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.