Which king nearly lost his throne due to his excessive drinking?

He was King Tran Anh Tong (1276 - 1320), the fourth emperor of the Tran dynasty, the eldest son of King Tran Nhan Tong.

Historical records praise King Tran Anh Tong for his "skillful succession, which led to a period of peace, improved politics , and a flourishing cultural and political system; he was a good king of the Tran dynasty." However, before becoming a diligent and hardworking king who built a lasting foundation for the Tran dynasty, there was a period when the king had many bad habits.

King Tran Anh Tong nearly lost his throne due to drunkenness. (Illustrative image)

When he first ascended the throne, King Tran Anh Tong was fond of pleasure and did not pay attention to state affairs. At night, he would often secretly leave the palace with a few guards to go on incognito tours throughout the capital, and he enjoyed partying.

During a drunken episode, King Tran Anh Tong forgot to welcome the retired Emperor Tran Nhan Tong back to the capital, which angered his father greatly, who threatened to depose him. From then on, he abandoned his drinking habit and focused on court affairs.

The king diligently trained and cultivated himself to become a wise and benevolent emperor, devoted to the affairs of the state. The reign of King Tran Anh Tong witnessed a period of flourishing development for Dai Viet.

In 1314, King Tran Anh Tong abdicated the throne to his son, Tran Minh Tong, after 21 years of reign. He continued to participate in court affairs as the Retired Emperor and advised Minh Tong to trust and employ talented and virtuous people.

Commenting on King Tran Anh Tong, historian Ngo Si Lien said:

"The foundation of the world lies in the country, the foundation of the country lies in the home, and the foundation of the home lies in oneself... I read the historical accounts of Emperor Anh Tong and saw that he did not hesitate to correct his mistakes, respectfully served his parents, lived in harmony with his relatives, honored his ancestors as emperors and empresses, was meticulous in sacrificial rites, and cautious in funeral ceremonies—all of which were righteous; his family set a good example, and others followed suit."

Therefore, Emperor Nhân Tông praised filial piety above, and Emperor Minh Tông followed the established rules below. The country became civilized, and the people prospered. Isn't this the result of governing a country effectively, which stems from self-cultivation and managing one's family?

Kim Nha

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/vi-vua-nao-suyt-bi-phe-truat-do-ham-me-ruou-che-ar897938.html