Summary of the plot of the renowned play Vu Nhu To

Vu Nhu To, a talented artist, was tasked with building the Nine-Story Tower for the tyrant. Despite the advice of Dan Thiem, he steadfastly refused. Following his artistic passion, he devoted himself to constructing the tower to adorn the country. The project, involving much sweat, toil, and resources, earned him the disdain of the people. Due to this conflict, the Duke Trinh Duy San incited rebellion, dragging craftsmen into a plot to kill Le Tuong Duc, Vu Nhu To, Dan Thiem, and burn down the Nine-Story Tower. Through Vu Nhu To's tragic fate, the author raises timeless questions about lofty artistic ideals and eternal benefits for the people's practical lives. Upon learning of the rebellion, understanding the brutality of the mob, Dan Thiem advised him to flee. Stubbornly, Vu refused, feeling innocent. Ultimately, when Dan Thiem was captured, the rebels set fire to the Nine-Story Tower, and Vu Nhu To painfully bid farewell to the tower.

Vu Nhu To, a gifted architect with a straightforward personality, refused the infamous tyrant King Le Tuong Duc's order to build the Nine-Story Tower as a place of revelry. Uninterested in fame, he boldly rejected the king's demands, ready to face any punishment. Dan Thiem, a court lady admiring his talent, advised and persuaded Vu Nhu To that the buildings he constructed would endure, earning admiration and respect. Despite this, the construction of the Nine-Story Tower unintentionally caused much pain and loss to the people, leading to widespread resentment. Rebellion ensued, and Vu Nhu To and Dan Thiem were captured, while the Nine-Story Tower turned to ashes.