Trần Ích Phát: The legendary teacher of 74 high-ranking scholars

Trần Ích Phát, a renowned teacher during Vietnam’s Lê sơ dynasty, is noted in history for his extraordinary ability to educate high-ranking scholars despite not passing the national Hội examination himself.

Originally from a farming family in Triều Dương village (modern-day Hải Phòng), Trần Ích Phát demonstrated exceptional intelligence and memory from a young age. In 1448, under the reign of King Lê Nhân Tông, he achieved the title of Giải nguyên by placing first in the Hương examination.

Following his failure to advance in the Hội examination, he transitioned to teaching. His academic influence was profound; he is recorded as having trained 74 successful scholars, including 3 Trạng nguyên (First Laureates), 4 Bảng nhãn (Second Laureates), 6 Thám hoa (Third Laureates), 10 Hoàng giáp, and 51 Tiến sĩ (Doctors).