Discover the resting place of the renowned and learned king of the Nguyen dynasty.

Inside Hoa Khiem Duong (the temple dedicated to the king and queen), the building's interior is painted black, while the religious artifacts are gilded and lacquered. Many relics of King Tu Duc and his empresses and consorts are preserved here, especially the mirrored paintings illustrating poems composed by King Thieu Tri, with gilded and intricately carved frames.

Emperor Tự Đức (also known as Dực Tông Anh Hoàng Đế, given name Nguyễn Phúc Hồng Nhậm) ascended the throne at the age of 19 and reigned for 36 years (1847-1883), making him the fourth and longest-reigning of the 13 Nguyễn dynasty emperors. He died on June 16th of the Quy Mùi year, which is July 19th, 1883, at the age of 54.

According to historical records, Emperor Tự Đức had a refined and calm demeanor, read widely, and was the most learned and erudite emperor of the Nguyễn dynasty.

In terms of literature, the king made significant contributions to Vietnamese literature. He composed a vast body of work: 600 prose pieces, 4,000 poems in Chinese characters, and approximately 100 poems in Nom script.

He also personally edited and compiled several folk plays. The king established the Tập Hiền Viện and Khai Kinh Diên to discuss poetry, history, and politics with writers and poets. He directed the National Historical Institute to compile the Khâm Định Việt Sử Thông Giám Cương Mục... and wrote many "royal annotations" for this major historical work.

His works include: Imperial Poetry Collection, Imperial Prose Collection, Poetry Collection of the Self-Illustrated History of Vietnam, Analects in Verse, Ten Precepts in Verse, Self-Study Commentary in Verse... Particularly noteworthy is the Khiem Cung Ky inscribed on the Thanh stone stele, which has been recognized as a National Treasure.

Source: https://danviet.vn/kham-pha-noi-an-nghi-cua-vi-vua-noi-tieng-uyen-bac-trieu-nguyen-20240826144211246.htm