The unique features of Kinh Bac culture have permeated the lifestyle and thinking of many generations of cadres, lecturers, students, employees, and soldiers. From that land, that school, there have been many lucky couples who have been married through Quan Ho betel and areca nuts. And the story below is also such a beautiful love story.

I and Major Vu Van Quoc, Assistant to the Propaganda Department, Political Department, Political Officer School are comrades, teammates, and close brothers. We have been close to each other since we were students training for political cadres at the squad level, school year 2008 - 2013. Therefore, many things in life or work, big or small, we always discuss and share very frankly and sincerely.

After many years of attachment, in early August 2025, I temporarily parted ways with Quoc to carry out tasks assigned and mobilized by the organization. The night before departure, we met to chat. During that friendly meeting, I asked Quoc about the most memorable impression since joining the army, Quoc said: "There are many things to tell, but perhaps the camping trip at Bac Ninh Pedagogical College is an unforgettable memory", Major Vu Van Quoc recounted.

Senior Lieutenant Vu Van Quoc and Tran Thi Kim Oanh March 2017.

That was in March 2016, when I was a Lieutenant, Political Commissar of Company 4, Battalion 3, Political Officer School, in the chilly air of the Spring days, I and my fellow cadres and members of the Political Officer School participated in the Camping Festival to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the founding of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (March 26, 1931/March 26, 2016) at Bac Ninh Pedagogical College. On the night of March 25, continuing the spirit of the campfire program, a few of us carried guitars to perform with cadres and members of other units, the music and singing mixed with the sparkling light of LED lights and flashing lights, making the atmosphere extremely lively and warm.

During the cultural exchange that day, I happened to meet a member of the Youth Union. We had met a few times before during the process of coordinating the organization of youth activities and movements between the Youth Union of Battalion 3 (I was the Secretary) and the Volunteer Student Association of Bac Ninh Province (a female member). Since it has been nearly 10 years, to be honest, I cannot remember her name, but I only remember that she was an approachable female student with shoulder-length hair, glasses, and an oval face. After a while of chatting, I found out that she was staying at the school dormitory. During the long conversation, she also asked me: "Where are you guys sleeping tonight? Do you have blankets and mosquito nets yet?". I smiled and replied: "Today, I and some comrades in the group were assigned to look after the camp, don't worry about blankets and mosquito nets, we are soldiers, so there's nothing to worry about." He continued: “Hey, don’t be subjective, it’s cold at night. Let me run upstairs to get my blanket, you guys sleep warmly. I’ll sleep with my friend.” At that time, I felt a bit embarrassed, not daring to refuse that goodwill for fear of what the lender would think, so I just smiled and invited him to sing with us so that the story about the blanket would end soon.

  Late at night, when the singing and the music were no longer there, the camp suddenly became strangely quiet, with only the sound of crickets chirping and the buzzing of mosquitoes in our ears. When we were about to lie down, a familiar figure, holding a super light pink blanket in his arms, stood outside the camp gate and said softly: "I've brought the blanket down, don't be shy, sleep well!". As soon as I received the blanket, he quickly turned his back, leaving only the sound of his slippers fading away, fading away, then sinking into the quiet darkness. Before I could enter the camp, the brothers burst out laughing and teasing: "You're quite good, it's only been one day and you've already been able to provide warm blankets for us, that's admirable." I mumbled: "Ah... it's her blanket." Then, we talked about a few random things and fell asleep together.

  As usual, the next morning, we woke up very early to prepare and participate in the exchange activities between the camps. After folding the blanket neatly and squarely, I suddenly remembered that I had not yet gotten the phone number last night and had not had time to ask the girl which room she was staying in to return it. While I was wondering what to do, I suddenly saw a girl wearing a Youth Union shirt hurriedly walking towards the Dormitory, I called out and ran to ask. The female Youth Union member's name was Tran Thi Kim Oanh, at that time a senior student at Bac Ninh Pedagogical College. After listening to my description, Oanh immediately recognized the person who lent us the blanket and happily took me to the girl's room to return the super light pink blanket. After finishing, I thanked the two friends and went down to the camp to join in the exciting, enthusiastic activities, full of the spirit and aspiration to contribute and mature of youth.

  The evening of March 26th is the time that holds one of the most beautiful memories of my youth. After a long day of participating in many activities, my teammates and I dismantled the camp together to march back to the unit. Although we were quite tired, we worked and talked happily. While cleaning up, I suddenly saw Oanh leading her red Wave motorbike out of the school gate. I quickly ran over and said: "I thank you very much for what happened this morning". Oanh replied: "No, it's nothing, it's just a small matter". Oanh's gentle voice and the smile on her lips made me confused. I continued to ask: "Is it far from here to your house?". Oanh replied: "About 12-13km". "Ah... it's quite far, so you should go home before it gets dark, be careful on your way back", I continued. After that, I quickly asked for Oanh's phone number and returned to continue working with my teammates.

  That night, after finishing all my work, as usual, I went to check on the unit's sleeping quarters and then returned to my room. Sitting in front of the computer, Oanh's smile seemed to be lingering somewhere in my mind. Holding the phone in my hand, I hesitated for a long time. After a while of struggling with my thoughts, I decided to text Oanh: "It's late, are you asleep now? I'm Quoc, the person you took to return the blanket this morning." The message had been sent, but my eyes were still following the phone on the desk, in my chest there was an indescribable feeling of anticipation and excitement. A few minutes later, I saw a notification of an incoming message, it was indeed Oanh's message: "I haven't slept yet, are you sleeping late too?". Just like that, the questions and confidences continued one after another and gradually became a habit of both of us before going to bed every day without anyone knowing.

  After a while of talking, due to our spiritual harmony, I decided to meet Oanh at Doi Lake, in Nguyen Phi Y Lan Park, on both sides of Ly Thai To Street - a familiar place for many classes of students who had studied and trained in the Ancient Citadel. During that meeting, we recalled the story of "The Lieutenant Returning the Blanket" and considered it a fate that both of us were lucky to have. From there, our love story began to blossom and then bear fruit.

  After listening to Quoc’s honest and humorous confessions, I felt both excited and surprised. At first, I imagined that Quoc would “fall in love” with the owner of the light pink blanket. Unexpectedly, the young Lieutenant fell in love with another female student who acted as his “guide”.

  From a young student, Tran Thi Kim Oanh has now become a solid support for Major Vu Van Quoc to continue his dream of contributing and training under the roof of the beloved Political Officer School.

  Although the school is now more spacious and decent, the memories of Bac Ninh Citadel, of the days of walking on the worn paths to the high points of Trung Son and Tien Son areas to learn tactics and especially of the unexpected fate still remain deep in the nostalgic memory. From Kinh Bac land with heavy feelings and affection to Doai land with white clouds, every step is a step of love.

  NGO DAT

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/phong-su-dieu-tra/ky-su/trung-uy-tra-chan-841909