Nguyen Trai

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Nguyen Trai Biography

Nguyễn Trãi , also known under his style name Ức Trai1380–1442) was an illustrious Vietnamese Confucian scholar, a noted poet, a skilled politician and a master tactician. He was at times attributed with being capable of almost miraculous or mythical deeds in his designated capacity as a close friend and principal advisor of Lê Lợi, Vietnam's hero-king, who fought to free the country from Chinese rule. He is credited with writing the important political statements of Lê Lợi and inspiring the Vietnamese populace to support open rebellion against the Ming Dynasty rulers. He is also the author of the declaration of independence from China Bình Ngô đại cáo. After the war Nguyễn Trãi was elevated by Lê Lợi to an exalted position in the new court but internal intrigues, sycophantic machinations and clannish nepotism meant he was not appointed regent upon the king's death. Instead that position was bestowed upon Le Sat, who ruled as regent on behalf of the young heir Lê Thái Tông. At some point during the regency of Le Sat, having found life at court increasingly difficult, Nguyễn Trãi retired to his country home north of Hanoi in the tranquil mountains of Chí Linh, where he enjoyed poetry writing and meditation. Today, visitors can visit this site where a large shrine of remembrance, covering from the foot of the mountain to the top is erected to honour the national hero. The site of Nguyễn Trãi's house still exists, however only the tiled floors remain original. Close by is an ancient Buddhist temple, which has stood there several centuries before his time. Nguyễn Trãi's death resulted from a scandal involving the young king, Le Thai Tong, and the wife or concubine of Nguyễn Trãi, named Nguyễn Thị Lộ. Early in 1442, the young king began an affair with Nguyễn Thị Lộ. This affair continued when the king visited the old scholar at his home. Not long after the king left, he suddenly became ill and died. The nobles at the court blamed Nguyễn Trãi and Nguyễn Thị Lộ for the young king's death, accused them of regicide and had both, along with their entire extended families, exterminated. Twenty years later, the great king Lê Thánh Tông officially pardoned Nguyễn Trãi, saying that he was wholly innocent in the death of king Lê Thái Tông.)

The Best Poem Of Nguyen Trai

The Lotus

Mud fails to touch and soil its perfect hue.

A gentleman lives up to its proud name.

Wind wafts its scent on quiet moonlit nights.

Its wealth is purity, unmatched by all

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