The Legend of Trong Thuy & My Chau: Vietnamese Fairytales and Folktales

By X. L. Pham

A love that brought down a nation. Trong Thuy and My Chau never expected to find true love in the midst of their alliance marriage. However, family and country demanded loyalty when betrayal and ambition threatened to destroy their peaceful lives. Despite attempting to remain together, their union was only possible in the world beyond the veil.

People say this tragic tale is just a legend, but the remnants of their love remain in modern day through every pink pearl found on Vietnam's northern shore.

• Language: English
• Publisher: X. L. Pham
• Release date: Feb 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223310266

Book preview

Chapter 1: Kim Quy's Arrival

Not again!  Why has this happened again?

King An Duong's disappointment seemed unending.  After many years of battles against Trieu Da, the military governor of Nan Hai Commandery under the Qin, King An Duong had lost the majority of his beloved Au Lac Kingdom.  His last hope was a stronghold, but every time the citadel's construction would reach a man's height, the structure would collapse.  Each failure paved way to another chance of suffering absolute defeat by the enemy.  He was running out of time and patience.

Your Highness, we've already sent for the best architects and builders—renowned men of their trades!  I'm afraid that we are out of options.  The citadel cannot be built here. 

King An Duong shook his head at the attending minister's advice.  There was nowhere else to go.  Trieu Da's forces were numerous and powerful.  Besides, he's ceded too much already, including his pride.  The citadel must be built here and it must be completed soon.  The frustrated king looked to the sky.  Upon his lips were words of anger ready to burst.  However, as maddened eyes were seized by the serene blue sky, his heart became tamed.

We are earthbound mortals wishing to erect a structure that reaches the sky above.  This task is not impossible.  We merely have the wrong perspective.  Where man fails, Heaven will succeed.  Come, prepare an altar.  It is time to beseech divine intervention.

As instructed, the ministers set up an altar.  King An Duong paid respects to the Heavens and asked for guidance.  His efforts, at first, appeared in vain as there were no answers.  However, some time later, an old man arrived at the encampment and pleaded to see the king.  He had a message to deliver.

Your Highness, the old man began.  I have lived by the sea all of my life.  During my long life, I have witnessed many things but even this was beyond my imagination.  I hope you won't think that I'm senile or that I am playing a trick on you.  I wouldn't dare!

The old man hobbled forward in an attempt to bow but King An Duong raised him up and instead, received him with great joy.

Please do not be worried.  I prayed to the Heavens for guidance and you have come to me this day.  It is no coincidence.  Whatever it is you have to say, I will believe you.

Relieved, the old man followed the king inside and recounted his tale.  A few days ago, while walking by the sea, a turtle approached him and began speaking.  He was to relay to King An Duong that the turtle god, Kim Quy, will come to Au Lac's aid.  It was pertinent that preparations were made for his arrival—a mode of transport—since Kim Quy moved slowly on land.

King An