Some more discussions on contributions of the Mac clan in Tra Kieu to the Nguyen Cochinchina’s government

Abstract

The Mac clan in Tra Kieu was a "prominent family" during the Nguyen lord period. The lineage startedwith Mac Canh Huong (also known as Nguyen Truong Huong), then his son Mac Canh Vinh (also known asNguyen Phuc Vinh). These were famous mandarins who contributed significantly to the establishment of theNguyen Cochinchina during its early days, especially to the merit of expanding the country to the South inthe spirit of "carrying swords to open up the territory" of the nation. There is a number of studies writtenabout Mac Canh Huong and Mac Canh Vinh, but little has done to clarify the role of Mac Canh Huong whowas left with almost no information in the family genealogy. What was his role in "policy consultation" forNguyen Hoang? Was it true that he died at the age of 136? Where was "Buu Son Tu"? Or did Mac CanhVinh really "pacify Champa" with Luong Van Chinh? Was it true that he died while in office because of theenemy’s ambush or did he die after retirement? why is his grave and that of his wife, Princess Ngoc Duong,were rumored "wind graves"?... This article, by examining some historical documents and conductingfieldwork, shall discuss a few among the above-mentioned issues.