1. Essay on 'The Edict on Moving the Capital' - Version 4
A. KEY CONCEPTS
1. Author:
Ly Cong Uan (974 - 1028), also known as Ly Thai To.
Hometown: Châu Cổ Pháp, near Bắc Giang (now Đình Sơn Island, Từ Sơn District, Bắc Ninh Province). He was a wise, compassionate man with grand ambitions and numerous military achievements.
2. Genre: Edict
The form of writing used by kings to issue official orders.
It can be written in formal, colloquial, or prose style.
These proclamations were announced and received with great formality.
3. Work
The Edict on Moving the Capital was written in the year of Canh Tuat (1010), as a decision to relocate the capital from the narrow Hoa Lu to the spacious Đại La, which was more favorable for the country’s expansion and defense.
Although it was a royal decree, the Edict on Moving the Capital by Ly Cong Uan carried great persuasive power because it reflected the people's wishes, and was logical and just.
The author used a structured argument, compact symbolism, and a strong, assertive tone to appeal to the public and justify the decision.
The text was translated into Nguyễn Đức Vân's version.
B. EXERCISES AND SOLUTIONS
Question 1: Page 51, Literature 8, Volume 2
At the beginning of the Edict on Moving the Capital, Ly Cong Uan refers to historical records from China about ancient kings who relocated their capitals. What is the purpose of this reference?
Answer:
This section serves as a prelude, providing a foundation for the arguments that follow. The author cites historical records about capital relocations by ancient Chinese emperors.
"In ancient times, the Shang Dynasty moved their capital five times, and the Zhou Dynasty moved their capital three times, not because the kings acted on their whims. They did so to secure the prosperity of the nation, ensuring stability for future generations, balancing divine will with the people's desires. If relocating was beneficial, they did so, leading to long-lasting success and flourishing customs."
The reference serves to prepare the argument for the next sections: that the relocation of the capital is not unusual and has historically led to national prosperity, just as the relocation by the Shang and Zhou dynasties proved beneficial.
Question 2: Page 51, Literature 8, Volume 2
According to Ly Cong Uan, why was the old capital in Hoa Lu, located in the mountainous region, no longer suitable? (Refer to the note (8) to understand why the Đinh and Lê dynasties had to rely on the mountainous region of Hoa Lu for their capitals.)
Answer:
The author argues that Hoa Lu was no longer suitable for the capital: "Continuing to settle the capital here would lead to a short-lived reign, with the people suffering and the land unable to thrive." Hoa Lu had a difficult terrain, suitable for defense when the country was not yet strong enough to expand.
However, by the time of the Ly dynasty, the country needed room to grow, which made the relocation to a different site necessary. Ly Cong Uan expressed his sorrow: "I am deeply pained by this decision."
Question 3: Page 51, Literature 8, Volume 2
What are the advantages of Đại La's geography that made it an ideal choice for the capital? (Consider geographical location, river and mountain formations, and convenience for communication and development.)
Answer:
The location of Đại La was advantageous in many ways. Geographically, the author explains: "It is in the center of heaven and earth, surrounded by the coiling dragon and sitting tiger, with all four directions open and the river and mountains creating a secure foundation." The area is expansive and flat, with high, open land, allowing for fertile crops and avoiding flooding.
This favorable geographical position also supports commerce and communication: "It is truly a key meeting point for all regions of the country."
The new capital would serve as the center for economic, political, and cultural development.
Question 4: Page 51, Literature 8, Volume 2
Prove that the Edict on Moving the Capital is highly persuasive due to its combination of logic and emotion.
(Hints:
- The logical steps Ly Cong Uan uses to justify the necessity of relocating the capital.
- The royal decree contains passages expressing emotions, and certain parts read like a dialogue. What effect do the last two lines, which use a conversational tone, have on the reader?)
Answer:
The argument for relocating the capital follows a logical progression:
First, historical examples from China are used as a foundation, providing support for the argument.
Then, the situation of the Đinh and Lê dynasties is examined, showing that continuing to settle in Hoa Lu no longer serves the country's needs.
Finally, the conclusion is drawn: Đại La is the most suitable site for the new capital.
Although it is a royal command, parts of the Edict express the author's feelings, using a conversational tone in the last two lines. For instance, "I am deeply saddened by this decision." This dialogue-like tone makes the royal decree feel more personal, creating empathy between the king and the people, making the decision more moving and relatable.
Question 5: Page 51, Literature 8, Volume 2
Why is it said that the Edict on Moving the Capital reflects the independence, self-reliance, and growing strength of the Đại Việt people?
Answer:
Hoa Lu, with its mountainous terrain, was strategic for defense when the country was not yet fully developed.
By the time of the Ly dynasty, Ly Cong Uan's decision to move the capital to the plains shows that the Ly dynasty had enough strength to build and expand the nation. This move reassured the people and provided the country with the ability to defend against foreign invaders.

2. Lesson Plan for "The Edict on Moving the Capital" No. 5

3. Lesson Plan "Chiếu dời đô" #6
I. Brief Overview of the Author Lý Thái Tổ
- Lí Công Uẩn (974-1028), also known as Lí Thái Tổ
- Birthplace: He was from Châu Cổ Pháp, Bắc Giang region (now Đình Bảng village, Từ Sơn district, Bắc Ninh province)
- Life and Career:
+ He was intelligent and ambitious, achieving numerous military victories
+ During the reign of the Lê Dynasty, he held the position of Chief Commander of the Imperial Guard
+ After the death of Lê Ngọa, he was declared king and took the reign name Thuận Thiên.
- Writing Style: His works mainly consist of royal decrees reflecting grand political ideologies that shaped the nation's destiny
II. Brief Overview of the Work "Chiếu dời đô"
1. Context of Creation
- In 1010, Lí Công Uẩn decided to move the capital from Hoa Lư to Đại La, renaming the country Đại Việt to Đại Cồ Việt. He wrote this decree to announce the decision to the people.
2. Structure
- Part 1: From "Xưa nhà Thương" to "không thể không dời đổi": Presents the reasons and rationale for the capital relocation.
- Part 2: "Huống gì" to "muôn đời": Justifies Đại La as the new capital.
- Part 3: The remainder: Announces the decision to move the capital.
3. Content Value
- The decree reflects the aspirations of the people for an independent and unified nation, as well as the resilient spirit of the Đại Việt people during their rise.
4. Artistic Value
- This document is a masterful piece of political rhetoric written in parallelism, with balanced and rhythmic sentence structures.
- The argumentation is tight, logical, and persuasive.
- It uses strong, convincing examples.
- There is a harmonious blend of emotion and reason.
Question 1: This passage serves as a preamble, setting the foundation for the arguments in the later sections. The author refers to historical records of ancient Chinese capital relocations to support the logic of this decision.
– The Shang Dynasty moved their capital five times, and the Zhou Dynasty relocated theirs three times, to solidify their empires and ensure long-term prosperity for future generations. The move was in harmony with both destiny (the natural order) and the people's will.
– The outcome of these relocations led to a stable and prosperous country.
– Lí Thái Tổ uses these historical precedents to justify his own decision to move the capital, showing it is in line with historical practice and beneficial for the nation's future.
Question 2: A critical analysis of the Đinh and Lê Dynasties, which stubbornly kept their capitals in the mountainous region of Hoa Lư. According to the author, refusing to relocate the capital is a mistake, as it does not align with the natural order or the lessons of history. This failure to adapt has led to short-lived reigns, poverty, and stagnation.
In reality, the decision to stay in Hoa Lư reflected the political and military weakness of the Đinh and Lê Dynasties, as they lacked the strength to settle in the more fertile plains. By the time of the Lý Dynasty, however, the country had developed sufficiently to justify the move.
Question 3: The author highlights the favorable conditions of Đại La as the ideal location for the new capital:
– Geographically: It is centrally located with access to all four cardinal directions, surrounded by mountains and rivers. The land is flat and vast, which avoids issues like flooding or overcrowding.
– Politically and culturally: It is a hub for trade and culture, a rich land full of prosperity.
All these factors make Đại La the perfect place to serve as the capital of the nation.
Question 4: "Chiếu dời đô" is a compelling piece of rhetoric because it combines both logic and emotion.
a. The sequence of reasoning for the necessity of the capital relocation:
– Uses historical records as the foundation for the argument.
– Compares past examples to the current situation of the Đinh and Lê Dynasties, illustrating that it is no longer suitable for the nation to remain in Hoa Lư.
– Concludes with the assertion that Đại La is the best location for the capital.
– This structure is a classic example of argumentative writing, with a clear and logical progression.
b. While this is a royal decree, it also expresses the ruler's sentiments and engages the reader in a dialogue. For instance, "I am deeply sorrowful about this, especially the last two lines, which adopt a conversational tone rather than a one-sided command. This makes the language emotionally resonant, creating empathy between the ruler and his subjects, evoking strong feelings among all who read it.

4. Lesson on "The Imperial Edict of Relocation" No. 1
* Structure
- Part 1: "In ancient times, the Shang dynasty... never relocated their capital": The historical and practical basis for moving the capital.
- Part 2: "How much more for the city of Dai La... a capital fit for a king": Reasons for choosing Dai La as the capital.
- Part 3: The remaining section: The decision to relocate.
Question 1 (page 51, Vietnamese Literature 8, Volume 2):
The Imperial Edict of Relocation, written by King Ly Cong Uan, refers to Chinese history where ancient kings relocated their capitals:
+ The Shang dynasty moved their capital five times under King Pan Geng.
+ The Zhou dynasty relocated their capital three times.
→ These great dynasties moved their capitals to secure their power, build prosperous empires, and create a long-lasting future for their people.
- The results of these relocations led to stability and prosperity for the nation.
→ Ly Thai To used these examples to justify the inevitability and logical nature of moving the capital.
Question 2 (page 51, Vietnamese Literature 8, Volume 2):
According to Ly Cong Uan, the old capital in Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh) during the Dinh and Le dynasties was no longer suitable for:
+ The Dinh and Le dynasties acting independently, disregarding the mandate of heaven, not following the example of the Shang and Zhou dynasties.
+ Their reigns were short-lived, with the nation weakened, and the people suffering.
+ The decision to keep Hoa Lu as the capital reflected the lack of strength in both dynasties, relying too much on natural fortifications.
→ This shows the far-sighted vision of King Ly Thai To.
Question 3 (page 51, Vietnamese Literature 8, Volume 2):
Ly Cong Uan argued that the location of Dai La had several advantages for being the capital:
+ It had previously been the capital of the Cao Vuong kingdom.
+ The location was ideal: spacious, flat, dry, open, immune to flooding, and rich in natural resources.
+ It offered political and cultural advantages: a place where people from all regions converged, a fertile land full of prosperity.
+ The geographical features were perfect: the center of heaven and earth, a site shaped like a dragon and tiger.
→ Dai La possessed all the qualities of a prime location, suitable for the capital of the nation.
Question 4 (page 51, Vietnamese Literature 8, Volume 2):
The Imperial Edict of Relocation is a persuasive piece of rhetoric, blending reason and emotion effectively.
- The sequence of arguments:
+ Citing historical examples of past dynasties whose capital relocations led to prosperity and stability.
+ Comparing this to the failed attempts of the Dinh and Le dynasties to stay in Hoa Lu.
+ Highlighting the geographical and natural advantages of Dai La.
→ All these reasons lead to the conclusion that relocating the capital was necessary and in accordance with heavenly will.
- Emotional appeal:
+ Moving the capital is in line with the will of heaven, following the example of history.
+ The goal is to ensure the longevity of the dynasty and the well-being of the people.
+ The author expresses empathy for the people under the Dinh and Le dynasties.
+ The respect for the advice of the ministers – "What do you think, gentlemen?".
→ The king's decision was wise and in line with the people's wishes, gaining support from all quarters.
Question 5 (page 51, Vietnamese Literature 8, Volume 2):
The relocation of the capital symbolizes the independence, strength, and growing power of the Dai Viet people, as:
+ Moving from the mountainous region of Ninh Binh to Dai La, a strategic location, demonstrates the strength of the Ly dynasty to defend the nation and resist foreign invaders.
+ Dai La is centrally located, with favorable conditions for economic development and the flourishing of its people.
+ Relocating the capital to the plains reflects the Ly dynasty's strength and courage in facing challenges head-on.
+ The decision also reveals the king's strategic foresight and deep understanding of the nation's future needs.
→ The relocation affirms Dai Viet's independence, self-reliance, and the people's ability to face new challenges.
Exercise
The Imperial Edict of Relocation combines reason and emotion in a logical and coherent structure:
+ Initially, the king cites historical examples of successful capital relocations that led to prosperity, in accordance with heaven's will and the people's support.
+ He contrasts this with the failed attempts of the Dinh and Le dynasties, who ignored the will of heaven and stagnated in Hoa Lu.
+ The king praises the position of Dai La: its geographical advantages, its natural wealth, and its potential for economic growth.
+ King Ly praises Dai La as the ideal capital, a place that attracts people from all directions, perfect for a prosperous and lasting kingdom.
→ The edict is persuasive because of the king's clear vision and use of well-reasoned arguments, coupled with emotional appeal, leading to widespread support.

5. Lesson on "The Imperial Edict of Relocation" No. 2

6. Lesson on "The Decree of Relocation of the Capital" Part 3
I. Author and Work
1. Author: (Students can refer to the introduction about Lí Công Uẩn in the Literature textbook for grade 8, volume 2).
2. The Work
* Origin: In the year of the Canh Tuất, during the first year of the reign of Thuận Thiên (1010), Lí Công Uẩn wrote a proclamation expressing his intent to move the capital from Hoa Lư (now in Ninh Bình province) to Đại La (present-day Hanoi). The text, known as the 'Proclamation of Relocation,' was translated by Nguyễn Đức Vân.
* Genre: The Proclamation of Relocation was written in the style of a royal edict. Edicts are official declarations made by the ruler, often delivered with authority and public reception. They can be written in verse, balanced prose, or straightforward language, and some edicts convey significant political thoughts that influence the destiny of dynasties and nations.
Although this edict served to announce a royal command, Lí Công Uẩn's Proclamation of Relocation is compelling because it aligns with the will of Heaven and the people. The author used a tight argumentation system, sharp reasoning, and a powerful tone to convince the populace to accept his decision to relocate the capital.
II. Guide to Studying the Text
Question 1:
At the beginning of the Proclamation, Lí Công Uẩn cites historical records from China, where past emperors had moved their capitals. This reference is meant to establish that relocating a capital is not a new idea. Furthermore, these Chinese dynasties successfully relocated their capitals in alignment with the will of Heaven and the people. Lí Công Uẩn emphasizes that the results of these historical relocations were significant, shaping the prosperity of future generations. This historical reference provides the foundation for Lí Công Uẩn's argument later in the text.
Question 2:
* Lí Công Uẩn argued that the old capital in the mountainous Hoa Lư (Ninh Bình), which had been the capital under the Đinh and Lê dynasties, was no longer suitable because these two dynasties acted according to their own desires, disregarded the will of Heaven, and ignored the patterns set by past dynasties such as the Shang and Zhou. This led to the downfall of their dynasties and the suffering of the people.
However, in reality, the Đinh and Lê dynasties, due to their limited power, chose the remote mountainous region of Ninh Bình as their capital to defend against external threats from the north.
Question 3:
Lí Công Uẩn lists several advantages of Đại La as the new capital:
It was the ancient capital of Cao Vương.
Located in the center of the world, with a dragon-shaped terrain, the location is highly favorable in feng shui.
The area is spacious, flat, dry, and well-ventilated, ensuring there would be no flooding, and the land is fertile and abundant.
Thus, Đại La would become a central hub for the nation’s economy, politics, and culture.
Question 4:
Prove that the Proclamation of Relocation is convincing because it combines reason and emotion.
* Reason:
The author uses historical evidence to argue that the relocation is logical and aligns with the will of Heaven.
Strong arguments are presented to demonstrate the favorable location of Đại La.
* Emotion:
Statements like “I deeply regret this matter” or the closing sentence, “I wish to settle here. What do you think?” are not imperial commands but rhetorical questions, creating a dialogue and a sense of closeness between the king and his people. This reinforces the democratic spirit and enhances the persuasive power of the proclamation.
Question 5:
The Proclamation of Relocation reflects the independence, self-reliance, and growing strength of the Đại Việt nation. By deciding to move the capital from Hoa Lư to Đại La, the Lí dynasty demonstrated its ability to end feudal strife and assert the strength of Đại Việt in comparison to neighboring northern powers. Moreover, relocating the capital to Đại La also fulfilled the people's desire to unite the country and build an independent, self-sustaining nation.

