The Rebel Den of Nung Trí Cao: Loyalty and Identity along the Sino-Vietnamese Frontier

Appendix 1: Inscriptions from the Ky Sam Temple

Appendix 1 Figure A. Inscriptions from the Ky S~m Temple, Cao BAng, Vietnam, purported to be the site of Nimg Tri Cao's tomb, 1997 (James Anderson) 1. Temple entrance: A. Pillar inscription to the left of front entrance: ~J.JWJ~.*~j:-t: "Upon the opposing mountain peak, a phoenix dances, and its appearance elucidates the texts [that tell of the arrival of our sage ruler]." B. Pillar inscription to the right of front entrance: ;j-~r ~if!:~ttl ~P: "Beyond the sands [of this river valley], signs of his arrival will soon be revealed in this seal of his authority." 186 Appendix 1 187 2. Temple altar space: A. Inscriptions on front columns: 1. Right: 't~J\f-;ff##k-t.jt~W: "The god [Tri Cao] descended to the Loi Huynh aboriginal region. His great reputation and powers became known throughout the universe." ii. Left: ~ J-, ,M; ~ 1..~ .f.t~. '#:':hf: "The serene saint came to Mount SAm. Having achieved such a life full of de potency that he affected heaven and earth." B. Former inscription on the face of the altar (removed circa December 1998):£7/- ~#-1IJ .ft.jj{.. 1!.£.*:li:!!: rJl #;. ~~ .:ft.:ilt~ TfJ.±.? .£.1~-*~E .tr*¢,p ? .fit,@dt ~ r .5J(.. -t:f)utFIL~ iJi4. ;ff*ft,~~-jn1f.. J.fJi.tt.£. >t- ;ttliff. Outside his stronghold, he raised high the banner proclaiming independence. Achievements such as those of King Nimg have rarely been found throughout the ages. Are not the prefectures of Yong and Heng close enough to be returned to "the southern territory"? When the Chinese king's army invaded, how was it able to defeat our ancestor's troops? It was because at midnight, the Chinese king's troops mercilessly launched their attack. Generations have recalled these events [and the resulting restrictions?]\ as recorded in the stelae upon this peak. 188 Appendix 1 But the spirits of divine troops, aged but strong and durable, like gold are preserved here. And remain loyal to the command of the king's kinsmen. 3. Tomb space: A. Inscriptions on columns leading into tomb area: i. Right: *t:*-AA-e..;t: "The work of the emperor has yet to be accomplished, while the people have already grown old." ii. Left: .I..:it 0/ ~ ~ ~ : "The king [ruler] extends his patronage evenly across the kingdom to unify all in his blessing." ...