Nguyen Nghiem and Nguyen Khan with La Son Phu Tu Nguyen Thiep

Abstract

Duke Nguyen Nghiem (1708 - 1775) and Duke Nguyen Khan (1734 - 1786) were two influential figures in Vietnamese history during the reign of Le Trung Hung. La Son phu tu Nguyen Thiep (1723 - 1804) was a student of Duke Nguyen Nghiem but was a brother-in-law of Duke Nguyen Khan. La Son Phu tu Nguyen Thiep, Nguyen Nghiem, and Nguyen Khan are close friends, although they live separate lives and behave in distinct ways. Even though he was a student, Nguyen Thiep never asked for help from his "teacher" who was a prime minister. Several times Nguyen Nghiem considered and recommended Nguyen Thiep as an official, but he always hesitated and refused. Even participating in the Hoi exam, Nguyen Thiep was not greedy. When his family fell into a harsh period, Nguyen Thiep still refused to accept help from others. In 1778, when Tran Van Ky went to Thang Long to compete in the Hoi exam, he went to meet Duke Nguyen Khan to ask about the Northern scholars. The first person introduced by Duke Nguyen Khan was La Son Phu tu Nguyen Thiep. Whatever the situation, La Son Phu Tu Nguyen Thiep consistently demonstrates incredibly noble attributes. He maintained an elegant soul and remained pure throughout his challenging life, which was filled with numerous luxuries and temptations. He had no concern for fame, riches, or worldly possessions.