Top 12 Best Summaries of the work "Hoàng Lê Nhất Thống Chí" by Ngô Gia Văn Phái

Upon receiving news of the Qing army invading Vietnam, Nguyễn Huệ was furious and immediately proclaimed himself king, taking the name Quang Trung. He led the Tây Sơn forces to Nghệ An, where they recruited an additional 10,000 soldiers, before marching north to defeat the enemy. With his strategic brilliance and strong leadership, the Tây Sơn army successfully overcame the Qing forces, capturing the Hà Hồi fort at midnight on the 3rd day of the Lunar New Year in the year Kỉ Dậu.

Following this, the forces continued their advance into Ngọc Hồi, seizing the Thăng Long citadel without the enemy's knowledge. General Tôn Sĩ Nghị, terrified, fled in haste, leaving his horse unsaddled and his armor half-donned, retreating toward the north. The remaining Qing forces, in their chaotic retreat, broke the floating bridge, blocking the Nhị Hà River. Meanwhile, the Lê king and his court met a tragic end, resorting to stealing civilian boats to escape.

Under the command of Tôn Sĩ Nghị, the Qing army advanced toward Thăng Long with the aim of annexing Vietnam. Upon receiving urgent intelligence from General Ngô Văn Sở, Bắc Bình Vương quickly proclaimed himself king and gathered an army to destroy the enemy forces. He chose the Lunar New Year as the optimal time to strike, exploiting the fact that the Qing troops would be distracted by their New Year celebrations and unprepared to defend themselves.

On the evening of the 30th, Quang Trung's swift army departed from Nghệ An and reached Thăng Long by midnight on the 3rd day of the Lunar New Year. They successfully captured the Hà Hồi fort before advancing toward Ngọc Hồi. The Tây Sơn forces achieved a decisive victory, while Tôn Sĩ Nghị and King Lê Chiêu Thống were forced to flee back to their homeland.

Upon hearing that the Qing army had entered Thăng Long, Bắc Bình Vương was filled with fury. He summoned his generals, made offerings to the heavens, and declared himself emperor. He immediately ordered an army to march north, personally leading the troops while recruiting more soldiers along the way. On the eve of the Lunar New Year, he arrived at Tam Điệp Mountain, where he hosted a feast for his army, promising a grand celebration in Thăng Long on the seventh day of the New Year.

With Quang Trung's remarkable military tactics, the Tây Sơn forces charged forward like a storm, overwhelming the enemy. Tôn Sĩ Nghị, terrified, fled in such haste that he couldn't even secure his saddle or don his armor, retreating back to the northern border. Even the puppet king Lê Chiêu Thống had to flee for his life.

Fearing the growing power of the Tây Sơn forces, Lê Chiêu Thống shamefully sought help from the Qing. Tôn Sĩ Nghị led an army of 200,000 Qing soldiers into Thăng Long without facing any resistance, which made him arrogantly confident. He promised Lê Chiêu Thống that he would destroy the Tây Sơn forces by the sixth day of the New Year. Meanwhile, Generals Lân and Sở, following Ngô Thì Nhậm's plan, retreated to Tam Điệp, while Văn Tuyết was dispatched to inform Bắc Bình Vương in Huế. Upon hearing this, Nguyễn Huệ became enraged and immediately declared himself king, adopting the name Quang Trung.

He began his march on the 25th, reaching Nghệ An by the 29th. There, Quang Trung conscripted one soldier for every three able-bodied men, quickly assembling a formidable army. The king divided his forces into five groups and delivered a stirring speech to his troops. On the 30th, the army gathered at Tam Điệp, where the king reprimanded the defeated generals but also inspired and encouraged his soldiers. During this meeting, Quang Trung foresaw the future of the country and recognized the talent of Ngô Thì Nhậm, assigning him the task of managing relations between the two nations. The king gave his troops an early New Year's break and promised a victorious return on the seventh day. At dawn on the third day of the New Year, the army captured Hà Hồi fort and continued to Ngọc Hồi fort by the fifth day, reaching Thăng Long without alerting the Qing forces. The Tây Sơn forces achieved a resounding victory. Meanwhile, Tôn Sĩ Nghị and the Lê king celebrated the New Year in ignorance of the Tây Sơn storm. Terrified, Tôn Sĩ Nghị fled without even securing his saddle or armor, while the retreating soldiers caused a bridge to collapse, blocking the Nhị Hà River. The Lê king, in panic, fled with the empress dowager, seizing civilian boats. Eventually, they caught up with Tôn Sĩ Nghị, who was crying bitterly in utter defeat.

Fearing the growing reputation of the Tây Sơn forces, Lê Chiêu Thống sought help from the Qing dynasty. Led by Tôn Sĩ Nghị, the Qing army marched into Thăng Long. Ngô Văn Sở, a Tây Sơn general, ordered a retreat to Tam Điệp Mountain to preserve the forces and to send word to Nguyễn Huệ. Following the advice of his officers, Nguyễn Huệ ascended the throne, taking the title Quang Trung, and then proceeded to Nghệ An. There, he gathered more troops and conducted a grand military review, motivating the soldiers to unite as one before marching north. Upon reaching Tam Điệp, he met with generals Lân, Sở, and Ngô Thời Nhiệm to discuss plans for defeating the Qing forces, with a celebratory feast planned afterward.

The army set off on the evening of the 30th, aiming to reach Thăng Long by the seventh day of the New Year. The enemy forces, already demoralized, were defeated without a fight. The scout unit was captured, but by midnight on the third day of the lunar year, the Tây Sơn army launched an attack on Hà Hồi fort. The enemy, in fear, immediately surrendered. Continuing their advance, they moved in a straight line to Ngọc Hồi fort. Unable to resist, the Qing forces fled in disarray, falling into a trap set by the Tây Sơn. They were cornered in a marsh, and thousands of soldiers were trampled to death. By midday, the Tây Sơn forces entered Thăng Long. Tôn Sĩ Nghị, upon hearing the news, fled in panic without even having time to don his armor. Lê Chiêu Thống, along with his royal family, abandoned the capital and fled with the defeated Qing forces.

Upon hearing the news that the Qing forces were approaching Thăng Long, Bắc Bình Vương (Nguyễn Huệ) immediately gathered his generals for a solemn offering to the heavens and declared his ascension to the throne. He ordered the army to march northward. Personally overseeing the recruitment, he traveled on foot. By the 30th of December, at Tam Điệp, the king hosted a feast to reward his soldiers, announcing that on the 7th of the new year, he would enter Thăng Long.

Under the brilliant leadership of Quang Trung, the Tây Sơn army advanced with fierce momentum. The enemy troops scattered in panic, and Tôn Sĩ Nghị fled in terror, unable to properly mount his horse or wear his armor, retreating toward the northern border. The puppet king Lê Chiêu Thống also made a hasty escape.

Fearful of the ever-growing power of the Tây Sơn army, Lê Chiêu Thống disgracefully appealed to the Qing dynasty for help. Tôn Sĩ Nghị led 200,000 Qing troops into Thăng Long without firing a single shot, causing him to become arrogant and self-assured. He promised Lê Chiêu Thống that by the 6th of the new year, he would eliminate the Tây Sơn forces.

Generals Lân and Sở, following Ngô Thì Nhậm's plan, withdrew to Tam Điệp, while sending Văn Tuyết to inform Bắc Bình Vương in Huế. Upon receiving the news, Nguyễn Huệ was enraged and immediately ascended to the throne, adopting the title Quang Trung. On the 25th, he set out, reaching Nghệ An by the 29th. There, Quang Trung recruited soldiers, selecting one soldier for every three households, quickly building a formidable army. The king divided his troops into five groups and issued a military proclamation. On the 30th of December, the army gathered at Tam Điệp, where the king reprimanded the defeated generals, yet also motivated and encouraged the troops.

At Tam Điệp, Quang Trung foresaw the future of the nation ten years ahead and recognized the talent of Ngô Thì Nhậm, entrusting him with the delicate task of managing relations between the two countries. The king allowed his soldiers to celebrate the New Year early and set the 7th as the day for their triumphant return. At dawn on the 3rd day of the New Year, the army moved swiftly, annihilating the Hà Hồi post. By the 5th, they advanced to the Ngọc Hồi post and into Thăng Long, all while the Qing forces remained unaware, achieving a great victory.

Meanwhile, Tôn Sĩ Nghị and the Lê royal family celebrated the New Year without realizing the storm of Tây Sơn forces approaching. Tôn Sĩ Nghị, struck with fear, fled in such haste that he couldn’t even mount his horse properly or wear his armor, retreating toward the North. The disbanded Qing forces caused chaos, with soldiers trampling the makeshift bridge, clogging the Nhị Hà River. Fleeing in panic, the Lê king and his entourage commandeered civilian boats, catching up with Tôn Sĩ Nghị, who wept uncontrollably in despair.

Upon hearing that the Qing army was marching toward Thăng Long, Nguyễn Huệ was furious and called a meeting with his generals to discuss leading the army personally. However, his generals urged Bắc Bình Vương to take the throne to reassure the people. Nguyễn Huệ ordered an altar to be built on a mountain to offer sacrifices to the heavens, and officially declared himself emperor, taking the title Quang Trung.

On the 25th of the lunar month, he commanded the army to set out.

- Upon reaching Nghệ An, Quang Trung recruited more than 10,000 soldiers and held a military review. When they arrived at Tam Điệp, a feast was held for the troops, and the army was divided into five groups. By the evening of the 30th, they set off immediately.

- During the march northward, several Qing scouting parties were captured.

On the 3rd of the New Year, the Hà Hồi post was taken. At dawn on the 5th, the troops attacked the Ngọc Hồi post. The Qing army suffered a crushing defeat. Governor Sầm Nghi Đống committed suicide, and Tôn Sĩ Nghị fled in panic. The Qing soldiers, in their frantic retreat, caused chaos as they rushed to cross a bridge, many falling into the water. Lê Chiêu Thống and his court fled toward the North in fear.

When Quang Trung – Nguyễn Huệ led his troops north for the second time to capture Vũ Văn Nhậm, fearing the rising power of the Tây Sơn forces, and after Nguyễn Huệ had retreated to Phú Xuân, King Lê Chiêu Thống, terrified, sought help from the Qing dynasty. The Qing army, eager to seize this opportunity to annex the country, quickly mobilized. Upon hearing the news, King Quang Trung was furious and immediately held a council with his generals, planning the counterattack. A military review was held, and the king personally encouraged and rallied his troops to unite in the fight against foreign invaders.

Quang Trung held a feast for his soldiers, dividing them into five groups. He personally led the army into battle, setting off on the night of the 30th of the lunar new year, promising to celebrate their victory in the capital of Thăng Long on the 7th of the new year.

The Tây Sơn army reached the Gián River, where they encountered the Qing troops, who were quickly scattered. All Qing scouting parties were captured. By midnight on the 3rd of the lunar year (1789), King Quang Trung reached Hà Hồi and Thượng Phúc, quietly surrounding the fortresses. Only then did the enemy realize, panic-stricken, and they surrendered in fear.

At dawn on the 5th of the new year, the Tây Sơn army formed a battle formation and advanced towards the Ngọc Hồi post. The Qing forces could not withstand the assault, scattering in disarray, trampling over one another to escape. The Qing general, Sầm Nghi Đống, committed suicide. To the east of Thăng Long, Quang Trung used deceptive tactics to drive the enemy forces into the Mực Swamp, where they were trampled by war elephants, causing widespread panic and death. By noon, the Tây Sơn army arrived at Thăng Long. Governor Tôn Sĩ Nghị, who had been celebrating a feast, was struck with terror upon receiving the news. His generals, in a panic, trampled each other in a frantic attempt to flee. King Lê Chiêu Thống, equally terrified, fled to China. The Tây Sơn forces emerged victorious, inflicting a crushing defeat on the Qing army.

Tôn Sĩ Nghị led 200,000 Qing soldiers into Thăng Long without firing a single shot, which made him excessively arrogant. He promised Lê Chiêu Thống that he would completely eliminate the Tây Sơn army. However, Lê Chiêu Thống, fearing the power of the Tây Sơn forces, sought help from the Qing dynasty. Upon hearing this news, Nguyễn Huệ was enraged and quickly ascended to the throne, taking the title Quang Trung. He then led his troops to Nghệ An, conducted a grand military review, and set off towards the north.

On the 30th of the lunar year, the Tây Sơn army gathered at Tam Điệp. Early on the 3rd day of the new year, they captured the Hà Hồi garrison and advanced to Ngọc Hồi. King Quang Trung recognized the talent of Ngô Thì Nhậm and entrusted him with the crucial task of fostering peaceful relations between the two nations. Meanwhile, Tôn Sĩ Nghị and the Lê court were enjoying the Lunar New Year festivities, oblivious to the fact that the Tây Sơn army was already closing in on Thăng Long. Tôn Sĩ Nghị, upon realizing the situation, was filled with fear. The King of Lê, along with the Empress Dowager, fled the capital in terror.

Upon receiving word that Tôn Sĩ Nghị planned to eradicate the Tây Sơn army, Bắc Bình Vương immediately ascended to the throne, adopting the title Quang Trung. He held a grand military review, conscripting one soldier for every three civilians, and quickly raised a formidable army. Following this, the king delivered a motivational speech to inspire his troops. The forces were then divided into five groups, with a meeting scheduled for the 30th of the lunar year at Tam Điệp.

At that time, his general, Ngô Văn Sở, had suffered a defeat, but instead of scolding him, the king encouraged and rallied the soldiers, which boosted their morale. On the night of the 3rd day of the new year (Kỉ Dậu), while the Qing soldiers were still celebrating, Quang Trung’s forces launched a surprise attack on the Hà Hồi fort, then proceeded to the Ngọc Hồi fort, causing the enemy to scatter in disarray. Tôn Sĩ Nghị and the Lê court were met with a disastrous fate.

When Bắc Bình Vương launched his second campaign to capture Vũ Văn Nhậm, fearing the growing power of the Tây Sơn forces, he withdrew back to Phú Xuân. Lê Chiêu Thống, in fear, appealed to the Qing court for help. The Qing army then flooded into the country with intentions to annex it. Ngô Văn Sở, a general of the Tây Sơn, immediately withdrew his forces to Tam Điệp and alerted Nguyễn Huệ.

Upon hearing this news, Nguyễn Huệ was enraged, performed a ritual to honor heaven and earth, and proclaimed himself king. The king set out with his forces on the 25th, and after four days, reached Nghệ An. There, he enlisted over ten thousand soldiers, strengthening his army. The Tây Sơn forces, now bolstered by the king’s command, went on to triumph in battles at Hà Hồi and Ngọc Hồi. Meanwhile, Tôn Sĩ Nghị and the Lê court, still caught up in their New Year festivities, were caught off guard and fled back to China.