Lotus In The Magic Well
Once upon a time, in a village, there was a beautiful woman named Sen. According to the arranged marriage by their parents, she married a scholar named Truong. To help her husband feel secure in his studies, Sen did all the farming work and took care of the mother-in-law. Despite the toil and hardship, the family lived harmoniously and happily. When the capital opened the exam, Truong bid farewell to his family to participate.
In the region, a tyrannical landlord wielded his authority to usurp the land and harvests of the villagers.
Upon hearing of Truong's departure for the examination, he sent his henchman to capture Truong's mother and threatened Sen to force her into marriage as a concubine. To ensure Truong's mother's safety, Sen reluctantly accompanied them but fled along the way. The pursuers chased after her. Knowing there will be no escape, Sen threw herself into a deserted well as a gesture of loyalty. Touched by her filial piety and loyalty, the lotus flowers in the well rose to support and cover her from the sight of evil people. From then on, Sen lived at the bottom of the well, eating lotus roots and using lotus leaves to keep warm.
After passing the imperial examination, Truong returned to the village. When he reached the deserted well by the roadside, his horse suddenly stopped and refused to move. The scent of lotus flowers emanating from the well attracted him, and upon looking down, he saw Sen. Since then, Husband and wife were reunited.
As Sen recounted the events, Truong reported the tyrant's crimes to the king. From then on, the villagers lived in peace and prosperity. Sen and Truong lived happily ever after.
The story I crafted follows the style of Vietnamese folktales. We have many great folktales in our country. You can look them up. Someday, when my painting and English skills are better, I'll share them with you.
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