I – Bao Nghia Vuong Tran Binh Trong – am a descendant of Emperor Le Hoan of the Early Le dynasty. I was born in Bao Thai village, now Liem Can commune, Thanh Liem district, Ha Nam province.
My wife was Princess Thuy Bao, daughter of Emperor Tran Thai Tong. She had previously been married to Uy Van Vuong Tran Toai. After his passing, she was married to me.
In January 1285, an army of 500,000 Mongol–Yuan soldiers led by Prince Toghon – son of Emperor Kublai Khan – launched a two-pronged invasion of Dai Viet. The Mongol–Yuan army, an extremely elite force, quickly gained overwhelming advantage over Dai Viet's troops.
After several initial defeats, the commander-in-chief of Dai Viet, Hung Dao Vuong Tran Quoc Tuan, decided to retreat to Van Kiep.
Later, the Dai Viet army withdrew to Thang Long, but could not hold the capital against the fierce assault. Hung Đao Vuong ordered a further retreat toward Thien Truong.
I was entrusted by Hung Dao Dai Vuong and the Two Kings (Tran Thanh Tong and Tran Nhan Tong) with a crucial mission: defending the Da Mac – Thien Mac region, delaying and blocking the Mongol troops to ensure the safe and secret withdrawal of the resistance leadership.
The Yuan commander Toghon assigned top generals to this pursuit force: Hu Thua Khoan Triet and Ta Thua Ly Hang, along with O Ma Nhi. They used elite light cavalry and fast boats to capture the two Tran kings at all costs.
I organized a blocking battle right at Thien Mac. Due to the overwhelming difference in numbers, I was captured, but the battle was a strategic victory — from that moment onward, the Mongol army completely lost track of the resistance leadership.
After capturing me, the Yuan generals attempted intimidation and bribery to force information out of me. I refused every offer.
When they asked whether I wished to become a ruler in the North, I firmly declared:
"I would rather die as a citizen of the South than live as a ruler of the North. I have been captured, so death is the only outcome — there is nothing more to ask."
Unable to break my resolve, the Yuan forces executed me on the 21st day of the first lunar month, Year of the Rooster (February 26, 1285).
At that time, I was 26 years old.