Today’s Enlightening
Entertainment
will be presented in
Aulacese (Vietnamese),
with subtitles in Arabic,
Chinese, English,
French, German,
Hungarian, Indonesian,
Japanese, Korean,
Malay, Persian,
Portuguese, Russian,
Spanish, and Thai.
The drum tempo varies
between fast and slow,
merging with
singing voices which
at times are elevated
in pitch, other times
deep and powerful.
In brilliant costumes,
lissome movements
are in every gesture.
Actors and actresses
are differentiated
by distinctive make-up,
so that the audience
can easily identify
between the loyal
and the obsequious,
the noble ranks
and humble subjects.
This is hát bội
(classical theatre),
a performing art
in Âu Lạc (Vietnam),
originating from
the common people
and becoming more
widespread among them
in the 13th century
under the Lý and
the Trần dynasties.
In the later Lê dynasty,
classical theatre was
introduced to the Court to
entertain the royal family
and mandarins.
In the 19th century,
Mr. Đào Tấn developed
classical theatre and
opened a performing school.
He also built the first
classical theatre
in Bình Định province,
central Âu Lạc.
Since then,
classical theatre has
flourished in both artistic
and literary aspects.
Classical theatre operas
are often based on
historical references,
highlighting moral values.
Today, classical theatre
is considered a traditional
performing art of Âu Lạc.
On Enlightening
Entertainment,
Supreme Master
Television is pleased
to introduce different
forms of arts
from Âu Lạc (Vietnam),
as well as from other
countries in the world,
in order to share
the beauty and cultures
of the peoples
on our planet.
The classical theatre
opera “Legend of
a National Mother”
was based on a tale
of the Champa people in
Âu Lạc about the Mother
Goddess Po Nagar
(also venerated by
the people as Goddess
Ya Na or Lady Jade),
a holy mother who
taught people to weave
and plant rice, so they
could live independently
and prosperously.
The story also
demonstrates that all
heavenly arrangements
are derived from God’s
boundless compassion,
so that all souls have
the opportunity to advance.
Till this day, every year
from the 20th to 23rd days
of the third month
of the lunar calendar,
local people, especially
in central Âu Lạc,
still celebrate
the Po Nagar Festival
to express gratitude to a
beloved National Mother.
We now invite you
to enjoy part 1 of the
classical theatre opera
“Legend of
a National Mother”
by playwright
Nguyễn Sỹ Chức.
This opera will be
presented in 2 episodes,
with performances by
artists Kim Hùng as
Prince Lưu Quang,
Thu Hà as
Fairy Dương Ngọc,
Thanh Hoa as Phú Loan,
Bạch Én as
Holy Queen Mother,
Xuân Hùng as Phú Long,
Như Yến as Chế Phụng,
Kim Khiên as Thúy Hồng,
Anh Sang as
the Jade Emperor,
Văn Nghiêm as
Southern Sphere Deity,
Quang Hưng as
Northern Sphere Deity,
Hữu Hải as Thunder Deity,
and other artists.
We thank you for
watching Enlightening
Entertainment today.
Please stay tuned
to Supreme Master
Television.
Words of Wisdom
is coming up.
So long for now.
We’re the saints
and fairies from
a hundred grottos
and nine lakes,
gathering here.
May almighty
Jade Emperor preside
over Paradise and
reign over all creations.
Be at ease!
Long live the Jade Emperor!
I’m the legendary God,
eternally titled
“Jade Emperor.”
I ride the benign wind,
my supremacy renowned
in ten directions.
I tread down dark clouds
to pacify the six realms.
On the occasion of
this Double Nine day,
I open a celestial festival
to celebrate the nine
palaces’ peaceful time
and the eight directions’
bounteous blessings.
Fays! (Yes.)
Present your lively
singing and dancing
for me and the thousands
of fairies and deities
to relish our jade cups
of nectar to our
hearts’ content!
Yes. A pearl is infused
with royal grace.
Nine strata of suns
and moons reverberate
with music.
Gentle breeze wafts
the ethereal grottos.
Tender air permeates
the millions of courtyards.
Lush willows silhouette
in the palace front.
Crystalline pear
blossoms are dotted
with snowy dew.
Luscious ambrosia,
blissful melody,
and rainbow dances
delight the celestial assembly.
Luscious ambrosia,
blissful melody,
and rainbow dances
delight the celestial assembly.
Let’s celebrate!
Oh, how strange!
What kind of
an unusual sound is it
that makes me
half elated, half agitated?
I feel dazed
all of a sudden
listening to this music
resonating from
the lower realm.
Very bizarre!
Very extraordinary!
Your Divinity, allow me
to go to the north gate
of the Celestial Palace
to find out what it is.
I approve. Thunder Deity!
Yes. (Carry it out!)
Order obeyed.
Revered Jade Emperor!
Earth is now lively
with the sound of gongs,
elegant singing
and dancing.
Young men and women
from all villages gather
to rejoice in festivities.
What!?
Young men and women
from all villages gather
to rejoice in festivities?
Yes.
So, the worldlings
are celebrating?
But what are they
celebrating,
Thunder Deity?
Revered Jade Emperor,
from what I saw,
rain and wind have
ceased to threaten Earth;
hurricane has halted
for the time being.
But the oddest thing is
amidst the vast water body,
now suddenly appears
a mountain alongside
the forest helping
the earthlings
escape the great flood.
How infuriating!
For the last few days,
I’ve ordered
the Water World’s
Crown Prince to raise
the Eastern Sea level
and use aquatic monsters
to punish the world
because moral values
are lost in
human relationships,
and kindness and
gratefulness are absent
among people.
Some celestial beings
must have used
their magic power
to manifest
a high mountain
amid the swamp and
help the lower world
escape the great flood.
Revered Jade Emperor,
please have the
Thunder Deity descend
on Earth immediately
and seize the one
who deliberately
disobeys orders
for a fair trial according
to Heaven’s law.
Let the nine levels of
saints, sages and fairies
realize God
the Jade Emperor’s
supremacy.
Petition approved.
Thunder Deity! (Yes.)
Carry out orders! (Yes.)
By Heaven’s decree,
I have brought here
the culprit.
Who is that, Thunder Deity?
My Lord,
that is fairy Dương Ngọc,
a disciple of
Western Palace
Holy Queen Mother.
What?
The one who causes
disturbance and turns
topsy-turvy heavenly law
is a disciple of
the Holy Queen Mother
on fairy palace?
What have you to say,
fairy Ngọc Vân?
Ngọc Nữ, child!
Report to His Divinity
what happened.
Revered Jade Emperor,
I humbly think that
in governing the Earth,
we should rely on
kindness and generosity
to convert people.
Why has Heaven the heart
to use harsh punishment
and sow misery
and resentment?
Be quiet!
Don’t you forget that
all this time on Earth,
the strong oppress
the weak, the wealthy
repress the poor.
They wage wars
to expand territories.
They hold
neither veneration
for God in Heaven
nor regard for
the Goddess on Earth.
Thus Heaven must have
severe punishments
for earthly people
to realize that their
existence or destruction
and all topsy-turvy
are caused by
the self-opinion of
what is right and wrong.
Your Divinity,
though the world engages
in fierce fights, it’s due to
those who covet
fame and wealth.
But other people
in eight directions are
very kind and caring.
It’s the wicked who
must be disciplined for
their serious offenses,
while the decent people
should enjoy
heavenly grace.
Doing so is true sagacity;
judging so is true wisdom.
I humbly implore
the mighty God to make
a judicious judgment.
Heaven shouldn’t let all
earthly people endure
the same misfortune.
Be quiet!
How a punishment
or reward is carried out
in the universe
is Heaven’s business.
How could
Heaven’s decision or
judgment be erroneous?
How could it be wrong?
Revered Jade Emperor,
I personally think
Dương Ngọc should be
exiled to Earth
for three full years
to experience the
suffering worldly life.
That’s right!
We must let all
celestial deities see that
as an example.
We must wholeheartedly
repay heavenly grace.
Very reasonable!
Very advisable!
One who doesn’t
appreciate life in Paradise
must join in the
worldly existence.
One who spurns
the power of
the Ninth Celestial realm
will be banished to the
perilous life on Earth.
Revered Jade Emperor!
Talk no more,
Queen Mother!
I do not wish
to discuss this further.
Thunder Deity! (Yes.)
After three
resounding strikes of
the celestial copper drum,
exile Dương Ngọc
to Earth right away!
Order obeyed.
Court dismissed.
O Jade Emperor!
Alas,
I’ll be confined on Earth
for three long years.
Ngọc Nữ, my child!
O Queen Mother,
after my departure,
I’ll gaze up above at the
Ninth Palace in anguish,
braving
countless hardships.
O Holy Queen Mother!
Ngọc Nữ, O child!
Who will think of
a lonesome soul?
Inescapable is the net
of Heaven and Earth.
Unassuaged is my sorrow.
Beloved child!
I grieve my plight.
Now I take leave,
tearful and heartbroken.
The celestial drum resounds
at the celestial palace.
It’s time to bid farewell.
My sorrow is untold,
my grief immeasurable,
O child!
Queen Mother!
Who has the heart
to devise misfortune,
sending you to the deep
forest and mountain?
Now you’ll
go to the far end
of the sky and sea.
You’ll create affinity
with the earthlings
to where you are exiled.
Your steadfast heart
of goodness will shine
brightly when you return
to Paradise. Ngọc Nữ!
Per Divine order,
I am to exile fairy Dương
to the lower world.
If you deliberately
act against it,
Earth will be
your eternal prison.
Ngọc Nữ, child!
Say what you want to say
quickly and let me carry
out our superior’s order.
Alas, I resent
the lofty authority.
I’m frustrated despite
my full magic power.
How I pity your bearing
so much bitterness!
I’m choked with tears
at the parting moment,
O child!
O Holy Queen Mother,
Heaven and Earth
are vastly far apart.
I’m pained thinking of
this separation!
Day after day,
I’ll gaze longingly
at the Milky Way.
Month after month,
I’ll weep unceasing tears
of grief.
I shall take leave now
and wait for the moment
I return to Heaven.
O Ngọc Nữ!
Ngọc Nữ!
Quickly follow me
to your exile,
so I can return to report
to the jade throne!
Ngọc Nữ!
O five-color clouds!
Take Ngọc Nữ down
to Earth.
Ngọc Nữ, child!
With the sound
of the weaving loom
each fine thread sparkles
in spring sunlight.
Flowery brocade boasts
its bright color.
My hands move
in rhythm as I
embroider a sheet
of rosy-hued fabric.
Spring arrives
with singing in the air.
Lush coconut trees tilt to
wave at the emerald sea.
Birds glide over
rolling waves.
Our homeland’s sky
and ocean are evermore
beautiful in spring.
O sisters!
We were too enraptured
in weaving so we forgot
that it’s getting late.
If the sun sets, we will
have the moonlight.
Mountains and forests
will appear
even more enchanting.
Respected sister, I think
the rosy-hued fabric,
we should continue
to weave.
Let’s challenge
one another in skill.
When the moon rises
to the zenith,
Sister Ngọc will come
to see who is the best.
That’s right. Good idea!
One sheet of fine fabric
for each person.
See who will finish first?
One, two, three.
Let’s begin!
With the sound
of the weaving loom
each fine thread sparkles
in spring sunlight.
Flowery brocade boasts
its bright color.
My hands move
in rhythm as I
embroider a sheet
of rosy-hued fabric.
Spring arrives
with singing in the air.
Lush coconut trees tilt to
wave at the emerald sea.
Birds glide over
rolling waves.
Our homeland’s sky
and ocean are evermore
beautiful in spring.
Greetings, Sister Ngọc.
Greetings,
all my younger sisters.
O Sister Ngọc,
you left since
the moon was young,
and now it’s round perching
on the mountain top.
Before I was not adept
at the shuttle,
and now I’m proficient
at that loom.
This piece of silk
was made from the jutes.
Every thread was
completely soaked in water.
O Sister,
this moonlit night,
we’ve determined
to demonstrate
our best needlework.
Sister Ngọc, please see
who is adept or who is
still inept at the loom.
O, very beautiful!
Very skillful!
This piece is both
smooth and thick.
This sheet is soft
and also shiny.
You’ve chosen
a rather hot tone for
this fabric’s background.
How about mine?
This fabric has some
threads not yet refined.
How about...
Although more practice
is still needed,
but in my opinion...
What is your opinion,
Sister?
I think you all deserve
to be praised.
Bravo, Sister Ngọc!
If you don’t have
any questions, then on
this full moon occasion,
I’ll borrow the moonlight
as our lamp
and teach you all
how to germinate
and plant rice seeds.
You’re going teach us
how to germinate
and plant rice seeds?
What is a rice plant, Sister?
You must realize:
For earthly existence
to be less miserable,
humankind can’t
just know manioc
and potatoes.
I’ve brought
Heaven’s rice here
to help the world
make a livelihood.
We, country girls,
are grateful
to Heaven’s grace.
Now! Quickly line up
and watch.
I’ll teach you to
sow the rice seeds.
In lively rhythm, the
hands move gracefully.
Rice seeds sown will
grow lush in the fields.
Rice seeds sown will
grow lush in the fields.
With it, we build
a comfortable life.
In lively rhythm, our
hands move gracefully.
Rice seeds sown will
grow lush in the fields.
Rice seeds sown will
grow lush in the fields.
With it, we build
a comfortable life.
Phú Long! Phú Long!
Know You not,
God the Jade Emperor?
Earthly life is beset with
anguish and heartache.
An aged mother bemoans
her filial son who stays
in a deep forest
with altered appearance.
Blind eyes shed tears
like pouring rain.
Late at night,
I’m still steeped
in mounting grief.
Late at night,
I’m still steeped
in mounting grief.
O Auntie, sit down here
to rest for a while.
We have crossed
8 mountains
and 9 meadows,
but there’s still
no trace of Phú Long.
I think...
No, we can’t, O child!
If your legs are weary,
let’s stop here for now
to find a place to rest.
I believe that my son
Phú Long is still alive,
but he dares not face
people in the village.
I’m intent
on fulfilling my vow
to Heaven and Earth:
even I must die,
I’m determined
to find that child.
Please sit down here,
Auntie.
I, Dương Ngọc, would
like to greet the Elder.
May I ask
where you are from?
Why do you keep
shedding tears?
Why do you keep
calling your son,
looking so wretched?
O Sister, Auntie Phú Loan
lost her eyesight
in a mishap.
Brother Phú Long,
out of love for his mother,
couldn’t leave
the deep forest.
On hushed moonlit nights,
he still turns toward
the village, howling.
What? On hushed
moonlit nights, he still
turns to the village,
howling? (Yes.)
You mean that
young man has forgotten
his mother tongue and
transformed into
a wild beast.
How in the world
did such a frightful thing
happen?
Why sow anguish,
O Heaven and Earth?
O Phú Long!
If you’re indeed my son,
come let me embrace you.
I’ve languished
after years of longing
and searching for you.
Come here, child!
Phú Long!
That’s right. It’s my son.
O God very high above,
beyond the nine clouds,
know You not
the heartrending scene
on Earth?
Phú Long!
The vastness of Heaven
and Earth has limit,
yet the world’s resentment
spirals to no end.
Phú Long!
O Phú Long!
You promised to return
to your aged mother
and the villagers
after one moon.
Who would expect that...
It’s been three seasons
of falling leaves
on the field,
you’re still somewhere
deep in the mountain,
leaving not a trace
in the wild.
O Phú Long!
My tears pour as I
see your wretched form.
Phú Long!
Don’t run away, Brother!
Don’t run away, my son!
I’m choked with tears,
grieving for a lone soul.
O God!
Have You eyes or not?
How could You
let the world
be beset with woes?
Son, I’ve turned blind
from crying for you.
How can you have
the heart to desert me?
When will mother
and child reunite?
Phú Long!
Don’t run, Brother!
Why is the world afflicted
with many misfortunes?
Witnessing their plight,
I feel perplexed.
If I help them,
I’m at fault with Heaven.
But if I don’t save
that young man
and his mother,
I’ll regret for eternity.
Alas, if the Jade Emperor
is angered,
I’ll shoulder the grave
punishment myself.
O Holy Queen Mother,
I’m determined
to help people out
of an utterly tragic plight.
O brightly
shining Sun and Moon!
O Heaven,
deities and fairies
of a hundred grottos!
Help me return vision
to the virtuous mother.
Return to the filial son
his voice.
Return to the filial son
his voice.
Help me return vision
to the virtuous mother.
Oh, Mom!
Mom! (Phú Long!)
Mom! (Phú Long!)
Your vision is back
all of a sudden.
It’s Phú Long’s voice
calling his mother!
I bow in gratitude,
O benefactor.
Heaven indeed has eyes
to bestow such grace.
Girl,
stop praying right now!
What kind of grace is it?
What’s right or wrong?
What do you humans
with physical eyes know
to dare sing praise?
And you!
You violated the law
from the celestial palace
and are thus
confined on Earth.
Yet you continue to use
Holy Queen Mother’s
magic power
to rescue mother and son
before seeking
approval from
God the Jade Emperor.
I now obey
the Jade Emperor
to banish Ngọc Nữ
to the Northern Sea.
No, you can’t
take the fairy away.
Why judge
a righteous person?
You can’t take
the fairy away.
Why judge
a righteous person?
A headstrong bunch indeed!
Dare you go against
Heaven’s sanction?
Ngọc Nữ, listen!
If you want those people
to stay alive,
then get to Northern Sea
immediately.
If you disobey,
two people will be crushed
under this divine spear.
That’d be Phú Long
and Chế Phụng. (No!)
Hold it!
I agree to be exiled
to the Northern Sea.
O Fairy!
O Elder, Phú Long,
Chế Phụng and everyone,
listen!
A human life,
with its 36,000 days, is brief.
After I leave,
Elder and all of you just
stay and learn to cultivate
rice and weave fabric.
That is to create good
fortune and happiness,
to build your homeland
amid adversities.v
Ngọc Nữ!
Be quiet, now!
I leave here
with you my love.
My anguish grows as the
miles stretch between us.
O Fairy,
the tide rises wave
after silvery wave.
You go to a strange land,
yet your great favor
is remembered.
O Elder, look forward to
our reunion in the future.
Though Southern sky and
Northern Sea are apart,
we engrave this love
in our hearts.
O silvery waves!
Send Dương Ngọc
faraway from here!
Fairy!
Deities and fairies,
countless well wishes
and melodious singing.
For thousands of years,
our achievements
are as magnificent
as the Thái Mountain,
as splendid as the
everlasting Hoàng River.
Like green buds,
strong and vibrant,
we firmly
steer the ship of rank
and power to glory.
we firmly
steer the ship of rank
and power to glory.
We raise our cups amidst
countless well wishes
and melodious singing.
Dương Ngọc! Please!
For thousands of years,
our achievements
are as magnificent
as the Thái Mountain,
as splendid as the
everlasting Hoàng River.
Like green buds,
strong and vibrant,
we firmly
steer the ship of rank
and power to glory.
we firmly
steer the ship of rank
and power to glory.
Dismissed!
That dance tenderly
rouses a romantic mood.
Golden moon shimmers
on the shrine loft.
Why is your youthful
and lovely countenance
lacking glow?
Since Your Highness asks,
I’m obliged to explain.
What is it, Dương Ngọc?
I’m someone
who dwells amidst
the mountain and forest
in foreign soil.
The blissful time with
people in that distant land
of Đại An has been deeply
ingrained in my mind.
Coming to
the Northern Sea,
I’m fortunate to be
brought here to keep
Your Highness company.
In the royal garden,
we’ve sung and
composed twin poems
at late night.
O Your Highness,
that may be called joy,
but I...
Dương Ngọc!
But... but what, precious?
Alas!
I miss the times when
I sowed rice seeds.
I miss that life when food
and clothes were lacking,
yet people were truly
loving, heart and soul.
I now take refuge
in foreign soil,
but my mind lingers
in that blissful time.
O Crown Prince, though
my body is imprisoned
in the Northern Sea,
my heart yearns ceaselessly
for the Southern sky.
O Dương Ngọc!
Since I met you,
the splendor of the
capital city isn’t different
from worldly dust,
and the royal garden seems
like a mountain area.
Every morning,
I falter with every step,
overcome with emotion.
Every evening,
I await anxiously.
When the sky turns red
at sunset,
it’s when you appear
from this aloewood statue
and join me in poetry
and recital
to our hearts’ content.
O Dương Ngọc!
This is a silken fan bestowed
by my Royal Father,
on which
we will compose
twin poems tonight.
I borrow poetry
to confide my feeling.
Please render some
comment, lovely Fairy.
Yes, Your Highness.
Such a beautiful poetic work!
Dew falls on the royal
palace at late night.
Dream fades –
Spring impression
lingers still.
Timidly, a waft of breeze
comes through
the chamber’s window.
A waning moon,
a perplexed soul, forlorn!
I wander about
the night-long, awaiting
my precious friend.
In the literary room,
alone I brood.
This world is vast,
people are myriad.
Where am I to find
a kindred soul?
Alas! In your
self-narrative poem,
every word,
a lofty melody of love,
every thought
stirs the heart.
Oh Dương Ngọc, why?!
But as I think of
the changing nature
of this world, I feel it
difficult to tell the
particulars of my story.
Dương Ngọc!
The drum signifying
night’s end is resounding.
Alas, our time together
has come to an end!
Dương Ngọc!
In that wooden statue,
I seek refuge
during daylight. (No.)
I will be with you again
at moonrise.
No, Dương Ngọc! Wait!
O Dương Ngọc,
we’ve just met;
why part so soon?
Our heart-to-heart talk
isn’t yet complete,
we already
have to part ways.
For a thousand days
since I have known you,
that many nights
I’ve shed doleful tears.
O cherished, I’ve wept
far into the night.
Lưu Quang, O beloved!
One is a celestial being,
the other an Earthling;
thus I advise you
not to make solemn vows
to the sea and mountain.
O Dương Ngọc!
Why did we chance
upon each other
if we aren’t meant for
a lifetime bond on Earth?
Dương Ngọc!
Look! The horizon
is brightening.
Dương Ngọc!
It’s time
I must bid you adieu.
Wait! Dương Ngọc!
Today’s Enlightening
Entertainment
will be presented in
Aulacese (Vietnamese),
with subtitles in Arabic,
Chinese, English,
French, German,
Hungarian, Indonesian,
Japanese, Korean,
Malay, Persian,
Portuguese, Russian,
Spanish, and Thai.
The drum tempo varies
between fast and slow,
merging with
singing voices which
at times are elevated
in pitch, other times
deep and powerful.
In brilliant costumes,
lissome movements
are in every gesture.
Actors and actresses
are differentiated
by distinctive make-up,
so that the audience
can easily identify
between the loyal
and the obsequious,
the noble ranks
and humble subjects.
This is hát bội
(classical theatre),
a performing art
in Âu Lạc (Vietnam),
originating from
the common people
and becoming more
widespread among them
in the 13th century
under the Lý and
the Trần dynasties.
In the later Lê dynasty,
classical theatre was
introduced to the Court to
entertain the royal family
and mandarins.
In the 19th century,
Mr. Đào Tấn developed
classical theatre and
opened a performing school.
He also built the first
classical theatre
in Bình Định province,
central Âu Lạc.
Since then,
classical theatre has
flourished in both artistic
and literary aspects.
Classical theatre operas
are often based on
historical references,
highlighting moral values.
Today, classical theatre
is considered a traditional
performing art of Âu Lạc.
On Enlightening
Entertainment,
Supreme Master
Television is pleased
to introduce different
forms of arts
from Âu Lạc (Vietnam),
as well as from other
countries in the world,
in order to share
the beauty and cultures
of the peoples
on our planet.
The classical theatre
opera “Legend of
a National Mother”
was based on a tale
of the Champa people in
Âu Lạc about the Mother
Goddess Po Nagar
(also venerated by
the people as Goddess
Ya Na or Lady Jade),
a holy mother who
taught people to weave
and plant rice, so they
could live independently
and prosperously.
The story also
demonstrates that all
heavenly arrangements
are derived from God’s
boundless compassion,
so that all souls have
the opportunity to advance.
Till this day, every year
from the 20th to 23rd days
of the third month
of the lunar calendar,
local people, especially
in central Âu Lạc,
still celebrate
the Po Nagar Festival
to express gratitude to a
beloved National Mother.
We now invite you
to enjoy the conclusion of the
classical theatre opera
“Legend of
a National Mother”
by playwright
Nguyễn Sỹ Chức
with performances by
artists Kim Hùng as
Prince Lưu Quang,
Thu Hà as
Fairy Dương Ngọc,
Thanh Hoa as Phú Loan,
Bạch Én as
Holy Queen Mother,
Xuân Hùng as Phú Long,
Như Yến as Chế Phụng,
Kim Khiên as Thúy Hồng,
Anh Sang as
the Jade Emperor,
Văn Nghiêm as
Southern Sphere Deity,
Quang Hưng as
Northern Sphere Deity,
Hữu Hải as Thunder Deity,
and other artists.
In the last episode,
to discipline
worldly people,
the Jade Emperor
raised a great flood.
Pitying the good people
who had to share
the misery, Fairy
Dương Ngọc manifested
high mountains
with her magic power
to help them escape
this misfortune.
For her defiance
of Heaven’s order,
Fairy Dương Ngọc
was exiled to Earth,
in the country of Đại An.
There Fairy Dương Ngọc
taught villagers farming
and weaving to
help improve their
living conditions.
During this time, having
sympathy for the plight
of Phú Long, a filial son
who lost his human voice
after venturing
into the forest to find
a remedy for his mother’s
blindness, once again
Fairy Dương Ngọc
disobeyed celestial law.
Willing to accept
the penalty, she used
magic power to return
eyesight to the mother
and human voice
to Phú Long.
Being confined
in an aloewood chunk
as a punishment,
Fairy Dương Ngọc
drifted to the North Sea
and was brought
to the palace by
Crown Prince Lưu Quang.
Every night, the Fairy
appeared to converse
with His Highness.
Thank you for your
company on today’s
Enlightening
Entertainment.
Coming up is
Words of Wisdom.
Please tune in
to Supreme Master
Television next Thursday
for the Aulacese film
entitled “A Good Heart
Changes Fortune,”
screenplay by
Nguyên Chơn.
Farewell for now.
So, she makes me
wait for her
until tomorrow night.
O Dương Ngọc!
For every
ten turbid currents,
there’s only
one clear stream.
Among ten thousand
worldly people,
there’s only one pure soul.
Dương Ngọc!
I wish to bond with you
lifelong in love.
Would you share with me
one happy dream?
Would you share with me
one happy dream?
Greetings,
Your Highness!
Thúy Hồng!
When did you arrive?
O Crown Prince,
I received a secret report
by the royal maid
that the Crown Prince
all this time
has been infatuated
with a beautiful lady
in the aloewood, who
appears on quiet nights.
Your Highness
has had literary
exchanges with her
late into the night without
feeling satisfied.
Though not in paradise,
it isn’t inferior
to the celestial palace.
Now having witnessed it
myself, I realize the
rumor isn’t unfounded.
Indeed you’re so
immersed in personal
affairs and oblivious
to all worldly matters.
Having indulged
in a beautiful woman,
you forget your betrothed.
Thúy Hồng!
You were saying...
What were you saying
all this time?
I don’t really understand.
O Your Highness!
What is so difficult
to understand?
It’s like this:
Yesterday morning,
after the court meeting,
my father was summoned
to the inner palace
so that the eunuch could
present the royal decree
to receive me in the
Crown Prince’s palace.
What?
Receiving you in the
Crown Prince’s palace?
Yes, to join you
in matrimony.
Thúy Hồng! (Yes.)
As a son, I wouldn’t dare
go against a marriage
arranged by
my Royal Father.
But I advise you
be not hasty in love,
lest you will be
in great distress later.
I’ll soon go to my
Royal Father to report
my innermost feelings.
As for me and
Deity Dương Ngọc,
we’re just kindred friends.
What?
Just kindred friends?
However you think
is up to you, but this
marriage arrangement
you cannot decline.
I dare not disobey
my father’s wish.
You can’t
single-handedly defy
the royal decree.
O Your Highness!
My father had people
select a lucky date
for the wedding.
And the royal family
has the Eastern Palace
prepared with
horses and carriage.
Doesn’t it mean we will
soon tie a lasting bond?
Thúy Hồng,
the drum has sounded
for the court meeting.
I must hasten to the palace.
Yes.
Thúy Hồng,
I’m taking leave now!
Oh, Your Highness!
Thúy Hồng,
where is His Highness?
How come you’re here?
Father,
I’d blame you for it!
Blame me? But why?
Why? This morning
you told me that
this is the dragon boat
I will rely on for life.
In my chamber,
I was exhilarated
with happiness,
so I came right away
to the royal garden
to visit him.
I didn’t know
he’d treat me so coldly.
He’s more infatuated
with this chunk of
aloewood than me.
He’s more infatuated
with this chunk of
aloewood than me.
You said that
His Highness loves
this chunk of wood
more than you?
That’s right, Father!
I understand now.
Beloved child,
His Highness has no one
taking care of him, so,
seeing the sacred wood,
he’s enamored with it.
Now he has you
by his side
morning and night.
You will talk to him
and cherish him.
Then,
even though you tell him
not to see you, he’d come
for you anyway.
Once the bee is charmed
by the stamen,
who else will claim
the queen’s throne?
Who else will claim
the queen’s throne?
But what would you do
about the beauty in
that chunk of aloewood?
Thúy Hồng, my child!
When you later become
Princess Consort,
you can burn or destroy it
as you wish.
Really, Father?
That’s right. (Father!)
With the sound
of the weaving loom
each fine thread sparkles
in spring sunlight.
Flowery brocade boasts
its bright color.
My hands move
in rhythm as I
embroider a sheet
of rosy-hued fabric.
Spring arrives
with singing in the air.
Lush coconut trees tilt to
wave at the blue sea.
Birds glide over
rolling waves.
Our homeland’s sky
and ocean are evermore
beautiful in spring.
O Mom, since the Fairy
left for the remotely
distant North Sea,
the forest has changed
leaves three times.
Our village has been
living in comfort.
Counting on my fingers,
it’s been a thousand days
even, yet the Fairy
is still away.
O Chế Phụng,
if the Fairy didn’t help
restore my Mom’s vision
and return to me my voice,
my Mom’s life
would be miserable
and I’d spend my entire
life in the dark wild forest.
O young sister, how can I
possibly repay her favor!
Her kindness, I’ll forever
ingrain in my heart.
O Phú Long, as humans,
we must remember
the Fairy’s immense
merit toward Đại An,
a favor comparable
to the wide sea.
Every night
for the past three years,
Đại An people long
for the Fairy’s return.
Alas! This season,
the northeastern wind
begins to blow.
Why don’t you and your
friends from the village
use a wooden boat
to sail with the wind
to the North Sea,
find the very place
where the Fairy is exiled,
and bring her
back here soon?
Wouldn’t that fulfill
both common
and personal goals?
What? Sail with the wind
to the North Sea,
find the very place
where the Fairy is exiled
and bring her
back here soon?
Fulfilling both common
and personal goals?
How wise of you,
Chế Phụng!
Good idea, Chế Phụng!
O everyone!
Cease what you are doing.
Listen to me!
Yes, we’re ready
for your instruction.
Beloved Mom
and villagers,
this land of Đại An
was helped by
Fairy Dương Ngọc who
descended on Earth
and taught us to weave
fabric and cultivate
wet rice plants.
Since then, our village
has escaped poverty.
It’s also thanks to
the Fairy that my mom
and I can have a normal
life like any other.
Yet in doing so,
Fairy Dương Ngọc
violated Heaven’s law
and was exiled for three
years to the North Sea.
We owe her the food we
eat, the clothes we wear.
Now, as the wind
changes direction,
I’m suggesting that
we together cross
the Eastern Sea
to bring the Fairy back.
You all have heard it
clearly.
Let’s discuss the option
thoroughly.
We consent and are waiting
for your order to set sail.
Wait, children!
Now that you’re going
to the North Sea,
I want to remind you
to firmly steer your boat
amid the high sea
and big waves.
Beloved Mom,
on this journey,
my young friends and I
must persevere
to overcome
the eastern wind
and roaring thunders.
On board, everyone!
Phú Long! On your trip,
please don’t forget
our mountain and forest
at every moonrise.
Gazing at the moon,
this country girl will
feel love evermore
in her heart.
Sailing on a voyage
of thousands of miles,
we look forward to a day
of reunion with our family.
Sail off!
Swing the oars
to enter the blue sea.
Water and clouds
stretch into the sky.
Countless waves rise
and fall all around.
Countless waves rise
and fall all around.
Row on!
Eunuch, where are you?
Oh God, are you still
sleeping in there?
Don’t you know what to do?
How come you’re still
sleeping on?
What are we to do?
Tell me.
This morning, we were
ordered by Her Highness
to move the wood.
This chunk of wood?
You just sit here;
let me do it alone.
There, go move it!
My God! O Brother!
What now?
I used all my strength,
but it wouldn’t
budge an inch.
Brother, let me tell you.
One single person
cannot get the job done
but two persons can
make things happen.
You’re always right.
Obviously you couldn’t
move it alone.
You need my joined effort.
Let’s move the wood
together.
That’s right;
let’s do it together.
Ready! One, two, three!
Three! Try harder!
So, what happened?
I’m exhausted, Brother!
All right, if you’re tired,
then sit there,
listen to my riddle.
What’s your riddle?
Let me hear it.
Do you know why that
wood chunk is so heavy?
Very simple! (Why?)
Because it’s a chunk
of aloewood, right?
Wrong! Think again.
I know why.
Because its base
affixes to the ground
like the way the root
of an aloewood tree
grows in the forest.
The earth transmits
vitality to the tree;
the tree provides
the earth a fresh green.
Is that right?
Wrong again, Brother!
If you don’t know,
let me tell you.
It’s a very serious matter.
Really? You sit here.
Now, tell me.
Here it is!
Fairy Dương Ngọc
is the person
who taught the people of
Đại An to weave fabrics
and to cultivate wet rice.
Really?
But her spirit is confined
to an aloewood
by Thunder Deity per
Jade Emperor’s order,
which was set adrift
on the Eastern Sea.
After many months
floating on the water,
the aloewood
was washed ashore
at the North Sea.
However,
of all their people,
no one could lift it.
You’re joking!
If no one could lift it,
how come it lies here?
When His Highness
tried it himself,
the wood suddenly
became as light as paper.
Then, he placed it here.
And every night since,
a lovely fairy appears
to converse
with His Highness.
You see?
No one could lift it.
How could you and I
possibly manage it?
You’re right.
Your Highness!
Our respectful greetings,
Your Highness.
Greetings, Your Highness.
Court servant! Eunuch!
Yes.
I entrusted you the task
early this morning.
Now it’s noon already,
and that chunk of wood
still stands undisturbed
and placidly taking up
space in the gazebo.
You couldn’t find a way
to remove it from here,
or what?
Your Highness,
we’ve tried all kinds of ways,
yet it wouldn’t move.
It wouldn’t budge an inch.
What? It wouldn’t
budge an inch? (Yes.)
If humans can’t move it,
then use horses
and elephants.
By all means,
you must rid this place
of that wood chunk.
But, Your Highness!
Eunuch! (Yes.)
Have the guards bring me
two strong horses.
What for, Your Highness?
Just do it, then
you’ll understand. (Yes.)
Eunuch! (Yes.)
Go get two strips of
Sichuan brocade for me!
Yes.
Kindred souls? A sham!
Southern Fairy?
A deceitful person!
Whether you are a fairy
or mere human,
you can’t fool me
as I know
what all women want.
You came here
from the South.
I preside over the palaces
on my husband’s behalf.
Why haven’t you left?
Why stand there
wasting your time?
Your Highness,
the two horses are here.
Your Highness,
two strips of
blue brocade are ready.
Now you two wrap
those pieces of brocade
around your body. (Yes.)
Steer the horses
toward the sea.
From the South, she drifted
to the North Sea.
Now I myself return her
to the South.
Carry out my order,
Eunuch!
Have the horses gallop!
Now, let the horses gallop!
Your Highness, the wood
didn’t move at all.
It wouldn’t move an inch.
What? It wouldn’t
move an inch? (Yes.)
Then have the horses
gallop at full speed!
Yes. Now!
Gallop at full speed!
Your Highness!
What’s the matter?
The bridles snapped and
the two horses escaped
to the royal garden.
Your Highness!
The two strips of brocade
were ripped apart
from the pulling.
Alas! I can’t possibly
be out of solutions.
No! If this scheme
fails to work,
I’ll devise another.
Though you’re a Fairy,
I’m also a beautiful woman.
The heart?
The heart is where
all blood veins converge
and is the source of love.
If the blood exists,
so does a person;
if the blood is gone,
so is one.
You’ve persisted
in your way;
I’m determined
to quench my resentment.
O Brother,
the Fairy appears!
Your Highness,
the Fairy appears.
She appears.
Oh my! In broad daylight,
a demon appears.
Eunuch! (Yes.)
Inform my father
right away that
there’s a demon hiding
in the forbidden palace.
Yes. (Yes, yes.)
Thúy Hồng!
You’ve entered the rank
of a Prince’s wife,
whose power and fame
few can match.
Yet your every word
is ruthless, and
your action is malicious.
You and I, an earthling
and celestial being,
are separated by nine levels
of sun and moon.
I know
I’m not your native folk
and have no close relation
in this place.
I violated Heaven’s law
and was exiled
to the North Sea.
Yet it turned out I met you,
a small-minded
earthly woman
with a wicked heart.
A thousand bows to you,
Fairy!
O Fairy, I’m just
an ordinary woman
whose jealousy drove me
to resentment.
A thousand bows to you,
Fairy!
O Fairy, please have
great mercy to forgive
this earthling for once.
Thúy Hồng! (Father!)
I’m here now.
Don’t be frightened,
child. (Yes.)
That woman!
All this time,
you’ve always remained
hidden in daylight
and only appeared
at late night.
Now it’s just mid-morning;
why have you already
waged trouble?
Greetings,
Elder Mandarin.
If you want to an answer
to your question,
why don’t you
ask your daughter?
As for me, I just want
to be left alone.
I don’t like any trouble.
Elder Mandarin!
You now enjoy royal
salary and allowances;
you should preserve
your future.
Don’t covet higher rank
to risk a fall.
A mandarin’s career
and life is full of pitfalls.
Only a nonsensical person
would talk like that!
A frog
at the well’s bottom
fancies the well’s
opening as high Heaven.
A kid teaches
an elder mandarin?
Insolent!
Your Excellency!
What is it?
While patrolling the beach,
we captured a boat
of over ten people
from the South.
When asked where
they were heading to,
they said,
“We travel North
to find the Fairy.”
What?
Looking for the Fairy?
All right, bring them here.
Yes.
Oh, Phú Long!
Sister Ngọc!
Why do you sail
all the way here?
How are your mother
and Chế Phụng?
How are the villagers?
O Sister Ngọc,
words cannot convey
our immense longing.
Since you left
for the northern soil,
the lonely village waits
for you day and night.
It’s been three autumns
already.
We feel saddened with
every passing season.
O young brother! (Yes.)
Since we parted,
my mind drifts
to the four directions as
my heart deeply yearns
for the southern sky.
Sister Ngọc!
Enough! This is
His Highness’ palace,
not a deserted hall
for you people to share
your inner feelings and
to freely come and go.
Soldiers! (Yes.)
Shackle them immediately
to wait for a punishment
to be meted out!
Whoever disobeys,
just take away his life!
Sister Ngọc!
I’ve already
told you people:
As humans, you must
eschew the violent way.
Eschewing violence?
Even if you’re a Fairy
or Saint from Heaven,
you will share
the same fate.
Tie them up! (Yes.)
Sister Ngọc!
So, you want to ask
for trouble, then don’t
blame me for making it!
Your Excellency!
What’s the matter?
I saw with my own eyes
amid the hurricane...
What did you see?
I saw that
group of men carry
the wood chunk away.
How strange!
Early this morning,
the horses couldn’t
do a thing;
now they carried it on
their shoulders with ease.
How bizarre!
Who is she,
human or ghost,
that is so powerful?
Is she a ghost or human
that disappears
in a blink?
O Father!
Why should you be angry
and frustrated?
I myself feel so elated
that they took away
the chunk of wood.
Why are you elated?
Beloved Father,
they’ve taken that piece
of wood back South;
wouldn’t my position
in the North
be more secure now?
His Highness has returned!
Where is my Fairy?
Where is my Fairy?
Woe is me!
Where is
the aloewood statue?
Why is it
so quiet all around?
O Fairy, Fairy!
Alas, what danger
has befallen you?
Something unusual
happened in the court.
My mind was dazed.
O God...
It’s all topsy-turvy!
Wake up, Your Highness!
Your Highness, wake up!
Elder Mandarin!
Tell me why this happened.
Your Highness,
recently a group of men
from the South sailed
over the big waves
to the North Sea.
They stole that chunk of
wood from your palace,
then sailed away.
Then what?
If favored
by the south wind,
they’ll conquer
the big waves
and reach home safely
in just two weeks
or half a month.
What about my Fairy?
Your Highness is bereft
of your dream lady
from now on.
No, impossible!
Listen,
Minister of Defense!
(Yes.)
Quickly order the marines
to prepare water
and food.
Go after those Southerners
to seize and bring back
the aloewood statue!
Order obeyed.
We sing to celebrate
the ripe golden rice.
We sing to celebrate
our village’s new joy.
We sing to celebrate
the Fairy
for crossing
the myriad ocean waves
to return to the forest
and Đại An.
From now on, the village
young men and women
will enjoy
the tender affection
of devoted couples,
will sing and dance
and kindle the flame.
In music resounds
the passion for life.
In passion sparkles
the glow of love.
In passion sparkles
the glow of love.
O God, it’s Thunder Deity!
That’s right!
I, Thunder Deity,
hurriedly descend
on Earth to carry out
the Jade Emperor’s order.
Hurriedly descended
on Earth to carry out
the Jade Emperor’s order?
What is the order,
Thunder Deity?
Greetings, Fairy!
Greetings, all villagers!
Why is it that
everyone stares at me
in complete silence?
I, Phú Long, respectfully
greet Thunder Deity.
A true gentleman, indeed!
A young man, yet
you’re very courageous.
Now, listen, Ngọc Nữ!
Jade Emperor
has just ordained that
Ngọc Nữ be escorted
back to the Fairyland.
What? Bring Ngọc Nữ
back to the Fairyland?
That’s right!
Perfectly right!
In these few years,
Fairy Dương Ngọc
had to come down
to live among earthlings
and undergo
countless ordeals.
That was just
God’s testing her
before admitting her into
the rank of the immortals.
Thus, after having her
endure three years in exile,
now it’s time to bestow
upon her a miracle:
“Life after life,
you are immortal;
your youthful beauty
will last eternally.”
Through the three-year
sentence seemed
to be a grave sanction,
your great merit
is now recompensed
satisfactorily.
O Fairy, quickly bid
adieu to the villagers
then follow me
back to Heaven!
I’m elated upon
hearing this news,
and yet I feel pained
thinking of our separation.
Respected Thunder Deity!
Please go back
to ask Jade Emperor
for the Fairy to remain
with us Đại An people.
If it could be so arranged,
that favor will be
forever remembered,
and for ten thousand
lifetimes we’ll worship
the Jade Emperor .
That favor will be
forever remembered,
and for ten thousand
lifetimes we’ll worship
the Jade Emperor .
No, it can’t be!
It shouldn’t be!
That Fairy Dương Ngọc
is graced with immortality
by the Jade Emperor is
her destiny and affinity.
For if Heaven
humors your and
the Đại An people’s wish
to let Ngọc Nữ remain
on Earth, who will
look after the Fairyland
in the future?
Ngọc Nữ!
Do not linger.
Hasten back
to the heavenly palace,
so that I may soon report!
Yes. Elder and my young
brothers and sisters,
though you wish
for us to stay together,
we can’t possibly act
against Heaven’s will.
What a torment!
How heart-rending!
O Fairy!
From now on,
I must part with you.
That favor, we’ll imprint
in our minds forever.
Earth and Heaven
are vastly apart.
That kindness,
we’ll engrave in
our bones for eternity.
That kindness,
we’ll engrave in
our bones for eternity.
How odd!
There’s a strange fleet of
boats heading this way,
loaded with soldiers
who are armed with
swords and spears.
They are the group
from the North Sea.
The boat with
the Elder Mandarin is
heading directly to shore.
They beat their drums
continuously.
O Đại An people! (Yes.)
The Northerners
suddenly come here.
They intend to invade
the South, obviously.
We vow to live or die
together to preserve
our motherland.
To preserve our motherland!
Alas! Fires are ablaze
in the East.
Fire blazes up in the North.
Ngọc Nữ, listen!
Don’t bother
to rack your brains.
Just show me their leader.
I’ll give him
a thunderbolt
right in the middle
of his forehead.
That will resolve it all.
Now, which one is he?
Tell me quickly, Ngọc Nữ!
No, that can’t be.
Now, Thunder Deity!
At your command!
The gray-haired man,
can you spot him?
Yes, I can.
And the young man
with the purple outfit
in the middle of the boat.
Where? Oh, yes.
I saw his face clearly now.
What next? Which one?
Tell me quickly, Ngọc Nữ!
I will stir up a hurricane.
And I?
Seize those two men!
Lưu Quang! (O Fairy!)
Listen to me, beloved.
You’ve fallen into
a wicked scheme.
It’s he who
orchestrated the plan
to bring marines
to the Southern land
in an attempt to lord
over this region.
Now, at dead-end,
he tries to escape.
Dương Ngọc!
I have no other intent
but to trace your fairy steps.
Phàn Tiếp! And you?
Why did you heartlessly
deploy powerful troops
to invade?
Phàn Tiếp, listen
to my interrogation.
You possess all
the power, title and fame.
Why still pursue
immoral ambitions?
It’s because
I was so ignorant
that I brought disgrace
upon myself.
Forgive me, please!
So, taking advantage
of His Highness’
pursuing his friend,
you’re intent on invading
other people’s land.
You’re indeed
a cunning person.
Heaven would find it
hard to forgive you.
I judge that for your sin,
you must be turned
into a rock, wave-lashed
on the beach eternally
to set an example
for other invaders.
But now that you repent,
I’ll spare your life.
I’m deeply grateful
to you, Fairy.
Go away now!
O Fairy!
Phú Long! (Yes.)
Though your homeland
is poor without
gold and silver,
your people’s hearts
are magnanimous.
Prepare drinking water
and food
for His Highness
to sail back North.
What? (Yes.)
O Dương Ngọc,
since you left
the Northern land,
I immediately set out
to go after you.
Why are you indifferent
now that we meet?
I haven’t wronged you
in that love.
I sobbed every night
in the moonlight,
saddened from pining
for my kindred friend.
O Lưu Quang, beloved,
what in the past was like
a drifting cloud.
The Northern empire was
extreme in sun and rain.
Returning South, I still
miss my kindred friend.
Dương Ngọc!
In the land of North Sea,
you deeply
missed your friend.
But, as a being
from another realm,
it’s hard for me to be
your lifelong partner.
I must now return
to the celestial palace
and be forever separated
from the earthly world.
O beloved,
the heavenly cloud’s path
will divide us.
Now that I leave,
when will your sorrow
ever subside?
Dương Ngọc!
My cherished people,
though South and North
are far apart,
all belong to
the same Milky Way
and are shined upon
by the same sun.
O beloved,
people may be of
different nationalities,
but happiness and love
are everyone’s yearning
since time immemorial.
I wish that from now on,
people of Đại An
and North Sea
will let go of all enmity
and live harmoniously
with kindness.
O Fairy, your time is up.
Quickly return to Heaven.
Buddha be praised!
Fairy!
Dương Ngọc!
Beloved
Mom and villagers.
Fairy Dương has returned
to Paradise
with Thunder Deity per
Jade Emperor’s order.
It’s painful for many
of us worldly people
who will miss her
for the rest of our lives.
Let’s use the saps
from readily available
forest trees and the earth
for making bricks,
then join hands,
both the young and old,
to build on
the mountain top
a flame-shaped tower.
We’ll take turns to burn
incense for worshiping.
A statue of Goddess
Ya Na will be carved
in the middle
of the sacred stage,
so that eight directions
will unite as one source.
A statue of Goddess
Ya Na will be carved
in the middle
of the sacred stage,
so that eight directions
will unite as one source.
A tower
in the shape of a flame
will forever illumine
the Southern sky.