Reading the lines written by Empress Nam Phương to her husband’s mistress, Bảo Đại’s face gradually turned pale. Fifty years later, the letter was finally made public, revealing the grace and dignity of a woman who had endured betrayal in silence.
A Noble and Educated Empress
Empress Nam Phương came from a wealthy Southern Vietnamese family. She was educated in France at the prestigious Couvent des Oiseaux, which shaped her open-minded and tolerant worldview. Her beauty was unmatched, and her intelligence was equally remarkable.
In marriage, she sought only a faithful husband. The condition she set for marrying Emperor Bảo Đại was the dissolution of the imperial harem and the complete abandonment of polygamy in the royal court.
A Husband’s Betrayal
Despite her wishes, Bảo Đại remained devoted to her for only a few years before indulging in numerous affairs, causing her much sorrow. Yet, she never displayed resentment or anger. She silently endured, preserving his dignity while accepting her own suffering.
Among Bảo Đại’s many affairs, the most notable was his relationship with dancer Lý Lệ Hà. This affair was detailed in From the Huế Court to the Việt Bắc Resistance Zone, the memoir of Phạm Khắc Hòe, the former Chief of the Imperial Cabinet.
News That Broke Her Heart
In September 1945, after abdicating the throne, Bảo Đại moved to Hanoi to serve as the Supreme Advisor to the government. Separated from his wife, he sought comfort in dance halls, where he met the beautiful Lý Lệ Hà.
News of this affair reached Empress Nam Phương. She was deeply hurt—her lips tightened, her eyes became distant, and silent tears fell. One day, Phạm Khắc Hòe visited her with a letter from Bảo Đại, in which he requested money to sustain his life in Hanoi.
After reading it, she calmly asked, “Do you know why he needs the money and how much he requires?” Hòe avoided the question, merely mumbling evasively.
When he returned for her reply, she gently requested, “Tell me the full truth about Mr. Vĩnh Thuy (Bảo Đại’s real name) and his infatuation with Miss Lý.” Though he knew she already had the answer, he hesitated, choosing to remain vague.
A Letter to the Mistress
She then took two 500-piastres banknotes, placed them in an envelope along with a pink letter filled with French words, sealed it, and handed it to Hòe. As he held the envelope, he hesitated before advising her to move to Hanoi to be with Bảo Đại. She waved her hand dismissively, saying, “I am used to enduring alone. Let them have their happiness.”
Upon returning to Hanoi, Hòe delivered the envelope to Bảo Đại. As the former emperor read the letter, his face turned paler with each word. Fifty years later, the third party in this love triangle finally revealed the letter.
It turned out to be a letter from Empress Nam Phương to her rival. Her words were gentle as mist, soft yet profound, carrying the tone of a dignified woman advising one of lesser standing.
There were no accusations, no bitterness, no insults—only heartfelt sentiments of grace and understanding. The more one read, the deeper its meaning became. Lý Lệ Hà knew that Nam Phương was fully aware of the affair, yet the empress still expressed gratitude, thanking her for taking care of her husband.
Did Bảo Đại feel even a twinge of remorse upon reading such words?
The original text of the letter, published in Bảo Đại – The Last Emperor of the Nguyễn Dynasty (Da Nang Publishing House, 2004), reads:
“Em Lý Lệ Hà thân quý.
Chị ở xa Đức Cựu Hoàng hàng mấy vạn dặm trùng dương nhưng chị biết rằng em đang hết lòng hết sức chăm sóc Cựu Hoàng ở Hong Kong. Chị cầu mong lịch sử mai đây không buông rơi cựu hoàng, còn gặp lại nhau. Đức Từ Cung Thái hậu và chị trọn kiếp nhớ ơn em.
Chị Nam Phương!”
(“Dear Lý Lệ Hà,
Though I am thousands of miles across the ocean from the former emperor, I know that you are devotedly caring for him in Hong Kong. I pray that history will not abandon him and that we will meet again someday. The Dowager Empress Từ Cung and I will forever be grateful to you.
Sincerely, Nam Phương.”)
The Dignity of an Empress
The pursuit of beautiful women was an intrinsic trait of Bảo Đại—whether they were ordinary maids, the wives of his servants, Miss Indochina winners, or nightclub dancers.
Yet, Nam Phương always carried herself with grace and dignity. She had devoted years of her life to building a family with her husband, only to later open her heart in forgiveness for his betrayals.
She never resorted to anger or revenge. Instead, she upheld her honor with quiet resilience and unwavering class. Empress Nam Phương remains a symbol of strength, dignity, and the noble virtues that command the respect of all.