Lotus flowers in the jade well

(Baonghean)Folklore says that from a young age, Mac Dinh Chi had an extremely ugly appearance, but he was intelligent, very diligent in his studies, and had a quick wit.

During the reign of Emperor Tran Anh Tong, in the 12th year of the Hung Long era (1304), Mac Dinh Chi passed the imperial examination and became the top scholar (Trang Nguyen). The Emperor summoned him to the palace to bestow upon him the ceremonial robes and sash. Seeing that the new Trang Nguyen was a short, small, and unattractive young man, Emperor Anh Tong was initially hesitant to appoint him. Mac Dinh Chi then presented his poem "Ngoc Tinh Lien Phu" (Lotus in the Jade Well) to express his noble character. Every line and word of the poem enlightened the Emperor, who exclaimed: "Mac Trang Nguyen is truly a genius, a man of integrity!"

...Quan Trạng was very popular with the people because of his integrity, and later rose to the position of Left Minister (Minister). He was also known as the "Two-Nation First-Rank Scholar" because he was both the first-rank scholar of Dai Viet and a specially appointed first-rank scholar of the Yuan Dynasty.

Mạc Đĩnh Chi's talent and character transcended the barriers of his ordinary and unattractive appearance, earning him the admiration of all. His personality and talent have transcended time, and our people will continue to revere him for generations to come.

I can't help but think of the story of the top scholar from years ago when I witness the examples of those who overcame hardship to excel in their studies being honored today. These achievements and glories are brought about by children who bear the scars of war or suffer from congenital disabilities. They have strived to prove that the true strength and beauty of humanity lies in the heart. These strong hearts have helped them overcome agonizing physical pain, and endure the indifferent smiles and sarcastic remarks of many.

Our ancestors always taught: "Good wood is better than good paint." Wood proves its value over time. But for people, that's a thousand times more difficult.

An unattractive appearance cannot be easily dismissed with the simple statement, "Good wood is better than good paint"; to prove their worth, they must do and endure what they have to do before being recognized? Before overcoming countless deeply ingrained prejudices to receive the rewards and love they deserve, to achieve a beautiful soul that transcends their rough exterior. This outcome is steeped in tears, bitterness, suffering, torment, and contemplation. Therefore, it becomes more worthwhile than anything else.

Seeing students with physical disabilities step onto the stage to receive awards for their academic achievements evokes strong emotions in many people. Is it their high scores that inspire admiration? No! It's not the results that inspire awe, but rather the challenges they've overcome to achieve them.

How many tears have soaked through those long nights struggling with pain? How much bitterness has there been in those choked moments of silently comparing themselves to their friends? Has anyone measured the pain inflicted by the arrows, whether intentional or unintentional, of others piercing their bodies? And when they overcome it, they have created a strong shield for their hearts, for their radiant virtues. It is this that evokes in those who witness it not fleeting admiration, but a profound emotional response. They – “hearts as bright as jewels” – have radiated a pure light like “lotus blossoms in a jade well,” so that we, souls parched by the struggles of life, may be refreshed with faith in love and the power of courage.

Nguyen Thi Hai Nam