Top 8 Best Essays Recounting Excerpts from Hoàng Lê Nhất Thống Chí

Hoàng Lê Nhất Thống Chí is a chronicle of the unification of the Lê dynasty, presented as a historical novel in a serialized style. It comprises 17 chapters, with the 14th chapter vividly depicting King Quang Trung's decisive victory over the Qing army. Nguyễn Huệ, a figure of decisive and bold action, upon hearing of the Qing invasion of Thăng Long, immediately resolved to lead the army. Despite advice to first secure the throne, he crowned himself Emperor Quang Trung. After the ceremony, he mobilized the army to Nghệ An, consulting Nguyễn Thiếp, who assured him that within ten days, the Qing would be defeated. Quang Trung, elated, instructed General Hám Hổ Hầu to recruit soldiers, quickly assembling an elite force. His military review and inspirational speech emphasized national sovereignty and denounced the crimes of the invading army, urging unity in defense. This speech had a profound impact, reinforcing patriotism and resilience. When reaching the Tam Điệp mountains, generals Sở and Lân confessed their cowardice, but Quang Trung, recognizing their strengths, forgave them. This displayed his astute leadership and understanding of the military situation. Even as the battle began, Quang Trung had a well-thought-out strategy for both warfare and diplomacy, exemplifying his foresight and exceptional intellect. On the night of Tết 1789, after a feast for his troops, he set a secret plan to advance into Thăng Long on the 7th day of the new year. On the 3rd day of Tết, he executed a swift strategy to seize Hà Hồi village, then launched an ambush on Ngọc Hồi, overwhelming the Qing forces. By the afternoon of the 5th, Quang Trung entered Thăng Long, while the Lê emperor and Tôn Sĩ Nghị were oblivious to the impending doom. Quang Trung's military genius and leadership left a lasting legacy of courage and patriotism in the struggle for Vietnamese independence.

Tonight, the moon is shining brightly, and my younger relatives refuse to sleep. They are still outside, playing make-believe battles in the yard. Their cheers and shouts remind me of the beautiful memories I have of my time with the Tây Sơn army, which achieved numerous victories, especially the decisive defeat of the Thanh army, led by Emperor Quang Trung himself. In my youth, I lived in Tuy Viễn, in the Quy Nhơn region. In the spring of 1771, the Tây Sơn lands were buzzing with the banner of rebellion, as the three brothers Nguyễn Nhạc, Nguyễn Huệ, and Nguyễn Lữ rose to overthrow the ruling elite, redistributing wealth from the rich to the poor. I too joined the Tây Sơn forces. The military successes of the Tây Sơn were largely due to the leadership of Nguyễn Huệ—a talented general with a towering stature, curly hair, sharp eyes, and a voice as resonant as a bell. When King Lê Chiêu Thống fled to China, Nguyễn Nhạc declared himself emperor, while Nguyễn Huệ was given the title Bắc Bình Vương. I was assigned to serve as a bodyguard for the king and witnessed firsthand the remarkable leadership of this hero, who dedicated himself to the protection of the nation. On the 24th of November in the Year of the Monkey, I received word that the Thanh army had taken Hà Nội. Bắc Bình Vương Nguyễn Huệ, enraged, summoned his generals to discuss a swift military response. But those present advised him to formally ascend the throne first, so as to secure the loyalty of the people, before setting out for the North. On the 25th of December, he officially became Emperor Quang Trung and issued orders to march. On the 29th of December, Quang Trung arrived in Nghệ An, where he met with Nguyễn Thiếp. Upon hearing Nguyễn Thiếp’s assurance that the Thanh army would be defeated within ten days, the king was overjoyed and began preparing his troops, motivating them with speeches that stirred great enthusiasm among us all, despite the formidable enemy forces numbering over two hundred thousand. On the 30th of December, Quang Trung reached Tam Điệp, where he pardoned two generals, Ngô Văn Sở and Phan Văn Lân, who had retreated without fighting, deeming them soldiers who had been misled by Ngô Thì Nhậm’s strategy to protect their forces and lay the groundwork for a surprise attack. The king also planned to send Ngô Thì Nhậm to negotiate with the Thanh afterward, to foster alliances and build a stronger nation. A feast was held for the troops that evening. By the morning of the 31st, the army set out in five divisions. The main division, led directly by Quang Trung, headed straight for Hà Nội. The second and third divisions attacked the western outskirts of Hà Nội to provide support, while the fourth moved toward Hải Dương, and the fifth cut off the enemy’s escape route at Lạng Giang. As they approached the capital, to conserve the soldiers’ strength, the king ordered the use of stretchers as sleeping mats, with each pair of soldiers alternating carrying their comrades through the night. When the Tây Sơn forces reached the Thanh Quyết River, Quang Trung had all scouts captured, ensuring that the enemy forces in Hà Hồi and Ngọc Hồi remained unaware of their movements. At midnight on the 3rd of January, Quang Trung’s troops surrounded Hà Hồi, blaring horns to intimidate the enemy, who, terrified, surrendered. The Tây Sơn army took control of all provisions and weaponry. In the battle of Ngọc Hồi, I observed Quang Trung’s careful planning. On the night of the 4th, while I was on duty protecting the king, I noticed he was restless, unable to sleep. The Ngọc Hồi fortifications were solid, surrounded by iron spikes and land mines. To prepare for the assault, Quang Trung ordered the construction of twenty wooden shields, each covered with wet straw to shield his forces. He selected strong soldiers to carry them, and we were to follow, armed with short swords and ready to charge into battle. Early in the morning on the 5th, we advanced on Ngọc Hồi. The Thanh troops opened fire, but their shots missed. A northern wind had risen, and they attempted to use smoke to confuse our forces, but the wind shifted, scattering their ranks. The Tây Sơn soldiers, using the shields to cover themselves, charged forward. As swords clashed, the shields were discarded, and we fought fiercely with short swords and spears. At the same time, the second and third divisions attacked Đống Đa, leading to the death of the Thanh general Sầm Nghi Đống. The Thanh forces were decisively defeated, with their bodies strewn across the fields and rivers running red. During the attack on Hà Nội, Quang Trung used a pincer strategy, with the fourth division acting as a decoy in the east. The Thanh forces, in their panic, tried to find an escape route, only to encounter the fifth division. They retreated towards the Mực Swamp in Quỳnh Đô, where they were trampled by Tây Sơn elephants. By midday on the 5th of January, Quang Trung entered Hà Nội triumphantly. Meanwhile, the Thanh general Tôn Sĩ, upon hearing of the fall of Ngọc Hồi, fled in such haste that he couldn’t saddle his horse or don his armor, abandoning his troops as they fled north. The Thanh army, in disarray, scrambled to cross the bridge, which collapsed under the weight, causing many to fall into the river and block its flow. King Lê Chiêu Thống and his retinue fled to China. Quang Trung’s victory over the Thanh is a proud moment in our nation’s history. Despite being outnumbered by over two hundred thousand men, Nguyễn Huệ’s brilliant military tactics, his deep patriotism, and the unity of his officers and soldiers led the Tây Sơn forces to an extraordinary triumph. Even after Nguyễn Ánh overthrew the Tây Sơn dynasty, establishing the Nguyễn dynasty, and I was eventually released from captivity, the memory of that great victory and the image of the national hero Nguyễn Huệ remains alive in my heart and in the hearts of all those who fought beside him.

In the year Kỉ Dậu 1789, upon hearing news of the Thanh army advancing towards Thang Long, I was filled with great anger. At that moment, I was determined to march north and expel them immediately. However, since the people were not yet at peace, I decided to wait until I had ascended to the throne to issue orders for war, which would not be too late.

Immediately after taking the throne, I personally led the military forces, both land and sea, on our journey. In Nghệ An, I summoned a thousand elite soldiers to serve the nation’s cause. Upon reaching Thuận Hóa and Quảng Nam, I held a grand military review, motivating and encouraging the troops, instructing them to celebrate the New Year early, preparing for the campaign to begin on the 30th of Tết, with plans to enter Thang Long on the 7th of January for a grand victory celebration. The army was fully loyal and ready to march ahead. Upon arriving in Gián, the local resistance forces disbanded in fear. At the Thanh Quyết River, seeing our strong force, the Thanh army retreated quickly. I commanded my troops to pursue them, ensuring no one escaped, and preventing them from sending signals to their forces in Hà Hồi and Ngọc Hồi.

On the night of the 3rd of January, my troops secretly surrounded Hà Hồi village, using loudspeakers and shouting to make it seem like a much larger army was present. The Thanh forces inside, in panic, decided to surrender. By the 5th, we approached the Ngọc Hồi fortress in dense fog, where the troops, carrying shields and short knives, prepared for battle. The Thanh army fired upon us, but none hit their targets. After several failed attempts, they had no choice but to watch as we advanced into their stronghold.

As soon as we encountered the enemy, we discarded our shields, drew our weapons, and fought fiercely. The Thanh army was thrown into chaos, running in all directions, trampling over one another, many dying in the process. Sầm Nghi Đống, unable to escape, took his own life by hanging. The remaining Thanh forces fled towards Vịnh Kiều, but we pursued them, sending elephants to trample over thousands of them. Victorious, our army pushed forward, coming close to the walls of Thang Long, where the Thanh general Tôn Sĩ Nghị, in the midst of a feast, heard the news and fled in panic, not even taking the time to don his armor. His soldiers, in their haste, trampled over one another, dying in the process. As they crossed a bridge, it collapsed under their weight, causing even more casualties. That year, the waters of the Nhị Hà River were blocked and could not flow.

In just five days and nights, I had avenged our nation, completely driving out the invading forces. As a king, I fulfilled my duty to bring peace and independence to the country after more than 45 years of internal strife. I was overjoyed.

As I write these memoirs, I reflect on the memories of my time as a soldier in the Tây Sơn army, living and fighting alongside my comrades to drive the Thanh forces out of our homeland. Now, with the nation peaceful and prosperous, I stand before our ancestors, offering incense and prayers for future generations.

Upon hearing the news of the Qing army's arrival in Thang Long, I was enraged. I initially planned to send the army out to fight, but was advised by my generals to wait for the people to be at peace before we begin. This would not be a delay. On the 25th of December, I ascended the throne as Emperor Quang Trung, and with rightful authority, I commanded the army to move against the invaders.

Once I became Emperor, I immediately initiated the military campaign against the Qing, organizing troop reviews, and boosting the morale of the soldiers. To ensure swift and efficient travel, I devised a plan where each soldier would carry their own weapons, supplies, and personal necessities, but all in a compact manner. I felt great satisfaction in knowing that we were moving so quickly, yet thoroughly equipped for the journey. Everywhere we went, the villagers warmly received us and offered food, but as per my orders, soldiers only took what was essential and returned unneeded goods to the people. This kept the army's spirits high and health intact even during constant travel.

When we reached Nghe An, I allowed the soldiers to rest for ten days and conducted another review. This allowed us to recruit more soldiers, and we proceeded northward without delay. Our first action was to eliminate a group of enemy spies on the Giang River. Then, on the 3rd of January, we attacked Ha Hoi. Using tactics to confuse the enemy, I ordered a siege of the town, sending out loud noises with drums and fires, as well as making clattering sounds with kitchen utensils. The defenders, startled and uncertain about our numbers, surrendered without a fight. We took the town without firing a single arrow.

After this victory, we moved on to Ngoc Hoi on the 5th of January. Recognizing its strategic importance, I knew the enemy would fight fiercely within its walls. So, I ordered my men to lay straw in layers and gave each soldier a short knife, with 20 others armed and ready in formation. To further inspire courage, I wore a yellow scarf as a symbol of determination. Mounted on an elephant, I led the charge. The Qing soldiers, unable to resist, scattered in panic, and Sầm Nghi Đống hanged himself in despair. The bodies of the enemy piled up like mountains.

By noon, we had entered Thang Long. In the midst of a drunken feast, when news of our advance reached Tôn Sĩ Nghị, he fled in haste without even donning his armor. He mounted his horse and raced toward the bridge, only for the enemy to scramble, pushing each other to cross, causing the bridge to collapse, and the dead to fall into the river. The waters of Nhĩ Hà were blocked by the bodies, signaling our great victory. The war ended with our complete triumph over the Qing army.

I was overjoyed and held a feast to celebrate our victory, for we had avenged the nation. A grudge that had lingered for so long was finally settled. With peace restored, the people returned to their work, and life flourished once again.

That year, I led the army north to capture Vu Van Nham, but due to the fear of the Tây Sơn's reputation, I had to retreat. Le Chieu Thong, in his cowardice, sought help from the Qing court. The Qing forces, eager to take advantage, immediately advanced, seeking to annex our country as their territory. Upon hearing the news, I was deeply angered. However, at that moment, the situation at home was unstable, and the people's hearts were not at peace. Reluctantly, I ascended the throne to calm the people and began preparing for war.

On the 25th of the twelfth lunar month, I ascended the throne in the presence of my troops, reorganized the army, and set off to the north in a swift campaign. On the 29th, we assembled in Nghe An. Here, I consulted Nguyen Thiep, a renowned hermit, to strategize for the upcoming battle. After everything was in place, I reviewed the troops, encouraging them to unite and drive out the invaders, followed by a feast to honor them. By the night of the 30th, the army was ready and set off, preparing for an assault on Thang Long when the enemy would be most vulnerable. I promised my generals that by the 7th of the lunar new year, we would seize the capital and celebrate our victory.

Our forces reached the Gián River and broke through the enemy's defenses. The reconnaissance units of the Qing army were all captured. At midnight on the 3rd of January, we launched an attack on Ha Hoi. Ha Hoi, a key forward position, had a relatively small garrison. Knowing the enemy was unprepared and demoralized, I surrounded the capital, using loudspeakers to confuse and disrupt the enemy's formation. The Qing soldiers, startled by the sound of drums and the thick smoke, panicked and immediately surrendered. All their food and weapons were seized by our forces.

At dawn on the 5th of January, we approached the Ngoc Hoi Temple, a critical stronghold of the enemy forces guarding the southern approach to the capital. The enemy had a large force there, with heavy artillery and archery defenses. Anticipating this, I ordered my troops to bind wooden planks together, covering them with wet straw to form shields. Ten men could carry one plank, creating a formation resembling the Chinese character '一'. This strategy was designed to protect the soldiers from arrows and allow them to advance and breach the city walls.

That evening, we launched our assault. The enemy attempted to create confusion by using smoke and fire to disrupt our ranks. However, the wind changed direction, causing the smoke to blow back at them, disorienting their forces. Despite the threat of arrows, our vanguard shielded themselves with the wooden planks, extinguishing the enemy's flames. The Qing forces, now confused and unable to locate our positions, were thrown into chaos.

At that point, I ordered the troops to scale the walls and infiltrate the Ngoc Hoi Temple. The enemy forces, in disarray, trampled each other in their flight. Even General Sam Nghi Dong took his own life by hanging himself. Anticipating that the enemy would attempt to flee, I sent forces along the Uyên Duyên dike to intercept them. When they tried to escape via Vịnh Kiều, I directed my troops to a nearby swamp, using war elephants to trample them, causing heavy casualties.

The next afternoon, we entered Thang Long. While Qing General Tôn Sĩ Nghị was enjoying a banquet, he was startled by the news and fled in panic, not even having time to don his armor. His soldiers, in disarray, trampled each other to death, causing a bridge to collapse. The Red River was blocked as a result, and Le Chieu Thong fled to China.

Finally, I felt a great sense of satisfaction. We had avenged our country, cleared the shame of subjugation, and entered Thang Long to celebrate our victory. And that day, it was the 5th day of the Lunar New Year in the Year of the Rooster.

The history of Vietnam is marked by numerous wars of resistance against foreign invaders. Notably, there were the victories over the Mongol invaders under the Trần dynasty, the famous Battle of Bạch Đằng River led by Ngô Quyền, and the swift campaign of Emperor Quang Trung – Nguyễn Huệ. I read about this battle in chapter 14 of the book “Hoàng Lê nhất thống chí.”

The Qing army used the excuse of aiding the Lê dynasty and invaded Vietnam. Once they took over, they grew arrogant and committed numerous atrocities. The Qing took advantage of the Lê court's submission and looted the country, indulging in pleasure and luxury. As a result, our country fell under colonial rule, and the people suffered greatly.

Feeling safe from their easy conquest, the Qing forces did not fortify their position. When Nguyễn Huệ heard about this, he immediately launched a rapid campaign to drive the Qing forces out. He declared himself emperor under the name Quang Trung. He took command of both land and naval forces, working tirelessly day and night. On the 28th, he arrived in Nghệ An and consulted La Sơn Phu Tử Nguyễn Thiếp for advice. After receiving wise counsel, Quang Trung swiftly recruited more soldiers, calling on able-bodied men to join the army. His leadership was decisive, swift, and mindful of talent. He encouraged his soldiers and, the next day in Tam Điệp, wisely distributed rewards and punishments, turning potential missteps into opportunities for improvement. Truly, he was a wise and insightful leader with a far-reaching vision and a keen sense of justice.

The Tây Sơn army advanced swiftly to the Gianh River, overwhelming the Qing forces. The rapid movement and capture of their scouts left the Qing army in the dark. By the night of the 3rd, the Tây Sơn forces reached Hà Hồi and surrounded it. They called for the surrender of the Qing forces, and, caught off guard by the speed and precision of the Tây Sơn, the Qing soldiers immediately surrendered and lost all their supplies. With each victory, Quang Trung showcased his genius in strategy, minimizing casualties while achieving decisive victories. He constructed 60 wooden shields, each three boards wide, covered with damp straw.

The shields were held by ten soldiers each, with short daggers hidden on their backs, followed by a second line armed with weapons. The formation struck fear into the enemy. Quang Trung, leading the army, moved stealthily toward Ngọc Hồi, arriving at dawn on the 5th of Tết. The Qing forces resisted fiercely, but the wind shifted in the Tây Sơn's favor, and the Qing forces, unable to withstand the onslaught, fled in panic. The defeated general Sầm Nghi Đống, in shame, took his own life. The Tây Sơn army pursued the retreating forces, trampling them underfoot and causing many casualties.

By midday, Quang Trung and his army reached Thăng Long. The Qing leaders and the Lê court, oblivious to the impending assault, were still indulging in festivities. It wasn't until the 4th that they learned of the situation from Ngọc Hồi. As the Tây Sơn entered the city, the Qing forces and the Lê collaborators fled in disarray. Lacking leadership, the Qing forces collapsed, and the Lê court was forced to flee to China. In just a few short days, the Tây Sơn army had achieved a monumental victory, driving the invaders from the land and restoring independence to the nation.

This swift and decisive victory in the battle against the Qing invaders became a historic milestone, showcasing the strength of unity and the brilliance of Emperor Quang Trung – Nguyễn Huệ. Our ancestors fought to protect the nation from foreign invaders, and today, it is our duty to preserve and further develop our country for future generations.

At the end of the Year of the Monkey (1788), the people of Thang Long and Bac Ha suffered great pain and humiliation due to foreign invasion. Exploiting the request for help from Le Chieu Thong, 290,000 Qing troops led by General Ton Si Nghi occupied the capital and controlled most of the northern region. The Tây Sơn forces, commanded by General Ngo Van So, followed a brilliant strategy by scholar Ngo Thi Nham, retreating to defend the Tam Diep - Bien Son line. Having achieved an easy victory, Ton Si Nghi grew overly confident. He ordered his troops to rest in Thang Long to celebrate the New Year, preparing thoroughly for an assault after the holidays, planning to "enter the enemy's stronghold and capture Nguyen Hue" (Hoang Le Nhat Thong Chi). He set up headquarters at the West Long Palace on the banks of the Nhị River and stationed forces to defend key routes into the capital. The Ngoc Hoi and Dong Da fortresses held crucial defensive positions. During the days leading up to Tet, the capital’s citizens witnessed countless atrocities committed by the enemy: "The soldiers ruthlessly oppressed the innocent, robbed wealthy houses, even plundering goods and raping women in public without fear." They also saw the betrayal of the traitors: "Our nation has never had a king as cowardly and submissive as this" (Hoang Le Nhat Thong Chi). Meanwhile, in Phu Xuan, on November 24 of the Year of the Monkey (December 21, 1788), Quang Trung received urgent news and began preparations for a military campaign. Thanks to careful planning and foresight, within just 35 days, from November 25 to December 30 of the same year (December 22, 1788 - January 25, 1789), while marching and assembling his forces at Tam Diep, Quang Trung completed all preparations for an attack on the Qing forces. On New Year's Eve of the Year of the Rooster, the Tây Sơn army launched a surprise attack, annihilating the enemy’s forward base at Gian Khau, nearly 90 km from Thang Long, marking the start of the destruction of the Qing forces. After five days of rapid advance, Quang Trung’s main army broke through the enemy’s defenses along the Tianli Road leading toward Thang Long. At dawn on the fifth day of the Lunar New Year (January 30, 1789), Quang Trung’s main army, together with the Bảo Công admiral’s forces, crushed the enemy at Ngoc Hoi - Dam Muc. At the same time, Admiral Long’s troops attacked the Dong Da fortress and then broke into the headquarters of Ton Si Nghi at West Long Palace. The coordinated attacks at Ngoc Hoi and Dong Da left Ton Si Nghi utterly shocked and powerless, causing his forces to collapse. With a large reserve force at his command, the Qing generals had no choice but to retreat in chaos. Along their escape route, they were ambushed by another Tây Sơn unit in the Yen The, Phuong Nhan, and Lang Giang regions, suffering heavy losses. Over 35 days of preparation and a five-day campaign covering a 500 km stretch from Phu Xuan to Tam Diep, and another 90 km from Gian Khau to Thang Long, the Tây Sơn army under Quang Trung’s leadership achieved record-breaking speed in both preparation and execution. The victory at Thang Long in the Year of the Rooster (1789) remains one of the most illustrious military victories in our nation’s history. It represents the pinnacle of the Tây Sơn movement, driven by the collective strength of the peasants, patriotism, and unity. Among the soldiers were those who had fought for freedom from Tây Sơn, young men from the Central Highlands, volunteers from all over the country, and patriotic intellectuals like Ngo Thi Nham and Nguyen Thiep, as well as former officials of the Le-Trinh dynasty like Dang Tien Dong and seasoned Tây Sơn generals such as Ngo Van So, Phan Van Lan, and Nguyen Van Tuyet. It was the victory of the Tây Sơn army, determined to "strike without mercy, leaving no chance for the enemy," a victory made possible by the wholehearted support of the people. As we know, throughout their campaign, the people joined the forces, providing supplies and helping the troops cross rivers and ambush enemy fortifications. The people around Thang Long helped the Tây Sơn army secretly hide their forces, contributed wooden planks for siege weapons to destroy the Ngoc Hoi fortress, and coordinated in the famous Dragon Fire trap during the Dong Da battle. With their lightning-fast attack and a well-coordinated strategy, Quang Trung and his 100,000 soldiers put Ton Si Nghi and his 290,000 Qing soldiers into a completely defensive and disoriented position. They suffered defeat after defeat, eventually fleeing in panic. The victory of the Spring of the Year of the Rooster (1789) showcases Quang Trung’s military genius. After the war, Quang Trung assigned Ngo Thi Nham and Phan Huy Ich to use diplomatic measures to swiftly restore peaceful relations with the Qing. Within six months, the two sides exchanged diplomatic envoys, and trade relations were soon resumed.

The Tây Sơn family consisted of three brothers: Nguyễn Huệ, Nguyễn Nhạc, and Nguyễn Lữ, each of whom ruled a different region. Nguyễn Huệ, known as Bắc Bình Vương (the Northern King), was a prominent figure during the turbulent late 18th century in Vietnam's feudal society. At the time, Lê Chiêu Thông, the emperor, fearing the instability of his empty throne, allowed the Qing forces and Tôn Sĩ Nghị to invade Thăng Long. On November 24, Trần Quang Tuyết rushed to Phú Xuân to warn Bắc Bình Vương about the invasion. Upon hearing the news, Bắc Bình Vương decided to launch an attack against the invading forces from the north. Bắc Bình Vương initially planned to lead the military himself, but his advisors recommended a different course of action. They suggested that he offer amnesty to rebels to win their loyalty before preparing for the northern campaign. Bắc Bình Vương agreed and proceeded to perform a ritual atop Bân Mountain to seek blessings from the heavens and the gods of the land. During the ceremony, he wore an elaborate dragon-embroidered robe, a royal crown, and golden shoes, exuding a majestic and solemn presence. Historical records described his appearance: 'He had striking features, with dark skin, a booming voice like the sound of a bell, sharp eyes that could see clearly even in the dark, and an imposing aura.' His face conveyed strength, determination, and a commanding presence. After completing the ritual, he ordered his troops to march. On the 25th of December in the Year of the Monkey (1788), Emperor Quang Trung led his army, both infantry and cavalry, toward the north. By the 29th, they reached Nghệ An, where Quang Trung summoned Nguyễn Thiếp, a skilled fortune-teller, to inquire about the campaign's prospects. Nguyễn Thiếp predicted that within ten days, the Qing forces would be defeated. Elated by the prophecy, Quang Trung immediately tasked his general, Hám Hổ Hầu, with recruiting soldiers in Nghệ An, enlisting strong and muscular men. Within no time, they formed a formidable army of over 10,000 well-disciplined troops, ready for battle. Quang Trung inspected his army, which included soldiers from Thuận Hóa, Quảng Nam, and newly recruited soldiers from Nghệ An, and boosted their morale with a speech filled with confidence and a call for victory. The following day, Quang Trung commanded his forces to march forward. On the night of the 30th of December, the army held a grand feast to celebrate their impending victory. The troops were divided into three columns, and their goal was to reach Thăng Long on the 7th day of the new year to celebrate their success. Everyone enjoyed the feast and celebrated enthusiastically. As planned, on the designated day, all five military columns set out for the north. To maintain the soldiers' strength, Quang Trung arranged for some to carry others in stretchers while others took turns marching through the day and night. By the time they reached the Gián River, the soldiers were exhausted and disheveled, yet their spirits were high. When they saw the Tây Sơn army approaching, the enemy's forces guarding the river panicked and fled. Upon reaching the Thanh Quyết River, the Qing scouts spotted the advancing army and fled as well. The Tây Sơn troops proceeded undetected, and by midnight on the 3rd of January, 1789, they reached the Hà Hồi camp and silently surrounded the village. Quang Trung's troops called out in unison, creating the illusion of a much larger army. Inside the camp, the enemy soldiers trembled with fear and immediately surrendered, offering up their weapons and supplies. Quang Trung then ordered the construction of makeshift shields from wooden planks and straw, which his troops used to protect themselves as they advanced toward the Ngọc Hồi fort. When the enemy fired, the attack was ineffective, as the wind blew the smoke back toward the Qing forces. Seizing the opportunity, the Tây Sơn forces charged forward, throwing down their shields and engaging in close combat. The Qing forces, overwhelmed by the relentless assault, fled in disarray, many of them being trampled to death in the chaos. The Qing general, Sầm Nghi Đống, committed suicide by hanging. The Tây Sơn army relentlessly pursued and defeated the enemy, leaving behind a sea of corpses and rivers of blood. Earlier, Quang Trung had sent a diversionary force to create a distraction on the eastern side, and when the Qing forces were distracted, they fled toward the Mực Swamp in Quỳnh Đô. The Tây Sơn army sent elephants to trample the fleeing soldiers, causing massive casualties. By noon, Quang Trung and his army had entered Thăng Long and celebrated their victory. The Qing forces, unaware of the impending attack, were caught off guard, and when they heard the news, Tôn Sĩ Nghị hurriedly fled with his troops. In the panic, many soldiers drowned as they tried to cross the bridge over the Nhị Hà River. The Tây Sơn forces celebrated their triumph. This victory against the Qing forces solidified Vietnam's independence and sovereignty. The defeat of the Qing forces underlined the strategic genius and indomitable will of Nguyễn Huệ, a hero whose courage and intelligence shaped the nation's history. To this day, the Vietnamese people honor this victory with the Đống Đa Festival, commemorating the heroics of Quang Trung and the decisive defeat of the Qing army.