“
Tran Ich Phat was an extraordinary educator in Vietnamese history, with an impressive record of 74 students who achieved the highest academic honors, ranging from doctors to top-ranking scholars (Trạng Nguyên). Legend has it that a prefect once ordered a road leading to his house to be widened as an expression of gratitude to the teacher.
According to the book Dai Nam Nhat Thong Chi, Tran Ich Phat lived during the early Le dynasty of the Later Le dynasty (1428-1527), but his exact birth and death dates remain unknown.
Based on current historical sources, Teacher Tran Ich Phat was born in Tieu Duong village, Chi Linh district, in what is now Hai Duong province. He grew up in a very poor family and rarely had enough to eat.
A depiction of a traditional classroom in Vietnam
Among Tran Ich Phat’s students, three achieved the rank of Trạng Nguyên, four became Bang Nhãn, six earned Thám Hoa, ten attained Hoàng Giáp, and 51 became doctors. This achievement is remarkable, as mentoring even one student to such academic heights would have brought immense fame.
All three Trạng Nguyên mentioned above were disciples of Teacher Tran Ich Phat. Vu Kiet earned the title in 1472, followed by Tran Sung Dinh in 1487, and Nghiem Vien in 1496.
Another notable aspect is that the majority of Tran Ich Phat’s students achieved these distinctions at a young age. For instance, Vu Kiet became a Trạng Nguyên at just 21 years old, Tran Sung Dinh at 23, and Than Canh Van earned Thám Hoa at the age of 25.
Most of Tran Ich Phat’s students attained their academic successes during the reign of King Le Thanh Tong (1460-1497), a period marked by significant advancements in education and the imperial examination system.
According to the book Those Who Inspired: Vietnamese Educators, all three of Tran Ich Phat’s students mentioned above were part of the Tao Dan Nhi Thap Bat Tu, a group of 28 distinguished scholars established by King Le Thanh Tong.
“
The Royal Bloodline: A Proud Legacy of Vietnam’s Most Regal Family Name
Do you know which lineage boasts the most monarchs in the history of Vietnam’s dynasties?
The Royal Bloodline: A Proud Heritage of Vietnam’s Most Illustrious Dynasty
Throughout the rich history of Vietnam, there existed a remarkable dynasty that reigned supreme and produced an astonishing 31 monarchs. This illustrious lineage left an indelible mark on the nation, ushering in a golden age of prosperity and splendor.
Wild animals loved by the Vietnamese king to be kept in the palace
Vietnamese history has witnessed numerous feudal dynasties with the sophisticated hobbies of kings and emperors. One of them is the practice of raising wild animals in forbidden terrains.
Admiring the Beauty of Vietnamese Traditional Costumes Throughout History
Below, we can observe the evolution of Vietnamese attire throughout different periods, vividly showcasing the distinct characteristics of each era. Recognizing the significance and beauty of Vietnamese clothing throughout each period.
400 years of ruling, 31 kings, setting the record for the most reigns in Vietnamese history
This is a lineage with the most kings in the history of Vietnam, reigning on the golden throne for nearly 400 years.
