physicians. If they all gave up, then only a miracle elixir would work. Son, people have different fates. Just be contented with our lot. If you go, I won’t have peace of mind. You’d risk your life and get into trouble. You don’t know about medicine. Don’t take it lightly.

Dad died because the doctor gave him the wrong medicine. I still remember: ‘Medicine can save lives, medicine can also kill.’ If the Princess’ illness is mental, then it can’t be cured by medicine. I’ll go to the capital to study and watch out for news about the Princess. Only if I feel sure I can cure her, shall I ask to go into the palace. Please be at ease and wait for me at home.

You’ve made up your mind; I can’t hold you back. Be careful to protect yourself.

Yes, Mother.

I’ve tried to stop him from going. I’m afraid he’d get frustrated and end his life.

I’m bringing a stale areca and moldy chopsticks to remind myself of a poor student’s humiliation. I’m taking leave now, Mom.

Yes, son.

Making my parents sad is also painful for me. I set out on the road to forget my bitterness. Putting away my pen and ink, I shall travel thousands of miles with few belongings.

I love my son who aspires highly. Don’t worry for me in old age. A gentleman aims far and wide. You’ll overcome the distance if you’re determined.

Too heavy! Throw him down!

Oh God! I’m dying of pain.

What have you to complain about?

Just lie here quietly, and send news for your family to take you home.

Oh brothers!

What now?

I can’t go home. My wife left me already.

Your wife left you, and you wanted to marry the Princess!

Before going in to see the Princess, I already slid some money into your hand.

Be quiet!

In case things didn’t work out, you’d be gentle with your thrashing.

Here comes the thrashing!

Oh brothers! Stop!

You’re such a fool. Enduring pain to gain a feast?

You look like that and you want to marry the Princess?

To be the Prince Consort? How dense!

All right, brother! (Yes?) Let’s go back and rest. Before this evening, we’ll have to carry another one here for sure.

Yes, let’s go back. We’ll throw another guy out here for sure.

They said “throw out here.” So, I’m just like a lump of dirt? I’ll only trouble my wife and children. It’s like dreaming to pluck a star from the sky. My God! Why do I suffer so much? I’ve awakened from the thrashing that I deserved, but even till death, I was still greedy.

Brother, are you all right?

Thank you.

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.

SORRY darling if I could wait no more, I am not a nun, and never want to be so. You don’t wish to share your life, So let me go on my way!

I know you think I am crazy, But what difference will that be? I live my life as I please No matter what others think. Everyone has different things!

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 Aulacese chèo traditional opera titled “The Golden Areca” is an interesting tale about the road to success of Thức, a gentle and intelligent student. Sometimes people don’t recognize their inherent wisdom or talent until they are in a difficult situation. Realizing this, Miss Tuyết, his betrothed, graciously encourages and quietly helps him, exemplifying a noble love.

We now invite you to enjoy part 2 of the Aulacese chèo traditional opera titled “The Golden Areca” by playwright Trần Đình Ngôn,

with performances by Phú Kiên as Thức the Student, Đoàn Bình as Thức’s Mother, An Chinh as Miss Tuyết, Thanh Mai as Yến Nhi, Quốc Anh as the Mandarin’s Son, Vũ Ngọc as the Son’s Valet, Ngọc Kình as King, Thanh Ngoan as Queen, Kim Liên as Princess, Hải Điệp as Eunuch, Ngọc Minh as Royal Physician, Đoàn Vinh as Royal Chancellor, Trần Hải as a Candidate to Cure the Princess, and other artists.

Thank you for your company on today’s Enlightening Entertainment. Please stay tuned to Supreme Master Television. Up next is Words of Wisdom. May you and your family be graced with Heaven’s love and blessings. Farewell for now.

In the previous episode, Miss Tuyết was waiting for the outcome of the court exam taken by her fiancé Thức. Their two families had pledged that only when Thức attained success would a wedding take place. Unexpectedly, that year all the students in the village failed the exam. Upon learning of this news, the mandarin's son, an unlettered man, came over to mock them.

Meanwhile, the Princess suddenly became mute. The King decreed that whoever could cure the Princess would be conferred as the Prince Consort. Since Thức had not attained the top honor after three chances, Miss Tuyết returned the betrothal gifts of areca and betel. Believing that he had betrayed the trust of his beloved and aging mother, Thức was determined to set out for the capital to find a teacher to further his education and, at the same time, find a way to cure the Princess.

It’s the punishment issued by the King.

How do you mean?

I promised to cure the Princess’ muteness, but was thrashed because I didn’t make it. I was clever to cushion my behinds with areca sheaths. Please remove for me; it’s awkward to sit. O God, I’m dying! It’s so painful! But they struck from the shoulders down. If you intend to go in to cure the Princess, then forget it, brother.

What medicine did you give to the Princess?

What medicine? I just gave her some super strong wine.

Goodness! How can wine cure a serious illness?

Because I remembered the saying “Wine in, words out.” I thought after taking the strong wine, she’d talk right way.

So you got thrashed because you misunderstood that idiom. “Wine in, words out” is used to advise people not to drink because their speech might be inappropriate.

Some people, just by smelling it, already talk nonstop. They’d reach for the sky while crawling on four limbs. Ouch! It hurts so much!

The ignorant who like to brag would spurt out words without drinking wine. But the Princess is mute, no wine could cure her.

No doubt I’m a fool!

Goodbye. I’m taking leave now.

Brother, where are you going? You plan to go in to cure the Princess?

Is something wrong with that?

But how are you going to cure her? What kind of medicine? The Princess wouldn’t take just any medicine given to her. The royal physicians carefully check for poison. The other day, a man brought in 9 pills, claiming those were his family’s well-kept miracle medicine. But when the royal physician dipped the stick for poison check, its silver color turned black. It was thanks to his father, a court official, who pleaded; otherwise he’d be beheaded for poisoning the Princess.

So he was pardoned?

No way! He got a thrashing even more painful than mine, you hear? Brother, please help me to a boat at the pier. Going home this time, I’ll be ashamed to face my wife, children and neighbors.

All right, I’ll help you.

Ouch! It hurts terribly! Easy! Ouch!

It’s like dreaming to pluck a star from the sky. It hurts so much! Carry me please, brother.

I’ve awakened from the thrashing that I deserved, but even till death, I was still greedy.

You travel on a long journey, leaving someone heavy- hearted because of you. It isn’t easy to compete at the court.

We’ve arrived outside the citadel. Let’s rest here for now.

Miss, there’s a saying: “A small areca has a veined shell. You study close by today, afar tomorrow. I’ve been engaged to you since I was 13. At 24, for fear of getting old, I returned the betel and areca.”

You already know that and still make fun of me. I’m labeled as disloyal, but Mr. Thức will one day achieve success.

So you insisted on refusing his proposal to make him feel bitter and become more determined.

He wouldn’t sit waiting for the next exam. Instead he already went to the capital to seek a good teacher and fine books.

But I’m afraid that he’d want instant success and take a risk to cure the Princess’ muteness.

I also thought about that.

He knows nothing about medicine, so he’ll surely get disciplined.

That’s why I’m following him to the palace, in case he is badly beaten and collapse.

He’ll be crushed for sure. I reckon he won’t let us help him home, but he’ll probably despair and take his own life.

O God! That might happen as well. Yến Nhi, what do you think I should do now?

Miss, I think you must find him, apologize to him, then sweet-talk him into going home. If he resorts to his “bare-comings”…

Shortcomings! Who’d say bare?

Goodness! You’re known as a learned person and don’t know “short” means a little. A little is still something, right? But in this case, it’s nothing at all, so we must call it bare.

What you said makes sense.

So you agree that I’m right? Such a serious task and Mr. Thức dares to plunge in with his “bare-comings.” He’s certainly heading for disaster. Miss, if you let him die, we both will regret for life. Earth must give way to Heaven. I beg you to quickly find him and apologize. Tell him not to dream of becoming a Prince Consort, but be contented as a commoner whose life is still full of love and tenderness.

For many years, he’s studied very hard from dawn to late night. He’s famous for his literary talent in the region, yet he failed three exams. His time hasn’t yet come, so he must wait. Let’s go to the Royal Chancellor’s palace. We’ll kneel at the gate to petition for a review of exam papers.

Requesting a review of exam papers?

Yes, I’ll petition for a review of Mr. Thức’s exam papers. I heard that the Royal Chancellor is a wise, just and upright official.

But the Royal Chancellor is in a well-guarded place. What if the guards don’t let you in?

If the guards don’t let me in, I’ll kneel outside the gate with the petition.

I’ll say something foolish now. If it rains hard with gusty wind, will you still kneel?

I’ll still kneel with the petition at the palace’s gate.

If the guards clear the way for His Excellency and stab you with spears?

I’ll still sit there unmoved with the petition.

O God! No one is more devoted than you. I give in to you; I admire you.

All right, let’s go now.

It hurts so much, Valet! They beat me up so bad.

What are you lamenting about? Don’t bite off more than you can chew.

It hurts! Ouch! Valet, Valet!

What medicine did you give that made the mandarin so mad and order the guards not to carry you? If I must drag you all the way home, I’d drop dead.

Just work hard, I’ll reward you. When I become a mandarin, you’ll enjoy plenty of privileges; who else?

Oh my! Scanty morals, meager talent, and still craving to be the Prince Consort! You spent so much gold and silver to buy fake medicine; 100 thrashings were well-deserved. If you didn’t die, you’re very fortunate already. Only I suffer. You’re so big and heavy, but you make scrawny me carry you on my back.

It hurts terribly!

O master! You’re your parents’ pet.

Yet they beat me so badly.

You’re used to being pampered. (Right!) Excess greed brings disgrace. You suddenly got thrashed. If you died, I wouldn’t have to suffer.

How cheeky! You wish me dead so you don’t have to carry me? How dare you!

Valet, what are you doing?

O master! (Yes?) If you beat me now, you’ll be in trouble.

In trouble? You dare to beat me back?

No, I won’t fight back. But if beaten, I’d pretend to be in pain. If I don’t carry you, you’ll surely die. You’re only used to walking on someone else’s feet. If I throw you down, you’d have... to crawl.

Valet, I now allow you to carry me home on your back. All right, get on my back.

I’m so hurt. They beat me so badly.

Get on!

Be good! You’re standing straight like a piece of wood; how can I ride on your back?

I’m determined not to be humiliated. Now, if you want me to carry you, you must allow me to treat you like a pampered child. I’d carry you like a father indulging his son by carrying him to visit the neighbors.

You’re becoming more disrespectful everyday. You told me to call you Father? How rude!

Greetings, Sir! Did you get hurt from falling?

Oh, look! Is that you, dear Tuyết?

You haven’t cured the Princess, so don’t go back to show your shameful face.

Who do you say is showing his shameful face?

Let me finish talking first. Your servant is carrying you, your face is on his back. Isn’t he carrying your face back to the village?

That’s right.

Do you remember you once bet with us? If you can’t cure the Princess and get dismissed with some thrashing, then you must let us ride on your back as you crawl around the inn. You should go back and strengthen yourself with nourishment to look befitting of your family’s status.

Well, go back to strengthen yourself with nourishment.

Ouch! It hurts badly. Oh God!

To befit your family’s status. Well, master and servant can carry each other home. We must go in to see who is selected as the Prince Consort.

No, I’m not going back. I must cure the Princess’ muteness. I’m not going home.

So you don’t plan to go home anymore. Are you going to stay here to slam your head against the stone wall and die?

I must cure the Princess’ muteness. I’m not going home.

You’ve been thrashed for giving poisoned medicine, now you’d endure pain to gain a feast. O master! (Yes?) Please listen to me. Just go home and let the villagers ride on your back. The most it takes is one day. If you stay here to cure the Princess, I’m sure you’d die this time.

No! I’m used to riding on others’ backs. I can’t let them ride on mine. I must cure the Princess, but I have no idea how I’m going to do it.

I already found a way.

You did? (Yes.) How? Tell me now.

I think the Princess’ illness is an unusual case.

Unusual illness?

If medicine doesn’t work, then we must cure by tricks. Understand?

Right, curing by tricks. You’re not that dim. (That’s right.) But, curing by tricks... I don’t know what tricks there are. Tell me.

Very easy.

Very easy! What does that mean? Let me hear it.

But master, even if you don’t marry the Princess, you’re already very rich. (Right.) If you eat rice, you should let me eat porridge. I’ve thought of a wonderful trick.

A wonderful trick?

A wonderful trick.

You’ve come up with a good trick?

Correct! A fantastic idea!

Let me hear it.

I won’t be so foolish and squeeze my brain to give you ideas for free. I’m not unwise like that anymore. It’s my turn now to go in to cure the Princess.

Stay right there! (I’m staying.) Even a seventh generation servant dreams of becoming the Prince Consort? (Sure.) As my servant, you must attend to all my needs, you hear?

I didn’t hear that.

You’re arguing with me? Even if I squeeze dry your brain, you’re not to resent.

I’ll resent anyway.

If you don’t disclose your idea, I forbid you to go in to show your talent.

I know I can’t escape your and your father’s hands. Fine, I will serve you according to the level of appreciation you show me.

But you must pay respect to me the way Liu Bei asked Kong Ming for advice.

Oh good, I like Liu Bei. Tell me what you need then.

Now, you go out there and slowly walk in.

Go out and slowly walk in. Why?

Every 3 steps, you kneel down and bow to me.

You’re getting more cheeky every day. You’d make me bow to a servant? What insolence!

Who said you’d bow to me? You’re bowing to the intelligence that I will squeeze out for you.

Fine. I can bow to your intelligence.

Sure? Now you stand here. I’ll go sit out there. Listen to my order.

Oh God, I must follow your order too?

Music. Three steps, one kneel. (One.) Seven steps, four bows. (Bowing.) Bow. (Bow.) Bow. (Bow.) Prostrate. (Prostrate.) Bow. Prostrate. Be at ease. All right! Good enough.

Tell me now. I’m so anxious.

Come here! I’ll unfold my intelligence for you to see.

Tell me quickly.

Those who fall silent either resent the world or despise it. (Correct!) To force these silent people to speak, there are only two ways.

Two ways? What are they? Hurry up! Tell me.

One way is to praise and flatter them to the skies.

Praise and flatter them to the skies.

Right. Praise them with flowery words; they’d be so ecstatic that they’d say something.

They’d be so ecstatic that they’d say something.

How about the second way? Tell me.

The second way? The second way is to use harassing, probing, or insulting words

Impossible!

Why not? Use only vulgar remarks; they’d feel provoked and say something.

They’d feel provoked and say something.

That’s right! I’m very sure both ways will work. That’s your style, so it should be a piece of cake.

Heaven help me, indeed! How come you’re so smart? I swear if I marry the Princess, I’ll appoint you the trade officer.

Trade officer?

That shows who is smart. Clearly, you’re foolish and I’m wise.

O master!

Let’s cure the Princess’ illness, so that on this beautiful day, the Prince Consort’s post ends up with me.

Let’s go, master. (Let’s go.)

His Majesty hasn’t held a court meeting for a month. Court’s affairs have been put aside. Many people have offered miracle medicines to cure the Princess’ muteness, but her serious ailment stays the same; she still doesn’t utter half a word.

For God’s sake, that’s others’ business. The mandarins are here already.

I already told you. It’s incurable. Even Hua Tuo or Bian Que would be helpless. The King issued a decree and invited all healers to offer their skills. It’s been over a month, but Her Highness still sits like a statue.

But you doctors only think of medicinal cures, while there are many home remedies among the common folk.

Those are people who don’t have medical knowledge, acting recklessly from false beliefs. If they can cure her, it’s out of pure chance. I already asked His Majesty to impose a strict rule: The candidates can only treat by medicine, not by black magic nonsense. Our Princess is of noble lineage, having a Buddha’s virtues and a fairy’s looks, so one must treat her illness with utter care.

I know. But you doctors insist on curing by medicine. Isn’t it too extreme?

Oh, please! You should be discussing literature, not medicine.

His Majesty has arrived.

Long live the King!

Be at ease! Phương Dung, try to wait a few more days, child. There may be a gifted person from a remote area, who heard of my decree but has yet to make it here. This morning, another person asked to present a miracle cure. Go behind the curtain and wait for the Royal Physician to do a thorough poison check, then you can take the medicine. Eunuch! (Yes.) The one with the miracle cure may come in!

The one with the miracle cure may come in!

Long live Your Majesty.

Be at ease, both master and servant.

Your Majesty!

Yes?

If my memory serves me right, this is the one who gave the poisoned medicine. Your Majesty already spared him the death sentence. I wonder if the Eunuch mistakenly accepted him, or was he bribed with lavish gifts?

Your Majesty, this is the son of the Minister of Trade. Last time, he bought the wrong medicine. He accepted the whipping without any complaint. Now he’d like to redeem his mistake. Besides, the royal decree didn’t forbid a person to try twice. Perhaps he might have found a miracle remedy. Please allow him to cure the Princess.

He’s the son of the Minister of Trade? (Yes.) All right, I’ll grant him a favor. Give your miracle medicine to the Royal Physician to check for poison.

Present it! (Yes.)

White peony, golden root, wild cardamom, nut grass.

Your Majesty, the ingredients are not poisonous but irreverent.

Why irreverent?

Your Majesty the Queen! This isn’t miracle medicine but for a difficult pregnancy.

Insolent! You use the pretext of offering a miracle cure to insult my daughter? A flower just blossoms in the spring garden. How dare you say butterflies and bees are already weary with it! My virtuous daughter is still waiting for the right person. And you diagnosed her as being pregnant? Your Majesty, please have him whipped by the guards. Such an insolent must be punished regardless of whose son he is.

Beloved Queen, lessen your anger to hear his explanation.

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty, I’d like to speak for the young nobleman. Medical texts of old and present that I’ve read say: Every medicine consists of the main and supporting ingredients. For a prescription to be effective, its dosage must be adjusted accordingly. So a prescription can cure many different patients. Each good doctor has his own approach.

Your Majesty, based on the Eunuch’s explanation, the young nobleman didn’t commit any wrong. Is it because Royal Physician wants no one else to cure the Princess that you find excuses to slander and obstruct others?

Your Majesty!

I’ve clearly heard the explanations. If the medicine passes the poison test, let the Princess have it. (Yes.)

The silver stick is still bright; the medicine is indeed harmless.

My daughter can take it then. Royal maids! (Yes.) Take the medicine in for the Princess.

Your Majesty! (Yes?) My medicine is only effective when combined with my treatment. I’d like to be in front of the curtain to personally administer the medicine.

Whatever your treatment is, you must let the Royal Physician check for poison.

Your Majesty, my treatment is just to talk with the Princess. After she takes the medicine, I’ll talk to her, and she’ll feel so ecstatic that she’ll laugh and speak.

Your remedy is unusual, indeed. Fine, you may stand before the curtain.

Your Highness, we’re separated only by the royal curtain. Please take the medicine, then hear this humble man utter gems and jewels. O Princess, you’re the star of all stars, the brightest moon of all moons, the loveliest flower of all flowers, the fairest of all fairies. You’re the daughter of Heaven, born into a dignified family on Earth. You feel no need to speak. You feel no need to speak. You just listen but don’t talk, making you all the more nobler. When you speak, the yellow orioles are shy of singing.

Very good! The son of the Minister of Trade is actually elegant and talented.

My Queen! I need our daughter to say that, not you!

Please let me speak my mind. Excellent! Continue your praise.

You care not to talk because the orioles still compete with each other to sing. One day when you speak, even orioles and swallows dare not chirp or sing. Your voice is more melodious than any singing, sweet as honey. Your words travel mountains and rivers, quenching all laments and resentment. From cities to remote villages, your voice brings happiness and contentment. O Princess, will you speak now? Is it true, your voice is so sacred and wonderful?

What beautiful praises! O Princess! Speak, my child. Alas, my daughter is still silent, as if she didn’t hear any praises.

My Queen!

Your Majesty!

Valet! (How is it?) Gone is my 300 liangs paid for the written praises that I learned by heart.

Don’t worry! Now you just talk spontaneously. If flattery doesn’t work, scolding will.

I remember now. Second method: if flattery doesn’t work, scolding will. Your Majesties the King and Queen and the mandarins, please give me more time. The Princess will now hear my next speech in the treatment.

All right!

You, dumb girl! Mute Princess! Are you so thick that you can’t appreciate beautiful thoughts and words? Don’t think your face is pretty like the moon! It looks worse than a pancake. Your mouth is as wide as the Milky Way, so you dare not smile or speak. Your hair is as dull and gray as smoke. Your eyes are muddy like a buffalo’s puddle. However luxurious your golden palace is, you only deserve to be called a stinky girl.

Be quiet! How dare you speak vulgar words to insult my daughter? O Your Majesty! Your Majesty, please have him whipped by the guards. Such an insolent must be punished regardless of whose son he is.

Eunuch! (Yes.) Can you still justify his actions?

Your Majesty, this is a mad man. If he isn’t disrespectful on purpose. then he’s a mental patient who hallucinates and acts uncontrollably. Please imprison him with the insane, or he’ll cause mishaps.

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.

SORRY darling if I could wait no more, I am not a nun, and never want to be so. You don’t wish to share your life, So let me go on my way!

I know you think I am crazy, But what difference will that be? I live my life as I please No matter what others think. Everyone has different things!

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 Aulacese chèo traditional opera titled “The Golden Areca” is an interesting tale about the road to success of Thức, a gentle and intelligent student. Sometimes people don’t recognize their inherent wisdom or talent until they are in a difficult situation. Realizing this, Miss Tuyết, his betrothed, graciously encourages and quietly helps him, exemplifying a noble love.

We now invite you to enjoy the conclusion of the Aulacese chèo traditional opera titled “The Golden Areca” by playwright Trần Đình Ngôn,

with performances by Phú Kiên as Thức the Student, Đoàn Bình as Thức’s Mother, An Chinh as Miss Tuyết, Thanh Mai as Yến Nhi, Quốc Anh as the Mandarin’s Son, Vũ Ngọc as the Son’s Valet, Ngọc Kình as King, Thanh Ngoan as Queen, Kim Liên as Princess, Hải Điệp as Eunuch, Ngọc Minh as Royal Physician, Đoàn Vinh as Royal Chancellor, Trần Hải as a Candidate to Cure the Princess, and other artists.

Thank you for your company on today’s Enlightening Entertainment. Coming up is Words of Wisdom. Please tune in on Supreme Master Television next Thursday for the Aulacese film entitled “The Poor Student and the Jade Emperor,” screenplay written by Mr. Nguyễn Đông Thức, directed by Mr. Xuân Phước, and produced by Phương Nam Films. Farewell for now.

On previous episodes, Miss Tuyết was waiting for the outcome of the court exam taken by her fiancé Thức. Their two families had pledged that only when Thức attained success would a wedding take place. Unexpectedly, that year all the students in the village failed the exam. Upon learning of this news, the mandarin's son, an unlettered man, came over to mock them.

Meanwhile, the Princess suddenly became mute. The King decreed that whoever could cure the Princess would be conferred as the Prince Consort. Since Thức had not attained the top honor after three chances, Miss Tuyết returned the betrothal gifts of areca and betel.

Believing that he had betrayed the trust of his beloved and aging mother, Thức was determined to set out for the capital to find a teacher to further his education and, at the same time, find a way to cure the Princess. As for Miss Tuyết, knowing that Thức was truly gifted, she pretended to turn down his marriage proposal in order to encourage him to succeed.

At the same time, she set out to the Royal Chancellor's palace at the nation’s capital to request for a re-consideration of Thức's exam. The mandarin's son as well went to the capital and sought to cure the Princess. At his valet's advice, the mandarin's son uttered discourteous words to the Princess in hopes that she would become enraged and speak up. The scheme, nonetheless, did not work out, and the mandarin's son was jailed for blasphemy against the King.

Treacherous! You’re the son of the Minister of Trade. Even if you’re the Prime Minister’s son, I won’t forgive you. You just finished flattering, then insulted right way. What does that mean? You’re more devious than the most devious. In front of Heaven’s son the King and court officials, you switched from praising to blackening her. In your village, are you a double-faced person?

Your Majesty, please pardon me. I paid for people to write, then I learnt it by heart to praise her. Please forgive me.

Guards! Tie him up and take him to the main prison!

I’d like to explain. Ill-speaking of the royal children is blasphemy against His Majesty indeed. But we must consider when and why it took place. This nobleman must have found a new cure which provokes one into talking. When all the praising doesn’t work, he had to use the method of inflaming. You allowed him to use words as part of his remedy. It’d be unjust for him to be sent to prison.

Your Majesty, this young nobleman is truly greedy. Unlettered and untalented, yet he covets the Prince consort’s post.

Unlettered and untalented, yet he covets the Prince consort’s post.

Your Majesty, in my humble opinion, since he tried his cure but Her Highness is still silent, have him detained for later judgment.

Guards! (Yes.) As ordered!

As your parents’ friend, I’ve defended a lot on your behalf. Go! Take him away!

Your Majesty, all famed physicians have put together many cures for over a month, but Her Highness still doesn’t utter a word. I humbly think that we’ve had enough miracle doctors and medicines. We just have to wait for Heaven’s will and our nation’s merit. Please cancel the quest for famed doctors and remedy. Let Her Highness have peace and quiet. We’ll work ceaselessly. The Royal Medical Institute will try to find a cure.

Please wait. There’s one more person. He’s been waiting and thinking for half a month. He said he wished to be the last person when no one can offer an effective cure.

To be the last person?

Yes.

This man must have a special remedy, or he’s just a foolish person. Your Majesty, since you’ve opened the door and seek the virtuous, please give it a try. We might find the right doctor and cure.

Your Majesty!

My Queen!

O Your Majesty!

Try to wait a little longer. Eunuch! (Yes.) Let him in immediately.

Let that country bumpkin Trần Thức in now!

Long live Your Majesty!

Be at ease!

My gratitude, Your Majesty.

You’re just a lowbrow commoner, skinny and pale, as if lacking food and sleep. Go to the Royal Medical Institute. I’ll give you some tonic and money to go back to your village. False claims as a curer is a royal offense. Even if not beheaded, you’d get 100 lashes, understand?

Are you the royal doctor?

The miracle doctor!

Perhaps you’re afraid that I am better than you? I’ve never said I’m a famous doctor with miracle medicine. I only reported to the Eunuch official here that if no one can offer an effective cure, I’d like to try.

It’s truly so.

Stop being wordy! Let me hear your method of treatment.

Your Majesty, before I begin, I’d like to invite Her Highness to a quid of betel.

Why do you want to invite my daughter to have betel?

Your Majesty, it’s because “the betel is the start of every conversation.”

Then give your areca and betel to the Royal Physician to check for poison.

Sir, I can’t just yet. (Why?) Let me first cut the areca into 6 pieces, then present to you.

Go ahead.

Your Majesty, this is the areca and this is a chopstick. I’ll cut the areca into 6 to offer to the Princess.

Do you need a knife to cut it?

No, I don’t, Sir. I’ll cut the areca with this chopstick. The young areca is round with green skin. You’ve come to be with me. When in love, we cut the areca from 6 pieces into 3. The young areca is round with green skin. You’ve come to be with me. When in love, we cut the areca from 6 pieces into 3. The young areca is round with green skin. When we dislike each other, we cut from 6 into 10. May Heaven tie the thread for me to marry you and you to be healed. Then I’ll go home in a royal cap and gown to show it off to my mom and the villagers.

O Princess, quickly lift the curtain to your chamber and enjoy a fragrant quid of betel with me. The areca dropped on the floor, I’ll pick it up again. I’ll use this chopstick to chop the areca into 6, and we’ll bond in love. Chop, chop, chop...

Enough! How dumb can you get?

Her Highness can talk now!

My daughter can talk now! O my child!

Royal Mother, the areca is evenly round, so is the chopstick. How can he chop it?

You’re right!

Phương Dung, my daughter can speak now.

Royal Father. (Yes?) I can’t believe there’s such an dimwit who wants to be the Prince Consort and then a mandarin to govern the people.

Your Majesty, this young man has cured Her Highness’ mysterious muteness. Please fulfill what you promised in the royal decree.

No! Royal Father! I can’t be married to the biggest fool who doesn’t even know he’s a fool.

Your Majesty, the Princess’ muteness was cured by itself, as that dimwit never gave her any medicine.

Your Majesty, an illiterate like him can’t be the Prince Consort. He’s spared of the whipping but must be dismissed. Moldy chopsticks dreaming of a lacquer tray is impudent.

Stay calm, my Queen. A King like myself wouldn’t choose a fool as his son-in-law. But the Princess was able to speak on her own, or is there another reason?

Your Majesty, perhaps the previous medicines are now absorbed, so her circulation is improved. How can that clod claim the cure by his own idiocy?

Your Majesty, the talented sometimes have hidden features. He may look unpolished but has a bright mind and a pure heart. A scholar whose fate is not yet favorable often hides himself as a fool. His court exam’s writing was evident, but a rash examiner passed up a virtuous and talented man.

What are you saying? Did you mean we missed a national talent in the last exam?

Your Majesty, in seeking famed doctors and cures, you’ve in essence allowed an exam. Now that you’ve found a talent, please don’t pass it up. The recent chief examiner failed someone who deserves a doctorate degree.

Tell me about it then. The chief examiner passed up a national talent?

Your Majesty, a young woman petitioned at the Royal Chancellor’s palace for a review of her husband’s paper so he wouldn’t waste his study efforts. I personally retrieved his exam papers, matched the name, and found that he was indeed unjustly failed. Your Majesty, I wanted to wait until a court meeting to request your permission for an exam review to give him a passing grade.

Royal Chancellor! (Yes.) The chief examiner is an excellent man of letters. Could it be that he read hastily and graded wrongly?

Your Majesty, the exam papers go like this: “Wen Di’s popularity began in the west, south and north; none opposed him.” This means Wen Di’s virtue was known, beginning in Western Zhou, from south to north, no one objected him. Yet the board of examiners understood it as “Wen Di’s popularity began in the west, south, and north,” then failed the writing as they thought it missed mentioning the east. If I’m not mistaken, that exam paper belonged to this student.

This student? (Yes.)

Your Majesty, that writing was mine. I’m grateful to Royal Chancellor for deigning to help me.

Very good! You recognized your writing then. Tell me your name and hometown.

I live in Sơn Hải town, Phong Khê district, Vĩnh An Đông village, and my name is Trần Thức.

Oh god! Trần Thức.

Your Majesty, there are many who have the same family name and first name. How can a dimwit who cut an areca with a chopstick be as learned as a doctorate? In this world, there aren’t few who claim others’ credit as theirs.

Your Majesty, this humble person keeps the virtue of a poor student. I dare not claim false identity. I still remember by heart my writing in the recent exam:

“Heaven sets the law, the King implements it. The path of the virtuous brings prosperity, the path of the wicked brings disasters. Wen Di’s popularity began in the west, from south to north, none opposed him. He carried out the law in place of Heaven; his nation enjoyed lasting peace. He valued virtue and gratefulness; his people enjoyed great blessing. Even eternity isn’t enough to practice the Truth teaching. Even a hundred teachers aren’t enough to educate people.”

Very good! “Even eternity isn’t enough to practice the Truth teaching. Even a hundred teachers aren’t enough to educate people.” Your Majesty, this person is well-versed in literature and history. He still remembers his writing by heart. Just now, he seemed to feign being a fool deliberately. There must be a hidden intention.

Trần Thức! (Yes.) If you indeed feigned a fool, then tell me the reason.

Her Highness case is an unusual and genteel ailment. It’s like being indifferent to the world, as if there isn’t anyone worthy of conversation, as if there is nothing to be said. Though disliking the flowery praise and flattery, she felt no need to speak. Though vulgar words hurt a lady’s dignity, they aren’t yet harmful to the state and people.

But upon seeing a fool that covets the Prince Consort’s post, then Her Highness can no longer endure. She had to speak out so that people know to not let idiots hold important and high positions. She had to speak out immediately for her country’s well-being. Your Majesty, the trick lies in the cure’s spontaneous and innocent nature. The one being treated doesn’t know she’s being treated.

Excellent! You’re worthy to pass as a doctorate. Royal Chancellor! (Yes.) Have his papers re-graded according to the examination’s rule. Though using no medicine, he’s a great healer. He diagnoses correctly people’s illness. I have one daughter. Do you agree to be my son-in-law?

There’s already a girl who petitioned for a review of her husband’s exam papers. You want our daughter to be the second wife?

Eunuch! (Yes.) Bring the petitioner in so we can straighten things out.

Have the petitioner in here!

Your Majesty, my duty ends here. Allow me to retreat.

You may go now.

Long live Your Majesty.

Be at ease. Trần Thức! (Yes.) Do you recognize this young woman?

Yes, Your Majesty. She’s the one I was engaged to; but she returned the betrothal gifts after I twice failed the exams. Resenting my ill-fate, I kept the stale areca and the chopstick by my side. Just now, I pretended a fool with the help of the stale areca and chopstick.

I wish to emulate Dương Lễ, provoking my betrothed to become determined in establishing a position in life. I also felt sorry for his loss of an academic opportunity, so I went to the Royal Chancellor’s palace to present the petition.

My mistress was worried that he might get whipped if he couldn’t cure the Princess, so she quickly followed him, trying to help in every way.

Good! Though you returned the betrothal gifts, you’re still devoted to him. A virtuous person like you is rare, indeed!

My gratitude, Your Majesty the Queen. Everyone is happy hearing Her Highness talking again. Mr. Thức is truly worthy to be the Prince Consort. I’ve also fulfilled my moral obligations. May I return to my hometown now?

Wait! You returned the betrothal gifts to motivate him. Yet now that he’s attained fame and wealth, you don’t ask to restore your love. Virtuous, gentle and beautiful, you deserve to enjoy a good life and happy marriage.

The one who caused me bitterness turns out to be a very faithful person. I’m deeply grateful to Your Majesty’s favor. Please allow me to reunite with my love.

But according to my decree issued to the entire country, you must be the King’s son-in-law.

Your Majesty, the royal decree only said to be the King’s son-in-law. It didn’t say to marry Princess Phương Dung. So I’ve come up with an idea to help resolve Your Majesty’s dilemma.

What idea is it that helps me make a perfect ruling?

Your Majesty, you’ll join them in marriage, accepting this virtuous young woman as your adopted daughter.

Excellent idea! What do you think, Miss? Do you agree to be my adopted daughter?

I’m deeply grateful, Your Majesty.

Very good! The wife is my adopted daughter, then the husband is a legitimate Prince Consort. That decree is still true to its words. Convey my order to celebrate Princess Phương Dung’s recovery, my adopted daughter and the new doctorate Prince Consort.

The phoenix-shaped betel is imbued with love and devotion. This is a golden areca; I give to you two as a dowry.

The areca is still brimming with the tender love of yore. Bring your virtue and talent to shoulder national affairs. Your love is clear and bright as a pearl. The talented and virtuous keep the law of Heaven to bring peace and contentment to all.

Supreme Master Ching Hai lovingly sent gifts to the artists and professionals in the “The Golden Areca,” broadcast on Supreme Master Television. They have shared their thoughts and expressed their gratitude toward Master’s loving care.

Actor Phú Kiên, in role of Mr. Thức:

It was truly a surprise. There were gifts from Supreme Master Ching Hai for the artists who are preserving the traditional culture of the Aulacese people. First, I’d like to thank Master for her concern and to wish Master health, luck, and all the best. From conversations and the DVD, I understood more of Master’s work emanating from the depth of her heart.

In truth, I admire her so much and I’m also very touched. It’s such a boundless love, although she has a lot of work to do, from teaching to humanitarian projects and many other tasks. A great person like Supreme Master Ching Hai who expresses concern for artists such as myself, An Chinh and many others – that makes me feel so touched. The theme of the opera was love and loyalty. Only Aulacese have chèo opera. I’d like to preserve it and introduce it to many peoples in the world.

I hope to create more operas, more roles as impressive as “The Golden Areca,” so that Aulacese people in particular and the world in general know about the art of and understand more about Âu Lạc. We are very happy and touched today. This is true and boundless love. Master has done so much work, but even a flower, a blade of grass, or small animals, she still takes care and loves them as well.

From now on, Supreme Master Ching Hai is always in my heart. I will read these books and try to learn as much as I can, and if I can learn even a little bit from it, I’d be very happy. There is one sentence which I love, and that is: “The future is in our hands. We make it better or worse – it’s up to us.” I like it very much and it’s wonderful because it all depends on us, so we would strive to have a better future.

I thank Supreme Master Ching Hai and wish her the very best. Supreme Master Ching Hai, these pictures look so beautiful; if animals become our food, that would be regrettable. Actually I’m not a vegetarian, but when looking at these pictures, I would have to reconsider. At least I must try, more or less. They are so beautiful, one wouldn’t have the heart to eat them.

Supreme Master Ching Hai can write a play or chèo opera. If we can produce it, I’ll pour all my heart and soul into it. You only need to write a part about your life and feelings for these dogs or other animals, to create a theatrical production from 1.5 to 2 hours, so that audiences gradually can develop some feeling for the animals.

Actress An Chinh, in the role of Miss Tuyết:

My name is An Chinh. Today, I'm very honored and moved, first of all because I received gifts from Supreme Master Ching Hai. You are from a faraway place but you still remember these humble artists in our homeland like this. I'm grateful, Master, and would like to wish you all the best from the depth of my heart. In actuality, if people tell me to go kill an animal, I would never dare do that. It's because in life, we don't pay attention to our meals, but when we're told to kill an animal, we won't be able to.

Perhaps through this book, Master will help me understand more and be awakened, and maybe there will be some kind of change. Artists have some favorable conditions to write stories that have educational values, so it can be conveyed the public faster and audiences can understand faster. We will try. Whatever Phú Kiên and I can do, we will try our best. Supreme Master Ching Hai is very busy, so busy with so much work that we can’t even describe, yet she gives all her love to all the people and to the animals also. I admire her so much.

We are very touched today. We don’t have any drum or flute now, but with all our hearts, we’d like to sing an excerpt from the opera “Lưu Bình and Dương Lễ.” Perhaps Master has seen this one before. This opera is excellent; it’s beautiful like a poem. The friendship and devotion was wonderful.

This is the part when Lưu Bình was despondent and didn’t want to live anymore, since his friend ill-treated him, and he also failed the exam, so he went to the Welcoming Fragrance Inn and met Miss Châu Long, but Châu Long was his friend’s wife who came to help him quietly. When he met her, he suddenly felt happiness, which he called a predestined wondrous encounter at Welcoming Fragrance Inn.

Missing a boat ride at sunset, this poem is certainly worth a thousand taels of gold. Look over there!

Today, I’ve truly met a fairy on Earth. It seems we’re lost in paradise; a wondrous encounter at Welcoming Fragrance Inn unfolded a predestined affinity. Thanks to the matchmaking god for weaving love threads. Thanks to the matchmaking god’s clever threading in bringing you to me. The boat has now arrived at the pier.

Actress Kim Liên, in the role of the Princess:

I’m Tạ Thị Kim Liên. This opera was completed a very long time ago, but there is someone who still remembers it, and even more surprising, because she is very far away from the country. And receiving the gifts like this, I am so touched. First, I'd like to thank Supreme Master Ching Hai. A new year is coming, I'd like to respectfully wish Master the best of luck, always young and beautiful. I'm very touched by your noble deeds and hope to meet you in Âu Lạc.

Actress Thanh Ngoan, in the role of the Queen:

I can see that Master’s heart is so magnanimous, and she is beautiful outside and inside. Not just any beautiful or talented person can do it. But Master can do it all; she has created a star so that many good-hearted and peace-loving people can look toward the same direction. She is so far away, but still cares about the traditional culture of Âu Lạc and cares about the most suffering people on Earth.

I only wish for an opportunity to meet Master. I think that if I meet Master in person, that would be much more wonderful, and I hope that Master will return to Âu Lạc. When Master returns to Âu Lạc, we can introduce to Master many traditional arts and maybe we can do a show.

We hope that Master would chair the event and the artists will collaborate together in Âu Lạc. We will do it not for the artists alone, but for the poorer people, and for a better life, according to your wish. One may say that if all of us return to goodness, our lives would be more meaningful, and this world would be much better. Wherever Master goes, she creates a life of peace, abundance, and happiness.

I’m an animal lover. I always have an animal, whatever it is, and love it like a soul. Some people protested why I love animals so much like that. Because I have a small dog at home and I take care of him more than myself. If there's some good food, I'm willing to give it to him, and I myself would eat something ordinary. But I think it’s the right thing. Sometimes, when we raise an animal like a dog, and the dog would shed tears when we say good-bye to him, or he would be very happy when we come home.

So it is best if we are vegetarian. Eating vegetarian, first, it's for health. I worked very hard and didn't keep a good schedule so I had some stomach issue; all kinds of medicine couldn't cure it. I treated it the vegetarian method. That's also a kind of cure, and now I'm getting better. All the foods, it was just a habit, exactly as what Master said. Humans should eat vegetarian foods, because those animals are our friends.

So don’t think that we raise them then they have to serve us. I would like to thank Master very much for her idea and especially, she is living it. I’d like to wish Master health, beauty, and even more talents so that you can help the less fortunate, so that your wishes and love touch a lot of people who love peace, so that this world will never have war again.

On behalf of the artists who are present here, I'd like to sing some verses from the poem by poet Nguyễn Duy in dedication to Master. This poem was written about an Aulacese mother who has a magnanimous heart.

Lily scent wistfully imbues the night. Rising incense smoke shows the way to Nirvana. Incense foot is covered with ashes. Images of mother in her earthly days return. My mom donned not a pink blouse. She used a conical hat instead of a flat palm one. She was busy growing squashes and gourds.

Her skirt was soiled, her blouse dyed brown year-round. Thin lettuce, acrid figs, sour peaches - The tune you sang was carried off to the heavens. Though I go to the end of life

I can’t realize all in your lullaby. When will autumn return?

For persimmons and grapefruits to hang low on a full-moon day. When will May be here?

For Mother to rest on a sedge mat and count the stars. The Milky Way is flowing upward

Little boy Bờm with his areca spathe fan sings By the pond, flickering glow of fireflies

Crystal clear water reflects many memories of yore Mother sang lullabies about the way of life.

Mother sang lullabies about the way of life. Her milk nourished the body, her songs nourished the soul Grandma sang to Mother, Mother to me Will you remember these tunes tomorrow, children?

That wasn’t the end of the song. Because Master’s heart is as such, I’d like to offer to her another song, this time with a Quan Họ style, as an invitation and greeting from the Aulacese people.

As you visit our home, we boil water to make tea for you. This is precious tea, O friends! Would you each drink a cup to please me?

And I would like to invite Master to come to Âu Lạc (Vietnam) to enjoy some tea.

As you visit our home, we boil water to make tea for you. This is precious tea, O friends! Would you each drink a cup to please me? I wish that the river turned into land three or four people are sitting there. Who among them is still unattached? Shall we tie the red thread of marriage? This quid of betel is a token of love A betel for husband and wife, a betel for you and me This quid of betel I prepared last night I offer you without my parents’ knowledge My hands gently hold the tray of areca and betels

I glance at you. On my tray are quids of betel, prepared in the shape of phoenix wings. I invite you to enjoy, my friends! Would you understand our feelings? Do you think of us at all? Would you understand our feelings? Would you understand our hearts? Would you understand our hearts?

I think that whenever Master comes back to Âu Lạc, you will be welcomed with the warmest affection from people. Please never forget that in Âu Lạc, there are so many people who admire you.

Actor Trần Hải, in the role of the Candidate to Cure the Princess:

Today, on the Lunar New Year occasion, Master has sent gifts directly to genuine artists like ourselves, I'd like to accept and thank Master. I wish Master abundant health to continue your humanitarian missions with success and effectiveness. Thank you, Master.

Actor Vũ Ngọc, in the role of the Son’s Valet:

I'm very moved that at this meeting we also received gifts from Master. We thank Master in that, as individuals who admire the art of and maintain the Aulacese spirit, we've met at that commonality. We wish you health, safety and prosperity. Although I'm now retired, I will impart all the artistic essence from our ancestors so that the art of can always develop and improve. Thank you, Master.

Actor Đoàn Vinh, in the role of Royal Chancellor:

As you know, has been known since about 1000 years ago, during the Đinh dynasty. After many ups and downs in history, chèo still exists. It is still food for the spirit that cannot be missed in the lives of Aulacese people. The Aulacese Company was founded in 1951. It consisted of all the famous artists, for example our esteemed elders Cả Tam, Trù Thịnh, Năm Ngũ, Minh Lý, and Diệu Hương.

We have the advantage of being born and trained at the Vietnamese Company with artists such as Quốc Anh, Vân Quyền, Thanh Ngoan, Thúy Ngân, An Chinh, and Phú Kiên – these are all top-notched performers. We benefit greatly from these masters whose skills are sophisticated and whose instructions are well cherished. On this joyous day, receiving the care and love of Supreme Master Ching Hai, someone who beautifies the world and uplifts other beings, we are grateful to Master and are moved by her affection.

Actress Đoàn Bình, in the role of Thức’s Mother:

Like everyone here, I’d like to thank Supreme Master Ching Hai so much for her concern and love for the art of chèo. All the operas such as “The Golden Areca,” “The Tale of Quan Yin Thị Kính Bodhisattva” or “The Tale of Lưu Bình and Dương Lễ” are about being virtuous and good prevailing over evil. They all talk about good qualities. “The Golden Areca” is the same; it also encourages everyone to realize that faithfulness, patience, and persistence are positive themes.

I thank Supreme Master Ching Hai very much; through her humanitarian work, I could tell that she has a heart of compassion. When I first graduated, I performed the role of Thị Kính in the opera “The Tale of Quan Yin Thị Kính Bodhisattva.” When I became a professional, I also played that role. In that opera, there was a hymn. “Hymn of Virtues” is Buddhist, and I’d like to sing it although we have no music here.

I hear the sound of an infant’s crying. What do I have to nourish a baby? I remember my master’s teaching: Saving a human’s life is immensely great a merit. Saving a human’s life is immensely great a merit. Worldly ridicule and scorn, I must disregard. The gods and deities witness my heart. People just fabricate unkind stories.

Pitying the infant, I want to care for this drop of someone’s blood, but without a mother’s milk, what do I feed him?

I should find a terra cotta bowl, To go begging for people’s kindness. Begging for rice milk to feed my child. Carrying you on the road, Father and son, we’re going together. Begging milk for the baby, Asking for kindness from everywhere! One hand I recite with the wooden fish, the other I’m holding you. One hand I recite with the wooden fish. May Buddha help us!

Actor Hải Điệp, in the role of Eunuch:

It’s very unexpected but I’m very happy. It’s the New Year and I even get gifts brought to my place. My name is Điệp, Outstanding Artist of the opera company. I was in the field for 41 years and 5 months. I’m retired now. After this Lunar New Year, I’ll be 70 years old.

Thank you, Master Ching Hai, for your love. Though thousands of miles apart, Master still remembers the artists. This profession is challenging and being an artist is difficult, but today with this gift, I feel very touched. On the Lunar New Year occasion, I respectfully wish Master great happiness, health, prosperity, and success. I'd like to dedicate these verses to Master.

We joyously greet the New Year With best wishes for the entire family and relatives New Year adds one year to our age May you enjoy blessing, longevity, and prosperity United, we rejoice in the new year All gladly welcome the new spring We wish Master good health.

Actor Quốc Anh who performed in the role of the mandarin’s son in “The Golden Areca” has contributed in chèo operas previously aired on Supreme Master Television. He has also received gifts and warm wishes from Supreme Master Ching Hai.

We’d like to thank all artists and professionals who contribute to preserving the genre of chèo opera, a theatrical art and cultural tradition of Aulacese people. We wish you and your loved ones all the best, with much happiness and goodness in life.