What King in Vietnam’s History Had a Taste for Extravagant Feasts and Borrowed Heavily, Earning the Nickname ‘Chúa Chổm’?

In Vietnamese history, the name 'Chúa Chổm' is often mentioned. But who was this enigmatic figure and how did they acquire such a unique moniker?

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King Le Trang Tong was a ruler of the Later Le Dynasty in Vietnamese history, known for his humble beginnings and a past riddled with debt. The people affectionately nicknamed him “Chua Chom,” meaning “Lord Chom.”

According to the “Dai Viet Su Ky Toan Thu” (Complete Annals of Dai Viet), after the Le Dynasty was overthrown by Mac Dang Dung, many royal family members were killed. Le Duy Ninh, the future King Le Trang Tong, escaped this fate thanks to a high-ranking official named Le Quan, who helped him flee to the land of Ai Lao (present-day Laos).

King Le Trang Tong (1533–1548), born Le Duy Ninh, had a tumultuous life. He is well-remembered for his early struggles, earning him the endearing moniker of “poor Lord Chom” from the common people.

Le Trang Tong was the son of King Le Chieu Tong. When Mac Dang Dung usurped the Le throne, he and his mother sought refuge in Ai Lao. In 1533, loyal courtiers invited him back to reclaim the throne, unite the kingdom, and restore the Le Dynasty. Due to his childhood name, “Chom,” he became known as “Lord Chom” upon his ascension.

Legend has it that the young Le Duy Ninh accumulated significant debt during his humble beginnings. Living in poverty, he and his mother worked tirelessly to make ends meet, often relying on credit from street vendors.

During his exile, Le Duy Ninh, also known as Chổm, endured extreme poverty and had to borrow to survive. Later, when he ascended the throne and returned to the capital of Thang Long, he passed through his old village, where he and his mother had once sought refuge.

King Le Trang Tong, nicknamed “Lord Chom,” had a past marked by debt. (Illustrative image)

As he could not recall whom he owed and how much, and to prevent false claims, he waived taxes for one year for the people of that region, considering it a way to repay his old debts.

The court also issued an order prohibiting debt collectors from pointing fingers at the king in a disrespectful manner. As a result, the small path he once walked upon was named “Cam Chi,” meaning “prohibited from pointing,” and it still exists in Hanoi today.

In 1548, King Le Trang Tong passed away at the age of 34.

The “Dai Viet Su Ky Toan Thu” records: “The king encountered adversity, but thanks to his loyal subjects who enthroned him, allied with neighboring countries, and employed capable generals, the people were happy to serve, and the foundation of the Trung Hung [Restored Prosperity] was established.”

Frequently asked questions

The king in Vietnam’s history who had a taste for extravagant feasts and borrowed heavily, earning the nickname ‘Chúa Chôm’, was Mạc Thiên Tứ, a 17th-century Vietnamese lord.

Mạc Thiên Tứ was known for his extravagant lifestyle and lavish feasts. He borrowed heavily from Chinese merchants to fund his extravagant lifestyle, which included grand parties and feasts. ‘Chúa Chôm’ translates to ‘Lord Plunder’ or ‘Lord Loot’, reflecting his reputation for borrowing (or some say, confiscating) from others to support his indulgent habits.

Mạc Thiên Tứ’s extravagant spending and borrowing had significant consequences. His actions contributed to the economic and political decline of the Mạc dynasty, ultimately leading to their downfall. The dynasty’s financial troubles and loss of support from the people made them vulnerable to attacks by rival lords and, eventually, the Nguyễn lords who rose to power in the region.

Mạc Thiên Tứ’s lifestyle was in stark contrast to that of other Vietnamese lords of the period, who were known for their frugality and conservative spending. His excessive borrowing and lavish displays of wealth made him stand out and earned him a unique place in Vietnam’s historical narrative.

Despite his extravagant spending and the resulting financial troubles, Mạc Thiên Tứ’s reign had some positive aspects. He was known for his support of the arts and literature, and his court attracted scholars and poets. He also promoted trade and allowed foreign merchants to settle in his domain, which likely contributed to the cultural and economic development of the region during that time.

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