Top 7 Essays in which Thuy Kieu narrates the story of avenging and repaying favors (Grade 9) in the most engaging way

"Isn't it strange how fate twists and turns,

Life is full of unpredictable hardships."

Father! Mother! My siblings! My beloved! If anyone wants to know what my life has been like during all these years of wandering, I will tell only of the most glorious moments of my life. Who would have imagined that from a disgraced woman, I would suddenly rise to become the wife of a general, holding power over the fate of many vile and evil people? If only you could understand my heart, listen to my tale: Avenging and repaying favors.

Thanks to Từ Hải – a commander who defied the imperial court, I became a general's wife. He asked me about those who had shown kindness to me, and those who had wronged me, casting me into misery. Then he invited everyone with a debt of gratitude and all the wicked people who wronged me to be brought to me so I could have them judged. That day, Từ Hải and I sat in judgment – repaying favors and exacting revenge. The first person I had to repay was Thúc Sinh, the man who had once saved me from the brothel. When he entered, his face was as red as a boiled crab, his body trembling. I thought to myself, 'He's surely terrified.' I knew he was weak, but I didn’t hold it against him. Although his wife, Hoạn Thư, always tormented me with jealousy, that could be saved for another day. Now, I had to repay him. I said to him, 'Greetings, Thúc. I have invited you here today to express my gratitude and repay you!'

He didn’t dare say anything, but at the sound of my words, he seemed to relax. He replied timidly, 'Yes…' I continued, 'The kindness you’ve shown me is immense, I could never repay it fully. Please accept this gift of silk and silver as a token of my gratitude.' The servants brought forward the gifts, and Thúc Sinh accepted them, bowing in thanks. But I thought to myself, 'Why is he bowing? Is he still scared?' I let him leave quickly as there were others to attend to. I added, 'Your wife, Hoạn Thư, is cunning and treacherous. She'll meet her match soon enough.' He left, and I continued to repay the others.

The next order of business was to exact revenge, and the first person I had to punish was Hoạn Thư, Thúc Sinh’s first wife. As soon as she entered, I greeted her, 'So, you’ve finally come here?' I then spoke louder, 'How rare it is for a woman to be so manipulative and cunning like you.' She immediately fell to her knees, partly from realizing my position and partly from the sight of soldiers surrounding her. I thought, 'She must be terrified now. She’ll beg for mercy, but she deserves this punishment.' I spoke even more sharply, 'A beautiful woman’s life is full of hardships, and the more ruthless she is, the more she will suffer in return.' By now, Hoạn Thư knew what was coming. But she, being as sly as she was, composed herself and began to speak. I knew she would try to explain herself, but I was curious to see how she would beg for mercy. Maybe I would forgive her if she showed true remorse. She began, 'Lady, I am just an ordinary woman. Jealousy is natural for us, and I admit I wronged you. When you left, I didn't chase after you, though I knew the brothel had lost some valuables. It is the fault of the system of multiple wives. Who could expect a man to treat so many women well? But now, all I can ask for is your forgiveness. Please have mercy on me.'

I was taken aback by her words, praising her cunning and ability to speak with such reasoning. She was indeed shrewd and manipulative, but her words made sense. As a woman myself, I understood that jealousy is a common flaw. If I forgave her, I would be seen as compassionate, but if I punished her, I would be petty. She had confessed her wrongs, and I decided to forgive her, saying, 'Remember, the way to happiness is through kindness, and those who are wicked will surely meet their end.' I continued judging others, and all of them were vile and heartless. But I’ll leave it at that.

After all the suffering I’ve endured, I’ve come to understand the truth: 'Beauty often comes with misfortune.' But now, reunited with my family—my father, my mother, my siblings, and my faithful love—what else could I ask for? Life is truly like this: 'After enduring many hardships, one will find happiness.' And I have found it at last!

After so many years of suffering, pain, and humiliation, I was finally rescued from the brothel by Từ Hải. Not only did he bring me a loyal heart, but he also helped me fulfill my dream of justice and vengeance, enabling me to repay my debts and settle old scores.

I will never forget that day. As a wife, I took charge of the process of avenging and repaying favors. When I called for Thúc Sinh, my heart was filled with conflicting emotions. After all these years, I was finally going to see him again—the man who had once been my protector, who had shown me kindness, and whom I had loved. He was the one who understood my suffering and welcomed me out of the brothel. He gave me peaceful, happy days together as husband and wife, a short-lived happiness that would forever remain in my heart. But when I saw him again after so many years, why did he appear this way? His face flushed red and his body trembled. Was he truly so frightened? Didn't he know how weak and cowardly he looked, trembling before everyone?

– Thúc Sinh, do you still remember me?

Thúc Sinh bowed lower, even more terrified.

– I know, the favor you once showed me is too great, and I will never be able to repay it fully. But now, we are like two stars, Sâm and Thương, destined never to meet again. All I can do is offer you this gift of silk and silver as a token of my gratitude...

Truly, I am deeply grateful and honored by Thúc Sinh’s kindness. But the situation between us now is not entirely his fault. The real problem was his fear and indecision. We lived together for only a short while, enjoying happiness before being torn apart. Perhaps the pain in my heart is too great to ever forget. It was Hoạn Thư, that cruel woman, who drove us apart—who treated me with disdain and forced me to leave.

As soon as I saw Hoạn Thư, I greeted her with feigned politeness.

– Oh! Miss, who would have thought you would end up here?

My voice was sharp, filled with mockery and disdain. All the bitterness and frustration I had carried inside me poured out at that moment. Seeing her so terrified gave me a slight sense of satisfaction. But Hoạn Thư quickly bowed down, trying to explain herself in a way that could soften my anger. She appealed to the natural instincts of a woman, claiming to understand her jealousy and desires. Despite her scheming, she did speak some truth. She too was just a woman who loved her husband and couldn’t bear to see him with someone else. Moreover, she had allowed me to write sutras in solitude at Quan Âm Pagoda and did not send anyone to bring me back when I fled. Hoạn Thư admitted her mistakes, hoping for my forgiveness. Her words were so well thought out, so convincing, that I couldn’t help but be moved. Could I really punish her after hearing this?

If I did, it would make me seem petty and unforgiving. As the saying goes, 'Don’t punish someone who is running away.' Hoạn Thư had confessed her wrongs, and I decided to forgive her.

With that thought, I issued the order to release her. Finally, I had fulfilled my dream of justice, of bringing fairness and order to the world, a dream I had held deep within my heart for so long.

As a woman, after enduring so many years of hardship and suffering, I finally encountered someone who understood me and was willing to help. Life is a mixture of highs and lows, moments of joy and sorrow. Từ Hải is a noble man, and now I have the chance to repay old debts and settle old scores.

On that auspicious day, I sent for Thúc Sinh, and when we met again, I was deeply moved. The night before, I had reminisced about Thúc Lang—his grace, his refined manners, and his noble act of rescuing me from the brothel. But when I saw him that day, he was completely different. He was timid, trembling like a frightened insect, his face pale. I was shocked. I couldn’t find the noble, composed man I once admired. Could it be that the harsh world or the pressures of the court had frightened him? Or was it his shame for not being able to protect me? Or perhaps his cruel wife had broken his spirit? The more I thought about it, the more sympathy I felt for him. I approached him and asked:

– Oh, Thúc Sinh, after all these years, do you still remember me?

Both of us were filled with emotion, remembering the bonds of the past. I said:

– You once helped me so generously. Now, having found some peace, I will never forget your kindness. Please accept this small gift, a token of my gratitude. With that, I had a hundred rolls of fine silk and a thousand pounds of silver brought to him. I hoped he too would live a peaceful and happy life. But my heart ached for him, as he still endured the torment from his cruel wife, Hoạn Thư, a woman who had once degraded me.

As I thought of this, I spotted Hoạn Thư. Her cold, arrogant demeanor still remained, her eyes filled with self-importance. I approached her and greeted her with respect:

– Ah, Miss, it’s an honor to have you visit today. After all these years, your beauty hasn’t faded. Truly remarkable. I was wondering, has your courage diminished, or is it still as strong as ever?

Hoạn Thư, clearly rattled by my words, quickly knelt and begged for my forgiveness:

– Madam, please forgive me! I am just a woman, and jealousy has always been a part of our nature. A husband belongs to his wife, and no one can change that...

Before she could finish, I interrupted, raising my voice:

– Enough! Do you still have the nerve to plead innocence? How could I forget the suffering you caused me? The countless beatings and insults you inflicted upon me—how could I ever forget?

Hoạn Thư, now humbled, spoke gently:

– But Madam, when you were in my house, did I not give you the upper room to pray and write sutras? Did I not allow you to escape when you fled? I now see my mistakes and ask for your mercy...

Ah, Hoạn Thư, you are a clever woman, skilled with words and able to make others respect you with your sharp tongue. I believe that if someone truly repents, they can change. The past is behind us, and the future is still unwritten. If I punish you harshly, others will think me petty. So, I decided:

– I will forgive you, not only because you have shown remorse, but also because I do not want Thúc Sinh to suffer. But you must change your ways. If you continue with your wickedness, you will only bring more misfortune upon yourself.

Finally, all my grievances were settled, and I felt a great sense of relief. A life of peace and fairness was within reach. The heavens had not forsaken me. I will continue to pursue my dreams and desires, which have burned in my heart for so long.

The Tale of Kiều, penned by the great poet Nguyễn Du, tells the story of the life and fate of Thúy Kiều, a woman of great beauty and talent. However, as Nguyễn Du poignantly remarks in the opening lines, 'Alas for the fate of women! The phrase 'bitter fate' is a common lament.' Kiều's life, like the countless other women of the feudal society, was marked by suffering and misfortune. For fifteen long years, she endured torment—years that represented the darkest, most painful period of her life, where she experienced betrayal and hardship, epitomized by the repeated falls into the brothel. Yet, despite the relentless agony, Kiều was not without her moments of grace. She encountered people who treated her with kindness, such as Từ Hải, whose presence provided Kiều with a chance to avenge herself and repay the debts of gratitude in her life. I am Thúy Kiều, a woman crushed by life’s relentless cruelty, from the moment I was tricked by Mã Giám Sinh and sold into the brothel. The torment was so overwhelming that I saw death as the only escape from my suffering, yet it was the monk Giác Duyên who saved me. But fate is unpredictable, and soon after my rescue, I was once again deceived by Bạc Hạnh and sold back into the brothel. My life became a never-ending cycle of pain and degradation, a path that seemed destined to last until my death. Then, by sheer fortune, I met Từ Hải—an extraordinary man whose strength seemed to defy the heavens. His affection for me was genuine and pure, and it wasn’t just a matter of saving me from the brothel; he also gave me the opportunity to repay my debts of gratitude and revenge. My life in the brothel had introduced me to a wide array of people, some good and many bad, but at least there was one man who respected me, who loved me enough to free me. I owe this man, Thúc Sinh, a debt of gratitude that I plan to repay when the time comes. Thúc Sinh rescued me from the brothel, but he also unwittingly led me into a new hell. His wife, Hoạn Thư, was a jealous and vindictive woman who, driven by her own selfishness, stopped at nothing to humiliate and torment me. This became the perfect opportunity for me to not only repay my debt but to settle the score. I called for Thúc Sinh, and as he arrived, I saw him trembling, his face flushed with fear. He was helpless and pitiful. I reassured him: 'Remember the heavy bond we share, Do you recall our past in Lâm Tri? The love we had was not meant to last, Who could have known how fate would be?' The hardship I endured in the brothel had robbed me of my humanity, and for so long, I had lived in numbness. But meeting Thúc Sinh sparked something within me, a desire to be loved and respected once again. Though we did not share a deep love, there was a sense of shared loyalty between us. Our marriage, though short-lived, was built on a foundation of gratitude. Despite Thúc Sinh’s inability to protect me from Hoạn Thư’s cruelty, he was still a good man, and I owed him more than I could repay. Thus, I vowed to show my gratitude to him: 'Gifts of brocade and silver, Could they ever repay your kindness?' After repaying my debt to Thúc Sinh, my hatred for Hoạn Thư only deepened, for I could not forget the suffering and humiliation she had inflicted upon me. Her cruelty had not only broken my body but also trampled on my dignity. So, even as I honored Thúc Sinh, I could not forget my need to exact vengeance on Hoạn Thư. 'Your wife is a wicked, scheming woman, A thief who takes without a second thought, She brought me pain that I will repay, A scheme so deep, I’ll return it in kind.' With those words, I no longer paid attention to Thúc Sinh's trembling, his visible dread. I ordered Hoạn Thư to be brought before me. Today, I would repay gratitude with gratitude, and vengeance with vengeance. I would use the same tricks that she used on me to make her feel the same agony. When Hoạn Thư entered, I saw her usually haughty demeanor crumble into one of anxiety and fear. I greeted her with mockery, my voice dripping with sarcasm: 'You, the noble lady, now reduced to this, How many women can claim such skill? What we suffer is fate’s cruel test, But those who wrong others must pay the price.' The title 'lady' used by Hoạn Thư to mock me now became a weapon in my hands, and I used it to strip her of the dignity she had once flaunted. Fate had a cruel way of reversing roles, and now it was she who would experience the pain I had endured. Yet, Hoạn Thư, ever the schemer, remained composed. Though fear was evident in her eyes, she attempted to save herself, her words sharp and clever: 'I am but a woman, Jealousy is natural, I beg you to remember the times I helped, When I offered you kindness, it was not for nothing. We all make mistakes, but must I face the consequences alone?' Her words, though sharp, had a certain truth to them. She had, in some ways, helped me. I could not deny that she had once given me shelter when I fled, and even kept others from pursuing me. However, despite my deep resentment, I could not entirely ignore her reasoning. Though I wanted revenge, I found myself torn, unable to act out of sheer hatred. In the end, I chose to let her live, though I would never forget the pain she caused me.

Today, I am filled with immense joy. Thanks to Từ Hải’s help, I finally have the chance to repay those who aided me and take revenge on those who wronged me. I, Vương Thuý Kiều, have suffered so much pain and shame in my life—once a concubine, abandoned in the streets of life, but now, I have the opportunity to show gratitude to those who helped me and avenge those who mistreated me. My heart is overwhelmed. I would like to share my story of gratitude and revenge.

- Từ Hải, please allow me to summon Thúc Sinh. I said.

- Very well, summon Thúc Sinh, Từ Hải replied.

Thúc Sinh arrived, his face ashen, but still, he was the same Thúc Sinh who once rescued me from a life of disgrace. I spoke to him, saying:

- The debt of gratitude you showed me in Lâm Tri is something I can never forget. I did not live up to my role as a wife, and I regret that I couldn’t return the favor you had given me. Now, with Từ Hải’s help, I can only offer you these small tokens of appreciation—a hundred bolts of fine silk and a thousand pounds of silver, hoping you accept this as a sign of my sincere gratitude.

As I saw Thúc Sinh accepting my humble offering, I felt a rush of memories from our time in Lâm Tri, when we lived in happiness, unaware that the deceit of Hoạn Thư would destroy everything. I sighed deeply:

- Your wife, Thúc Sinh, is a wicked and scheming woman. Now, she will meet her match. I will repay her for the suffering she has caused me.

In an instant, I saw Hoạn Thư, her face pale with fear as she trembled and knelt before me. I couldn't help but mock her as I spoke:

- Oh, so you’ve come to see me now, my dear? Women of your kind are rare, but it seems your cunning and malice will only bring more misfortune. You sowed the wind, and now you will face the storm.

Hoạn Thư, shaking in fear, bowed and began to beg, saying:

- Please forgive me. As a woman, jealousy is only natural. When I stayed in your home, you treated me kindly, giving me the opportunity to pray and grow closer to Buddha. When I left, you did not try to keep me. As a woman, I could not bear to see my husband love another. I regret my actions and ask for your forgiveness.

I was impressed by Hoạn Thư’s clever words. She had skillfully turned the tables, making me question whether to punish her for her cruel jealousy. She claimed to be a victim of a system that allowed men to have multiple wives, and as a woman, I could understand her feelings. But her actions were inexcusable. Despite that, she had once helped me, and so I decided to forgive her. I did not want to appear petty or cruel when she had acknowledged her mistakes and begged for my mercy. I told her:

- Hoạn Thư, you are indeed wise and eloquent. I forgive you. There is no need for further punishment. Go back to Lâm Tri with Thúc Sinh and live a life of virtue, doing good deeds.

Thúc Sinh and Hoạn Thư quickly bowed in gratitude and left. The soldiers cheered, praising my mercy. I too felt content, knowing I had repaid Thúc Sinh and dealt with Hoạn Thư justly, in line with our people’s moral values. There are still others like Mã Giám Sinh, Tú Bà, and Bạc Bà, who cannot be forgiven. They must be eradicated to protect the people. Từ Hải gave the order for their execution, and the soldiers shouted in approval. The mission of gratitude and revenge was completed. The good were rewarded with treasures, and the wicked were punished, satisfying the will of the people.

In all the years of hardship and wandering in my life, the time when Từ Hải helped me repay my debts and exact my revenge was the happiest period I’ve known. And the person who left the deepest impression on me was Hoạn Thư. A woman who caused so much trouble, but was also incredibly clever and resourceful, her words made everyone uncomfortable. Truly, she deserves admiration!

In the fifteen years of my wandering, I thought my life would be buried in those endless days of "temporary pleasures and fleeting dreams." But fortunately, there came a time when fate treated me with kindness. That change was thanks to Tu Hai, a man who "could defy the heavens and trample upon the earth."

After joining him, and witnessing his glorious victories, I became the highest-ranking lady. He inquired about the people who had shown me kindness, as well as those who had wronged me and dragged me into misery. He then summoned both the benevolent and the malicious to stand before me, granting me full authority to decide their fates. On that day, Tu Hai and I sat in judgment: rewarding the good and punishing the wicked. The first person to face my judgment was Thuc Sinh, the man who had saved me from the brothel. Thuc Sinh entered, his face red and his body trembling. I thought, surely, he is terrified. I knew he was weak, but I held no grudge. Despite his wife, Hoan Thu, constantly tormenting me out of jealousy, I could deal with that another time. Now, I had to repay Thuc Sinh. I greeted him, saying, "Welcome, Thuc. Today, I invite you to express my deep gratitude for your help."

When he heard this, he seemed relieved, and answered, "Yes..." I continued, "Your kindness to me is immeasurable. I cannot repay it fully, but here is a gift of silk and gold to show my gratitude. Please accept it." Servants presented the offerings, and he bowed in thanks. Yet, I wondered: "Why is he bowing? Is he still afraid?" I decided to let him go, as there were more people to honor. Looking at him, I felt a pang of bitterness, thinking of the wickedness of Hoan Thu. How could these two people, so different in nature, share the same bed? I smiled and added, "Your wife, Hoan Thu, is cunning and deceptive. She’s met her match in you." He left, and soon I continued to reward others who had shown me kindness: Sister Giac Duyen, the maid, the housekeeper, and others who had helped me through my darkest days.

Next came the task of vengeance, and the first to face my wrath was Hoan Thu, Thuc Sinh's wife. As soon as she entered, I greeted her coldly, "Ah, so you’ve decided to show your face today?" Then I spoke more firmly, "How many women possess such craftiness and deceit?" She immediately knelt, partly due to my position and partly due to the intimidating guards at my side. I thought, "This time, she will panic and beg for mercy, knowing she deserves punishment. She will understand the law of karma: 'What you sow is what you reap.'" I raised my voice, "The life of a beautiful woman is fraught with suffering. If you are cruel, the consequences will be even worse." At this point, Hoan Thu realized the gravity of her situation. But being as shrewd as ever, she calmly bowed and began speaking. I knew she would try to justify herself, making excuses for her actions. I wanted to hear her words and see if there was any remorse. If she showed it, I might consider sparing her. She began, "I am just a poor woman, and my jealousy is a natural flaw. Looking back, I regret letting you leave. Even when you were gone, I didn’t try to bring you back, though I knew you were being mistreated... But it was I who caused all this misery. Now, I can only hope that you, with your generous heart, will forgive me."

I was taken aback by her words. She was truly clever, speaking with such reasoning that it almost moved me. She was devious, but her argument was sound. As a woman, I understood her jealousy. But forgiving her might lead me to seem petty, so I decided to hold her accountable. Yet, I felt she was sincere in her apology. She admitted her wrongs, so I chose to show mercy and told her, "You must repent, for those who sow kindness will find happiness, and those who spread evil will face misfortune. Remember, those who are kind will be blessed, while the wicked will suffer."

After that, I punished many other vile people. They were all evil, cruel, and heartless. Having suffered so much myself, I understood the harsh reality of life: "A beautiful woman’s life is often filled with misfortune." But now, I had been reunited with my family—my father, my mother, my siblings, and my faithful lover. What more could I wish for? Life follows a pattern: "After enduring much hardship, happiness will come."

After being deceived by the manipulative So Khanh and falling into the clutches of the cruel Tu Ba, I was brutally beaten, left with no way to bear the shame and anger, and I considered ending my life to escape. Fearing both the loss of money and reputation, Tu Ba pretended to be kind, promising to find me a worthy husband. She took me to the Ngu Bich Pavilion, claiming it would help me regain my peace, but in truth, it was a prison where she awaited the day to sell me off.

It was here that I was fortunate to meet the renowned hero, Tu Hai. He generously freed me from the brothel and married me. From being a courtesan, I was elevated to the rank of a noble lady. One day, as we spoke, I confided in him my desire to repay the kindness I had received and take vengeance on those who had wronged me. A man of great honor, Tu Hai readily agreed to help me fulfill this wish.

He quickly dispatched several military units, one heading to Vo Tich and another to Lam Tri, to summon my benefactors and capture the wrongdoers. The next morning, Tu Hai convened a court. Together, we sat side by side to administer justice. The scene was awe-inspiring—soldiers lined up with their swords and spears, striking fear into anyone daring to oppose us. Tu Hai entrusted me with full authority over the proceedings. I decided to repay my benefactors first and seek revenge second. When Thuc Sinh was called before us, his face turned pale and he trembled, too frightened to meet anyone's gaze. As the saying goes, 'A debt of gratitude, no matter how small, is never forgotten.' Though we were once married, however briefly, I greeted him softly:

- I greet you, my lord! Your kindness to me is as deep as the mountains. Do you remember the days we spent in Lam Tri? Was it not fate that tore us apart? It was never my choice to betray you. Thankfully, the heavens have allowed me to overcome this hardship. Please accept this small gift as a token of my gratitude!

With that, I ordered my soldiers to bring forth a hundred rolls of fine silk and a thousand taels of silver to repay Thuc Sinh. I also made sure to remind him that his cunning and treacherous wife, Hoan Thu, would soon pay for the cruelty she had inflicted on me for so long.

One by one, my benefactors—Master Tam Hop, Master Giac Duan, the housekeeper, and others—were invited to receive my thanks. All were pleased to see my escape from suffering. I asked them to stay and witness my vengeance. When Hoan Thu was brought before me, I struggled to suppress the fury rising within me, but managed to greet her with mock politeness:

- Greetings, my lady! I doubt you ever imagined you would end up here today. In all my life, I have never met a woman as vile as you. But it is often said, 'The more wicked one is, the more misfortune follows.'

Seeing that she stood before me, the very servant who had once tormented me, Hoan Thu’s face lost all color, her spirit broken. She knelt and begged for mercy, attempting to justify her actions with calm words despite her fear:

- Madam, I ask for your forgiveness. My actions were driven by jealousy, a common flaw in women. Looking back, I realize I did feel some sympathy for you. I allowed you to write scriptures at Quan Am Pagoda, and when you escaped, I did not pursue you. Truly, I admired your beauty and wisdom. As for sharing a husband, it is never easy. Now that I have caused this turmoil, I humbly ask you to show mercy and forgive me!

Hearing her confession, I realized she had understood her mistakes. It would have been easy to kill her, to satisfy my desire for revenge, but what would it accomplish? Another life lost would bring no relief. I decided to spare her, knowing that the terror she felt today would haunt her for the rest of her life, especially when she saw the execution of the true criminals—Tu Ba, Ma Gian Sinh, So Khanh, and the ruthless thugs Uông, Khuyển, who would face death for their crimes.

And so, in broad daylight, my quest for justice was completed. I turned to Tu Hai, the greatest benefactor of my life, to thank him. He responded sincerely: 'What is yours is mine. There is no need for thanks. I only wish that you live happily from now on, free of the burdens that once weighed on your heart.' His words touched me deeply, for they were exactly what I had hoped to hear.