Chu Van An, born in 1292 in Thanh Liet near Ha Noi, is the most famous Confucian teacher to have lived in Viet Nam. After earning a doctoral title, Chu Van An refused to become a mandarin; instead he set up a school in his native village and attracted many students. Hearing of his talent, King Tran Minh Tong invited him back to the capital and appointed him vice director of the National University (Quoc Tu Giam). Chu Van An accepted the post, not daring to decline the king's request.
However, Chu Van An was not happy in the capital because of its corruption. He often went back to his village for a quiet walk. During the reign of Tran Du Tong (1341-1369), Chu Van An petitioned the king to behead seven corrupt mandarins. The king did not agree, so Chu Van An submitted his resignation and retired to Phuong Hoang Mountain, in Chi Linh District, Hai Duong Province. When the next king, Tran Nghe Tong, acceded to the throne, he invited Chu Van An to his coronation. The famous scholar came to congratulate the new king, but then returned to his retreat. Upon Chu Van An's death in 1370, Tran Nghe Tong sent mandarins to attend the funeral. He granted Chu Van An a high royal title and had him honoured as a sage in the Temple of Literature.
In present-day Ha Noi, one of the most elegant boulevards in the Embassy Quarter and one of the most prestigious national-level secondary schools are named for Chu Van An.