Top 6 Best Essays on "Hoàng Lê Nhất Thống Chí" by Ngô Gia Văn Phái for 9th Grade Students

I. Author and Work

1. Author

- Ngô Gia Văn Phái: A group of authors from the Ngô Thì family, with the main contributors being Ngô Thì Chí and Ngô Thì Du.
- Hometown: Tả Thanh Oai village, Thanh Oai district, Hà Tây province.
- Ngô Thì Chí (1753-1788) served as an official under King Lê Chiêu Thống.
- Ngô Thì Du (1772-1840) was a writer and official under the Nguyễn dynasty.

2. Work

* Origin: The text "Hoàng Lê Nhất Thống Chí" is mostly taken from the fourteenth chapter of a 17-chapter novel, which recounts the event when King Quang Trung decisively defeated the Qing forces.

* Genre: The work is written in the style of chí, a literary form used to document events and facts.

II. Essay Writing Guide

Question 1:

The excerpt from "Hoàng Lê Nhất Thống Chí" can be divided into three parts:

Part 1: From the beginning to "in the year Mậu Thân (1788)": The news arrives that the Qing forces have taken control of Thăng Long, prompting Nguyễn Huệ to ascend the throne and lead an army north to repel the invaders.
Part 2: From there to "then entered the city": The swift and victorious campaign led by King Quang Trung as he successfully drives the Qing forces out.
Part 3: The rest: The utter defeat of the Qing forces and the tragic downfall of Lê Chiêu Thống and his collaborators.

Question 2:

* The excerpt highlights Quang Trung – Nguyễn Huệ as a heroic figure who is strong, decisive, knowledgeable, and approachable, with a deep understanding of history and a connection to the people.
He is an exceptional military leader, executing rapid campaigns with flawless strategy and tactical brilliance.
His ability to foresee enemy plans and set long-term strategies demonstrates his leadership skills.
He is compassionate and wise, even showing mercy to defeated generals like Sở and Lân, who fought for a noble cause.
* The author's portrayal of Nguyễn Huệ as a national hero is shaped by the Confucian ideals of loyalty to the Lê dynasty. Despite the Ngô Gia Văn Phái's historical allegiance to the Lê family, they write about King Quang Trung with great admiration, reflecting a patriotic spirit. This perspective enhances the historical authenticity of the work and underlines its commitment to truth, a hallmark of historical novels.

Question 3:

The total defeat of the Qing forces and the tragic fate of Lê Chiêu Thống, who betrayed his country, are depicted in vivid detail:

* The Qing generals:
Sầm Nghi Đống takes his own life by hanging, and Tôn Sĩ Nghị “flees in terror, unable to saddle his horse, not even wearing his armor, running across a makeshift bridge.”
The battlefield is strewn with the dead, their blood flowing like rivers, with survivors scattering in chaos, some falling into the river and blocking its flow.
* Lê Chiêu Thống’s betrayal and flight:

Lê Chiêu Thống, prioritizing his family’s interests and the status of the Lê dynasty, becomes a traitor. He escapes by boat, exhausted and hungry, lamenting his fate in front of the Qing forces.
The author contrasts the two retreats—those of the Qing generals and Lê Chiêu Thống—with a tone of regret for the fallen ruler, despite his betrayal.

Question 4:

On the narrative technique of the excerpt: The passage avoids a rushed account of events, instead focusing on specific actions and dialogue. It contrasts the disorganized, fearful actions of the Qing forces with the bold, disciplined, and coordinated movements of the Vietnamese army.

A. MAIN KNOWLEDGE

• The Ngô Gia Văn Phái: a group of authors from the Ngô family in Tả Thanh Oai village, Thanh Oai district, Hà Tây province (now part of Hanoi). The two main authors were Ngô Thì Chí (1753–1788), who served during the reign of Lê Chiêu Thống, and Ngô Thì Du (1772–1840), who served under the Nguyễn dynasty.
• "Hoàng Lê Nhất Thống Chí" is a book written in the style of a historical account, blending literary and historical elements. It records significant events after King Lê took power from the Trịnh Lords, documenting these events thoroughly and truthfully.
• Chapter fourteen is one of the most compelling parts of the book. In this chapter, the author vividly portrays the national hero Nguyễn Huệ and the inevitable, disastrous defeat of the invading forces and the corrupt rulers who betrayed their country and harmed their people.
• Summary: Fearing the growing power of the Tây Sơn rebels, Lê Chiêu Thống cowardly sought help from the Qing dynasty. Led by Tôn Sĩ Nghị, Qing forces entered Thăng Long. Ngô Văn Sở, a Tây Sơn general, withdrew to the Tam Điệp mountains to conserve forces and sent word to Nguyễn Huệ. Responding to the officers’ request, Nguyễn Huệ declared himself emperor under the name Quang Trung and advanced towards Nghệ An. On the 25th, he departed, arriving in Nghệ An by the 29th. There, Quang Trung recruited soldiers by conscripting one in three men, quickly forming a highly disciplined army. The king divided his forces into five routes and issued a battle proclamation. On the 30th, the rebels assembled at Tam Điệp, reprimanding the defeated generals but also encouraging and motivating the troops. At Tam Điệp, Quang Trung foresaw the future of the nation and recognized the talent of Ngô Thì Nhậm, assigning him a crucial diplomatic mission between the two nations. The king ordered the army to celebrate the Lunar New Year in advance, promising a victory celebration on the 7th. On the 3rd of the new year, the army attacked and captured Hà Hồi, continuing on the 5th to Ngọc Hồi and marching into Thăng Long without the Qing forces noticing. The Tây Sơn army achieved a great victory. Meanwhile, Tôn Sĩ Nghị and Lê officials celebrated the New Year unaware of the fast-moving Tây Sơn forces. Terrified, Tôn Sĩ Nghị fled without saddling his horse or donning armor. The retreating soldiers caused the pontoon bridge to collapse, blocking the Nhị Hà river. Lê Chiêu Thống, in panic, stole boats from the people to cross the river and caught up with Tôn Sĩ Nghị, lamenting their fate in a scene of deep despair.

B. EXERCISES AND SOLUTIONS

Question 1 (Page 72 Textbook) Summarize the main points and structure of the excerpt.

Solution:
Chapter fourteen of "Hoàng Lê Nhất Thống Chí" can be divided into three sections:
Section 1 (from the beginning to "the year Mậu Thân (1788)"): After receiving news that the Qing forces had captured Thăng Long, Lê Chiêu Thống gave up the throne. Nguyễn Huệ, North Bình King, ascended the throne as emperor and personally led a large army to the north to defeat the enemy.
Section 2 (from "Emperor Quang Trung personally led the army" to "marched to Thăng Long, then into the city..."): The rapid march and stunning victory of Emperor Quang Trung against the Qing forces.
Section 3 (from "Then, Tôn Sĩ Nghị and Lê officials" to the end): The crushing defeat of Tôn Sĩ Nghị's army and the tragic fate of Lê Chiêu Thống's collaborators who betrayed the people.

Question 2 (Page 72 Textbook) How do you perceive the national hero Quang Trung – Nguyễn Huệ in this excerpt? What inspired the author to create this heroic figure?

Solution:
Emperor Quang Trung – Nguyễn Huệ is depicted vividly, realistically with his actions, intellect, military skills, strategic thinking, and far-reaching vision.
His military genius: The rapid march led by Quang Trung is still astonishing today. Starting on December 25, he reached Nghệ An by December 29, covering over 340 km of mountainous terrain. There, he recruited soldiers, organized the army, and conducted a large-scale review, all in a single day. The next day, he advanced to Tam Điệp (150 km). Despite such a long march, the soldiers remained orderly, thanks to Quang Trung's organizational ability.
He exhibited outstanding military talent and tactical brilliance: He accurately assessed the situation, decided to march north to eliminate the enemy, motivated his officers with powerful speeches, and implemented strategies that proved highly effective, such as rapid troop movements, countering enemy artillery, and deceptive tactics.
Decisive and courageous action: Upon hearing that the Qing forces had captured Thăng Long, he immediately convened a meeting with his generals and led the army himself. After declaring himself emperor, he gathered a vast army to confront the invaders, met Nguyễn Thiếp to strategize, recruited soldiers in Nghệ An, reviewed his troops, and encouraged them.
The Ngô Gia Văn Phái, loyal to the Lê dynasty, still praised Quang Trung's achievements because they reflected a deep sense of national pride. This hero is portrayed as a brilliant strategist, capable of immense contributions to the nation. The work also accurately reflects historical events, not hiding the failures of the rebel forces.

Question 3 (Page 72 Textbook) How is the devastating defeat of the Qing army and the tragic fate of Lê Chiêu Thống, who betrayed the people, described? What do you think of the narrative style here?

Solution:
The excerpt clearly describes the utter defeat of the Qing army and the pitiful fate of the traitorous Lê officials, especially Tôn Sĩ Nghị.
The Qing army, initially powerful, numbering over 200,000, was shattered before they even fought, completely disbanded and retreating in disgrace before the fierce Tây Sơn forces. Under Quang Trung's skillful leadership, they had no chance to resist.
The author describes: The Qing soldiers at Hà Hồi were so terrified they immediately surrendered, while those at Ngọc Hồi fled in disarray, trampling each other to death. Many soldiers drowned when the bridge collapsed, blocking the Nhị Hà river.
Tôn Sĩ Nghị, incompetent and cowardly, yet arrogantly neglectful of his duties, focused on festivities instead of military matters. When the Tây Sơn army attacked, he fled in panic, his horse unprepared and armor undone. His subordinate, Sầm Nghi Đống, even committed suicide.
Lê Chiêu Thống: Betraying the nation for personal gain, he cowardly fled with the queen and court officials, even stealing boats from the people to escape. When they caught up with Tôn Sĩ Nghị, they lamented their fate, shedding bitter tears and accepting their tragic downfall, ultimately shaving their heads and adopting Qing customs.
The author depicts Lê Chiêu Thống's downfall with vivid detail, evoking a deep sense of sorrow and regret for the nation's tragedy.

Question 4 (Page 72 Textbook) How would you assess the narrative technique in this excerpt?

Solution:
The narrative technique here is striking. The chaos of the Qing army's retreat is described with a sense of triumph, highlighting the shameful defeat of the enemy. The tone is fast-paced, emphasizing the disarray and humiliation.
In contrast, the fleeing of Lê Chiêu Thống and his officials is described in a slower, more sorrowful tone, emphasizing the bitterness and regret.
The author recounts the events with such realism and depth that the reader feels immersed in the battle, sharing the joy of victory and the anger at the enemy's betrayal. The candid portrayal of both victories and failures reveals the author's commitment to presenting an honest view of history, confronting painful truths and allowing readers to confront them as well.

Exercise: Page 72, Textbook Literature 9, Volume 1
Based on the work, write a short passage describing the swift victory of Emperor Quang Trung over the Qing army from the night of the 30th of Tết to the 5th of January, Kỷ Dậu (1789).

Solution:
On the 30th of December, Emperor Quang Trung ordered the advance. The army maintained perfect formation. Upon reaching Tam Điệp, Sở and Lân met him and accepted their punishment. Afterward, Emperor Quang Trung held a victory feast, setting a celebration for the 7th day of the new year in Thăng Long. He divided the forces into five routes, and on the day of the battle, they marched towards the north. When they reached the Gián River, the Tây Sơn forces defeated the enemy and captured them. They continued without alerting the Qing forces in Hà Hồi or Ngọc Hồi. On the 3rd of January, Quang Trung's forces attacked Hà Hồi, surrounded it, and used loudspeakers to create the illusion of an army of thousands, intimidating the enemy into surrendering. The next battle at Ngọc Hồi was a turning point; Quang Trung led his troops through strategic formations, with the Tây Sơn forces sweeping over the Qing. By midday on the 5th, Quang Trung entered Thăng Long, and Tôn Sĩ Nghị fled in fear. Lê Chiêu Thống and his officials also ran, marking the disgrace of their rule.

General Introduction to the Work

1. Author:

Ngô Family Writers - A group of authors from the Ngô Thì family, with the main contributors being Ngô Thì Chí and Ngô Thì Du.

2. The Work:

The 14th chapter of the work.
The text, written in classical Chinese, records the unification of the Lê Dynasty at the time of the Tây Sơn's defeat of the Trịnh Lords, restoring the northern region to the Lê king.
The work can be seen as a historical novel written in a serialized format (17 chapters).
Genre: Historical novel
Mode of expression: Narrative

Question 1: Summarize the main idea and structure of the excerpt.

Answer:

The main idea of the excerpt is: It describes the glorious victory of King Quang Trung, the devastating defeat of the Qing military, and the fate of traitors who betrayed the nation.
Structure of the excerpt:
Part 1: From the beginning… toward the North: Quang Trung prepares to march north.
Part 2: Then… entering the city: Quang Trung decisively defeats the Qing forces.
Part 3: The remaining => The fate of the traitors and invaders.

Question 2: Based on the excerpt, how do you perceive the image of the national hero Quang Trung - Nguyễn Huệ? What influences do you think shaped the author's portrayal of this hero?

Answer:

The image of Quang Trung - Nguyễn Huệ is vividly and realistically depicted through his actions, intelligence, military command skills, and strategic insight as a national hero:

Decisive and strong actions:
Sharp intellect, meticulous and strategic military leadership:
Determination to fight and win, with foresight
=> The image of the hero combines intellect and remarkable military talent.

Question 3: How is the crushing defeat of the Qing army and the tragic fate of the treacherous Lê Chiêu Thống portrayed? What do you think of the narrative style used here?

Answer:

The crushing defeat of the Qing army and the tragic fate of the treacherous Lê Chiêu Thống are described as follows:

Tôn Sĩ Nghị "panicked, his horse not even ready, he fled in haste, not even having time to wear his armor"
The soldiers "trembled in fear, scattered in panic, trampling each other to death"
"The soldiers of each unit, upon hearing the news, fled in terror, pushing each other down the bridge, falling into the river… the Nhị Hà river became blocked and could no longer flow…".
The fate of the traitorous Lê Chiêu Thống is equally miserable:
For the sake of his family and the Lê Dynasty's position, he became a collaborator, betraying the nation's interest.
He was cowardly and humiliated before the Qing forces.
"He fled, half-alive, stole boats from the people to cross the river, not eating for days"
The author depicts the desperate situation of Lê Chiêu Thống, but with a touch of sympathy for the fallen former ruler.

Question 4: Comment on the narrative technique used in this excerpt

Answer:

The narrative style of this excerpt is expressed as follows:

The chaotic retreat of the Qing soldiers is described from a victorious perspective, with a sense of satisfaction in their humiliating defeat: the pace is rapid, evoking a sense of disorder and panic…

The retreat of the traitorous Lê Chiêu Thống is described more slowly, with a tone of sadness and regret.

=> We feel as if we are witnessing the battle firsthand.

Practice Exercise

Question 1: Based on the work, write a short passage describing the swift and decisive defeat of the Qing army by King Quang Trung from the night of the 30th of the Lunar New Year to the 5th of the first month in the year Kỷ Dậu (1789)

Answer:

In less than ten days, five armies under King Quang Trung’s command achieved a rapid victory, destroying the Qing forces and forcing Lê Chiêu Thống to flee in disgrace. Initially, Quang Trung’s forces attacked the insurgent troops stationed at the Gián River, capturing them without missing a single soldier and preventing them from sending news to the Qing forces at Hà Hồi and Ngọc Hồi. In the early hours of the 3rd of the first month, Quang Trung’s army surrounded the village of Hà Hồi without shedding any blood, seizing all weapons and supplies. By dawn on the 5th, King Quang Trung positioned his troops strategically, with both defensive and offensive actions tightly coordinated, using deceptive tactics and encircling the Qing forces at Ngọc Hồi. Thanks to Quang Trung’s brilliant military strategies, the courage of his troops, and divine assistance, the Qing army was utterly defeated. By midday, King Quang Trung advanced towards Thăng Long, entered the city, and caused the Lê royal family to flee in a humiliating panic.

Structure:

+ Part 1 (from the beginning to the 25th of the 12th month of the Mậu Thân year, 1788): The Thanh army invades our country.

+ Part 2 (continuation… and then they enter the city): The rapid victory of the army under the brilliant leadership and strategic mind of King Quang Trung.

+ Part 3 (remaining part): The defeat of the Thanh army and the pitiful situation of King Lê Chiêu Thống.

Instructions for Preparation

Question 1 (page 72, 9th-grade Literature, Volume 1)

Main idea: King Nguyễn Huệ swiftly marched north to defeat the Thanh invaders, while King Lê Chiêu Thống betrayed the nation and fled with the enemy.

- Segment 1 (from the beginning… Mậu Thân year): Upon hearing the news that the Thanh army had taken Thăng Long, Nguyễn Huệ ascended the throne and personally led the army to defeat the invaders.

- Segment 2 (continuation… and entering the city): The rapid and glorious military campaign led by King Quang Trung.

- Segment 3 (remaining part): The overwhelming defeat of the Thanh army and the pathetic situation of King Lê Chiêu Thống.

+ Mastery of strategic leadership, knowing how to use people according to their strengths and offering fair treatment.

Question 2 (page 72, 9th-grade Literature, Volume 1)

The image of Quang Trung - Nguyễn Huệ is realistically and vividly portrayed through his actions, intelligence, leadership, and military strategy as a national hero.

- Strong and decisive actions:

+ After hearing that the Thanh army had occupied Thăng Long, he immediately summoned his generals and decided to personally lead the army.

+ He ascended the throne and organized a large army to march north to defeat the invaders.

+ He consulted wise individuals (such as Nguyễn Thiếp).

+ He recruited soldiers from Nghệ An, inspected the army, issued commands, and formulated a battle strategy.

- Brilliant and meticulous intellect, skillful command of the army:

+ He recognized the situation and decided to march to defeat the enemy.

+ His speeches were precise and persuasive, inspiring the army’s sense of national pride.

+ He devised an innovative military plan, employing unique tactics (such as rapid deployment and countering the enemy’s artillery).

+ He knew how to utilize people’s strengths, providing fair treatment.

- Independent spirit, foresight: confident and bold in his strategy to defeat the enemy.

- The image of King Quang Trung is depicted with all the qualities of a hero, showcasing his dignity and grandeur.

Ngô Gia remained loyal to the Lê dynasty but still praised King Quang Trung for his nationalism, military brilliance, and love for the country.

I. ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE

Question 1: Chapter fourteen is one of the most compelling parts of the work "Hoàng Lê Nhất Thống Chí." In this chapter, the author vividly portrays the national hero Nguyễn Huệ and the inevitable disastrous defeat of the invaders and the treacherous, destructive rulers in a strikingly realistic way. This content is expressed through the following key points:

The first segment, from the beginning to "on the 25th of the 12th month of the Mậu Thân year (1788)": News arrives that the Thanh army has occupied Thăng Long. King Lê accepts the throne, and North Bình Vương Nguyễn Huệ ascends as Emperor, personally leading a great army northward to repel the invaders.
The second segment, from "King Quang Trung personally leading the army" to "King Quang Trung’s forces marching into Thăng Long and then entering the city...": The swift and victorious campaign of King Quang Trung against the Thanh forces.
The third segment, from "Next, Tôn Sĩ Nghị and King Lê" to the end: The catastrophic defeat of the Thanh army and the disgrace of King Lê Chiêu Thống and his officials.

Question 2: The image of Quang Trung - Nguyễn Huệ is realistically and vividly depicted through his actions, intelligence, strategic leadership, and military tactics as a national hero:

Strong and decisive actions:

Upon receiving news that the Thanh army had occupied Thăng Long, he immediately gathered his generals and decided to personally lead the army;
He ascended the throne as emperor, organizing a great army to march north and defeat the invaders;
He consulted Nguyễn Thiếp to seek strategic advice;
He recruited soldiers in Nghệ An, inspected the troops, issued orders, and developed a military plan to advance against the enemy;
Brilliant and meticulous intellect, capable leadership and strategy:

He analyzed the situation and decided to march to destroy the enemy;
His speeches were sharp, precise, and encouraged the soldiers’ national pride;
He devised an innovative military plan, employing unique tactics (rapid movement, countering the enemy’s artillery, strategic feints...);
He knew how to use people according to their strengths, ensuring fairness.
His unwavering resolve and far-reaching vision: bold, confident in his strategies, considering all aspects (before engaging in battle, he planned for the aftermath against the enemy...)

The image of King Quang Trung is depicted with all the qualities of a hero, radiating a dignified and imposing aura. The author, Ngô Gia, who was loyal to the Lê dynasty, still praises King Quang Trung for his spirit of patriotism, because the narrative reflects the national sentiment. This enhances the persuasiveness and authenticity of the work, demonstrating the respect for historical truth. This is a unique feature of the historical novel genre.

Question 3: The disastrous defeat of the Thanh army and the miserable fate of King Lê Chiêu Thống and his traitorous officials:

The Thanh army’s commanders:

Tôn Sĩ Nghị, incompetent and out of touch with reality, arrogant and complacent, neglected military affairs: "He focused only on feasts and celebrations, not at all concerned about potential dangers; when the Tây Sơn forces arrived, he was "scared out of his wits, unable to properly prepare his horse, rushing to escape..."
The cowardly, disastrous defeat of the Thanh army: Upon hearing the Tây Sơn forces approaching, Thanh soldiers inside the Hà Hồi fort "panicked and surrendered"; at the Ngọc Hồi fort, the soldiers "fled in disorder, trampling over each other and dying"; some officers even committed suicide by hanging; when they heard of Tôn Sĩ Nghị’s retreat, "they all panicked, scattering in chaos, fighting each other to cross the bridge and escape, many falling into the water, causing the river to block and stop flowing."
King Lê Chiêu Thống:

For the benefit of his family and the Lê dynasty, he became a traitor, betraying the nation: he allied with the invaders against his own people;
He was cowardly and disgraceful before the Thanh forces;
He fled in panic, stealing boats from the people to cross the river, and when he met Tôn Sĩ Nghị, "they exchanged helpless words, weeping with bitterness," eventually accepting their fate as exiled royals, later forced to adopt the hairstyle of the Manchu invaders...

Question 4: The author’s writing style when describing two retreats (one of the Thanh army’s commanders and the other of King Lê Chiêu Thống and his officials):

The retreat of the Thanh commanders is described with a sense of gloating satisfaction by the victors, highlighting the enemies’ pitiful and humiliating defeat: the tone is fast-paced, portraying the chaotic and disastrous flight...

The retreat of King Lê Chiêu Thống and his officials is described in a longer, slower tone, evoking a sense of sorrow and regret.

The difference in tone arises from the author’s respect for objectivity in reporting, yet also recognizing a subjective stance when observing the Thanh army’s retreat. In contrast, when depicting the flight of King Lê Chiêu Thống, the author’s perspective is influenced by his allegiance to the Lê dynasty.

II. DEVELOPING SKILLS

This text is an excerpt from Chapter 14 of the historical novel by Ngô Gia, detailing significant events in the defeat of the Thanh army by King Quang Trung - Nguyễn Huệ. While it is a historical novel, "Hoàng Lê Nhất Thống Chí" (as shown in this excerpt) not only records events but vividly recreates the image of the national hero Nguyễn Huệ, the catastrophic defeat of the invading forces, and the tragic fate of the traitorous Lê officials.

While reading, pay attention to the dialogue and narrative style of the historical novel.