Placing statues of La Son Phu Tu Nguyen Thiep and Dao Tan in Binh Dinh

Nguyen Thiep (1723 - 1804) was born into a family with a tradition of literature and mandarin education in Mat village, Nguyet Ao commune, Lai Thach canton, La Son district, Nghe An province, now Kim Song Truong commune (Can Loc, Ha Tinh). His real name was Minh, his pen name was Quang Thiep, his pen name was La Son Phu Tu, people called him Mr. Hanh Am, Mr. Nguyet Ao, Mr. Luc Nien.

In his youth, he was a person of “bright natural talent, extensive learning, and deep understanding”. In the year of Quy Hoi (1743), he passed the Huong exam. In the year of Mau Thin (1748), he passed the Tam Truong exam, then became Anh Do Coach and Thanh Chuong District Chief. In the year of Mau Ty (1767), he resigned from office.

La Son Phu Tu Nguyen Thiep was invited by Quang Trung Nguyen Hue three times to help the country and give advice on how to fight the enemy. However, it was not until the third time, at the end of 1788, when Nguyen Hue went to Bac Ha to fight the Qing army, that Nguyen Thiep agreed to give advice to help King Quang Trung defeat the 290,000 Qing invaders. After the victory, he was in charge of overseeing the examinations, choosing the land to establish the capital, and serving as the Director of the Sung Chinh Institute.

Nguyen Thiep was a philosopher who made many contributions to the Tay Son Dynasty. With noble virtue, profound wisdom and ardent patriotism, he contributed to helping King Quang Trung liberate the country and revive the nation.

Dao Tan (1845 - 1907) full name is Dao Tang Tan, courtesy name is Chi Thuc, nickname is To Giang, Mai Tang, Mong Mai. He was from Vinh Thanh village (now Phuoc Loc commune), Tuy Phuoc district (Binh Dinh). In 1867 (Tu Duc's 20th year), Dao Tan passed the bachelor's exam.

During his career as an official, Dao Tan was twice appointed Governor of An Tinh (Nghe An - Ha Tinh) in 1889 and 1898.

Dao Tan was a model of integrity and exemplary conduct. He was awarded the titles “thanh, than, can” (clean, careful, diligent) and “bat uy cuong ngu” (not afraid of the king's power) by King Tu Duc.

In 1904, Dao Tan retired, at the age of 60. After retirement, Dao Tan devoted himself to the art of hát bội, raising a troupe; establishing the “Hồ Bộ Đình Vinh Thạnh” (School of Drama) to train and nurture talented students to make hát bội famous in his hometown of Tuy Phuoc, Binh Dinh.

Source