Four prominent scholars of Bac Giang shine in Vietnam's history

Updated: 06:02, 30/01/2025

BAC GIANG - During Vietnam’s feudal period, from the Ly Dynasty in the 11th century to the end of the Nguyen Dynasty in 1945, Bac Giang province produced 58 doctors, including four exceptional “Trang Nguyen” (the top scorers in the imperial examinations). They are Dao Su Tich, Doan Xuan Loi, Giap Hai, and Nguyen Dinh Tuan.

Dao Su Tich and Doan Xuan Loi were both esteemed scholars of the Tran Dynasty in the 14th century.

The temple dedicated to Trang Nguyen Giap Hai stands on Coc Hill, Dinh Tri ward, Bac Giang city.

Tich, from Song Khe village, Song Khe commune, Yen Dung district (now part of Bac Giang city), earned the title of Trang Nguyen in 1374. Loi, from Trau Lo village, Mai Dinh commune, Hiep Hoa district, became Trang Nguyen in 1384.

Tich passed the imperial exams 10 years before Loi. Both scholars served the Tran Dynasty, though they held different roles.

Tich was renowned for his intelligence, academic excellence, and talent. His exam paper, considered the finest of its time, has been preserved for centuries. He was appointed as head of the Ministry of Rites, one of the six key ministries in the royal court.

Loi, after passing the exams, was appointed as Quoc Tu Ho Giao, a role assisting in the education of students at the national university, Quoc Tu Giam, in the capital.

Historical records describe him as sharp, intelligent, and experienced. His upright character, which rejected sycophants and the abuse of power, earned him great respect.

The third Trang Nguyen from Bac Giang was Giap Hai, also known as Trang Ke. He hailed from Dinh Ke village in Phuong Nhon district, Lang Giang prefecture, Kinh Bac region.

Giap Hai passed the imperial exams in 1538. A man of great talent, he served as an envoy to the Ming Dynasty in China. Throughout his career, he held many high-ranking positions, including the head of the six ministries and scholar at the Imperial Academy.

Later, he was given the title of Duke of Ke Khe Ba. Giap Hai was celebrated for his diligence and dedication, always striving for a peaceful country and prosperous people.

The stone stele at the Coc Hill temple was recognised as a national treasure.

The fourth and final Trang Nguyen from Bac Giang was Nguyen Dinh Tuan, born in Trau Lo village, Mai Dinh commune, Hiep Hoa district. Tuan became the top scorer in the 1901 imperial exams in Hue (known as Dinh Nguyen).

He held numerous important administrative positions, including the chief of Viet Yen district, education director of Yen Bai, and education supervisor in several provinces, nurturing many successful students.

Later, after settling in Thai Nguyen, Tuan introduced tea cultivation to Tan Cuong, creating the famous Tan Cuong tea. For this contribution, the people of Tan Cuong honoured him as their patron deity, worshipping him in the communal house.

Tuan also wrote a historical poem, Viet Nam Quoc Su Dien Ca, which is still passed down to this day.

Nguyen Van Phong