12 more precious royal decrees discovered in Nghi Hop commune (Nghi Loc)

(Baonghean.vn) -During a field trip to survey relics in early spring of Nham Thin to collect Han Nom - Geographical documents in coastal communes in Nghi Loc district, the delegation of Nghe An Provincial Library discovered 12 more precious royal decrees at the temple of Thai Bao Nguyen Ke Sai in team 4 of Nghi Hop commune - Nghi Loc (Nghe An).

Thai Bao Nguyen Ke Sai was the fifth son of Cuong Quoc Cong Nguyen Xi and a famous general of the Le dynasty in history. Due to his great contribution in the restoration of the Le dynasty, he was awarded the title of Thai Bao Thuong Tru Quoc. He not only contributed to the Le dynasty but also contributed greatly in recruiting people to reclaim and expand many coastal areas, establishing many villages in the east of Chan Phuc district, Duc Quang prefecture, now Nghi Loc district, Nghe An province. Because of his great contribution, throughout the dynasties, he was awarded royal titles for worship.

Mr. Tran Manh Cuong (middle), a librarian of Nghe An province, is researching.
the decrees



The royal decree of the 44th year of the Canh Hung era (1783) conferred two more beautiful titles "Hien Huu Pho Te" on Thai Bao Nguyen Ke Sai.

Among these 12 royal decrees, there are 3 from the Le Dynasty, Canh Hung year 44 (1783), the rest are from the Nguyen Dynasty, including: 1 from Minh Mang year 5 (1824), 2 from Thieu Tri year 3 (1842), 2 from Tu Duc year 3 and 6 (1849 & 1852), 1 from Thanh Thai year 2 (1890) and 3 from Khai Dinh year 9 (1924).

The rectangular decree is 60x130cm in size. The paper is made of good quality material, dark yellow, with very delicate and clear Dragon and Cloud patterns. At the end of each decree is the seal "Sac menh chi bao" engraved in Trien script printed right below the king's reign name. All the decrees are absolutely carefully preserved at Thai Bao Nguyen Ke Sai temple. Therefore, over time, these decrees are still fresh and new, not damaged or torn, not even the edges of the paper are curled. It can be affirmed that these are the most intact decrees compared to the decrees that we have collected in the recent past in Nghe An province.

After studying the content of the royal decrees, we found that, in addition to the royal decrees for the main God worshiped, Thai Bao Huan Quan Cong, there were also royal decrees forGrand Chancellor An Quoc Cong and the village's tutelary god. The royal decrees all contain additional titles for the gods being worshipped. Below is the royal decree of the 44th year of the Canh Hung reign of the Le Dynasty.(229 years ago) for Thai Bao Nguyen Ke Sai (photo)

PHONETIC TRANSCRIPTION

The Imperial Protector Huan County Duke bestows the title of Winged Saint, the Great King of Hung Binh, the Great King of Tan Chinh Long, the Great King of Mau Duc Duong. Mountains and rivers are majestic, rivers and seas are beautiful. High in harmony with heaven, later in harmony with earth, the support of the mysterious gods. The sound of the decisive decision, the spirit of the decisive decision, the power of the precious chain to dispel disasters. The appearance of a handsome and noble man, the honor of a secret dragon chapter. As a royal heir, he is promoted to the throne, and resides in the government, with the ceremony and rank, and is also given the title of the family. The second beautiful name should be added, and it can be further promoted: The Imperial Protector Huan County Duke bestows the title of Winged Saint, the Great King of Hung Binh, the Great King of Tan Chinh Long, the Great King of Mau Duc Duong. This decree!

Canh Hung, 44th year, 7th month, 26th day

(Treasure of Destiny)

TEMPORARY TRANSLATION

Decree for Thai Bao Huan Quan Cong (who was originally awarded the title)The holy wing of the Emperor Hung Binh ruled over the country, the Long Duke of Mau Duc ruled over the country, and the mighty King Duong Uy ruled over the country.The rivers and seas contain the stars, the mountains and rivers are molded with the spirit, as high as the sky, as thick as the earth, heroic and glorious, radiant and sacred, imbued with the mysterious will of heaven, and also possessing the power to ward off disasters. The manifestation creates talented people, the awarding of titles clearly shows the rules. Because the king ascended the throne, entered the government, the ceremony increased the rank, and also received approval and grace, so two more beautiful words were given, worthy of being given:Thai Bao Huan Quan Cong granted him the title of Wing Thanh Te Tri Hung Binh Tan Chinh Long Cong Mau Duc Duong UyUniversal SalvationGreat King. Therefore, issue this decree!

July 26, year 44 of Canh Hung (1783)

The Seal of Destiny

According to Mr. Nguyen Dinh Thai, the Thai Bao Nguyen Ke Sai temple was built a long time ago and these royal decrees were also kept here during that time. These are sacred relics of the family's ancestors, so they must be carefully preserved to honor the ancestors' merits, uphold the family's traditions to educate descendants on noble and good things.

The collection of 12 more precious royal decrees at Thai Bao Nguyen Ke Sai temple is a great contribution to Nghe An Provincial Library in compiling the book Royal Decree of Nghe An in the coming time to preserve and promote the value of these precious heritages.

Tran Tu Quang