Le Thanh Tong (1460-97), the greatest of…

Le Thanh Tong (1460-97), the greatest of the Le dynasty rulers, reorganizes the administrative divisions of the country and upgrades the civil service system.

He orders a census of people and landholdings to be taken every six years, revises the tax system, and commissions the writing of a national history.

During his reign he accomplishes the conquest of Champa in 1471, the suppression of Lao-led insurrections in the western border area, and the continuation of diplomatic relations with China through tribute missions established under Le Thai To.

Le Thanh Tong also orders the formulation of the Hong Due legal code, which is based on Chinese law but includes distinctly Vietnamese features, such as recognition of the higher position of women in Vietnamese society than in Chinese society.

Under the new code, parental consent is not required for marriage, and daughters are granted equal inheritance rights with sons.

Le Thanh Tong also initiates the construction and repair of granaries, dispatches his troops to rebuild irrigation works following floods, and provides for medical aid during epidemics.

A noted writer and poet himself, he encourages and emphasizes employment of the Confucian examination system.