Feeling of the ancient capital

(Baonghean) -On the weekend, when the late spring sun was warm and summer was just beginning to "knock on the door", we took a trip back along Highway 46 to Nam Dan; experiencing the journey between the ancient citadel of Van An - where 13 centuries ago, King Mai Hac De raised an army to repel the Northern invaders and regain independence.

King Mai's tomb.

Research data of an "open" nature shows that the central area of ​​Nam Dan district today, including the town and communes of Van Dien, Nam Thai, Nam Thuong, formerly belonged to Van An Citadel. Now, after about 1,300 years, "Things have changed", the traces of the ancient citadel have been hidden in legends and the sacred atmosphere of the land of "spiritual people". But when setting foot on this land, why does the heart suddenly feel nostalgic and moved? Perhaps, in the feeling of each person who more or less comes to Nam Dan, there is nostalgia for the historical event that took place thousands of years ago, which is carried in the calendar associated with the remains of the temple and tomb of King Mai that still exist.

Is it the center of the legendary Van An Citadel? But Nam Dan Town is emerging as a bustling urban area with spacious constructions. On the Nam Dan Bridge connecting the two banks of the Lam River, pedestrians take some time to admire the scenery. From here, looking downstream, the river flows busily, with both sides being vast green alluvial plains of young corn. Looking upstream, the clear blue water reflects the clouds, sky and mountains. Somehow, when reaching this land, the river suddenly changes direction and creates a graceful, poetic and majestic beauty. From this position, expanding the observation around, it is easy to see and imagine the talented eye of King Mai Hac De when choosing this land as a base for his citadel.

From the town, we followed the road running along the left bank to the temple to burn incense for Him. The temple is majestic, splendid and faces the river. The King Mai Temple is ranked as a National Historical - Cultural Relic, a place for the people in the region to entrust their spirituality, to show their respect and gratitude. Through the long time with many changes, ups and downs, the hearts of the people of Nam Dan for King Mai remain intact, like the Lam River flowing forever; as in the words of a Chinese poem kept in the temple: "Hung cu Hoan Chau land in one area/ Van An citadel, incense smoke wafts/ Mai De in four directions is famous for his virtue/ Hundred battles of Ly and Duong, showing his martial arts/ Lam Thuy moon is reflected, the shadow of the mountain sets/ Hung Son wind is calm, the smoke of the wolf is gone/ The path of tribute from here ends/ The people of the country will forever enjoy happiness" (poetry translation).

Continuing the journey about 3 km, we arrived in front of the temple - tomb of the King. This is where the people buried him when he passed away (in 723). The scenery where King Mai Hac De rested was majestic, surrounded by mountains on three sides, in front of him was the Lam River flowing gently. The majestic mountain was called Dun (the Chinese name is Hung Son range), it is said to be a sacred land, written by the Royal Doctor Bui Duong Lich in his work "Nghe An Ky" as "Danh Son May Khoi Tu". Here, the wind from the East brought the coolness of the Lam River, dispelling the heat. The wind made the pine forest sway, emitting a whistling, rustling sound. It is the lullaby of the wind, of the mountains and forests, lulling the eternal sleep of the famous person Mai Thuc Loan - the son of his homeland who sacrificed himself for independence and autonomy, for the people of his homeland who had to groan under the shackles of slavery, bend their backs under the whips and shed tears when having to pay tribute to the invaders from the North.

Lam River - Dun Mountain.

The capital is often the place where the mother gives birth to a hero for the country and the people. Going up a few kilometers is the tomb of King Mai's mother on De Mountain (Nam Thai). Legend has it that King Mai's mother was originally from Thach Ha (Ha Tinh) and came to Ngoc Trung village to live and gave birth to Mai Thuc Loan. When she passed away, the people buried her on De Mountain. Along with the temple and tomb of King Mai, his mother's tomb is also recognized as a National Historical - Cultural Relic. From here, continuing along the asphalt road along the Lam River, we set foot on Nam Thuong Commune. It is impossible to describe all the beauty of the scenery here, because the hands of nature and creation have been extremely meticulous in drawing a charming ink painting. The scenery of mountains, rivers, clouds and sky reflected on the green river, exudes majesty, and at the same time seems primitive, giving people the desire to be in harmony with nature, so close and dear.

On the poetic Lam Giang river, clear and blue, with lush corn fields, dotted with a few boats going back and forth... Here, we met Mr. Nguyen Van Tu sitting under the shade of an old tree by the roadside, nearby were two buffaloes leisurely grazing. Through conversation, Mr. Tu said that he likes to come here to admire the scenery of the mountains, rivers, and fields of his homeland, which brings him mental comfort, and his legs and arms are also strong. This year he is 86 years old, he has been to many places in his youth but has never forgotten the river, the mountains, the corn fields and this ferry. His sons, one in Nam Dan Town, the other in Vinh City, but he has never stayed at his son's house for more than 5 days. Not because he is afraid of trouble, but the main reason is that he misses this village by the river, close to the mountains, and misses the cool breeze, the warm cup of green tea and the bowl of sweet shrimp soup.

Listening to Mr. Tu, we suddenly understood what we had been wondering about, not really clear in form and meaning. That is, when coming here, before the majestic and poetic scenery of nature, people can temporarily put aside their worries to find peace in life. Coming here, people seem to be energized by the heroic past and the sacred atmosphere of the mountains and forests, helping us find a peaceful place... Yes, the ramparts of war, the prosperous capital... have receded into legends, but this land is still majestic in the shape of mountains and rivers, in the peaceful atmosphere still fostering the eternal heroic spirit.

Tuong Anh