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

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 Classical theatre operas are often based on historical references, highlighting moral values.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 “What Came From Heaven is Returned to Earth” is based on an Aulacese folk tale about two sworn brothers Ngô Thiên and Lý Địa, illustrating that Heaven will reclaim whatever we don’t deserve. The story offers advice that humans honor their promise and relationship with one another, be it in times of poverty or wealth and glory.

We now invite you to enjoy part 1 of the classical theatre opera “What Came From Heaven is Returned to Earth” by playwright Nguyễn Diêu Trì. This opera will be presented in 2 episodes, with performances by Nguyễn Diêu Trì as Ngô Thiên, Huỳnh Văn Tân as Lý Địa, Mỹ Dung as Fairy, Minh Liễu as Guard, Đạo An as Guard, Nguyễn Văn Thân as Elder Fairy, and other artists.

I live in Đoài Village. My name is Ngô Thiên (Heaven). My parents already passed on, leaving their young child in the world. I remember when my parents passed away, I was only 10 years old, without family members or relatives. A rich man in the neighboring village took pity on me and helped pay for my parents’ burial service. Then he brought me home to tend his buffaloes to settle the debt. Now I’m already 20 years old. Day after day, I’ve plowed and hoed for hire.

O Father and Mother! O people! I dare not blame Heaven or Earth. I probably was born at the wrong hour. O God! How can You heartlessly turn a blind eye to someone in poverty? How pitiful it is for the poor! Unfortunately, my parents passed away when I was only 10 years old. Now I’m all alone, without any relative. Whom could I confide in?

Having been absorbed in lamenting, I forget that the sun has set. I’d better leave the plow here and take the hoe back to my boss to fulfill my duty. My lot as a tiller is a very hard life. Why is it that some are poor, while others wealthy? Some have more than enough, yet some couldn’t make ends meet? I keep telling myself, after rain comes the sunshine.

I live in Đoài Village. My name is Lý Địa (Earth). I’ve had a poor and unlucky life. I plow and hoe for hire to earn my bread. Due to poverty, I’m lacking many things. I sustain myself with either porridge or vegetables. I labor very hard, enduring the elements, farming for hire from morning till evening to earn a livelihood. My parents already passed away, leaving me all by myself.

I live in a tattered thatched hut and work for hire to support myself. All year round, I try to make ends meet. But why bother to think of it! It’s probably destined by Heaven. The course of life winds and bends. Be it misery or happiness, I’d leave it to fate. Fate is dictated by Heaven. O folks! Why ponder about rich or poor?

There you are, brother Địa! It’s already dark. You haven’t yet finished the plowing? Why don’t you get ready to go home?

O brother Thiên, not anywhere yet! You know what, the buffalo has just recovered from illness today. I pity him, so I let him rest. Since this morning I’ve only managed to finish a few furrows. I’ll probably get just half a meal today. How miserable, O brother! But, brother Thiên!

What is it, brother?

There’s something I want to discuss with you. Since you’re here, I’ll tell you and see what you think.

But what is it anyway?

Look, brother Thiên. I find you’re intelligent and quick-witted. You comprehend twice what you hear. Don’t plow and hoe for hire anymore. You should take care of studying.

Forget it, O brother! I’m dirt poor and can’t earn enough food despite working endlessly. And now you talk about studying. Forget it! Frankly, I dare not think about it, brother.

No, this is what I meant. You and I vow brotherhood. You’re older, so you’ll be my elder brother. I’m younger than you, I’ll be the younger brother. Starting today, I’ll do farming for hire day and night to provide for your studying. Later, when you graduate and become a mandarin, we brothers will enjoy together the honor and wealth.

So you will...

Because if we keep farming for hire like this, we’ll never have a comfortable life.

I know that, but it’s a long time. The exam only takes place every ten years. I don’t know if you’ll be able to make it.

Don’t worry! I can. But if you agree, let us kneel down here to make a vow with Heaven and Earth as our witness.

All right! If you say so, let’s kneel down together.

You agree then? (All right.) Let’s kneel, elder brother. Amitabha Buddha be praised! My name is Lý Địa.

And my name is Ngô Thiên.

The sunset will be the lamp.

Wild grass will be used instead of incense to make a pledge. I vow brotherhood with him.

We brothers are both orphans who do farming for hire year-round, but couldn’t afford enough food or clothes. Today, we vow to live and die together, to share both our wealth and hardship. May Heaven and Earth witness our pledge to support each other for the rest of our lives.

Amitabha Buddha be praised! May God and Buddha witness us. I, Ngô Thiên, am kneeling down here. I vow that even if the situation changes, I’ll steadfastly keep my promise. Whatever I vow in the beginning, I shall fulfill later. I, Ngô Thiên, together with Lý Địa, have requested Heaven and Earth to witness our brotherhood. If later anyone changes his heart, he’ll go back to naught.

O brother! Now that we understand each other, our brotherly love will never change.

All right, We’ve made our promise; let’s ingrain it in our hearts.

Let’s go back to our thatched hut. I’ll do the farming, and you’ll focus on studying.

Let’s go, younger brother!

Let’s go, elder brother.

Brother Ngô Thiên! Since I vowed brotherhood with brother Ngô Thiên, vowing to live and die together to share our wealth and hardship. My part is to work for hire in the farm every day, hoping to earn a lot of money so that brother Thiên has ease of mind to focus on his study. I was poor, now I’m even poorer. My life is difficult, yet it’s more difficult now. On days when I plow a lot of land, we have enough food. When less work is done, I’d give up my meal for my friend so that he can study. What a miserable fate I have!

O brother Thiên! Do you realize that I’m now plowing without rest, with the sun above and water below. My tears are mixed with sweat. Train yourself diligently, O brother. Try to study well. Pass the coming exam to prove your worth. O brother! Be at the top of the honor roll. Later, when you achieve wealth and status, remember that your friend has contributed to your glory.

Attention, everyone! The capital will hold an examination which only takes place every ten years. Students are encouraged to participate. Attention, everyone!

Wonderful! I’ve heard the announcement very clearly. All the talented students are informed to go to the capital for the examination. So, the examination has been opened now. I should go home quickly to bring this news to brother Thiên. How happy I am! I’ll hurry back to inform my brother. I bow a hundred times, a thousand times to God and Buddha. Please bless us brothers, O God and Buddha. Help brother Thiên to pass the exam, so that we can escape our lives of hardship.

The sea of saintly teaching and forest of poetry are very profound. I’ve been reading all through the night. I hope to pass the exam with highest honor to have a chance to glorify my country. It’s been ten years of study. I’ve waited for the exam to open. O Lý Địa! I’ll always remember our vow, to change our lives together. O younger brother, I’m determined to change our fate. I realize that you’re now working very hard; your body is exposed to water and sunlight. I promise to study very well so that I’ll achieve the first laureate position to satisfy your years of expectations.

O brother Thiên!

You’re back already?

Yes.

Let me ask you. What is it that you’re so excited about? Tell me quickly, brother.

O brother, this is what I heard with my own ears.

Tell me.

Brother Thiên!

I’m listening.

It was announced in our village to inform students to participate in the exam.

So the capital has opened an exam? (That’s right.) Is it true?

You know, as soon as I heard it, I put down the plow and hoe, and rushed back to inform you to quickly set out to achieve fame and position.

How elated I am!

I’m very happy, O brother!

I’ve studied for ten years. Lý Địa. (Yes.) All this time, we brothers have been waiting for this day. hoping that I’ll pass the exam to change our fate. I promise you I’ll do my best to change our fate from now.

O brother Thiên! (Yes?) You’ve studied hard for 10 years, waiting for the day to attain fame and position. O brother Thiên! This is my farewell before your departure: may your name appear on the honor roll. O brother Thiên! All these years, one trains himself well in classics and history; the other works under the long rain and scorching sun, waiting for the examination to open for you to change our destiny. Demonstrate your talent to pass with honor. Otherwise, it’d be a waste of our hard efforts all this time.

O Lý Địa, brother. (Yes.) I know how hard you have worked to provide for my study. I promise you that from the provincial to the palace exams, I’m determined to pass them all with the highest grade. O Lý Địa! (Yes.) On your behalf, I’ve studied arduously.

Yes, that’s right.

In my stead, you’ve plowed and hoed more laboriously. I’ve studied tirelessly for 10 years. Now is the time for the carp to become a dragon to repay your many years of hard work.

O brother! Don’t be concerned of my hardship. It’s all right, I just do my part to contribute to your glory.

O brother, our vow I always keep in mind. I promise you that we’ll share equally our hardship and wealth.

Brother Thiên, these are your belongings that I’ve packed up already. Take them with you. O brother, I bid you farewell for now. May we meet again at the shore of glory.

Farewell, my kind friend.

Be happy, O brother. Try your best in the exam.

You stay back here.

You should leave now, brother. While you go to take the exam, I’ll stay home awaiting your news.

Goodbye, brother!

Goodbye! Take care!

All right! I’m leaving now.

Since my brother left for the capital city to take the exam, it’s been three months. I wonder if he passed or failed because I haven’t heard from him at all. O brother Thiên! At home, I’m anxiously awaiting your news, praying for my good friend to pass the exam. O brother! I pray for you to pass the exam. Did you make it or not? I’ve longed for your news at home.

Attention, all villagers, young and old! First Laureate Ngô Thiên from Đoài Village is now appointed as the province chief. Attention, everyone! The First Laureate is coming home! The First Laureate is coming home!

Watching him walking stately, it’s definitely Ngô Thiên. That means brother Ngô Thiên has made it! I’d better return this plow to its owner. My miserable life is over from this day on. But from here to the province chief’s palace is very far. How am I to get the money for traveling? How about I sell the house that I have dwelled in all this time for traveling expenses! I must hasten to the province palace for a reunion with my brother. I prostrated a thousand times to God and Buddha for blessing brother Thiên during the exam so that we may escape our lives of hardship.

My ten years of studying has brought me success and glory now. I’ve graduated as First Laureate and been appointed as province chief.

Sir, there’s a stranger wishing to see you. He’s still standing in front of the palace, so I’m coming in to report to you.

Guard! (Yes.) You said there’s a stranger who comes to see me. (Yes.) Come here! (Yes.) What is that stranger’s appearance like?

Your Honor, how do you mean “appearance,” Your Honor? What a brain! What I meant by “appearance” is, does that stranger dress as if he is wealthy or poor?

Your Honor, I found him to be very poor.

Poor?

Yes, his pants are rolled up on one side, and only half of his shirt remains. He doesn’t look like a beggar, nor does he look like a panhandler. He’s extremely poor, sir.

If so, what for he comes to see me?

He said his name is Lý Địa, your sworn brother.

He’s my sworn brother? (Yes.) How would a man like me, a mandarin of the court, swear brotherhood with a penniless man who looks like a beggar? Never mind! Tell him to go away!

Yes, sir! But, sir...

No “but” or “if” whatsoever!

He said very clearly that he’s Lý Địa, your sworn brother. He insisted on coming in. If I don’t let him in, he’ll sit there until he can see you.

Guard! His name is Lý Địa? (Yes.) Go tell him to go away. (Yes.) Wait! (Yes.) Well, let him in to see me.

Hey you! (Yes.) His Honor has allowed you to come in.

He has?

But listen here: This is a mandarin’s office, all right? (Yes.) A mandarin and a commoner are of different classes. You should behave properly while you’re in there. (Yes.) You have his permission already. Come in! (Yes.)

I’ve come to present myself to Your Honor. Good health and long life to you!

Be at ease! Stand up! (Yes.) Listen to my question: Why did you come to the province palace? What injustice and complaint do you want to report? Tell me, and I will judge accordingly. Understand?

I now see very clearly. It’s indeed brother Ngô Thiên. O brother Ngô Thiên!

Stop that! (Yes.) Judging by your look, I’ve never seen you before. How dare you call me this Ngô Thiên and that Ngô Thiên?

Brother Thiên! It’s me, Lý Địa! You don’t remember me, brother Thiên?

Enough! I don’t know any Lý Đạo or Lý Địa!

O God! Brother Thiên! How have you the heart to turn your back on me and forget the affection and kindness in the past? For ten long years, I endured the long rain and scorching sun to provide for my friend’s study until his academic achievement. Brother Thiên! It’s Lý Địa here! Take a closer look at me, brother Thiên! I’d sworn brotherhood with you and vowed to live and die together. I’d plowed and hoed for hire in ten long years to earn money to support your study. Now you’ve become the first laureate. How could you forget your promise, O brother! How could you heartlessly betray your friend’s kindness? O Heaven and Earth!

That man! Let me ask you: Who is your sworn brother? Who is it that vowed brotherhood with you?

O God!

I understand now. You’re probably so destitute that you come to a mandarin’s palace and invent a tale of favors to gain some food. All right! I heard your lament. I’ll be generous this time to help you once. Guard? (Yes.) Bring out here for the beggar a bowl of rice and a tael of silver, you hear?

Yes! Here’s the rice, sir. Here’s the silver, sir.

Just leave it there. (Yes.) That beggar! There’s the rice. Eat if you’re hungry, and take that tael of silver, then get out of here. The bowl of rice and a tael of silver are my deed of kindness for the world.

O brother Thiên! I resent the one who has changed his heart. O God! All my ten years of hard work is repaid with a bowl of rice and a tael of silver now. O brother Thiên! What did you promise me that you now have quickly forgotten? You’ve forgotten the vow witnessed by Heaven.

His Honor already left. Why are you still standing there crying? Eat the rice and take the silver, then leave right away, you hear? How very bold you are! You dared come to a mandarin to concoct a story for food. My mandarin is kind-hearted already. If it were other mandarins, it’s hard for you to defend your wrongdoing. Make sure you leave, you hear?

O God! How double-faced and ungrateful people are! Here’s the bowl of rice to repay ten years of plowing and hoeing. And here’s a silver tael! I look at this side, it’s silver; I turn to look at the other side, it’s also silver. It’s silver all over! O God! Worldly events come to pass like a dream. People’s hearts are as “silvery” as autumn clouds. (“bạc”– silvery – sounds like “bội bạc” – ungrateful) I try to laugh, but laugh I could not. Enduring the pain, I blame he who betrays me, disregarding his vow.

O brother Thiên! What did you promise to me that you soon have forgotten now? O brother! How have you the heart to change from white to black? O God! How have you the heart to mistreat an honest person? I resent Ngô Thiên, whose heart has changed unexpectedly. O Heaven and Earth! It’s finished! My mind is like a tangled skein. Am I dreaming, or is this reality?

You’ve enjoyed part 1 of the classical theatre opera “What Came From Heaven is Returned to Earth” by playwright Nguyễn Diêu Trì, with performances by Nguyễn Diêu Trì as Ngô Thiên, Huỳnh Văn Tân as Lý Địa, Mỹ Dung as Fairy, Minh Liễu as Guard, Đạo An as Guard, Nguyễn Văn Thân as Elder Fairy, and other artists.

We thank you for watching Enlightening Entertainment today. Please stay tuned to Supreme Master Television. Words of Wisdom is coming up. Take care, and we’ll see you next week.

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

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 “What Came From Heaven is Returned to Earth” is based on an Aulacese folk tale about two sworn brothers Ngô Thiên and Lý Địa, illustrating that Heaven will reclaim whatever we don’t deserve. The story offers advice that humans honor their promise and relationship with one another, be it in times of poverty or wealth and glory.

We now invite you to enjoy the conclusion of the classical theatre opera “What Came From Heaven is Returned to Earth” by playwright Nguyễn Diêu Trì, with performances by Nguyễn Diêu Trì as Ngô Thiên, Huỳnh Văn Tân as Lý Địa, Mỹ Dung as Fairy, Minh Liễu as Guard, Đạo An as Guard, Nguyễn Văn Thân as Elder Fairy, and other artists.

Lý Địa and Ngô Thiên were two friends from the same village, who pledged their mutual loyalty in times of wealth as well as hardship. Lý Địa worked arduously to provide for Ngô Thiên’s schooling, in hopes that Ngô Thiên would achieve academic success and change their fates. After ten years of studying hard, Ngô Thiên graduated as First Laureate and was appointed as Province Chief. Delighted, Lý Địa went to meet Ngô Thiên, who disregarded his promise and denied acquaintance with such a poor man as Lý Địa.

Thank you for your presence on Enlightening Entertainment. Words of Wisdom is coming up next. Please tune in on Supreme Master Television next Thursday for the Aulacese modern folk opera entitled “A Golden Lesson” by playwright Chơn Tâm Tịnh. Farewell for now.

O God! I trusted someone’s vow and ended up so disappointed now. O brother Thiên! All my dreams have turned into smoke. What a harsh reality to wake up to from a fairy dream! Why is my life full of sorrow? O people, I’m deeply saddened by the situation. O people, misery keeps following me. I blame the dishonest person who changes his friends as he attains wealth, disregarding all past kindness he owed. In sadness, I fumble with each footstep. O God! I keep walking, forgetting that it’s dark already. Ahead are the deep forest and high mountains, without any sight of a house or passer-by. I’ll rest on this flat rock overnight.

I’m a spiritual practitioner in Paradise. I’m called Thái Ất.

I pity an honest person who has fallen victim to a cunning man. Injustice is felt by Heaven, thus I descend on Earth to help the one in misfortune. O Lý Địa! Wake up, son!

In my sleep, I vaguely heard someone’s voice. Who are you? Are you the Head Fairy from Heaven or a ghost from the underworld?

It’s me who called you. Wake up quickly, son, so that I can explain to you.

Yes, yes.

I’m Thái Ất the True Man (sage), who descends on Earth from the fairyland to help people. Where is your home? Why didn’t you go home to sleep but spend the night in the forest? Tell me what happened and I’ll help to fulfill your wishes.

Since you asked, I’ll tell you everything. I’m from Đoài Village, and my name is Lý Địa. O Elder Fairy! I’m a poor man who makes a living by farming for hire. I and brother Ngô Thiên have sworn brotherhood, vowing to share in times of both wealth and hardship. I plowed and hoed for hire for 10 long years to earn money to provide for brother Thiên’s study. Now that brother Thiên has graduated as First Laureate, he changed his heart and disregarded his promise before. O Elder Fairy, I’ve just told you everything. How unjust the world is! O sir, why is it that the deceitful enjoys wealth while the honest is met with misfortune? O sir! Misfortune is reserved for the honest. The way of the world is bitter and ironic.

Lý Địa, O son! Hearing what you said, I know that you’re a kind-hearted man. Your sincerity is witnessed by Heaven and Earth. From now on, I’ll help you with a boat, You’ll ferry people across the river every day to earn a living. Think no longer of what happened. As to Ngô Thiên, a deceitful man who disregards his friend’s kindness, will definitely reap what he sowed. It is said that “retribution can take place instantly.”

O Elder Fairy, I’ll do as you said. From now on I’ll forget the past to take care of ferrying people across the river and wait for a brighter future.

All right! Stay back on Earth, child. I’ll return to the fairyland.

O Elder Fairy!

Whether it rains or shines, I ferry passengers across the river daily. Though I’m not going to be rich, but it can afford me two meals a day. Since the Elder Fairy gave me a boat, I ferry the passengers across the river daily to earn my living. Though it’s less laborious than before, it’s still a hard life. Alas! It’s just my fate. I shouldn’t ponder about it. It’s getting dark. I’d better leave the pier to return to my straw hut and have a meager meal of musty rice. My life is like a boat rowing slowly on the river. Though people change their hearts and minds, I don’t hold a grudge or resent them.

O boatman!

Who is that?

I’m a passenger. Please help ferry me.

I can’t. It’s already dark. Besides, my boat is already half way to the other shore. Please go back; I’ll take you cross the river tomorrow.

O boatman! Please come over to help ferry me because I have something very urgent. I’m afraid it’ll be too late tomorrow.

All right! Let me turn the boat to help ferry you. I’m turning my boat to ferry a passenger, helping a person in need to cross the river. Greetings, Miss!

Greetings, Mister!

Please step down into the bamboo boat. Be careful not to fall. I’ll turn the boat back to row over the waves to take you across the river. This winter evening it’s turned windy, so a storm is also coming our way. Be careful not to fall into the river! (I know.) I firmly row on, unafraid of the storm.

How lucky we are! The boat has just docked when the storm rises. O Miss! (Yes.) You should hurry home because it’s still a long way to walk. The rain is coming.

O brother whatever-your-name-is!

Địa. My name is Lý Địa.

Brother Địa!

What is it, Miss?

There’s a saying, “Once you offer help, then help to the end. Once you start to cut, then cut smoothly.” The road to my home is still far, but the rain is here now. How about allowing me to spend the night here and I’ll set out tomorrow?

No, that’s impossible.

Is it all right, brother?

That’s impossible, Miss.

Why not? There isn’t any inn here. As a stranded traveler, where could a young woman turn to?

Listen, Miss! (Yes.) It’s impossible because I’m a poor person and just have a thatched hut for my shelter. Besides...

What is the problem, brother Địa?

Besides, for a single man and a single woman to stay in the same room, I’m afraid...

What are you afraid of?

I’m afraid people may spread false rumors, Miss.

Fine, then. If you’re afraid of rumors, I wouldn’t trouble you. I bow to you and take leave now, regardless of the raging storm. Goodbye!

Wait! All right! I’ll let you spend the night in my place.

Then head home quickly, I’ll follow you.

Follow me to my thatched hut, because the rain is about to pour down.

Let’s go, brother Địa.

Let’s go.

There, you see! My home is not only shabby, but also messy.

It’s all right, brother Địa!

Respected Miss! Please rest here.

Brother Địa! I sleep here, how about you? Where are you going to sleep?

You sleep here. I sleep over there. Besides, tomorrow is my father’s death anniversary. I have to get up early anyway to prepare a meager meal to pay tribute to my father’s spirit.

Brother Địa!

What is it, Miss?

Let me ask you this. Are you married?

O forget it, Miss. I’m dirt poor. I can’t even earn enough to feed myself, working endlessly, where do I get the money to take a wife?

Brother Địa, let me tell you this. I see that you’re poor but honest and kind-hearted. What I meant is...

What did you mean?

I meant I want to be your wife. What do you think, brother Địa?

Enough, Miss! You see that I’m a poor man, so you’re just teasing me. But how can that be possible between a man like me and a woman like you?

Brother Địa! What did you mean by that?

I meant you’re beautiful like a fairy descending on Earth and also elegant, while I’m ugly and poor. How can I be your match?

Brother Địa, I’ve been testing your heart all this time. Now I tell you the truth. I’m a fairy from the fairyland.

You’re from the fairyland?

Yes. The Jade Emperor has found you to be an honest and kind man who has endured much suffering and hardship, so he had me come down on Earth to join an honest man in a harmonious marriage. O brother Địa, from this day on, I’ll be your gentle and faithful wife and keep you company. I’ll help you have a wealthy life to make up for your years of hardship. I vow to stay with you always in life and death.

O God! Am I dreaming or is it a reality? It’s an astonishing sight in front of me! Is this the reality or a dream?

This is the reality!

What? This is reality! I thank God and Buddha for such blessing to the poor. I’m grateful to Heaven and Buddha for helping an honest person.

O beloved Địa! You’ve suffered many years of hardship. O Địa! A kind-hearted man is now being rewarded. It’s true that “Heaven does not betray a good person. After miserable days comes a leisurely time.”

O sweetheart, Heaven sends you to me. From now on, a bridge has been built by the crows, joining a couple in a harmonious marriage.

O beloved Địa! In this world, wealth cannot be asked for. Remember that only those who lead a virtuous life are worthy to be human.

I understand now.

Beloved Địa!

What is it, dear?

You’re now a rich man. Tomorrow is our father’s death anniversary. The food I have prepared already. What we’re missing now is our relatives. Right now, you should go to brother Thiên and invite him to join us for a simple meal. Brother Thiên is still your sworn brother after all.

All right, dear. If you think so, then I’ll go now.

Please go, beloved Địa!

I’m leaving now.

But, wait!

What is it, sweetheart?

There’s something I must tell you.

What is it?

When you’re there, whatever condition brother Thiên asks for, just accept it.

All right!

Remember it, dear!

Sir, a man named Lý Địa asks to see you.

Guard! (Yes.) What did I tell you before? How come you still report to me such a thing?

Your Honor, it was so before, but it is not so today.

Guard. (Yes.) What are you beating around the bush for? What do you mean it was so, then it isn’t so?

Your Honor, Lý Địa came here before, dressed in tattered clothes like a beggar. But today Lý Địa dons a brocade tunic and elegant trousers. He comes with a hammock and palanquin even. He appears to be very rich, Your Honor.

Guard! (Yes.) Come here! (Yes, sir.) You said that Lý Địa today is not a poor man anymore?

No, not anymore. Very rich! (He’s rich?) Yes, very rich! (Rich?) Brocade tunic, elegant trousers.

Brocade tunic, elegant trousers? (Yes.) He comes in a palanquin as well?

Yes. He appears to be very wealthy, sir.

How strange! What did he do to become rich in just a year? Guard! (Yes.) Go to the front of the palace and let him in to see me. (Yes.)

Lý Địa wishes to greet elder brother Ngô Thiên.

Be at ease! Stand up, brother!

Greetings, brother!

Listen to my question: What makes you come here? Tell me quickly.

Let me explain everything.

Tell me!

Today is my father’s death anniversary.

It’s your father’s death anniversary? (Yes.) What for are you telling me?

I come here to inform you about it. Respected brother, thanks to Heaven’s blessing, I’ve managed to earn some revenues and savings. Today is my father’s death anniversary. I invite you over for a simple feast with us. Regardless what happened, in the past we did vow brotherhood. I think of you as my blood brother, so I come here to invite you over to show my respect to my elder.

That man! (Yes.) How ridiculous! You see a wealthy person, so you claim to be related to him, don’t you? Don’t dream about it! But, that’s all right. Listen to me. Since I’m free today and have nothing to do, if you want me to come to your home, then have a flowery mat line the road from my house to yours. The road must be covered with a flowery mat so that when I walk on it, the dirt won’t touch me. Can you do that? Just tell me. If you can do that, I’ll be so generous as to go over to join you for fun.

All right! Everything is ready now. Please set out or else it’ll be late. I take leave now.

Yes. You think I’m so dull-witted as to believe in what you said. Guard. (Yes.) Come in here.

Yes, I’m here.

Let me ask you: Whose mat spreads from my residence to the road?

Your Honor, it is Mr. Địa’s mat that spreads from your palace to the road for you to go attend the party.

Guard! (Yes.) You said the mat was spread by Địa’s servant? (Yes.) Really?

Yes, really.

All right! Prepare the palanquin for me to go attend the party. (Yes.)

Please, sir!

Guard. (Yes.) Listen here! (Yes.) This is Địa’s home. You two stay here and wait for me. (Yes.)

It’s not often that you come to my home. My greetings, brother Thiên.

Greetings, brother.

Please come in.

Come in, brother.

Please have a seat.

Have a seat. Your home looks so elegant. You’re rich, indeed... your whole family.

Respected brother Thiên, you’ve come to my place today. Let me call my wife out to greet you in accordance of proper conduct. O Ngọc Nữ dear! (Yes.) Come out here, dear! (Yes.) O Ngọc Nữ! (Yes.) Brother Thiên has come to visit us. Come out and greet him, dear. (Yes.)

I’m Ngọc Nữ, greeting brother Thiên.

Be at ease! Greetings, sister.

Ngọc Nữ dear! (Yes.) You’ve greeted brother Thiên already. I think, as a woman, you should go back behind the curtain to let me receive my guest. (Yes.)

Wait! There’s no such restriction. Let her stand there for fun.

Please have a seat, brother Thiên!

Please!

O Lý Địa! (Yes.) It’s not very often that we brothers meet to converse. Now that we meet here, I have this idea. I wonder if you’d agree with me.

What is your idea?

My idea is to take all my wealth and position as a province chief, as an exchange.

Brother Thiên!

What is it?

You exchange your position as a mandarin with me, to get what?

You asked me what I’d exchange for?

Yes.

I’ll exchange my position as a province chief and my wealth for your properties, and...

And what, brother?

And your wife, what else?

Oh, no!

Oh? What is it, brother?

Respected brother, if you really want to exchange, I wholeheartedly agree to it.

So you’ve agreed, right?

Yes, but... (But what?) In the past, we also made a vow. It was just a plain promise witnessed by Heaven and Earth. Now, to have a real trust, a written pledge with our signatures is needed.

You said that when you and I made a vow before, it was witnessed by Heaven and Earth.

Exactly!

Now, in order to make an exchange, paperwork is required, right?

Exactly.

All right! Bring a pen, inks lab, and paper here. I’ll write the details of the exchange.

Here are the pen and inks lab. You can write and sign it.

Watch carefully as I pen the details of this exchange.

Write it!

Listen here! I, Ngô Thiên, and Lý Địa are writing an exchange document. Listen, brother! Today, I, Ngô Thiên, write an exchange paper. I’m writing that: I’ll take my wealth and properties along with my position as the province chief to give to Lý Địa. In exchange, Lý Địa will give me his properties and his wife as well. I’ve completed it. It’s your turn to sign it.

All right. Brother Thiên, the agreement has been prepared and signed with the exact terms. You keep one copy, and I keep one copy. This is the document of trust.

O brother Địa!

I’m here.

The agreement has already been signed. Here is the royal court’s uniform, I’m handing it over to you now.

All right, the signed agreement is very clear. Guards! (Yes.) Come out here. (Yes.) Get the palanquin ready to take me to the province palace.

Please step on the palanquin, sir.

Goodbye, brother Thiên.

Goodbye. Ngọc Nữ, sweetheart!

O God! How come it’s like this? Why? Where is this? Gilded mansion and luxurious palace are no longer! There’s only me, alone with the thatched hut. Ngọc Nữ! Where are you? Why doesn’t anyone answer me? Am I being punished by Heaven for being a betrayer? Alas! It’s a lesson for a betrayer. That’s it! That’s really it! How pitiful it is for me! It’s too late to repent. I’m an ungrateful person who disregards past kindness and affection. Heaven and Earth are very just, indeed! What I borrowed from Địa, I now have to return to him.

Isn’t it so true that good or bad luck all comes from one’s heart? I’m an ungrateful person who disregards his promise. What I borrowed from Địa, I now must return to him. And what Ngô Thiên has here: a boat and a thatched hut. I’ll ferry passengers morning and evening. I can’t have what belongs to others. It’s seen today that what came from Thiên (Heaven) is returned to Địa (Earth).

Due to the time limit of today’s program, please tune in next week for comments by artists who contributed to the classical theatre opera “What Came From Heaven is Returned to Earth.”