Once upon a time, there were two friends who attended classes with the same old scholar in the village. They were inseparable in spite of their difference of character. One, Luu Binh, was studious, hard-working, with a deep character. The other, Duong Lê, liked to laugh, to have fun, and neglected the lessons which he regarded as a real chore. Despite the old master’s admonitions and his friend’s advice, Duong Lê refused to work seriously.
What had to happen happened. At the imperial contest, Luu Binh was accepted and immediately appointed mandarin in a region located several miles from the village. Duong Lê failed and gave up his studies for good. The two friends remained without news of each other for a few years. Then one day, Luu Binh saw arriving in his palace a kind of miserable tramp. It was his friend Duong Lê who came to ask for help.
But Luu Binh chased him away, calling him lazy, lazy, and good for nothing. Humiliated, red of anger, Duong Lê left the palace while swearing to take revenge on the man whom he had believed, until now, to be his best friend.
Full of rage, he entered an inn and began to drink.
A young woman, beautiful and distinguished, entered the inn just at that moment. Noticing Duong Le drinking more than he should, she approached him and said:
– I see that you have a great sorrow. Tell me your story and maybe I can help you.
The gentleness of this young woman inspired confidence in Duong Lê who began to tell her what had just happened, as well as his fierce desire for revenge. To his astonishment, Duong Lê was offered a curious proposition:
– My name is Châu Long. I live alone in a large house not far from here,” said the young woman. I have many possessions and I can help you to carry out your revenge. On one condition, you will work hard to pass the next imperial examinations and become a mandarin of a higher rank than your enemy. This will be your revenge.
Duong Le accepted the proposal and followed the young woman to her villa. From that day on, he worked day and night, learning, revising constantly, while Châu Long took care of him.
After three years of hard work, the day of triumph arrived. Duong Le was the first winner of the great imperial contests and appointed governor of a large province.
Back home, Duong Lê said to Châu Long:
– I will go tomorrow to the palace of my enemy, and I will be curious to see his reaction. I will have finally my revenge.
Châu Long said:
– Since you will not be there tomorrow, allow me to go, from this evening, to visit a friend. I will remain, then, a few days with her because we did not see ourselves for a very long time.
Duong Lê agreed to her wish, and immediately Châu Long prepared to leave.
The following day Duong Lê went to the palace of his worst enemy. This time he was received with immense respect and with all the honor due to his rank. But what was his surprise when he saw Châu Long, herself, bringing them the tea tray. Luu Binh looked at his friend and said with a smile:
– I think you know Châu Long. She is my third wife!
At once Duong Lê understood all the history. He fell on his knees in front of his friend and said:
– Forgive me for having hated you during all these years. You had sent Châu Long to save me from my degradation. You made me what I am today. You are the best friend who can exist. I will be eternally grateful to you.
Luu Binh lifted his friend up, and the two men laughed, under the delighted look of Châu Long.
Luu Binh then ordered the servants to prepare a great feast to celebrate his reunion and to celebrate the triumph of friendship.
