Top 10 Best Essays in the Role of Mị Châu Retelling the Story of 'An Dương Vương and Mị Châu - Trọng Thủy' (Grade 10)

'I recall the story of Mị Châu…'

'My heart was misplaced, it lay upon my head.'

'The magical bow was carelessly given to the enemy.'

'Thus, our kingdom was lost to the depths of the sea.'

This is a poem recounting the disaster that befell me. I am Mị Châu, the daughter of King An Dương Vương, who adored and spoiled me. Yet, through my own foolishness, I became the disgrace of my nation, a cautionary tale for future generations. The story revolves around a sacred treasure—the divine bow—and the man I blindly loved and trusted, which led to a great lesson in my life.

At that time, my father was building the Cổ Loa citadel, but it kept collapsing. In this crisis, the God of the Golden Turtle helped him by providing a sturdy foundation and a magical arrow. This arrow's power, amplified by a piece of the Turtle's claw, made it capable of slaying thousands of enemies. My father entrusted the task of crafting this weapon to the skilled Cao Lỗ. After careful work, the divine bow became an invaluable treasure, always kept close by my father.

Meanwhile, Triệu Đà of the South Sea sought to invade Âu Lạc but failed each time. Undeterred, he sent his son, Trọng Thủy, to seek peace, intending to steal the secret of the bow. During this time, Trọng Thủy fell in love with me. I, a young princess known for my beauty, gradually reciprocated his feelings. My father, unaware, agreed to our marriage, and Trọng Thủy moved into the royal palace of Âu Lạc.

One evening, as we walked under the golden moon, Trọng Thủy asked me, 'What secret does Âu Lạc possess that no one can defeat?' I answered innocently, 'It’s nothing special—our city has tall walls, deep moats, and the divine bow, which always hits its mark.'

Trọng Thủy asked to see the bow, and without suspicion, I showed him. He carefully examined it as I explained its secrets, then returned it to its place. Soon after, he left for the South Sea, where he told Triệu Đà everything. The enemy then recreated the bow and replaced my father's weapon with the fake.

Back in Âu Lạc, my father celebrated, unaware that the real bow had been swapped. One day, I noticed that Trọng Thủy seemed anxious, so I asked him, 'What’s troubling you?' He replied, 'My father has ordered me to return north. We may never meet again, and if war breaks out, I may never find you.' Saddened, I gave him my goose-feather cloak to help him find me if needed.

Once back in the South Sea, Trọng Thủy gave the fake bow to Triệu Đà, who immediately launched an attack. My father, relying on the bow, failed to prepare for the inevitable. When he realized the bow was missing, the enemy was already at the gates. In haste, he mounted his horse, with me behind him, scattering the feathers as I foolishly thought it would guide him to safety. But the enemy pursued relentlessly. In desperation, my father called upon the Golden Turtle God for help, who warned him, 'The enemy is at your back.'

It was then that I understood my role in this tragedy. I was the cause of our downfall. In my sorrow, I accepted my fate. I blamed myself for my naivety, and my heart ached with regret. But even Trọng Thủy, who had deceived me, was a victim of this cruel war. He sought me out, found my body, and buried me with grief. In the end, he took his own life at the well where I once bathed.

From this tragedy, I learned a valuable lesson about trust and caution. And I wish to say: Let us love and remove hatred from our hearts.

The echo of distant, muffled sounds filled the dark, oppressive air around me. My eyes strained to find even the faintest hint of light in this gloomy space, as I cautiously took each step, sensing something trying to grasp at my feet. Suddenly, a bright flash of light burst before me, blinding me momentarily. A line of fire flared up on either side, and my gaze fell upon a seemingly endless road stretching far ahead, with no sign of an end.

Out of nowhere, a voice rang out from behind, sending a wave of panic through me.

'Hurry up, wandering soul.'

A strange figure stepped forward and pushed me along. After walking for a while, another voice echoed throughout the surroundings.

'From where do you come, wandering soul? Speak your name, and why have you descended to the underworld?'

Before I could fully comprehend, something struck my foot.

'Kneel and speak!' the voice demanded.

Reluctantly, I knelt and began recounting my story to an unseen figure.

Just as I was about to speak, the scene suddenly shifted. We were back in the Imperial Garden of the palace. The same surroundings, with flowers blooming brightly under a rosy sun, and the sweet song of my royal bird, the golden oriole, echoed in the air as it proudly displayed its soft feathers. Tears began to fall from my eyes, but instead of flowing down, they evaporated into the air.

'My child…' My father’s voice resonated through the air, filling me with joy. I turned to run to him, but suddenly, Mị Châu appeared. Was it truly me, or just an illusion? As I approached, a maid passed right through me, leaving me stunned and forcing me to reflect on the surreal moment.

'Mị Châu, my dear, I have found a place for you to rest. I am old, and this kingdom needs a leader. What do you think?' My father’s words filled me with concern, but I quickly replied, 'I will follow your wishes.' My father smiled in relief, as if a heavy burden had been lifted.

'Call for Trọng Thủy!' My father commanded. From a distance, a tall, handsome figure walked in. Trọng Thủy, the one who had captured my heart. I shyly hid behind my father.

'I bow to Your Majesty and the Princess,' Trọng Thủy said, as I peeked from behind, trying to catch a better glimpse of him.

'Ah, my child has agreed. Go and tell your father to choose a good day, and come here to marry into our family.' Trọng Thủy bowed in gratitude and exited, leaving me longing to see him again.

'Prepare to marry, my child,' my father said. I stood in silence, watching as Trọng Thủy disappeared from view.

Though I was saddened, the union between our two nations happened swiftly and grandly, overwhelming me. Trọng Thủy and I were married, and peace between our nations was established. I hoped this would put an end to the hatred between our people. However, the battles at Loa Citadel were fierce and terrifying, yet our country prevailed thanks to the divine bow and the protection of the Golden Turtle. But in the aftermath of war, it was hard to say which side truly emerged victorious.

Trọng Thủy showered me with love, care, and devotion, and I felt truly happy. Yet, that happiness was fragile, easily shattered. One night, Trọng Thủy returned home looking troubled, and I hurried to him, asking what was wrong. He confessed that he longed to see the divine bow.

Though surprised, I hesitated, but his sweet words soon swayed me. I led him into the secret chamber of the palace, where the bow was securely guarded. As a princess, I had some privileges, so it was not difficult for me to grant his request. I retrieved the divine bow from the wooden chest and placed it before him. Its dazzling light left him mesmerized. He examined it closely, nodding with satisfaction. After a while, he returned it to me and left without any suspicion. I returned the bow to its resting place and followed him out.

A few days later, he told me that his father was ill and needed him to return home immediately. He asked how we would find each other if anything happened, and I, trusting him completely, gave him the answer.

'If you ever need to find me, follow the trail of goose feathers; they will lead you to me.' The next day, he bid farewell to my father and left. I waited for him for two long months, and one day, while walking in the Imperial Garden, my father rushed in, shouting urgently.

'My child… quickly, leave this place!' I asked in shock why, only to hear the terrible news: Trọng Thủy’s forces were marching towards the palace. Loa Citadel had fallen.

Without hesitation, my father and I mounted our horses and headed east. As promised, I scattered the goose feathers along the path. The cries of the enemy grew louder as we fled. After a long while, we reached the sea, and there was no more path to escape.

My father stopped and cried out, 'Golden Turtle God, please help us!' From the sea, the Golden Turtle appeared and pointed directly at me:

'The one sitting behind you is the enemy.' My father turned to look at me, and my goose-feather cloak had been torn to shreds. In a fit of rage, he drew his sword and struck me down with one fatal blow. I barely had time to scream before I fell from the horse. As I lay there, I saw my father following the Golden Turtle into the sea. My vision faded, and all I could hear were the mournful cries of the people of Âu Lạc. I couldn’t think, and then I died, finding myself in the underworld.

The scene then shifted, and everything returned to how it had been. My eyes slowly opened, and I was filled with bitterness. Tears flowed freely as I realized the enormity of my mistake. It was a costly lesson, one that I had paid with the fate of an entire nation. I only hope that future generations will learn from my story and protect their country.

As the night descended again, I could no longer see anything, only the distant cries of vengeful souls. Was this the price I had to pay, to accept everything I had lost and taken from others? I couldn’t bring myself to think about it any longer. I walked through the cold night, searching for something at the end of the road.

Consumed by the regret of my actions, Trọng Thủy. I, who had secretly aided King Triều Đà in invading Âu Lạc, and caused the death of my beloved wife, Mị Châu, at the hands of her own father, still think of her day and night. One day, I went to the well where Mị Châu used to bathe and, seeing her reflection, I jumped in, hoping to reunite with her in the sorrowful, tragic realm beneath the sea, which I imagined to be both magnificent and agonizing.

It felt like I was still in the cold depths of the well, but when I opened my eyes, I found myself in a dazzling, unfamiliar world of beauty, a place I had never seen before. In my confusion, a fish deity appeared and spoke to me. The Dragon King, understanding your deep love for Mị Châu, has brought you here. Follow me to the underwater palace.

It was only then that I realized this was the underwater palace, and Mị Châu—she was here. I could meet her again and explain everything to her. Riding on the back of the fish god, we passed through magnificent coral reefs, glowing in a rainbow of colors. Everything around me was alive, with giant schools of fish swimming gracefully, creating ripples through the ocean. Down below, stingrays, crabs, and shrimp moved slowly, hunting for food. But above all, a grand palace emerged before me, bustling with activity, as though preparing for a royal feast. Following the fish god, I entered the presence of the Dragon King, thanked him for saving me, and then wandered the palace, hoping to find the image of the woman who had once captured my heart.

After wandering for a while in the palace, I suddenly became overwhelmed with emotion at the sight of the beautiful woman. She looked the same—still incredibly beautiful—but there was a wisdom and caution in her eyes that had replaced her youthful innocence. It was only natural, for I had caused her to lose her kingdom. She seemed to notice me and walked toward me, her voice bitter with accusation. 'Isn't it you who enjoyed the glory and wealth above? You, who stole my kingdom and made me a traitor and unfilial daughter?'

Her words stung like daggers to my heart, but I knew they were true. I had betrayed her. I had been a spy, the one who stole her happiness. Yet, despite everything, I was still her husband—the one she had once loved, the one she had shared a life with. I spoke to her: 'Mị Châu, please forgive me. Come back to me, let us live a happy life here. Don't you remember the many moments we shared as husband and wife? Don't you know how much I loved you? I think of you every day. Every moment of regret is like a wound in my heart.'

As I spoke, Mị Châu began to cry. I knew she still loved me, that she still thought of me, but her voice was full of reproach. 'Why did you betray me? Why did you exploit the trust I had in you?' I quickly tried to explain, 'Yes, I came to Âu Lạc as a spy, to understand why my country couldn't defeat yours. But when I was with you, your pure heart changed me. I was torn between my duty to my country and my love for you. After I stole the magic bow and my country won, I was never happy. Did you know that? Please understand and forgive me, so we can go back to the way things were.'

Despite my words, Mị Châu continued to weep, and so did I, holding her hand, hoping she would forgive me. My heart ached seeing her suffering. I waited for her answer. 'I understand your pain,' she said, 'I know how much it torments you. But, my love, once happiness is gone, it cannot be reclaimed. Time is eternal, and it is cruel. Just as I have caused my country, Âu Lạc, so much pain, how can I now take back the happiness we once had? What about the people of Âu Lạc? Who will take care of them? Don't wait for me anymore. I am sorry.'

Her words pierced my heart again, and as she withdrew from my grasp, I cried out to her for the last time. 'Mị Châu, I will love you forever. In the next life, we will not be a prince and a princess, we will not be from the North and the South. We will simply be two ordinary people, and I will find you again, and together, we will finish the happiness we once started.' With that, we parted ways. I knew that both of us held onto the dream of meeting again in the future. Perhaps the sea, with its vast and endless waves, would wash away all my mistakes and the pain I had caused. I died, turning to stone, deep beneath the ocean, but my wish remained unchanged.

Love is the medicine for happiness, a feeling no one can live without. Everyone desires to live in happiness with the one they love, but not every love can be accepted. Sometimes, we must sacrifice for the greater good, to avoid the mistakes Mị Châu made—placing her heart in the wrong hands, leading to the downfall of her country. We must also be careful and not trust too easily, or else the result will only be sorrow and regret.

At that time, my father, King An Dương Vương, was constructing the Cổ Loa citadel to protect our land from the northern invader, Triệu Đà. However, the citadel kept collapsing repeatedly, with many workers, both men and women, coming and going in vain. Every mealtime, I saw my father’s saddened face, and my heart ached for him.

One day, my father set up an altar to pray to the heavens for help in completing the citadel and protecting the people. A turtle appeared, claiming to be the divine Golden Turtle, sent from the river to teach us how to build the fortifications. The heartfelt devotion of my father moved the heavens. After the construction was completed, the Golden Turtle gave my father a golden claw and told him to fashion it into a magic bow. This bow would protect the kingdom. Heeding the advice, my father ordered General Cao Lỗ to forge a great bow from the claw.

Not long after, Triệu Đà launched an invasion. My father ordered the magical bow to be used, and to our amazement, each arrow from the bow struck deep into the hearts and bellies of the invaders. Triệu Đà was defeated and retreated. My father was pleased and profoundly grateful to the Golden Turtle for its aid. A few days later, Triệu Đà returned, not with an army, but with a request for peace and an offer of an alliance. After much discussion, my father suggested that I marry Triệu Đà's son. Initially, I was hesitant, but as a woman, I had no choice but to accept. Yet, when I saw the young man—handsome and kind—I found myself content with the arrangement.

Days passed, and I found happiness in my peaceful life. My country was safe, my father was content, and most of all, I had a loving husband who cherished me deeply. I could see the love in his eyes, feel it in his gentle actions. Trọng Thủy once asked me about the magical bow, and I shared the story of the Golden Turtle and the bow’s creation. I trusted him completely, for he loved me. I even showed him where the bow was hidden. One day, he asked for permission to return to his homeland to visit his father, Triệu Đà. Sadly, I could not accompany him. He told me to wear a goose-feather coat and scatter the feathers along the way so he could find me if needed. I didn't question him much, believing his love for me was so strong that he feared being apart from me, so I obediently followed his instructions.

Not long after Trọng Thủy left, Triệu Đà’s army attacked. I had no idea what had happened, but both sides fought fiercely. I could not find Trọng Thủy and feared for his safety. My father, King An Dương Vương, and I mounted our horses and fled the city, heading toward the sea to seek help from the Golden Turtle. Remembering Trọng Thủy's words, I scattered the goose feathers along the way. As we reached the sea, the Golden Turtle appeared and pointed at me, saying, 'The enemy is behind you.' Suddenly, my father raised his sword high, and I was stunned, confused, as I looked from the sword to my father’s eyes, not understanding what was happening.

I am Mị Châu, the beloved daughter of King An Dương Vương. Though I was cherished by my father, my naivety and trust in others ultimately brought great harm to both him and our kingdom. My story serves as a painful lesson, a reminder for others to be vigilant. Even now, the pain of betrayal lingers in my heart. I invite you to share in my sorrow.

After helping my father build the Cổ Loa citadel, the divine turtle, Kim Quy, gifted my father one of its claws to make the trigger for a magical crossbow that would defend the kingdom. According to the divine turtle’s instructions, a crossbow with such a trigger would never miss, and even a single shot could kill thousands of enemy soldiers. My father entrusted the skilled Cao Lỗ to craft this divine weapon. Cao Lỗ worked tirelessly for days to complete the crossbow. It was enormous and sturdy, unlike any regular crossbow, requiring a strong warrior to operate it. My father held the weapon in high regard, keeping it close at all times.

At that time, Triệu Đà, the ruler of Nam Hải, had attempted several times to invade our land, but thanks to the magical crossbow, many of his troops were slain, and he was forced to retreat. Unable to conquer us through force, Triệu Đà sent his son, Trọng Thủy, to propose a peace treaty and seek a marriage alliance. His true aim, however, was to find a way to destroy the divine crossbow. I would only realize this later when the crossbow failed to work, and our kingdom fell. During the negotiations, Trọng Thủy met me, the beloved daughter of King An Dương Vương. I was a young maiden, with delicate features and eyes full of life. Trọng Thủy grew fond of me, and I too began to develop feelings for him. We became close, and I showed him every corner of the Cổ Loa citadel, unaware of the danger. My father, seeing our affection for each other, agreed to marry me off to Trọng Thủy. He moved into my father’s palace, and we lived together in harmony. One night, under the bright moon, Trọng Thủy and I sat on a white stone in the garden, gazing at the highest walls of the citadel. In a quiet conversation, Trọng Thủy asked, 'My love, what is the secret of Âu Lạc that makes it so invincible?' I answered innocently:

'There is no secret, my love. Âu Lạc has high walls and deep moats, and with the divine crossbow, one shot can kill thousands of enemy soldiers. How could anyone defeat us?'

Trọng Thủy then asked to see the crossbow. Trusting him, I immediately went to my father’s room, took the divine crossbow, and showed it to him, explaining the mechanism of the divine trigger, which was the claw of the divine turtle, Kim Quy. Trọng Thủy listened attentively, observing the crossbow carefully, before asking me to put it away.

Later, Trọng Thủy asked my father for permission to return to Nam Hải. He reported the details of the crossbow to Triệu Đà, who instructed his craftsmen to create a fake trigger, identical to the original. Once the counterfeit trigger was made, Trọng Thủy hid it in his clothes and returned to Âu Lạc. My father, seeing how happy I was to be with my husband, ordered a feast to celebrate. While my father and I drank heavily, Trọng Thủy drank sparingly. Taking advantage of my father’s drunkenness, Trọng Thủy sneaked into my father’s room, swapped the divine claw with the fake one, and then left.

The next morning, I noticed that Trọng Thủy seemed uneasy. I asked him, 'My love, is something troubling you?' Trọng Thủy replied, 'I must leave soon. My father has summoned me to the north. It is far away, my dear.' I felt a pang of sadness, and Trọng Thủy continued, 'We will soon be apart. If war breaks out, how will we find each other again?' I, trusting him completely, replied in sorrow:

'I have a goose feather coat. If I run, I will scatter the feathers along the path. You can follow them to find me.'

After I spoke, I cried. Trọng Thủy left for Nam Hải, bringing the fake turtle claw to Triệu Đà. Within days, Triệu Đà ordered an army to invade Âu Lạc. When my father heard the news, he relied on the divine crossbow and failed to prepare. When the enemy arrived at the gates of the citadel, my father called for the crossbow, but it no longer worked. The invaders broke down the gates and stormed the city. In panic, my father mounted his horse, and I followed him out of the back gates.

As we fled, I scattered goose feathers along the way. We rode for days through the mountains until we reached Dạ Sơn, near the sea. Just as we were about to rest, the enemy was close behind. With nowhere else to run, my father turned toward the sea and prayed to the divine turtle. As he finished praying, a great wind rose, and the divine turtle appeared, saying:

'The enemy is behind you!'

My father realized the truth, and I understood with a heavy heart the consequences of my actions. I wished for death to atone for the terrible mistake I had made. However, guilt gnawed at me. I blamed myself for the fall of our kingdom and for trusting Trọng Thủy, who had taken advantage of my innocence. Living in the underwater palace, I could never find peace, and I vowed never to let anyone exploit me again. Yet, Trọng Thủy’s image still haunted me, and the pain of remembering him lingered.

Then, one day, unexpectedly, I saw him at a grand event in the underwater palace. I was stunned for a moment but quickly turned away. I had no desire to see the man who betrayed me, who caused the suffering of my kingdom, my father’s pain, and my own broken heart. I hated him for all that he had done, and my anger surged again.

Trọng Thủy called out to me, 'Mị Châu, I’ve followed the trail of the goose feathers all this way. I know you hate me, but please allow me to explain!'

His voice, warm and familiar, struck me, but I could no longer trust him. I turned away, 'I no longer trust you. I have nothing left to give you. Go away, and never show yourself again or cause me more pain!'

But Trọng Thủy persisted, kneeling before me, pleading, 'I know you hate me, and I know I cannot undo the harm I’ve caused. But please, allow me to express my feelings.' He then told me:

'When Triệu Đà’s army invaded Loa citadel, I followed the trail of the goose feathers alone, searching for you. When I reached the beach, I found your body on a bed of grass. Though you were dead, your beauty had not faded. I was heartbroken, I cried, and I took your body back to bury it in the citadel. Without you, I no longer wanted to live. I completed my duty to my father, and then I threw myself into the well where you used to bathe, hoping to die with you.'

At that moment, I understood why he was in the underwater palace. He had given up everything—his fame, his victory, his father’s kingdom—just to find me. But the bitterness in my heart did not easily fade. Sorrowfully, I asked him:

'If you truly loved me, how could you betray my trust and use my pure love against me?'

'That was the greatest mistake of my life. My youth and recklessness blinded me to the truth. If only I could go back to those days, I would never have stolen the divine crossbow. I would have helped both our fathers end their hatred and ambitions of conquest. I would never have wronged you, never lost you, and never lived in agony. From now on, I swear I will only love you. You are the only woman in my heart.'

He spoke through his tears. I too cried, realizing that both of us had been victims of circumstance, exploited by others. I leaned on his shoulder, and the years of anguish I had endured flowed out in my tears, soaking his clothes. Though I had committed a grave sin against my father and my country, I longed for understanding. I knew my heart had not been mistaken in trusting him, but I also wanted to warn the young ones: Never make the same mistakes I made with Trọng Thủy. Live with love, not with schemes and hatred!

I am the beloved daughter of King An Dương, a ruler who loved his country and his people dearly. Because of my naivety and inability to detect the cunning plots of our enemies, I became the cause of my father's downfall and the loss of our kingdom. This experience has been a lifelong lesson, and I deeply regret my actions.

My father, a king who truly cared for his country, sought every possible way to protect his people and provide them with peace. He decided to build a fortress in the land of Việt Thường, but for some unknown reason, every time his workers tried to build the walls, they collapsed. In desperation, I decided to make a solemn prayer to the gods for help. Eventually, a golden turtle from the East appeared and introduced itself as the deity Kim Quy, offering its assistance in building the fortress. A month later, the grand and sturdy fortress stood tall, much to the joy of the king and his people. Three years later, the golden turtle left the palace, but before departing, it gave my father a golden claw to create a trigger for a magic crossbow. The deity assured us that as long as we used the crossbow against invaders, our kingdom would remain strong.

When Triệu Đà invaded our lands, my father had the opportunity to use the magical weapon, and it proved to be incredibly effective. With just one shot, thousands of enemy soldiers were struck down. Our country celebrated a great victory, and Triệu Đà, defeated, was forced to ask for peace. My father agreed, which may have been one of his greatest mistakes.

Not long after, Triệu Đà sent his son, Trọng Thủy, to ask for my hand in marriage. His charming appearance and persuasive nature won me over at our first meeting, and I trusted him completely, without suspicion. My father, too, agreed to the marriage, allowing the enemy to live in our palace as part of the family, unknowingly harboring a snake in our midst.

After spending time together, I grew to love and trust Trọng Thủy completely, and he, too, professed his love for me. One evening, while admiring the flowers in the royal garden, Trọng Thủy casually asked me about the earlier victories. How had my father managed to win such great battles? Without a second thought, I told him the entire story. Then he expressed a desire to see the magic crossbow for himself. Trusting him as my husband, I secretly led him to the hidden weapon. Afterward, we returned to our chambers, unaware of what would unfold.

Days later, Trọng Thủy came to me with a message. 'Love between husband and wife must never be forgotten, and loyalty to one's parents cannot be forsaken. If war breaks out between our lands, how can we find each other?' I responded with tears, 'I have a goose-feather cloak that I always wear. If we are separated, I will scatter the feathers along the path to leave a trail for you to follow.' The next morning, Trọng Thủy left for his homeland.

I waited for his return, but instead of him, enemy soldiers arrived. My father, overconfident with the magic crossbow, remained calm and even played chess, dismissing the threat. When he finally tried to use the crossbow, it failed to work. In a desperate move, he tried to escape with me, but it was too late. The enemy had already breached our defenses. As we fled, my father carried me on his horse, and we raced toward the south. When we reached a dead end, he called out to the golden turtle for help. The turtle appeared and told him, 'The enemy is behind you.' At that moment, my father, in a fit of rage and betrayal, drew his sword, intending to strike me down.

Before my death, I prayed, 'If I am guilty of betraying my father, may my body turn to dust. But if I am innocent and deceived by others, may my death transform into a pearl to cleanse my shame.' With those words, I passed away, consumed by regret and sorrow for trusting Trọng Thủy. I failed to realize that he had switched the magical crossbow trigger. I didn't understand the hidden meaning in his words before he left. Only now, as tragedy struck, did I understand.

After my death, my blood flowed into the sea, and the oysters that consumed it turned into pearls. Trọng Thủy, following the trail of goose feathers, found my body and brought it back to Loa Thành to be buried. My bones transformed into precious jade. Grief-stricken by my loss, Trọng Thủy threw himself into a well, believing that he saw my spirit. Later, people discovered that when they washed the jade in the well's water, it became even more radiant. This was proof of my purity and the tragic love between us. If not for the war, we might have had a beautiful love story. As a woman, I endured the pain of losing my country, my family, and my love. It was a heavy price paid for the innocence I once had.

From my heartbreaking story, I urge everyone to be cautious of the enemy forces that always threaten our nation. We must be prepared to fight and never allow our people to suffer again. War brings nothing but destruction, and it is the duty of every citizen to protect our land.

I am Mị Châu, the daughter of King An Dương Vương, the princess of the Âu Lạc kingdom. From a young age, I was always cherished by my father, and no one could have foreseen that I would bring great misfortune to him and my country due to my naivety, trust in others, and foolishness. Today, I share my story as a valuable lesson for future generations, a reminder to be rational, cautious, and discerning between personal feelings and national duties. Do not foolishly welcome betrayal from those who are indifferent, causing suffering for those who love and care for you. The pain that has carved itself into my soul will last forever...

After aiding my father in constructing the ancient capital of Loa, the Golden Turtle God gifted a claw to be used as the trigger mechanism for the city's powerful crossbow. The crossbow, powered by this divine claw, was capable of hitting its target perfectly every time, and a single shot could wipe out thousands of enemies. It became known as the 'Divine Golden Turtle Crossbow.' My father selected an exceptional official named Cao Lỗ to craft the weapon. After many days of hard work, Cao Lỗ completed the massive and sturdy crossbow, unlike any ordinary one. When first tested, only my father could draw the string with full force, unleashing the crossbow's full potential. My father treasured it greatly and kept it in a secret place.

Thanks to the divine crossbow, our forces won battle after battle, successfully defending the kingdom from the ambitions of Triệu Đà without losing many soldiers. The people celebrated with joy, hoping for a prosperous future. The impossible happened when Triệu Đà sent his son, Trọng Thủy, to propose marriage. Trọng Thủy, handsome and skilled, quickly won the favor of my father with his charm and eloquence. Seeing that we made a perfect match, my father agreed to the marriage.

Furthermore, Trọng Thủy agreed to live as a son-in-law in the royal palace with my family. From the day we married, he loved and pampered me deeply, as much as my father did. I was the happiest person in the world, having the love of my father and husband, as well as the respect of the people. I was willing to do anything to protect my family's happiness, even giving my heart and complete trust to one person.

One day, Trọng Thủy asked me about the defense of the city. I truthfully shared everything I knew with my beloved husband, including the secret of the divine crossbow. He seemed quite surprised and eager to see it. Without hesitation, I led him to the secret location and showed him the crossbow.

This secret place was known only to my father and me. My father trusted me completely, and he had even taught me how to use the crossbow in case of any future emergencies. But I, the beloved daughter of the king, revealed this secret to the deceitful man. My husband, a curious person, was always eager to learn new things and hear stories from faraway lands. That was something I had trusted.

Once, Trọng Thủy, out of filial piety, said he wished to visit his father in the North. I was reluctant to part with him, and he too was saddened by the prospect of being separated. In case of turmoil, I feared we might never reunite. Moved by his love, I remembered the goose-feather cloak my father had given me. 'I have this embroidered cloak made of goose feathers. As I travel, I will pluck a feather and scatter it on the roads at the crossroads as a signal, so we can find each other again.'

Not long after Trọng Thủy left, Triệu Đà’s forces marched on Âu Lạc. As before, my father, confident in the power of the crossbow, was unfazed, continuing his game of chess before preparing for battle. When the enemy was already at the gates, he took up the crossbow, but it was no different from a regular weapon. In this perilous moment, our soldiers rushed to support him as he retreated. My father mounted his horse, leaving everything behind, and I sat behind him as we fled to the south.

As I sat behind him, I couldn’t stop worrying about my husband, still unsure of his whereabouts. Following our promise, I scattered the goose feathers along the road. After traveling for what seemed like an eternity, we reached a dead end—an endless sea in front of us, with no way to escape. With the enemy closing in behind us, we had nowhere to turn. My father called out to the Golden Turtle God, 'The heavens have forsaken me, where is Thanh Giang to save us?' As he prayed, the Golden Turtle God appeared and said, 'The one sitting behind you is the enemy!' My father was struck with shock. I, too, realized the truth too late. I whispered, 'I am but a daughter, if I have ever harbored ill intentions to harm my father, may my death turn to dust. But if my heart has been loyal and I was deceived, may my death turn to a pearl to cleanse the shame and disgrace.' I accepted my death without a single word of resentment from my father.

After my death, whether I turned into a pearl or was honored in some way, the shame I brought upon my country and people would forever weigh on my heart. Just like Trọng Thủy, even though he took his own life to atone, he remained a hero of his own country and a treacherous husband, a son-in-law without honor. My death was a small atonement for my father’s mistakes, but the sin of betraying my country and falling into the enemy’s hands due to my innocence and ignorance was a burden that would never be lifted, like the endless sea.

To all the young girls out there, love is beautiful, but make sure the one you allow into your heart is a person, not a beast. Between personal feelings and duty to the greater good, there is a great distance. Before diving into passionate emotions, remember who is waiting behind you.

I tell you the story of Mị Châu...

My heart was misled, placed upon the wrong head.

The divine crossbow, unknowingly given to the enemy.

Thus, the kingdom’s fate sank into the deep sea...

From the poem 'Tâm sự' by Tố Hữu.

I am Mị Châu, the daughter of King An Dương Vương. My father loved me dearly, yet I caused immense harm to him and our country due to my naive trust in others. My story serves as a costly lesson for future generations, a warning to be vigilant. Even now, the pain of betrayal still lingers within me.

After aiding my father in building the ancient city of Loa, the Golden Turtle God gave him one of its claws to serve as the trigger for the city’s powerful crossbow. As the god foretold, the crossbow, with this divine trigger, would never miss, and a single shot could kill thousands of enemy soldiers. My father entrusted the task of crafting this weapon to Cao Lỗ, a talented artisan. After days of hard work, Cao Lỗ completed the mighty crossbow. It was enormous and tough, unlike any ordinary bow, requiring immense strength to draw. My father cherished the divine crossbow and kept it close at all times.

At that time, Triệu Đà, the lord of Nam Hải, had repeatedly invaded Âu Lạc, but due to the power of the divine crossbow, his forces suffered devastating losses, forcing him to bide his time. Unable to win with military force, Triệu Đà decided to send his son, Trọng Thủy, to propose peace, with the hidden agenda of destroying the divine crossbow. This plan would only come to light later, when the crossbow no longer worked and my father and I had to flee. During these diplomatic exchanges, Trọng Thủy met me. At the time, I was a young girl, with delicate features and captivating eyes. Trọng Thủy fell in love with me, and I too gradually grew fond of him. We became close, and there was no part of Loa city that I didn’t show him. My father had no suspicions. Seeing the love between us, he happily arranged for our marriage, and Trọng Thủy moved into the palace with me. One starry night, in the midst of a quiet conversation, Trọng Thủy asked, 'My love, what secret does Âu Lạc hold that no one can defeat it?' I, innocent and trusting, replied:

- There's no secret, my dear. Âu Lạc is protected by tall walls, deep moats, and the divine crossbow that can kill thousands of enemies with a single shot. Who could possibly conquer us?

He expressed interest in seeing the crossbow. Without hesitation, I ran to my father’s chamber, retrieved the divine crossbow, and showed it to him. I even explained how the trigger, made from the Golden Turtle God’s claw, worked. Trọng Thủy listened intently, examining the crossbow carefully. Then, he asked me to put it away. Afterward, Trọng Thủy asked my father for permission to return to Nam Hải. He secretly reported everything about the divine crossbow to Triệu Đà, who ordered a servant to create a replica of the trigger. Once the imitation trigger was made, Trọng Thủy smuggled it in his coat and returned to Âu Lạc. Seizing the opportunity when my father wasn’t looking, he stole the original divine crossbow.

Trọng Thủy, citing his duty to his parents, lied about returning north to visit his father. I, heartbroken, remained silent as he said, 'We are about to part, and we don’t know when we’ll see each other again. If war breaks out, who knows when we might reunite?'

I believed his words and, feeling sorrowful, replied:

- I have a goose-feather cloak. As I travel, I will scatter feathers along the road at the crossroads, and you can follow them to find me.

Upon returning to Nam Hải, Trọng Thủy presented the Golden Turtle's claw to his father. Soon after, Triệu Đà ordered his army to march on Âu Lạc. When my father heard of the invasion, he, confident in the power of the divine crossbow, made no preparations. But when the enemy forces reached the gates, and my father ordered the crossbow to be used, it failed to work. The forces of Triệu Đà breached the gates, and my father had no choice but to flee on horseback, with me riding behind him.

As we fled, I scattered the goose feathers along the road. After several days and nights of riding, we reached Dạ Sơn near the coast. As we dismounted to rest, the enemy was close. With no way to escape, my father turned towards the sea and prayed to the Golden Turtle God for help. Just as he finished praying, a whirlwind of sand and dust rose, shaking the very mountains. The Golden Turtle God appeared and said:

- The one sitting behind you is the enemy!

My father realized the truth, and I too understood the situation with great pain. I accepted my fate and prepared to die to atone for my grave mistake. But my heart was filled with regret. I blamed myself for causing the loss of our kingdom and blamed Trọng Thủy for exploiting my love.

From my own story, I advise others not to blindly lose oneself in love, for doing so can cause irreparable damage and suffering for others. I strive to make amends for the wrongs I have done, hoping to balance the scales of justice.

Regarded as a woman of gentle character, modesty, grace, and extraordinary beauty, I – Mị Châu, the beloved daughter of King An Dương Vương, lived a life full of innocence and trust. Yet, due to my naivety, I unknowingly played a role in betraying my father and my country. My story stands as a painful lesson for those who come after me, reminding them to remain vigilant and cautious in all matters. The betrayal I experienced still lingers in my heart, causing eternal regret.

My father was a king who loved his people dearly, always seeking ways to protect the land and ensure peace for his people. In his efforts, he decided to build a fort in the land of Việt Thường. However, despite his efforts, every attempt to raise the walls would end in failure. In desperation, I turned to the gods for help. Eventually, a golden turtle appeared from the East, calling itself Kim Quy, claiming divine knowledge of the heavens and offering its assistance to help my father build the fort. Within half a month, a sturdy and magnificent fortress stood tall, much to the joy of the king, his ministers, and the people. Three years later, the golden turtle bid farewell to the palace, leaving behind a golden claw as a gift for my father. The turtle instructed him to use the claw as the mechanism for a divine crossbow to defend the kingdom against invaders. My father tasked the skilled craftsman Cao Lỗ with creating a massive crossbow, using the turtle’s claw as its trigger.

When Triệu Đà launched an invasion of our land, my father was able to use the “Linh Quang Kim Quy” crossbow to devastating effect. With a single shot, thousands of enemies fell, ensuring our victory. We celebrated our triumph with a grand feast, and Triệu Đà, defeated, requested a peace treaty. My father, perhaps making a grave mistake, accepted the offer.

Not long after, Triệu Đà sent his son, Trọng Thủy, to propose marriage to me. With his handsome appearance and charm, Trọng Thủy quickly won my heart, and I trusted him completely. My father, too, accepted the offer from the enemy, allowing him to live in our palace as my husband, unaware of the danger he was bringing into our home.

As time passed, I grew to love and trust Trọng Thủy with all my heart. He, in turn, showed me his affection through words and actions. One evening, while we were admiring the flowers in the royal garden, he subtly inquired about the source of my father’s victories. Without hesitation, I shared the full story of the magical crossbow with him. After hearing the tale, Trọng Thủy expressed his curiosity and asked to see the crossbow. Trusting him, I secretly led him to where my father kept it, showing him the weapon and explaining how it worked. Afterward, we returned to our room, unaware of the consequences of our actions.

A few days later, Trọng Thủy told me: “Our love must not be forgotten, and I cannot abandon my duty to my parents. I must return to the North to visit my father. If war breaks out between our lands, how will we ever find each other again?” Moved, I replied, “I have a goose feather cloak. Wherever I go, I will scatter the feathers along the road so that you may follow them to find me.”

The next morning, Trọng Thủy left for the North. I waited for his return, but instead, enemy troops arrived at our gates. My father, confident in the power of the divine crossbow, continued his game of chess, unaware of the danger. When he finally decided to use the crossbow, it no longer worked as it once had. The enemy breached the gates, and my father had no choice but to flee, protecting only his life. He placed me on his horse and galloped towards the South. Eventually, we reached a dead end by the sea. In desperation, my father called out to the golden turtle for help. The turtle appeared and revealed the truth: “The one sitting behind you is the enemy!”

Shocked and filled with rage, my father drew his sword to strike me. Before he could, I prayed, “If I have ever betrayed my father, may I turn to dust. But if I have been deceived by others while remaining loyal, let my death turn to precious pearls, purifying my shame.” With that, I passed away, filled with regret and sorrow for my failure to recognize Trọng Thủy’s true intentions.

After my death, my blood flowed into the sea, where it transformed into pearls. Trọng Thủy, following the trail of goose feathers, found my body and brought it back to Loa Thành for burial. My bones turned to jade, and Trọng Thủy, overcome with grief, threw himself into a well, unable to bear the weight of his actions. Later, the people discovered that if they washed the pearls with water from the well, the pearls became brighter, symbolizing both my purity and the tragic love between Trọng Thủy and me. Our love, which could have been beautiful, was ultimately destroyed by the ravages of war. As a woman, I bore the immense pain of losing both my country and my love. This was the heavy price paid by my nation and myself for my innocence.

From my tragic story, I advise you all to be vigilant against the enemies of our land. We must always be prepared to defend our country, ensuring that no one else suffers the way we have. War brings nothing but sorrow and suffering to everyone. It is our duty, as citizens, to protect our nation from such pain.

We are all born with a unique purpose. I was born a princess, adored by my father, the king, and beloved by the people. Yet, I failed in my mission, bringing misfortune to my people and becoming a traitor to the nation. I am Mị Châu, the daughter of King An Dương Vương. My tragic mistake is tied to the story of my father, myself, and Trọng Thủy.

Inheriting the legacy of the 18 Hung Kings, who built and defended our land, my father defeated the invading Qin army of 500,000. He renamed the country from Văn Lang to Âu Lạc and moved the capital to Phong Khê. However, the construction of the new city seemed cursed. Every night, the walls would collapse, and the city could never be completed. In desperation, my father ordered the ministers to pray to the gods for help. On the seventh day of the third month, he saw an elderly man with a long white beard and a bamboo cane, who walked slowly from the east and lamented at the city gates, 'How long will it take to finish this city?' Filled with hope, my father invited the old man into the palace and humbly asked what was causing the delay. The old man replied, 'Only the envoy of Thanh Giang can help the king build the city.'

The next morning, a large turtle surfaced from the water, claiming to be the envoy of Thanh Giang. The turtle said that in order to complete the city, my father needed to rid the area of evil spirits that had been hindering the construction. The Golden Turtle helped my father defeat the demons, and once the city was built, it stayed for three years before departing. Concerned for the people's safety, my father asked, 'Now that the city is built, how will we defend it against invaders?' The Golden Turtle gave him a claw, telling him to use it as a trigger for a powerful crossbow. 'When the enemy arrives, just fire, and you will be safe.' With that, the Golden Turtle returned to the East Sea. Following the advice, my father ordered General Cao Lỗ to craft a crossbow using the turtle's claw as the trigger, naming it the 'Magic Crossbow of Kim Quy.'

At that time, Triệu Đà ruled over the land of Nam Hải, and he repeatedly tried to invade Âu Lạc. But with the magic crossbow, my father's forces were victorious, and the army of Nam Hải was defeated again and again. For a time, Triệu Đà did not attack, and then he sought peace with my father, sending his son, Trọng Thủy, to propose marriage to me. It was only later that I understood his true intention was to destroy the magic crossbow.

When Trọng Thủy met me, I was a young woman with striking beauty. He quickly fell in love with me, and in time, I also grew fond of him. We became close, and I showed him many places in Loa City. My father had no suspicions. Eventually, my father agreed to marry me off to Trọng Thủy, who moved into the palace and never returned to his homeland. One night, Trọng Thủy asked me:

- My dear, what secret does Âu Lạc possess that makes it invincible?

Without thinking much of it, I replied:

- There's no secret, my love. Âu Lạc has a high city, deep moats, and the magic crossbow that can kill thousands of enemies with one shot. Who could possibly defeat us?

Trọng Thủy seemed intrigued and asked to see it. I, thinking he had never heard of the magic crossbow, naively ran to my father's chambers, retrieved the crossbow, and showed him the trigger made from the Golden Turtle’s claw, explaining how it worked. Trọng Thủy listened closely and studied the trigger for a long time before asking me to put it away.

A little while later, Trọng Thủy asked my father for permission to return to Nam Hải. When he came back, I was overjoyed. My father ordered a feast to celebrate, and we enjoyed it together. Trọng Thủy drank lightly, while my father and I became quite drunk. The next day, I noticed Trọng Thủy seemed restless, pacing and fidgeting. I asked him:

- You seem troubled, my love. What’s wrong?

He replied:

- I must leave soon, my father has ordered me to return to the North, and it’s a long journey.

Feeling sad and silent, I listened as he continued:

- We will be apart for an unknown time, and if war breaks out, who knows when we will meet again?

Trusting his words, I answered with pain:

- I have a goose-feather coat. When I run, I will scatter feathers along the way. Just follow the trail, and you will find me.

With those words, I wept, thinking we might never meet again.

Only a few days after Trọng Thủy left, Triệu Đà suddenly attacked. When my father heard the news, he relied on the magic crossbow and did not prepare for battle. By the time the enemy was at the city gates, my father fired the crossbow, but it no longer worked. The forces of Triệu Đà broke through the gates. My father quickly mounted his horse, ordering me to ride behind him as we fled. As we fled, I remembered my promise to Trọng Thủy and scattered the feathers from my coat along the path.

The rugged mountain paths led us for days and nights until we reached Dạ Sơn near the sea. We planned to rest but soon heard the enemy approaching. The winding mountain paths offered no escape. My father prayed to the Golden Turtle for help, and just as he finished, a whirlwind of dust and wind arose, shaking the forest. The Golden Turtle appeared, telling my father:

- The enemy is behind you!

At that moment, I understood everything. The proposal was a ruse. Trọng Thủy had swapped the magic crossbow, which is why it no longer worked. He had returned to inform his father to invade Âu Lạc. All the pieces fell into place, but it was too late. My father drew his sword and struck me down. The physical pain was nothing compared to the torment in my heart. I watched my father disappear into the distance, filled with regret for the harm I had caused him and the innocent people. I silently prayed for his peace, accepting all the punishment for my mistakes. As for Trọng Thủy, he was just a tragic love, a misguided path.