Top 10 Geniuses in Vietnamese History

Lương Thế Vinh, whose courtesy name was Cảnh Nghị and pen name was Thụy Hiên, was born into an educated farming family in Cao Hương village, Thiên Bản district, now Vụ Bản, Nam Định. From a young age, he was known as a prodigy, remarkable for both his intelligence and many talents. As he grew older, he continued to excel in his studies while also enjoying leisure activities such as kite flying, playing football, fishing, and bird hunting. Meanwhile, his peers were consumed by their studies. Lương Thế Vinh had an exceptional memory and learning technique that allowed him to retain knowledge effortlessly. Before he turned twenty, his academic prowess became widely recognized throughout Sơn Nam. At 23, he passed the prestigious Trạng Nguyên exam in the year Quý Mùi (1463) during the reign of King Lê Thánh Tông.

Many anecdotes are told about Lương Thế Vinh, who was a polymath, excelling not only in mathematics but also in Buddhist studies, music, and poetry. Famous for his mathematical skills, he once impressed Chinese envoys to the point that they remarked, 'Vietnam has so many talented people.' Lương was also a skilled diplomat, trusted by King Lê to draft important diplomatic documents and accompany foreign envoys. In one notable event, the envoys, knowing of his title as Trạng Nguyên, tested him by challenging him to weigh an elephant and measure the thickness of a sheet of paper. Without hesitation, he accepted the challenge. He directed his assistants to bring the elephant onto a boat, marking the waterline. Then he added stones to the boat, equivalent to the weight of the elephant. By dividing the stones into smaller portions and calculating, he determined the elephant's weight. For the paper thickness, he borrowed a book from the envoys and measured the thickness, dividing it by the number of pages to find the answer. The envoys were astounded and felt embarrassed when he revealed that the method for weighing elephants was based on Tào Xung's technique, which they hadn't known. Lương's mathematical contributions were immortalized in important texts such as 'Đại thành Toán pháp' and 'Khải minh Toán học,' which remained part of the Vietnamese curriculum for 450 years. This is where the name 'Trạng Lường' originated.

Beyond mathematics, Lương Thế Vinh was well-versed in music and traditional Vietnamese opera, Cheo. In his later years, he returned to his hometown to teach poor students and lived a quiet, contemplative life. After his death, his friend, Doctor Quách Hữu Nghiêm, published Lương's work, 'Cuốn Hý phường phả lục,' which became the first theoretical work on traditional theater arts in Vietnam.

Disguising as a man to sit for the examination and passing the Trạng Nguyên exam – Nguyễn Thị Duệ is the only woman in the history of Vietnam's Confucian examination system during the feudal period.

Nguyễn Thị Duệ, born Nguyễn Thị Ngọc Toàn in 1574, came from a poor Confucian family in Chí Linh, Hải Dương province. She was known from a young age for her beauty, talent, and proficiency in literature and music, which made her popular among many. However, the patriarchal values of feudal Vietnam, which prioritized male scholars, meant that despite her passion for learning, she could not pursue her studies as a woman. So, she disguised herself as a man and entered the imperial examination, eventually becoming Trạng Nguyên during the reign of the Mạc Dynasty. King Mạc Kính Cung was shocked to learn that the new Trạng Nguyên was a woman. Although he admired her talent and did not hold it against her, she was not allowed to officially claim the title of Trạng Nguyên according to the customs of the time. Nevertheless, the king allowed her to remain in the royal court to teach the concubines. Later, she was appointed as a concubine by King Mạc Kính Cung and was given the title Tinh Phi, or Lady of the Star.

Her life was filled with both highs and lows. Because of her remarkable talent and strong character, Lord Trịnh refrained from executing her and instead treated her with great respect, assigning her many important tasks, such as overseeing education in the court and nurturing talent. In her later years, she retired to her hometown, where she continued to read, teach, and was greatly admired by the people, with praises such as: 'Her wisdom is profound, and she is highly revered by all.'

Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm (1491–1585), originally named Nguyễn Văn Đạt, with the courtesy name Hanh Phủ and the pen name Bạch Vân Cư Sĩ, was one of the most significant figures in 16th-century Vietnamese history and culture. He was renowned for his integrity, poetic talents, and his role as a prominent educator during the Lê-Mạc civil war. His prophetic abilities earned him widespread recognition as a visionary, with many predicting historical events in Vietnam's future.

After passing the prestigious Trạng Nguyên exam in 1535, Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm served under the Mạc Dynasty. He was given the title Trình Tuyền Hầu and later promoted to Trình Quốc Công, a title the public affectionately referred to him as Trạng Trình. In modern times, the Cao Đài religion canonized him as Thanh Sơn Đạo Sĩ, or True Immortal of Thanh Sơn. Widely regarded as Vietnam’s greatest prophet, his predictions, known as Sấm Trạng Trình, have been passed down through generations. Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm is also considered the first to consciously mention the name 'Vietnam' in its modern sense, through his surviving literary works.

Experts believe that Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm may have been the first in Vietnam to articulate a comprehensive strategic vision for the country’s sovereignty over the South China Sea as early as the 16th century. His writings are also seen as the earliest known references to the term 'Vietnam' as the national identity of the people, which has endured to this day.

According to the "Great Viet Historical Chronicles", Khương Công Phụ was born in 731 and passed away in 805. His courtesy name was Đức Văn, and he hailed from Sơn Ổi village, Cổ Hiển commune (now Tường Vân village, Định Thành commune, Yên Định district, Thanh Hóa province). From a young age, he was renowned for his intelligence and soon mastered the classical texts.

During the Tang Dynasty, every year, eight candidates from Annam were chosen to take the imperial exams in Chang'an. In 758, Khương Công Phụ and his brother Khương Công Phục were two of the eight selected. At the imperial examination in Chang'an, Khương Công Phụ's exceptional talent helped him outperform many others, securing the top spot. His essay, titled "Direct Speech and Persuasion", was so impressive that all the examiners acknowledged his extraordinary abilities. After passing the exam, Khương Công Phụ was appointed to the position of "Xiào Shū Láng" (a civil servant rank) by the Tang Emperor, while his brother Khương Công Phục was appointed to the role of "Lang Zhong of the Ministry of Rites". Thanks to his intellect and moral integrity, Khương Công Phụ introduced numerous policies that greatly benefited the Tang court, earning immense respect from Emperor Dezong, who later promoted him to higher positions such as "Left Ten Di Hanlin Academician" and "Minister of Household Military Affairs". In the "New Tang History", Ouyang Xiu praised Khương Công Phụ for his great abilities and clear, insightful reports that were highly valued by the emperor.

In October of the fourth year of the Jianzhong era (783), Khương Công Phụ gave critical advice to the emperor regarding the military unrest in Chang'an caused by the Chu Shi rebellion. As a result, he was promoted to "Grand Counselor of the Central Secretariat", granting him the authority to advise the emperor and review the actions of high-ranking officials. This position placed him among the highest ranks of the Tang Dynasty, with historical records such as the "Zizhi Tongjian" and "Tang Hui Yao" acknowledging him as a prime minister during that time.

Today, the temple dedicated to Khương Công Phụ, along with the official titles awarded to him by various dynasties, can still be found in Yên Định, Thanh Hóa. Khương Công Phụ remains a unique figure in Vietnam's feudal history, being the first Vietnamese to pass the highest imperial exam in a foreign land and hold a prominent position in the Chinese government. He continues to be celebrated by scholars for his literary genius and exemplary character.

Nguyễn Trực (1417 – 1473). In the first year of the Thiệu Bình era (1434), at the age of 17, Nguyễn Trực took the regional examination and emerged as the top candidate (Giải nguyên). In 1442, at the age of 25, he participated in the imperial examination during the third year of the Đại Bảo era, passing with the highest honor as the top scholar (Trạng nguyên). The king bestowed upon him the title of 'National Academy Lecturer' and awarded him the Á Liệt Khanh honor, placing him at the top among 33 scholars of his cohort.

Historical records tell that Nguyễn Trực was born in a time of turmoil, when the Hồ Dynasty had seized the throne from the Trần Dynasty. Nguyễn Trực's father fled to the west, settling in Tiểu Đông Mộng in Cây Thượng village, Nghĩa Hương commune, Quốc Oai district, Hà Tây. Here, Nguyễn Trực was born to his mother Đỗ Thị Chừng, in the Am Long Khôi area of Sài Sơn village, which is now part of the Quốc Oai district. Despite his young age, when Nguyễn Trực ascended to fame, King Lê Thái Tông celebrated his achievements with a banquet at the Quỳnh garden and took him on a royal tour around the capital city of Tràng An. Later, Nguyễn Trực was appointed by the king as an official envoy to the Ming Dynasty. During his stay in Ming China, Nguyễn Trực, along with his deputy Trịnh Thiết Trường, sought to demonstrate the scholarly capabilities of Vietnam by participating in the imperial exams. The Ming emperor granted their request, allowing them to sit for the exams like any other candidates. Upon the results, Nguyễn Trực emerged as the top scholar, while Trịnh Thiết Trường earned the second-highest honor. The Ming emperor was impressed, exclaiming, 'Every land produces its own talents,' and awarded Nguyễn Trực the title 'Dual-Nation Scholar Laureate.'

In his later years, Nguyễn Trực expressed a strong desire to return to his rural roots and live a simple, peaceful life away from the competitive and turbulent life of the capital city.

According to the 'Trịnh Vương Ngọc Phả', Trịnh Huệ was a brilliant child who had an extraordinary aptitude for learning. He could memorize a page of text with just a glance, and years later could recall it perfectly. In 1723, at the age of 16, he took the regional exam and passed with the top honor, earning the title of Hương Cống. By 1736, at the age of 29, he excelled in the national exams and passed both the Hội and Đình exams, securing the highest honor as the Trạng Nguyên.

The stone tablet at the Văn Miếu in Hanoi still commemorates his achievement in the 1736 exams, inscribed with his name as the first-place graduate. After becoming Trạng Nguyên, Trịnh Huệ was appointed as the Eastern Academician and rose to the rank of Chief Minister in charge of the Ministry of Justice (with the title of Duke), essentially becoming the de facto Prime Minister. In 1740, during a political upheaval when Trịnh Giang was replaced by Trịnh Doanh, Trịnh Huệ was accused of supporting a rival faction and was imprisoned. However, he was later exonerated and was honored with the title of 'Principal of the National Academy'.

After his retirement, Trịnh Huệ returned to his home in Thọ Sơn village, near the foot of Voi Mountain, in Bất Quần commune. Local legend states that after the defeat of Lady Triệu, a herd of elephants fled, and the lead elephant, upon reaching this area, turned into stone, forming the Voi Mountain range. When Trịnh Huệ settled here, he built a school for the villagers, offering free education to all, regardless of age, gender, or social status. He even paid for the construction of the school himself. His dedication to teaching earned him the affectionate title of 'The Elephant Scholar' among the locals.

Nguyễn Nghiêu Tư became the Trạng Nguyên in the Mậu Thìn exam, which took place in the 6th year of the Thái Hòa reign (1448), during the reign of King Lê Nhân Tông. His remarkable talents impressed the Ming Dynasty when he went as an envoy. Historical records and local documents from Hiền Lương village in Quế Võ, Bắc Ninh province tell us that Nguyễn Nghiêu Tư (whose exact birth and death dates remain unclear) was originally named Nguyễn Trư, with the literary name Tùng Khê. He hailed from Minh Lương village, which is now known as Hiền Lương in Phù Lương commune, Quế Võ district.

During a prolonged drought in China, when Trạng Lợn visited, the Ming Emperor asked him to pray for rain as a test of his skills. Trạng Lợn agreed, requesting a grand altar be set up for the ceremony. His true aim was to delay time. Observing the wild grass around him, he began the prayer by reciting an intricate incantation with reversed syllables: 'Hường binh, hòa binh, tam tinh, kẹo tinh, bát tinh, linh tinh tinh...'. The Ming Emperor was astounded by his knowledge of astronomy and his ability to name the stars in the sky. Just as the ceremony concluded, rain poured down heavily, leaving the emperor in awe of Trạng Lợn’s deep wisdom. Upon his return, the emperor, acknowledging his great contribution, awarded him the title of 'Grand Minister and Trạng Nguyên Nguyễn Nghiêu Tư', though he was affectionately called 'Trạng Lợn' by the people—recognizing him as a man of deep learning, sharp wit, and an unwavering sense of national pride. Nguyễn Nghiêu Tư was one of the most exceptional diplomats of the 15th century, particularly known for his skillful communication with the Ming envoys.

According to Bắc Ninh news, on the peak of Đền Mountain, surrounded by lush pine forests, stands the temple honoring Trạng Nguyên Nguyễn Nghiêu Tư. The natural scenery here is breathtaking, and the temple commemorates this great scholar, who is revered not only in historical records but also by the people, who continue to celebrate and pass down his legacy.

There are many different records regarding the first Scholar Laureate in Vietnam. However, during earlier exams where no Scholar Laureate was awarded, only the top scorer was called 'Nhất Giáp'. Therefore, the list of 47 Scholar Laureates at the Văn Miếu Quốc Tử Giám records Nguyễn Quán Quang as the first Scholar Laureate, having topped the 'Tiến sĩ' exam in 1246.

Nguyễn Quán Quang came from Tam Sơn village, Đông Ngàn district, Kinh Bắc (now part of Từ Sơn town, Bắc Ninh province). Born into a poor family with no money for schooling, he often stood outside classrooms, listening to teachers instructing local children in the Three-Character Classic. He would write the characters on the ground using broken tiles. For this, he was nicknamed the 'Prodigy' who learned by eavesdropping. His teacher, impressed by his talent, invited him to study, and Quán Quang quickly gained fame for his intelligence, mastery of classical texts, poetry, and wide-ranging knowledge. He excelled in successive exams, including the Hương, Hội, and Đại Tỷ thủ sĩ exams, eventually becoming the Scholar Laureate. People later called him 'Tam nguyên'. While Nguyễn Hiền, the youngest Scholar Laureate, is often remembered today, few know of Quán Quang and his remarkable story.

It is said that after his success, Nguyễn Quán Quang was trusted by the king and sent to negotiate with enemy forces. The enemy general, notorious for his arrogance and cunning, passed by a pond filled with water lilies, picked up a handful of the delicate plants, and crushed them, showing his disdain for Vietnam, likening it to the fragile lily pads that could easily be crushed. Understanding the general's hidden message, Quán Quang picked up a stone and threw it into the pond. The lilies scattered but soon regrouped, symbolizing the unity of the Vietnamese people, resilient and unbreakable. The general, infuriated, postponed his plans to invade. Quán Quang became renowned for his integrity, commitment to the people, and significant contributions to the nation. In his later years, he returned to his village, founded a school, and lived a simple, virtuous life. After his death, the locals built a temple on Mount Viềng in his honor, calling it the 'Thành hoàng temple'. Every year, on the 22nd of the 12th lunar month, villagers hold the 'Tế phong mã' ceremony to honor the talented and benevolent Scholar Laureate and remind future generations to continue the tradition of reverence for learning.

In the year of Đinh Mùi (1247), the Đại Việt sử ký toàn thư officially recorded: “Awarded to Nguyễn Hiền (age 12), who became the Scholar Laureate, Lê Văn Hưu (age 17) became Bảng nhãn, and Đặng Ma La (age 14) became Thám hoa.” Nguyễn Hiền was recognized as the Scholar Laureate of this first-ever national exam. However, the previous year, Nguyễn Quán Quang had passed the 'Tiến sĩ' exam, so he is considered the first-ever Scholar Laureate in history. Therefore, Nguyễn Hiền is regarded as the youngest Scholar Laureate in Vietnamese history, as he was only 12 years old at the time.

Nguyễn Hiền was born in the poor village of Dương Miện, Thượng Hiền district, now Nam Thắng commune, Nam Trực district, Nam Định province. Orphaned at a young age, he was introduced to books and literature by local monks, earning a reputation as a prodigy with an extraordinary memory, incredible intelligence, and exceptional knowledge. When people speak of Nguyễn Hiền, they often remember his remarkable ability to respond to any situation. It is said that as a child, Nguyễn Hiền was mischievous. At the age of seven, he would often gather the village children to play with clay. One day, he crafted a clay elephant, using four crabs for its legs, leeches for the trunk, and butterflies for its ears, making it move, which delighted the children. His cleverness and ingenuity earned him the nickname 'Prodigy,' and people would chant two famous lines to praise his talent: “At twelve, he opened the science of two nations / A thousand years immortalized in the Three Talents.”

Later, Nguyễn Hiền served in the court, advising the king with strategic plans to repel invaders, reclaim land, construct dikes along the Red River, and ensure bountiful harvests, which brought prosperity to the people. At the age of 21, Nguyễn Hiền fell gravely ill and passed away. The king, mourning the loss of such a brilliant but short-lived talent, posthumously granted him the title of “Great King Thành Hoàng” and honored him as a deity in 32 locations, including the Lai Đà Temple in Đông Hội, Đông Anh, Hanoi. His rituals were carried out with state honors: “The first graduate of the East A, the genius of the nation / The eternal god of the Southern Viet people.”

Why is Mạc Đĩnh Chi known as the 'Dual Nation Scholar Laureate'? Let us take a journey back in time to the reign of King Trần Anh Tông (1304) to uncover the famous stories surrounding him.

He hailed from the village of Lũng Động, Chí Linh district, Hải Dương province. Born into poverty and losing his father at an early age, he earned his living by collecting firewood. Despite his difficult life and unattractive appearance, Mạc Đĩnh Chi was often looked down upon. However, he was an intelligent and quick-witted person who soon realized that the only way out of poverty was through education. Thus, he devoted himself to learning. In 1304, at the age of 30, he passed the national exam and became the Scholar Laureate. However, the king initially hesitated to make him the top scholar due to his unattractive looks. To express his determination and intellect, Mạc Đĩnh Chi wrote a poem in Chinese characters titled “Ngọc Tỉnh Liên Phú” (The Lotus in the Jade Pond), which convinced the king of his merit. Impressed by his talent, the king appointed him to serve in the court, where he held several prestigious positions, including Hàn Lâm Học Sĩ, Thượng Thư, and eventually the role of Prime Minister. As Prime Minister, Mạc Đĩnh Chi earned the admiration of the people and foreign dignitaries alike for his wisdom and integrity. Historical texts record numerous stories of his diplomatic missions to the Yuan Dynasty, such as “At the Pass,” “The First Audience,” “The Sparrow Painting at the Prime Minister's Palace,” “The Fan Inscription,” and “The Eulogy for the Princess.” However, the most famous tale is how Mạc Đĩnh Chi earned the title of 'Dual Nation Scholar Laureate' after a notable diplomatic encounter with the Yuan Emperor.

The story goes that the Yuan Emperor invited Mạc Đĩnh Chi to compose a poem on a fan. Caught off guard, Mạc Đĩnh Chi initially struggled but then noticed the brushwork of a Korean envoy. He quickly deciphered the intended meaning and composed a more profound and eloquent version of the poem. The emperor, impressed by his literary skill, inscribed the four words “Lưỡng Quốc Trạng Nguyên” (Dual Nation Scholar Laureate) on the fan. Like many great figures, Mạc Đĩnh Chi eventually returned to his hometown in old age, where he spent his days enjoying tea and conversing with the locals.