The posthumous writings of the scholar Pham Nhu Xuong

(Baonghean) - On Sunday, June 16, 2013, Baonghean.com published an article titled "Phuc Long Pagoda and the Legacy of a Famous Figure from Quang Nam," referring to a literary work by the renowned figure Pham Nhu Xuong in Dien Chau. We subsequently found another piece of writing by him, transcribed in the book "Hoan Chau Bi Ky." It is known that the scholar Pham Nhu Xuong was the person who rallied the resistance army against the French in the South Central region. After the failed uprising, the French destroyed all of his works. Therefore, the discovery of his legacy is very significant...

According to the Hoan Chau stele inscription, the text was composed on April 20th, the 4th year of the Thanh Thai reign (1892). At the end, it clearly states: "Composed by Pham Nhu Xuong, a scholar of the Dinh Hoi year, from Ngu Hanh Son district, Quang Nam province." Regarding the temple dedicated to the virtuous and talented people of Van Phan commune, this is a very unique feature of ancient Vietnamese village culture, with Van Phan being a prime example. It shows the people's respect for outstanding individuals who made significant contributions to the people and the nation. Therefore, "those who have meritorious deeds for the people will surely be worshipped by the people" (excerpt from the stele inscription). After finding this text, we organized a field trip hoping to rediscover this historical site. Unfortunately, the temple no longer exists, and the stele at the temple is also unknown. Fortunately, its entire content has been fully recorded in the Hoan Chau stele inscription.

Through the words of the scholar Pham Nhu Xuong, we can imagine the pride in his homeland of Van Phan in particular, and Nghe An in general, for producing talented people: “Our Van Phan commune is a beautiful hamlet of Dien Thanh. The sea is wide and clear, the people and things are prosperous and strong. From ancient times, it has been known as a place of culture, with outstanding people and abundant talents… Oh! The imperial court is above, the world is vast, but all know the way of our commune, and the talented people of our commune have achieved enlightenment in the world. Therefore, talent, family, joy, profit, and the way of governing can be grasped as if in the palm of one's hand; how can it be said that it is only of little benefit? If future generations of talented people do not abandon this stele, it will ensure that this stele, along with Hai Vai mountain, Van Tan sea, and the bronze cauldron, will endure forever.” (Excerpt translated from the stele inscription).

The Pham Nhu family church is located in Dien Ngoc commune, Dien Ban district, Quang Nam province.

In the history of the imperial examinations in Quang Nam (and the entire South), Pham Nhu Xuong was the highest-ranking candidate, achieving the title of Hoang Giap (Imperial Scholar). He served as an official in the imperial court and later held the position of Governor of Phu Yen province. After the anti-French resistance army he led disbanded, he and his family were captured and taken to Hue. When King Thanh Thai ascended the throne, he was pardoned and sent to Nghe An to serve as the Prefect of Anh Son district. At this time, he was the chief examiner in the examination in which Phan Boi Chau (then known as Phan Van San) participated, and he highly praised Phan Boi Chau's talent.

During the examination at Anh Son Prefecture, after Phan Van San achieved an excellent grade and was selected for a re-evaluation with six other students to determine their ranking, the other six had already begun the exam when Phan Van San arrived. The then-chief examiner, Hoang Giap Pham Nhu Xuong, requested that Phan Van San write a separate essay with the theme: "Flowers bloom before spring," implying a reproach for Phan Van San's lateness. Upon receiving the essay, Phan Van San immediately wrote four lines of poetry:

Chinese characters, tentative translation:

Thanks to the attention of the spring god,

Let him be the leader of a hundred flowers.

Simply out of humility,

They should bloom gradually!

After Phan Văn San finished writing these four lines of poetry, Chief Examiner Phạm Như Xương glanced at them and said, "These four opening lines alone are more than enough to pass with the highest score in the province; no further work is needed!"

Later, the scholar Pham Nhu Xuong was one of the supporters of the patriotic movements led by Phan Boi Chau, especially in the Vietnam Restoration Society, where he served as an advisor. His sons also participated in patriotic movements against French colonialism in the early 20th century, such as Pham Nhu Chuong, Pham Nhu Giap, and Pham Nhu Dinh…

In terms of academic achievement, Hoàng Giáp Phạm Như Xương held the highest academic degree in the history of Quảng Province (and the entire South). In terms of his official career, he was a highly accomplished intellectual excelling in both politics and military affairs. His life as an official was marked by patriotism and compassion for the people, often leading resistance against the French invaders. He was respected by his colleagues and admired by the people. He was also the author of many historically valuable literary works, most of which have since been lost. The discovery of two of his literary works in Nghệ An, as well as the anecdotes about his relationship with Phan Bo Chau, reveals the deep affection he held for the land and people of this region. This further strengthens our pride in preserving the legacy of such a renowned historical figure.

Tran Tu Quang (Nghe An Library)