Tranh Hoang

<html><head></head><body>Lý Chiêu Hoàng was the first and only queen regnant in the history of our feudal Vietnam. She was also the youngest empress to be officially enthroned. Throughout her 60-year life (from 1218 to 1278), she held various royal titles.



Early Life and the Power Struggle Between the Lý and Trần Dynasties Lý Chiêu Hoàng was the second daughter of Emperor Lý Huệ Tông and Empress Trần Thị Dung. She was also the ninth and final emperor of the Lý dynasty (1010–1225). From an early age, she was caught in the power struggle between the Lý and Trần dynasties, which led to a life filled with hardships.



Ascending the Throne at a Young Age According to Đại Việt Sử Ký Toàn Thư, Lý Chiêu Hoàng ascended the throne in October 1224 at just six years old, adopting the reign title Thiên Chương Hữu Đạo. Due to her young age, state affairs were managed by her mother, Empress Dowager Trần Thị Dung. At that time, Trần Thủ Độ—the head of the imperial guards and a powerful figure in the court, who was also the cousin of the Empress Dowager—arranged for his eight-year-old nephew, Trần Cảnh, to enter the palace as a servant to Lý Chiêu Hoàng.



A Childhood Bond with Trần Cảnh Having a companion of the same age, Lý Chiêu Hoàng grew fond of Trần Cảnh, and they often played together. Đại Việt Sử Ký Toàn Thư records:



“One day, Cảnh, then eight years old, was tasked with bringing water for washing. Seeing this, Chiêu Hoàng took a liking to him and frequently summoned him to play at night. When she saw Cảnh standing in the shadows, she would tease him, either pulling his hair or stepping on his shadow.”



“On another occasion, when Cảnh was carrying water for her, Chiêu Hoàng playfully splashed water onto his face, laughing as she did so. Later, when Cảnh brought her a towel, she threw it back at him.”



The Palace Coup and Abdication Observing their closeness, Trần Thủ Độ conspired with his cousin, Empress Dowager Trần Thị Dung, to orchestrate a bold palace coup by bringing all their relatives into the Forbidden Palace.



Trần Thủ Độ then ordered his soldiers to seal the city gates and palace entrances, ensuring strict surveillance. When the Lý court officials sought an audience with the emperor, they were denied entry.



With the imperial palace under lockdown, the Lý court had no means of resistance since the Trần family effectively held the Empress and Empress Dowager as hostages. Trần Thủ Độ then proclaimed: “Her Majesty is already married.” Thus, Lý Chiêu Hoàng and Trần Cảnh were formally wed.



In November 1225, Lý Chiêu Hoàng issued an edict to abdicate in favor of Trần Cảnh. A month later, she ceremonially handed over the imperial robe at Thiên An Palace. With that, the Lý dynasty’s 216-year reign officially ended. Trần Cảnh ascended the throne as Emperor Trần Thái Tông, while Lý Chiêu Hoàng was conferred the title Empress and renamed Chiêu Thánh. At just seven years old, she became the youngest empress consort in history.



A Marriage and Loss Lý Chiêu Hoàng and Trần Cảnh lived together for ten years in a deep and respectful relationship. However, her fate remained tragic. In 1233, she gave birth to Crown Prince Trần Trịnh, but he passed away shortly after. Devastated, she fell into prolonged illness and was unable to conceive again.



Deposition and Demotion Fearing that the lack of an heir would destabilize the throne, Trần Thủ Độ forced Emperor Trần Thái Tông to depose her and instead install Princess Thuận Thiên—Lý Chiêu Hoàng’s elder sister and the wife of the emperor’s older brother—who was then three months pregnant.



Princess Thuận Thiên was elevated to Empress, while Lý Chiêu Hoàng was demoted to Chiêu Thánh Công Chúa (Princess Chiêu Thánh). Overcome with grief, she requested to leave the palace to become a Buddhist nun.



Marriage to Lê Tần and a New Chapter In 1258, during the Mongol invasion, Emperor Trần Thái Tông was saved by a general named Lê Tần, who shielded him from enemy arrows using a wooden plank. In recognition of his bravery, the emperor granted him the title Ngự sử đại phu and arranged for him to marry his former wife, Lý Chiêu Hoàng. At that time, she was 40 years old. With Lê Tần, she bore two children: a son, Lê Tông, who was later given the noble title Thượng Vị Hầu, and a daughter, Princess Ứng Thụy Lê Ngọc Khuê.



According to historian Nguyễn Đức Thìn, despite being an arranged marriage, it ultimately brought Lý Chiêu Hoàng love and happiness.



The Legacy of Lý Chiêu Hoàng Although she was the last ruler of the illustrious Lý dynasty—a dynasty that laid the foundation for later prosperity in Đại Việt—Lý Chiêu Hoàng endured an exceptionally turbulent fate. The Lý dynasty had nine emperors, but only the first eight (from Lý Thái Tổ to Lý Huệ Tông) were enshrined at Đền Đô, while she was worshipped separately at Đền Rồng. Some historians speculate that she was excluded because she was seen as responsible for the dynasty’s downfall. However, historian Nguyễn Đức Thìn argued that the transition of power from the Lý to the Trần dynasty was historically inevitable:



“Lý Chiêu Hoàng’s decision to abdicate in favor of her husband, Trần Cảnh, was necessary. The Lý dynasty had weakened, and the Trần family’s rise was in accordance with fate. This transition allowed Đại Việt to become strong enough to repel three Mongol invasions, ensuring peace for the land. Had she remained on the throne and prolonged the Lý dynasty’s decline, she would have been guilty of failing her people. Thus, as a citizen of Đại Việt—and especially as a former emperor—her abdication was a positive act.”



Final Days and Death In March 1278, Lý Chiêu Hoàng passed away at the age of 60. It is said that she died while visiting her ancestral homeland in Cổ Pháp (modern-day Bắc Ninh), and even in her final moments, her hair remained jet-black, her lips as red as vermilion, and her cheeks as rosy as peach blossoms. She was buried at the western edge of Thọ Lăng Thiên Đức and later worshipped at Long Miếu (Dragon Temple).



A Life Marked by Tragedy and Legacy From birth to death, Lý Chiêu Hoàng’s life was marked by extraordinary upheavals, making her one of the most tragic figures in Vietnam’s feudal history. Over her lifetime, she held seven different titles:



<ol>
<li>Princess of the Lý dynasty</li>



<li>Crown Prince of the Lý dynasty</li>



<li>Empress Regnant of the Lý dynasty</li>



<li>Empress Consort of the Trần dynasty</li>



<li>Princess of the Trần dynasty</li>



<li>Buddhist nun during the Trần era</li>



<li>Wife of a Trần dynasty general</li>
</ol>



Her story remains one of the most poignant in Vietnamese history.
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The Tumultuous and Eventful Life of Lý Chiêu Hoàng

<html><head></head><body>During the reign of Emperor Dụ Tông, the Trần dynasty fell into a severe crisis. The heroic spirit of Đông A was no longer present. The internal contradictions of the manor and fiefdom system deepened.



The Trần aristocracy increasingly degenerated, indulging in luxurious lives. Serfs and slaves, subjected to brutal oppression and exploitation, rose in rebellion. Natural disasters struck repeatedly, halting production and leaving the people impoverished. Meanwhile, the southern kingdom of Champa raided the borders year after year. The royal court was in decay, the emperor was incompetent, eunuchs wielded unchecked power, and virtuous individuals distanced themselves from the court. The Trần dynasty faced imminent collapse despite the efforts of many distinguished Confucian scholars to stabilize the situation. However, they were ultimately powerless against the inevitable decline.



Following the Dương Nhật Lễ incident, Emperor Trần Nghệ Tông managed to reclaim the throne. However, facing a crumbling monarchy, he had to find a suitable policy to stabilize the nation. Trained in the philosophy of Song Confucianism, Nghệ Hoàng was sympathetic to rigid Confucian scholars, but their ideals were insufficient to restore the Trần dynasty.



Times had changed, demanding a different approach and a leader distinct from the typical Song Confucian model to reverse the situation. Nghệ Hoàng saw in Hồ Quý Ly a new Tô Hiến Thành, capable of revitalizing the Trần dynasty. The phrase embroidered on the banner bestowed upon Quý Ly—“A master of both civil and military affairs, sharing virtue with the ruler”—reflected this recognition.



Hồ Quý Ly ascended to military power partly through his familial ties to the Trần dynasty. However, Nghệ Hoàng’s trust in him stemmed not only from these ties but also from Quý Ly’s compelling political ideology and dynamic leadership style. Trần Nghệ Tông, a gentle and benevolent but weak and passive ruler, bore the heavy responsibility of restoring the Trần dynasty. In contrast, Quý Ly was sharp, resourceful, decisive, and energetic—qualities that made him a valuable ally in shouldering this burden. Nghệ Hoàng’s disappointment with the conservative, ineffective Confucian scholars further strengthened his reliance on Quý Ly, leading him to entrust Quý Ly with significant responsibilities. Additionally, the court’s internal politics played a role, as Nghệ Hoàng’s mother and Emperor Duệ Tông were both Quý Ly’s aunts, and Princess Huy Ninh was his wife.



So why did Nghệ Hoàng favor Quý Ly? The answer lies in Quý Ly’s political vision and governing approach, as demonstrated through his words, writings, and actions.



It is a mistake to assume that Quý Ly was merely a military man with little education. Throughout his decades of service to the Trần dynasty and his subsequent reign, his speeches, writings, and policies reveal a deep intellectual foundation. He was well-versed in the Classics, Hundred Schools of Thought, and Three Teachings and Nine Streams. His profound knowledge enabled him to boldly write Minh Đạo, reorganize the hierarchy of sages, challenge The Analects, compose Thi Nghĩa in the vernacular language, and translate Thiên vô dật, all with the purpose of fiercely criticizing Song Confucianism. Clearly, Quý Ly was an exceptional scholar. Not only did he persuade Nghệ Hoàng, but he also won the support of numerous progressive intellectuals of his time, such as Hoàng Hối Khanh, Đỗ Tử Trừng, Nguyễn Phi Khanh, Vũ Mộng Nguyên, and Nguyễn Trãi. They rallied around him to partake in his reform efforts.


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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Hồ Quý Ly’s Governance and Leadership Style</h3>



First, Quý Ly rejected the purely moral-based governance of conservative Confucians like Cheng-Zhu scholars, who clung to outdated doctrines of virtue and ethics. The golden ages of Nguyên Phong and Long Hưng were over. As he assumed power during a period of decline and chaos, Quý Ly strongly advocated for Legalist governance, placing law and order at the core. He used autocratic measures to enforce absolute obedience, implementing harsh punishments to suppress opposition and executing economic, political, military, and cultural reforms with an iron fist.



This authoritarian legalist approach aligned with Trần Nghệ Tông’s concerns about the monarchy’s weakening authority. Consequently, Nghệ Hoàng endorsed these policies, lending his name to their implementation—a path later pursued even more aggressively by Emperor Hán Thương. Only Hồ Nguyên Trừng foresaw the inevitable failure of such extreme measures, but lacking Quý Ly’s trust, he did not dare to intervene.



Hồ Quý Ly’s policies were consistent throughout his career. His reforms were not implemented all at once but gradually, beginning with his appointment as Khu Mật Đại Sứ (Head of the Secret Council), progressing to the title of Đại Vương Quốc Tổ Chương Hoàng, and ultimately becoming emperor. Naturally, once he consolidated power, his reforms were enacted with full force. These changes encompassed various aspects of society, economy, politics, military affairs, foreign policy, and culture.



Regardless of Hồ Quý Ly’s personal motivations and ethical considerations, his reforms addressed many pressing issues of late 14th-century Đại Việt. The existing feudal system of large estates and decentralized rule could no longer sustain societal progress. Economic and social development required transferring land ownership to private individuals and liberating serfs and slaves to stimulate production. Financial and monetary reforms were essential for national expenditure and trade. The political structure demanded a strong centralized government with an effective bureaucracy, a formidable military, and a national culture independent of Chinese influence. Despite their limitations, Hồ Quý Ly’s reforms reflected progressive ideals grounded in the realities of the time. If executed wisely, they could have strengthened the nation. Later, Lê Lợi and his successors built upon lessons learned from the Hồ era to rejuvenate Đại Việt.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Why Did Hồ Quý Ly’s Reforms Fail?</h3>



Despite being aligned with historical necessity, Hồ Quý Ly’s reforms ultimately led to the downfall of the Hồ dynasty and earned severe condemnation from history.



<ol>
<li>Excessive Legalism and Harsh Rule While virtue-based governance was no longer suitable for a chaotic society, Quý Ly’s extreme reliance on legalist policies led to brutality. He enforced reforms through coercion, forcibly relocating the capital, and constructing Tây Đô against widespread opposition. By entirely discarding the humane governance traditions of the Trần dynasty, he alienated the populace.</li>



<li>Lack of Popular Support Though aimed at national strength, his reforms did not genuinely prioritize the well-being of the working class and middle strata. His failure to recognize that “the people are like water; they can float a boat or overturn it” led to widespread discontent.</li>



<li>Dynastic Interests Over National Interests Quý Ly’s reforms never transcended feudal ideology. As a minister, he served the Trần dynasty; as an emperor, he prioritized the Hồ family’s power. His national strengthening efforts were ultimately driven by dynastic ambitions.</li>



<li>Acquiring Power Through Manipulation Rather Than Merit Quý Ly’s rise was not based on moral authority but on political maneuvering. He built a factional power base and ruthlessly eliminated opposition, earning public resentment.</li>



<li>Incomplete and Rushed Reforms His half-measures antagonized conservatives while failing to fully satisfy reformists. Furthermore, he lacked time to solidify his changes. As a Trần minister, he hesitated to act decisively; as emperor, he faced both internal resistance and external threats from Champa and Ming China.</li>
</ol>



With a weak political foundation, the Hồ dynasty was doomed when faced with the mighty Ming invasion. Quý Ly failed to defend the nation and was captured along with his son, becoming a prisoner of the Ming—a humiliation the Vietnamese people never forgot. In contrast, figures like Lê Hoàn, Lý Công Uẩn, and Trần Thủ Độ also usurped power but were not condemned because they successfully defended and strengthened the nation.



The lesson from Hồ Quý Ly’s reforms is that governance must adapt to social realities, balancing virtue and law. A ruler must win the people’s trust while enforcing discipline. Only through such harmony can a nation achieve sustainable strength and prosperity.
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Hồ Quý Ly’s Governance and Leadership Style

Hồ Quý Ly and the Reform of the Nation

<html><head></head><body>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.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Noble and Educated Empress</h2>



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.


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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Husband’s Betrayal</h2>



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.


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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">News That Broke Her Heart</h2>



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.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Letter to the Mistress</h2>



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.”)


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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Dignity of an Empress</h2>



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.
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A Noble and Educated Empress

News That Broke Her Heart

A Letter to the Mistress

The Dignity of an Empress

Empress Nam Phương’s Letter That Pierced Emperor Bảo Đại’s Heart

<html><head></head><body>“Tình ơi! Dù sao đi nữa, xin vẫn yêu em” (Love! No matter what, I still love you) – That is the only thing I want to say about love. Let us give, let us accept, and let us forgive, so that love may forever remain our faith and hope.”



These heartfelt words by musician Ngô Thụy Miên, shared with Nguyễn Quang (son of his close friend, musician Nguyễn Ánh 9), reveal a warm and steadfast heart devoted to his lifelong love — his wife, Đoàn Thanh Vân.



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</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Riêng Một Góc Trời (A Private Corner of the World) – One of his most famous songs.</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">A Lifetime of Love Songs for One Woman</h3>



Ngô Thụy Miên, whose real name is Ngô Quang Bình, was born on September 26, 1948, in Hải Phòng. He was a gifted composer who carved his own path in music, pursuing a unique style that avoided elaborate storytelling or excessive melancholy. He once said, “I don’t compose music to live, but I live to compose music,” illustrating that he lived for art rather than using his creations as a means to chase monetary gain.



Ngô Thụy Miên approached music with his own personal emotions, without any commercial intentions. As he declared, his music transcended the constraints of those who used songs and lyrics as a livelihood, as was common among some of his contemporaries.



He wrote for himself, driven by his genuine feelings, stating, “I don’t write for everyone.” Despite this personal approach, his music resonated deeply with many, capturing the emotions of anyone who has ever experienced the stirrings of love.



Nguyễn Quang, who knew Ngô Thụy Miên from his childhood in Saigon and has corresponded with him frequently since, is convinced that the musician had only one muse in his life: his wife. She was the inspiration behind all of his songs, from the earliest to the latest.



From “Chiều nay không có em” (This Afternoon Without You), written in 1963 in Saigon and introduced to the public in 1965, Ngô Thụy Miên composed for his love. Through the turmoil and chaos of life, to the songs he penned in America, all were dedicated to her.



Đoàn Thanh Vân was the daughter of renowned actor Đoàn Châu Mậu, one of Saigon’s biggest stars in the 1960s. After “Chiều nay không có em”, written during his one-sided admiration for her beauty, he composed “Mùa thu cho em” (Autumn for You) when their budding romance began, celebrating the tender blush of young love.



By the time he wrote “Niệm khúc cuối” (The Last Serenade) in 1971—a bright, romantic song widely regarded as his most recorded and performed piece—Ngô Thụy Miên further affirmed his unyielding and passionate love: “Even through the rain, I will walk you to the end of life.”



True to his lyrics, their love faced storms, clouds, and trials—not from a third party but from the vast challenges of separation and life’s harsh realities. In 1973, they became engaged, with plans to marry after Vân’s university graduation. Yet, unforeseen circumstances tore them apart. Still, Ngô Thụy Miên endured every storm, crossing oceans to reunite with his beloved, declaring: “No matter what, I still love you.”



They reunited and married in America in 1979. In the joy of their reunion, Ngô Thụy Miên composed “Em về mùa thu” (You Returned in Autumn), a jubilant melody celebrating their happiness: “Love ascends the soul with passion/ Dreams trace the soft embrace of love.”



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">A Private Corner of the World with His Wife</h3>



Nguyễn Quang shares that after their arduous journey to reunite, Ngô Thụy Miên and his wife chose a reclusive life, far removed from the public’s expectations of a celebrated musician.



Eschewing public performances, Ngô Thụy Miên worked as an ordinary laborer to support his family. The couple settled in Olympia, Washington, living quietly in a home on a hill in the suburbs.



Despite admirers seeking him out, Ngô Thụy Miên avoided using a phone and communicated sparingly via email. He guarded their private space so fiercely that even close friends like Nguyễn Ánh 9 did not know their address.



In their secluded world, he often played and sang for his wife, pouring his heart into melodies that celebrated their enduring love: “Love is like sunshine, sunshine brings you back, by the dreamy stream/ Lightly swaying with the breeze, the breeze carries vows, far from the old place…”



Initially, he intended to keep this song private for his wife. It remained hidden for years until singer Tuấn Ngọc requested to record it, spreading its beauty far and wide.



“There isn’t a love in any romantic novel as beautiful as this. This love surpasses novels, even films,” Nguyễn Quang admired.



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In essence, Ngô Thụy Miên’s music is a testament to authenticity and artistic integrity. By composing from the depths of his own emotions and staying true to his unique vision, he created timeless works that transcend personal expression, speaking to the universal experiences of love and longing. His legacy stands as a reminder that art born from sincerity has the power to touch countless hearts.
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A Private Corner of the World with His Wife