When Destiny Turns to Blood: The Lệ Chi Viên Mystery
According to many historians, the “Lệ Chi Viên Case” was not merely a tragic accident of fate but likely a carefully staged conspiracy led by Queen Mother Nguyễn Thị Anh. Later on, Emperor Lê Thánh Tông—who posthumously cleared Nguyễn Trãi’s name—may have also known the truth. Yet, for the dignity of the royal house and to preserve the face of the Lê dynasty, he chose silence over scandal. To this day, it remains one of the most hotly debated mysteries in Vietnamese history.
The Shadows of Destiny
Records from Đông A Di Sự note that Nguyễn Trãi’s maternal grandfather was Trần Nguyên Đán, a powerful and virtuous minister of the Trần dynasty, renowned for his deep knowledge of astrology and destiny. He had foreseen the downfall of his dynasty through Hồ Quý Ly’s ambition, and in an attempt to protect his descendants, allied his family with the usurper.
As fate would have it, his grandsons—Trần Nguyên Hãn and Nguyễn Trãi—would both become national heroes. However, upon reading Nguyễn Trãi’s horoscope, Trần Nguyên Đán warned him: “Conquer the city, then withdraw.” He sensed greatness and tragedy intertwined within the same destiny—glory that would one day demand a price from three generations.
The Rise and Fall of a Scholar–Statesman
Nguyễn Trãi was instrumental in the Lam Sơn uprising against Ming invaders, drafting strategies and proclamations that led to victory in 1427. In recognition, Lê Lợi conferred upon him the title Quan Phục Hầu, along with rare honors and privileges—proof of his unmatched contribution.
However, his brilliance also made him a target. After the deaths of his allies Trần Nguyên Hãn and Phạm Văn Xảo, Nguyễn Trãi’s influence waned. He was gradually pushed away from state affairs, confined to cultural and scholarly duties. Even the royal surname “Lê” granted to him was later omitted from inscriptions.
It wasn’t until King Lê Thái Tông recognized his wisdom and recalled him to serve again that Nguyễn Trãi’s prestige was restored. By 1439, he had regained most of his former ranks. Yet, destiny had already set the stage for tragedy.
The Night at Lệ Chi Viên
In 1442, the king visited the East to inspect the troops. During his stay, Nguyễn Trãi invited him to rest at Côn Sơn. Soon after, at the “Lệ Chi Viên” (Lychee Garden), the 20-year-old king suddenly fell ill and died. Nguyễn Trãi and his wife, Lady Nguyễn Thị Lộ, were accused of regicide and sentenced to “extermination of three generations.”
But centuries later, scholars revisited the case and found clues that pointed elsewhere. Before his death, Lê Thái Tông had replaced his crown prince—Nghi Dân—with Bang Cơ, the child of Nguyễn Thị Anh. Meanwhile, Lady Ngô Thị Ngọc Dao (mother of the future king Lê Thánh Tông) was pregnant and persecuted by Nguyễn Thị Anh. Nguyễn Trãi and his wife had secretly sheltered her at temples in Hanoi and Từ Liêm, protecting her until she gave birth to Prince Tư Thành.
Such compassion, however, marked them for death. Nguyễn Thị Anh feared exposure of her son’s illegitimacy and conspired to eliminate the king during his visit—then blame Nguyễn Trãi. The perfect scapegoat was ready.
Following the king’s death, Nguyễn Trãi’s entire clan was executed. Soon after, even two eunuchs—Đinh Phúc and Đinh Thắng—who had known court secrets, were killed. Historians believe they had advised Nguyễn Trãi to tell the king about Bang Cơ’s true parentage, but he hesitated—and paid the ultimate price.
Years later, King Lê Thánh Tông reversed the verdict, honoring Nguyễn Trãi with the words:
“The heart of Ức Trai shines bright as the Khuê Star.”
In 1464, the king officially pardoned him, restoring his descendants’ names and titles.
Modern scholars—including Phan Duy Kha, Đinh Công Vĩ, and Lã Duy Lan—have offered compelling evidence supporting the theory that Nguyễn Thị Anh orchestrated the conspiracy. Their findings were detailed in the book “Lễ Nghi Học Sĩ Nguyễn Thị Lộ và Thảm Án Lệ Chi Viên” (2004), restoring the dignity of two unjustly condemned souls after centuries of silence.
