Trần Quang Đại
2023Ván bài lật ngửa 1: Đứa con nuôi vị giám mục
Lê Hoàng Hoa
Nguyễn Chánh Tín, Lâm Bình Chi
After the Geneva Convention, Viet Minh cadres are gathered to the North. There are also many who secretly stayed. Among them is Robert Nguyen Thanh Luan. He returns to Vinh Long, part of the diocese of Bishop Peter Ngo Dinh Thuc, who has known his Catholic family for long. The bishop adopts him into the Ngo family, where he begins associating with Ngo Dinh Nhu, the Vice President and Presidential Consultant of the Republic of Vietnam.
Cards on the Table: The Foster Son of the Archbishop
Ván bài lật ngửa 3: Phát súng trên cao nguyên
Lê Hoàng Hoa
Nguyễn Chánh Tín, Lâm Bình Chi
After a tumultuous arrival and subsequent stay in Da Lat for military training, Luan returns to Saigon a Major in the Presidential Special Forces. He and Thuy Dung continue their relationship. News that Ngo Dinh Diem is opening the Ban Me Thuot's Highland Economic Fair attracts many intelligence and security organizations, whose political purposes vary.
Cards on the Table: The Gunshot on the Highland
Ván bài lật ngửa 5: Trời xanh qua kẽ lá
Lê Hoàng Hoa
Nguyễn Chánh Tín, Lâm Bình Chi
The Government of the Republic of Vietnam is subjected to military attacks and protests everywhere. Law 10-59 is enacted. Luan is sent to the United States for further military course training. Upon his return in early 1961, Ngo Dinh Diem decides to make him the governor of Kien Hoa province (Ben Tre today) to conduct the Pacification Program, with special privileges at his disposal.
Cards on the Table: Blue Sky in the Split of Leaf
Ván bài lật ngửa 6: Lời cảnh cáo cuối cùng
Lê Hoàng Hoa
Nguyễn Chánh Tín, Thương Tín
Luan continues to serve as the governor of Kien Hoa province and receives classified information sent by Y5, an agent installed by Kien Hoa Security in the Communist Party of Vietnam. He tries to identify Y5. The coup in 1960 ends with victory for the Republic's government, but unrest soon proves this result impermanent.
Cards on the Table: The Last Warning
Ván bài lật ngửa 8: Vòng hoa trước mộ
Lê Hoàng Hoa
Nguyễn Chánh Tín, Lâm Bình Chi
The year 1963 drags on heavily. Rumors about the US-backed coup are spreading. Ngo Dinh Diem's government continues to suffer from a severe loss of popularity that is still worsening. Two lots of trafficked drugs from the Golden Triangle to South Vietnam have vanished into thin air. Luan sets out on what may be his final collaboration with Ngo Dinh Nhu.
Cards on the Table: Wreath on the Grave
Ván bài lật ngửa 7: Cao áp và nước lũ
Lê Hoàng Hoa
Nguyễn Chánh Tín, Thanh Lan
In 1963, amidst tense relations with Buddhism that may face international backlash, the Ngo family try to find a way around the situation, calling on Luan for missions worth his life. Saigon is heated. A coup may be under preparations. Tran Le Xuan goes on a diplomatic tour of Western nations, determined to clear names.
Cards on the Table: High Pressure and the Freshet
Ván bài lật ngửa 2: Quân cờ di động
Lê Hoàng Hoa
Nguyễn Chánh Tín, Lâm Bình Chi
In 1955 Tay Ninh, the National United Front is established and gives Ngo Dinh Diem's government an ultimatum: reform or attack. Luan continues to handle his new rise of popularity within sociopolitical circles in South Vietnam. He goes to Da Lat for a vacation, where a meeting between him and a young woman has been arranged.
Cards on the Table: The Roving Chessman
