Khảo cứu văn bản hoa trình thi tập của vũ huy đĩnh tt tiếng anh

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MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING

HANOI PEDAGOGICAI UNIVERSITY

NGUYEN XUAN HAO

RESEARCH ON VU HUY ĐINH’S
“HOA TRINH THI TAP”
MAJOR : HAN NOM
CODE

: 9.22.01.04

SUMMARY OF THES LITERATURE

HA NOI, 2019


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The project successfully completed at:
Hanoi Teacher's University

Science instructos:
1. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Chung
2. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ha Van Minh

Response 1: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Ngoc Ham
Vietnam National University, Hanoi

Response 2: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Van Toan
Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics
Response 3: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Thi Thuy Vinh
Han Nom Research Institute


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The dissertation will be protected before the thesis review
board Hanoi Teachers' University
at ... .. ... ... day …. month ….. year….

The dissertation can be found at Hanoi's National Library or
the Hanoi National University of Education.


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INTRODUCTION
1. Necessity of the topic
During Vietnamese history at the end of the post-Le dynasty, the
1740 – 1788 period is a period of "changes of the country". The political
situation of the country has a great influence on the people's life. At the same
time, these changes have somehow influenced the thought of contemporary
scholars. The most effective expression way of such changes is made
through poems, including the works of the emissaries when going on an
embassay in China. Among the writings during going on embassay by
Vietnam ministers, we choose to study and introduce the writting Hoa trinh
thi tap 華華華華 created by emissary Vu Huy Dinh (華華華) when going on an
embassay in China from the Tan Mao year (1771).
The writting Hoa trinh thi tap by Vu Huy Dinh (Le dynasty) has

not been studied yet. With the contributions and reputation of Vu
Huy Dinh, we realize the need for in-depth, specific studies on
him. In the scope of a doctoral thesis, we conduct a study of the
writing Hoa trinh thi tap by Vu Huy Dinh in the aspect of a poet
and statements in this writting.
2. Study purposes and tasks
2.1. Purposes
- Making further contributions and clarification of the literary issue
of the work.
- The thesis provides a complete and consistent way of biography,
personality, and his contributions to the Lê dynasty and his homeland.


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- The thesis also provides a comprehensive view of the content and
art value of the collection of poems Hoa trinh thi tap.
2.2. Tasks
- Understanding the life and career of Mr. Vu Huy Dinh and giving the
assessment of his contributions to the post-Le dynasty.
- Examination of Chinese textbooks and text books as well as
translations, researches [if any] of the text of the United States examinations;
The issues related to the life and career of Vu Huy Dinh as well as his field
homeland: Mo Trach village - Tan Hong - Binh Giang - Hai Duong.
- Focusing on the survey, comparison, translation of the Chinese
characters as well as the of poetry works and the initial evaluation of
the content and art value of the text.
3. Study objects and scope
3.1. Objects
- The writing Hoa trinh thi tap
- Poem Hoa trinh thi tap

3.2. Scope
Two texts Hoa trinh thi tap include: A.446 (Han Nom Study
Library) and R.38 (National Library of Vietnam).
4. Methodology and study method
Text study methods: “van ban hoc”; “ban ban hoc”; “hieu kham
hoc”; “ki huy hoc”; history-literature method; translation, explanation
of the text and analysis; using the field method by fieldwork at the
place of author worshipping.
Other interdisciplinary approaches: bibliography, written document
study, toponymy, historical studies, literature studies, language studies,
comparative studies, quantitative research.
5. Contributions of the thesis


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- Found the basic version for the text Hoa trinh thi tap by Vu Huy
Dinh on the basis of two texts A.446 and R.38.
- Surveying the strange literature, adjusting volume, poetry title in
the poetry compositions of the text Hoa trinh thi tap by Vu Huy Dinh.
- Studying on life, giving accessment on Vu Huy Dinh and the
influences of the time, family, hometown, family line to the thought and
career of Mr. Vu Huy Dinh.
- Establishing the “going on Embassy” trip in 1771 by Mr.Vu Huy
Dinh when he goes on Embassy.
- Giving initial affirmation of the content and art values of poetry
compositions in the text Hoa trinh thi tap.
6. Theoretical and practical meanings of the thesis
Contributing to raising awareness about the value of poetry compositions
on the way of going on Embassy of the Vietnamese feudal dynasties;
evaluating this poem category in the general value of literature.

Contributing to raise awareness about the role of the ambassadors in
the period of history with many changes, accumulating the soul of
loving nature, the country and the spirit of national pride for the
Vietnamese people.
The topic will provide a practical view into the poetry compositions
of a famous scholar at the end of post-Le dynasty.
7. Structure of the thesis
In addition to the Introduction - Conclusion - References, the thesis
has 4 chapters
Chapter 1: Overview of the study situation related to the topic.
Chapter 2: Essay about Vu Huy Dinh author and text work Hoa trinh thi tap.
Chapter 3: Characteristics the text Hoa trinh thi tap.
Chapter 4: The first step to understand the poetic value of “Hoa
trinh thi tap”


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CHAPTER 1:
OVERVIEW OF STUDY SITUATION RELATED TO THE TOPIC
1.1. The study situation of “going on Embassy” in the late postLe dynasty
1.1.1. System of “going on Embassy” missions
The history of diplomatic relations of Vietnam from the late
nineteenth century or earlier is mainly the history of the Vietnam-China
relations. This is the clever line of Vietnamese feudal dynasties.
Therefore, our country has strictly observed the tribute. On the going on
Embassy, the ambassadors often record their senses in verse or prose.
Thus, the poetry on the “going on Embassy” trip (“going on Embassy”

poem) is poetry works composed by embassadors on the going on
Embassy. These“going on Embassy” poems brings not only historical,
diplomatic relations between the Vietnam-China dynasties but also
special literary value, enriching the treasure of national poetry. During
the ten centuries of the Middle Ages, the diplomatic relations and trip to
Embassy in China were officially established from the Tran dynasty
(1258) to the end of Nguyen dynasty (1884). Thus, poetry works are
also recognized, including large number of themes selected from the
field of diplomacy.
1.1.2. Information on “going on Embassy” missions
The history of diplomatic relations with China in the 1740 – 1788
period lasts for over 40 years, which recognizes eight “going on
Embassy” trips of Vietnamese embassadors. “Going on Embassy” trips


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are 6 years apart. Eight “going on Embassy” trips include 8 chief
embassadors and 14 deputies.
1.1.3. Study directions of “going on Embassy” literature
The study of “going on Embassy” literature in this period mainly focuses
on the study of literary values without attention to clarifying, specifying the
“van ban hoc” aspect, especially the compositions of a particular author. The
works just focus on some authors, without going in-depth into many authors.
Therefore, our thesis will clarify on Embassafor Vu Huy Dinh and his
composition on his going on Embassy in 1771.
1.2. History of the text study of the work "Hoa trinh thi tap"
by Mr.Vu Huy Dinh
1.2.1.History of the study on the author Hoa trinh thi tap
Through the survey, we have not recognized any separate works that
study the human and life of Mr.Vu Huy Dinh. Therefore, the thesis of

the study of Hoa trinh thi tap text by Vu Huy Dinh will restore
information about Vu Huy Dinh through the material sources.
1.2.2. Problem of the text study of the Hoa trinh thi tap work
When studying the theses, articles in major libraries in Hanoi, we
have not seen any Han-Nom thesis, doctoral thesis Han or any literature
that review and study on the text Hoa trinh thi tap by Vu Huy Dinh.
1.2.3. Problem of the translation of the Hoa trinh thi tap
Translation of the Hoa trinh thi tap by Vu Huy Dinh is necessary.
Our thesis has taken initial steps of translation survey on the text and
works in Hoa trinh thi tap. In the appendix, we will provide a complete
transcription, translation, comments of titles and 66 poetry works.
1.3. Theoretical concepts related to the topic
1.3.1. Theory on the van ban hoc


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In the book Van ban hoc Han Nom, Prof. Dr. Trinh Khac Manh gave
the concept on van ban hoc: Van ban hoc is a science, with systems of
research methods going in depth into the study of the development
history of the text; in order to determine the author and work,
determine the peculiarity of the work and return the inherent true value
of the work. According to Russian scientist D. X. Likhachev, "The text
is a statement conveying the intention of the person who created it by
the language." According to I.R.Galperin, "Text is a literal reflection of
a field in the reality. It produces the writing variants of the language. "
1.3.2. Theory of the study on literature author and works
Literary study is a major in the social sciences and humanities in
which study objects are the art of language (literature). The textual
study of the Han-Nom literature is a study of textual history in a unified
form, not by singular criticism, or by individual comments that lead to

the statement and conclusions to serve the original text, as well as give
the conversion history of the text in a hard manner.
1.3.3. Theory of translation of the Han-Nom text works
Nghiem Phuc (1853 - 1921), the Chinese, introduced the concept of
faith, comprehensiveness, and grace as follows: Faith means
correctness, specifically, the target text’s meaning and language must be
accurate in relation to the meaning and language of the source text;
Comprehensiveness means that the target text must be coherent and
understandable. Grace means that the translation must be aesthetical.
According to Assoc. Prof. Trinh Khac Manh, Han-Nom text
translation is an extremely difficult task requiring meticulousness and
carefulness when translating. In addition, the researcher can use several


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methods to study the text: Van tu hoc; Huan ho hoc; Hieu kham hoc; Khao
dinh hoc; Survey of characters with chronological characteristics, etc.


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1.4. Study direction of the topic
- Studying the era, personality and career of Mr.Vu Huy Dinh and
his “going on Embassy” trip in 1771.
- Studying the strange literature, strange words of two texts Hoa trinh thi
tap by Mr. Vu Huy Dinh
- Making an initial survey on the poetic value of the above text in
the aspects of content and art.
Summary of Chapter 1
“Going on Embassy to China” poems of Vietnamese Embassadors
at Canh Hung - Le Chieu Thong period (1740-1788) contribute to the

further enrichment of literarature works on the topic of the “going on
Embassy”. The study of poetic works of this period should be given
reasonable attention. The number of works is not huge; however, they
are written in Han and Nom words. Few translators can translate the
text value through translation. At the same time, variants are being
raised for literature researchers, especially Han-Nom study.


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CHAPTER 2: RESEARCH ON VU HUY ĐIN AND THE
INTRODUCTION OF HOA TRINH THI TAP
2.1. Research on Vu Huy Đinh
2.1.1 Vu Huy Đinh’s biography
2.1.1.1 Background of history and society
Vu Huy Dinh was born and grew up in a period of many changes.
Firstly, famine and robbery occurred in his hometown, as a result, Vu Huy
Dinh's family moves from Hai Duong to Thang Long in order to seek
shelter. Secondly, the decline, corruption can not save the post-Le dynasty.
Thirdly, Tay Son insurrection also had a great impact on the thought of
Mr. Vu Huy Dinh.
2.1.1.2. Hometown
Mo Trach village (Tan Hong Commune, Binh Giang District, Hai Duong
Province) is known as the village where there are the most PhDs in Vietnam
at feudal era. The competition-examination history recognizes that Mo Trach
has a total of 267 persons with titles, degrees, and mandarin’s title during the
Confucian period.
2.1.1.3. Family line
Vu family line in Mo Trach Village is famous for the competitionexamination history, including many graduates of a pre-court
competition-examination who worked in the feudal dynasties of
Vietnam and contributed to the culture and education of writers, poets

and mathematicians, etc. This also has a great impact on Vu Huy Dinh.
2.1.1.4. Familys
Vu Huy Dinh was born in a family with his father Vu Trong
Nhuan (the youngest son of Vu Khac Vy). Vu Huy Dinh's mother is


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Nhu Thi Tai. This great-grandparents have three sons, Vu Huy Dinh,
Vu Huy Tien, Vu Huy Vien and two girls. He has 8 wives, 13 sons and
14 daughters. Many of his children passed the exams, working in big
positions for the Late Le Dynasty and Tay Son Dynasty such as Vu Huy
Tan, Vu Huy Toai, Vu Huy and Vu Huy On. Besides, his grandchildren
also had many people working for the Tay Son Dynasty later. However,
they cannot achieve academic achievements like seniors and Vu Huy
Dinh did
2.1.1.5. Behavior
Vu Huy Dinh 華華華 (Also called Vo Huy Dinh or Huy Dinh), Thuy
Van Trung, tu On Ki, hieu Di Hien. His initial name was Vu Trong
Cung, later changed to Huy Dinh, Huy Tuc. His hometown is Mo
Trach Village, Duong An District (now called Mo Trach village, Tan
Hong commune, Binh Giang district, Hai Duong province). He was
born in Canh Tuat, 1730 and died in Ky Dau, 1789.
Since childhood, Vu Huy Dinh has been known as a smart person. In
the year of Canh Ngo (1750), he kept the top of the contest and passed
Huong cong. In the year of Le Canh Hung 15, Giap Tuat (1754), he
passed the Third and Doctorate. After passing the examinations, he
became a mandarin of the post-Le dynasty in many different positions
and titles. In the year of the Tan Mao, in 1971, he was promoted to the
deputy embassador, co-operating with Chief Embassador Doan Nguyen
Thuc to bring tribute to the China. When Tay Son military first moved

to the North (1786), Vu Huy Dinh removed his hat and dress to return
the village without cooperating with Tay Son military.
2.1.2 Previous career
2.1.2.1. The works of Vu Huy Dinh in special episodes


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- The document "Hoa trinh thi tap" includes 151 poems,
symbolizes as A.446 kept at the Library of Han Nom Research Institute.
- The document "Hoa trinh thi tap" includes 145 poems,
symbolizes as R.38 kept at the National Library of Vietnam.
2.1.2.2. The works of Vu Huy Dinh in the general collection
5 poems in ‘Viet thi tuc bien’越 越 越越, A.1036 kept at the Library of
Han Nom Research Institute. In addition, other documents contain the
names of his compositions but are not clearly grounded and have not
been fully collected.
2.2 Introducing the text of the Hoa trinh thi tap (華華華華)
2.2.1.1. Discussion about the title Hoa trinh thi tap
Hoa trinh thi tap is the poem written about the “going on
Embassy” journey. The text has two titles: Hoa thi thi tap 華 華 華 華 và
Hoa trinh hoc bo 華華華華 [Hoa trinh hoc bo tap 華華華華華]. We identified
the Hoa trinh thi tap as a major title.
2.2.1.2. The accuracy of the poem collection
- Regarding the number of documents: According to our survey,
the Library of Han Nom Research Institute now has 3 documents
named ‘Hoa trinh thi tap’: A.2797 version of Nguyen Tong Quai;
A.446 version of Vu Huy Dinh and A.2530 version of Nguyen Gia Cat.
- Regarding the document entitled ‘Hoa trinh hoc bo tap’:
Document symbolized as A.446 (Vu Huy Dinh's book) and the
document ‘Hoa trinh hoc bo tap’ symbolizes as A.374 (Vu Huy Tan's

book)
- About the author of the document: the author of the document
‘Hoa trinh thi tap” A.446 is Vu Huy Dinh.
- About the date: ‘Hoa trinh thi tap’, symbolized as A.446 was
written by Vu Huy Dinh about his mission trip in Tan Mao year, 1771.
- The mentioned event: The death anniversary of Vu Huy Dinh
(10/5)


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- Poetry of the deputy envoy Nguyen Thuong (mission trip in
1765).
The above analysis shows that the document and poetry works in
‘Hoa trinh thi tap’, symbolized as A.446 and the document R.38 is the
composition of Vu Huy Dinh for the mission trip in 1771.
2.2.2. Information on the “going on Embassy” trip and time for
writing practice exams
2.2.2.1. Information on the “going on Embassy” trip
a. Time: Vu Huy Dinh's “goin on Embassy” trip took place in the Tan
Mao year, 1771 (equivalent to the 36th Qianlong year in Qing Dynasty).
Departure time was in 1772 and the trip was completed in 1773.
b. “Going on Embassy” mission
Vu Huy Dinh was one of two deputy embassadors going to the Qing
Dynasty together with the Chief embassador Nguyen Thuc Doan. On
the number of person going on Embassy: a total of 27 persons,
including one Chief embassador and four servants; 2 deputy
embassadors and 6 servants; Three persons in charge of problem
settlement and three servants; Two medical operators and two servants;
2 persons in charge of incentives and 2 servants.
c. Purposes

Firstly, to perform the tasks of diplomatic and peaceful tasks of a
country with one another. After the Le trung hung dynasty, the |going on
Embassy” trip was made every six years. Secondly, this trips are the same to
preserve the stability of the dynasty, Dai Viet society, ensuring the
independence.
d. Items


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According to the "Lich trieu hien chuong loai chi", the offerings for
the emissaries from the post-medieval period consisted of: two-“dật”
gold (10 taels/dật), three-“súc” dai la hong (19m/súc), three-“súc” gai la
xanh, 824 tael silver, 400 pieces of locak silk, black incense sticks of
6000 pieces, white incense sticks of 6000 pieces, 200 scented candles,
600 painted fans, 30 kilos of pepper, 5,000 sheets of wide paper, 30
sheets of plywood.
e. “Going on Embassy” journey
- Viet Nam: departing from Thang Long to Thi Cau, passing through
Lang Son town, Cai Chau district, Giap Khau (Chi Lang district), Pha
Luy station (Dong Dang) and Nam Quan port.
- China: From Pingxiang, Taiping, Nanning, Taizhou, Wuzhou,
Pingxing, Guizhou, Hunan, Hunan, Hubei, is in Jinling, Yinchuan.
2.2.2.2 Composing time of the poem collection
Time of composition: composing while on the road and
supplemented when he completed his mission trip (received the king’s
order in Tan Mao year 1771, departed in the spring of Nham Thin year,
1772 and completed in the winter of Quy Ti year, 1773).
2.2.3 Editing time of the poem collection
The time the document is edited is in Canh Tuat year, 1790.
* Summary of Chapter 2

It can be said that the era of major political changes in the late 18th
century had a great influence on the thought and career of Vu Huy Dinh. In
addition to his political contributions, he also contributed to the success of
our country's diplomatic history with China at feudal age. Furthermore, he
made great contributions in terms of history, geography, literature. In
particular, his poetic works have proved to the soul and character of an
patriotic personality with the soul of an artist.


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CHAPTER 3
RESEARCH CHARACTERISTCS OF “HOA TRINH THI TAP”
3.1 General survey on the Hoa trinh thi tap’s and verdict on the
original copy
3.1.1 General survey on the “Hoa trinh thi tap”s
3.1.1.1. The texts Version A.446
a. Chronology
The text Hoa trinh thi tap A.446 appeared in the reign of Emperor
Tu Duc, from 1746 onwards based on the word 華 (age) replacing the
word 華 (when).
b. General description
- Cover: Written in old paper, no sign of termite, size 30x22; The
Han script is written on poem files; the author's name and the symbol
A446 are located in two positions by later generation.
- Place of origin: Library of the Institute of Han-Nom Studies.
- Status: Written in old paper. Each page includes 9 lines and each
line has an average of about 20 words.
- Writting style: According to ‘chu chan’ style in the unification of
typeface, which is very easy to read with clear punctuation and place mark.

- Pages: Continuous page numbers, from page 1a to 63b. Total
126 pages.
c. Structure


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- In addition to the preface (sheet 1,2), there are two parts: Upper and
Lower parts.
- Pages: From page 3a to page 63b (2 blank pages), text and
comments are 122 pages.
- Text of poems: 151 poems. 95 poems are included in Upper part;
and 56 poems are included in Lower part.
- Style of poetry: 04 poems based on ‘that on tu tuyet Duong luat’
and 147 poems based on ‘Bat cu Duong luat’ style.
3.1.1.2 The texts Version R.38
a. Chronology
The text Hoa trinh thi tap by Vu Huy Dinh, marked by R.38 at the
National Library, is earlier than version A.446 because of the use of the
character 華[hoa] known as the King’s mother's aboo name (According
to the rule in the year of Thieu Tri 1/1841).
b. General description
- Cover page: copy in old paper, with apperance of termite, size
30x22. Han script writes the name of the poetry collection and the
national language written by later generation.
- Place of preservation and origin: Archives of National Library.
- Status: The text is written in old paper. Each page has 10 lines to
12 lines and each line has an average of 20-24 words.
- Writting style: According to ‘chu chan’ style in the unification of
font size. The way is to write in vertical line, from top to bottom, from
left to right.

- Pages: 91 sheets, meaning 182 pages (including cover page).
Among them, the pages 34b, 57b, 60b, 91b are empty. The poetry
wrriting part of the Hoa trinh thi tap by Vu Huy Dinh has 33 sheets,
from pages 1a to 33a. There are 66 pages.


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c. Structure
- Text: 91 sheets with collections of poetry by many famous authors.
- The poetry writing part of the Hoa trinh thi tap by Vu Huy Dinh:
Continuous pages, pages 3a to 33a, without empty pages. The poetry
writing part and comments include 61 pages, 145 articles. The upper
part includes 94 copies; The lower part includes 51 poems [less than
A.446 text by 6 poems]. The poetry writing part of the other authors
continues from page 34a to page 91a. On the poem style: 02 ‘that ngon
tu tuyet Duong luat’ poems and 143 ‘bat cu Duong luat’ poems.
3.1.2. Conclusion on original version
Based on the statements, we identified text A.446 as an original text for the
study of poetry compositions in the text Hoa trinh thi tap by Vu Huy Dinh.
3.2. Collation of document and confirmation of completed
document
3.2.1. Collation of Introduction
About strange style: There are 14 strange style in 16 positions in
documents A.446 and R.38. About homophony: 08 positions. About
synonymy: 03 positions. About wrong handwriting: 01 word. About
abstain: 01 word. About position reversion: 01 position. About strange
word: 02 positions. About lack of word: 02 positions
3.2.2. Collation of title of poems
According to our survey, all 151 poems in "Hoa trinh thi tap 華 華華
華" (A.446) contain only one poem with different title.

3.2.3 Collation of quantity of poems
Document A.446 has 151 poems. Document R.38 has 145 poems.
6 poems less than A.446. Specifically, the compositions are missing
in place compared to A.446: 37,125,135, 146,147 and 148.
3.2.4. Collation of original document
3.2.4.1. Cases of word reversion:


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There are 31 positions of word reversion in documents A.446 and
R.38. In which, we conclude that 18 positions reversed in the order of
document A.446, 09 positions reversed in the order of document R.38
and 04 positions reversed in the order of both document are reasonable.
3.2.4.2. Cases of word input-output
In documents A.446 and R.38, we find that 42 words in 43 positions are
lack or excess of word. This lack or excess of word is due to the careless of
copier when reproducing.
3.2.4.3. Case of strange style:
In terms of homophony, there are 40 cases, in which the rationality:
Basic document (A.446): 19 cases; Compared document (R.38): 13
cases; both documents: 8 cases. In terms of synonymy, close meaning,
there are 09 cases, in which the rationality in both documents: 09. In
term of strange style which is impossible to determine the cause, there
are 101 cases, in which the rationality: Basic document (A.446): 36;
Compared document (R.38): 31; both documents: 30.
3.2.5. Confirmation of completed document
Based on the selection of document A.446 as the basic document,
after performing the collation, we confirmed that the two documents
A.446 and R.38 are not the original document of Hoa trinh thi tap of
Vu Huy Dinh. A.446 has many advantages and concludes that A.446 is

completed document for Hoa trinh thi tap of Vu Huy Dinh.
3.3 Structure of document Hoa trinh thi tap
3.3.1 Introduction
3.3.1.1 Compiler
- Second son of Vu Huy Dinh named Huy Toại and his student
Pham Kiem Huu Chi.
- Critic: The historians, Vietnamese poets in the period of Le Trung
Hung, Pham Nguyen Du and poets, historians, highranking mandarin in
the period of Le Trung Hung and Tay Son Ninh Ton


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3.3.1.2 Views of compilation
To let people know about Vu Huy Dinh's poetic talent and preserve
the predecessor's cultural values for posterity.
3.3.1.3 Evaluation of contemporaries about the document
Firstly, Thach Dong, Pham Nguyen Du when reading the
collection of poems [Hoa trinh hoc bo] felt fear but admire.
Secondly, Ninh Ton respected, self-identified as stupid when
reading the poetry of Vu Huy Dinh.
3.3.2 Poetry of Vu Huy Dinh
3.3.2.1 Embassy process poetry
- Route in Vietnam: 11 poems at the top of document.
- Route in China:
+ Departure: 99 compositions, from poem 12 to 110
+ Return: 22 compositions, from poem 111 to 132
3.3.2.2 Embassy chant poetry
The document has 18 embassy description poems; in which there
are 16 poems composed by Vu Huy Dinh.
3.3.3. Poems of other authors

2 poems of the authors who are Korean envoys Thi Ly Tri Trung,
Doan Dong Thang and 3 compositions of Chinese guests and Vu Huy
Dinh (01 poem of the guest in Te Ninh named Dieu Mai Duc; 01 poem
of the mandarin in Tung Giang named Trieu Tu Tin and 01 poem of the
Head of district Duong Duong Tan).
3.3.4 Note, comment and quotation
3.3.4.1 Information on quantity
- About quantity: There are 72 notes; there are 55 comments in all
document; there are 18 quotation.
- About position: Note: there are 70 notes below the poem title
and 1 note below the line of verse at the end of poem [poem 133].
Comment: there are 54 comments below the 8 th sentence of poem and 1


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comment at the top [poem 136]. Quotation: All 19 quotation are below
the title and before the 1st sentence of the poem.
3.3.4.2 Contents
a. Note: Information on geographic names, embassy trip and
incident encountered on the way going on the embassy.
b. Comment: Commentation, general evaluation of the content, tone of
the poem and comments, specific assessment of the unit of the poem.
c. Quotation: Citation of incident happened before or in classic
reference related to historical personage. The scope of the quotation is
taken from the old stories or the events that took place around the
ancient famous men.
* Summary of Chapter 3
The embassy trip of Vu Huy Dinh in 1771 contributed to promote
the diplomatic relations between our country and China at the end of
Later Le Dynasty. Hoa trinh thi tap of Vu Huy Dinh is a document

recording the emotions through the verses on the way going on the
embassy of Vu Huy Dinh. The document was edited after his death in
1789. Currently, this document is kept in two large libraries in Hanoi.
Through our research, these two documents still have many
inconsistent points.


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CHAPTER 4
RESEARCH THE POETRY VALUE OF ‘HOA TRINH THI TAP’
4.1 Content value
4.1.1 Conception of the responsibility of the envoy
First of all, going on a mission trip with Vu Huy Dinh is to be
aware of his responsibility in the trip: a devotion to the country, with a
regime. In addition, going on a mission trip is an occasion for Vu Huy
Dinh to show clearly his loyalty to the king.
4.1.2. Love for the homeland
4.1.2.1 Pride in the beautiful scenery of the homeland: Praise the
scenery of Lang Son province.
4.1.2.2 The tormenting homeland nostalgia
First, the homeland nostalgia of Vu Huy Dinh is the nostalgia of
the Le dynasty. Secondly, the homeland nostalgia is also emotion
through the homeland’s charm. Third, the nostalgia of the country
manifested through missing one’s parents.
4.1.3. Human love
Firstly, Vu Huy Dinh's poetry in ‘Hoa trinh thi tap’ is poem verses
that sympathize with the hard working life of people. Secondly, Vu Huy
Dinh's poem in ‘Hoa trinh thi tap’ shows a loving heart towards the
lives of hundreds of people. Thirdly, Vu Huy Dinh's poem in‘Hoa trinh

thi tap’ expresses admiration, respect for talented and virtuous people
in history books.
4.1.3. Nature love


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First of all, ‘Hoa trinh thi tap’ has clearly expressed the emotions
before the natural phenomenon, before the change of time, relaxing
times or when enjoying the beautiful scenery. In addition, poems in
‘Hoa trinh thi tap’ have shown successfully the emotion when writing
about natural landscapes on the way going on a mission. Besides, the
Vu Huy Dinh’s poem verses in ‘Hoa trinh thi tap’ are also very
successful when expressing feelings about places on the journey of
going on a mission.
4.2. Artistic values
4.2.1 Art of words
The use of double tone, repeated rhyme, repeated phonics in the poems
of ‘Hoa trinh thi tap’ contributed significantly in the ability to convey
content and ideas. As for the repeated phonics method, the whole document
has a total of 12 poems with 13 positions used in 151 poems.
4.2.2. Artistic use of old and classical stories
Old and classical stories were used skillfully by Vu Huy Dinh,
bringing high efficiency in expressing the content. In addition, the
generality when using old and classical stories contributed in generalizing
things and events expressed in poetry works of ‘Hoa trinh thi tap’.
4.2.3 Art of initiating and responding poem in ‘Hoa trinh tap’
In the poetic poem, Vu Huy Dinh has an initiating and responding
poem verse with his friends on the way. Those are the poem verses with
treaty and cultural exchange meaning. About the initating poem verses:
01 poem initiated with two North Korean envoys. About the responding

poem verses: 3 poems Vu Huy Dinh responding to the poem of 3
Chinese mandarins
* Summary of Chapter 4
Through the poems in Hoa trinh thi tap (華華華華), we see the image of
an ambassador Vu Huy Dinh who is deeply attached to the responsibility
for nation, homeland and family. The poems written about the natural