The great scholar of ancient Van Ha

The ancient land of Van Ha, now Thieu Hoa commune, is a region rich in traditions of scholarship and academic achievement. Over generations, it has produced many distinguished figures who have made significant contributions to the nation. Among them is Dr. Nguyen Quang Minh – a prominent scholar who has further enhanced the region's tradition of academic excellence.

Historical and cultural site: the church dedicated to Dr. Nguyen Quang Minh.

According to inscriptions, genealogical records, royal decrees, and oral traditions of elders in the Nguyen Quang family (Thieu Hoa commune), Dr. Nguyen Quang Minh was born in 1584 into a family with a tradition of holding official positions in Tri Can village (now Ward 1, Thieu Hoa commune). His father was a military official who made significant contributions to the cause of "restoring the Le dynasty and overthrowing the Mac dynasty." However, he did not follow the military path like his father, but chose to pursue a literary career. After enduring many hardships in his studies and examinations, in 1628, during the Mau Thin examination of Emperor Le Than Tong, he passed the examination and became a First-Class Doctor of Literature. At this time, he was 44 years old. He was appointed to the position of Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel and was once sent by the court to China to negotiate with the Ming dynasty. According to the inscription at the Temple of Literature, he was granted the title "My Loc Hou" by the court. Throughout his career as an official, Dr. Nguyen Quang Minh proved to be a talented, incorruptible official who cared deeply for the people, earning their respect.

He passed away in 1654 at the age of 71 and was honored as a benevolent deity by the imperial court in his hometown. Notably, he was also recognized as a benevolent deity in Phu Lo village (now part of Soc Son district, Hanoi ). At his temple in Ward 1, Thieu Hoa commune, there is a couplet that reads: “Van Ha never lost its high reputation / Phu Lo revived, a great benevolent deity” (meaning Van Ha never lost its high reputation, Phu Lo revived, a great benevolent deity). His tomb is inscribed with the words “Tombstone of the Doctor of the Imperial Academy”. Currently, the Nguyen Quang Minh Temple historical and cultural site still preserves a royal decree from Emperor Khai Dinh in the 9th year of his reign (1924) honoring him as “A revered deity who helped the country and saved the people with many miraculous manifestations”.

However, over time and through historical ups and downs, the historical and cultural relic of the Nguyen Quang Minh Doctor's Church has been restored and renovated many times. Dozens of royal decrees from the Le dynasty, along with original Han Nom genealogical documents, have been lost. With the approval of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in 2015, the Nguyen Quang family descendants restored and renovated the Nguyen Quang Minh Doctor's Church. The construction of the church not only expresses the gratitude of the family but also the shared pride of the entire local community towards the person who brought glory to their homeland. The church space is solemnly decorated, with items such as altars, horizontal plaques, and couplets... showing respect for the wise man, recalling a period that valued scholarship and honored those who passed the examinations. This is not only a place of remembrance but also a "red address" for traditional education for the younger generation.

Mr. Nguyen Khac Thang, 67 years old, a 17th-generation descendant of Dr. Nguyen Quang Minh, said: “The provincial-level historical site of Dr. Nguyen Quang Minh's ancestral temple currently preserves several artifacts such as a royal robe; an ancient imperial decree and large calligraphic inscription, an altar, a ceremonial tray, two pairs of swords, an antique porcelain dog, ancestral tablets, a box for hats and robes... All are original artifacts of the site, carefully preserved by generations of descendants.” Every year, on the 20th of May (lunar calendar), descendants of the Nguyen Quang family gather here to commemorate their ancestor, offering incense, remembering him, and recalling the family's traditions and the contributions of Dr. Nguyen Quang Minh. These activities not only have spiritual significance but also contribute to strengthening family bonds, fostering pride, and instilling a sense of preserving the family's traditions.”

Text and photos: Khac Cong

(This article uses source material from the Historical and Cultural Heritage Site of Dr. Nguyen Quang Minh's Church).

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/vi-dai-khoa-tren-dat-van-ha-xua-287078.htm