Dục Đức

Dục Đức (1842 – 1883) was the fourth emperor of the Nguyễn dynasty of Vietnam, reigning for only three days in 1883. His birth name was Nguyễn Phúc Ưng Ái, later changed to Nguyễn Phúc Ưng Chân, and then Nguyễn Phúc Ưng Đường. "Dục Đức" was his era name, meaning "cultivating virtue."

Dục Đức was adopted by Emperor Tự Đức, who had no natural heir. However, Tự Đức reportedly left instructions disapproving of Dục Đức's character and advising that he be closely watched. After Tự Đức's death, the regents Tôn Thất Thuyết and Nguyễn Văn Tường disregarded Tự Đức's reservations and enthroned Dục Đức.

His brief reign was marked by accusations of inappropriate behavior and a perceived lack of respect for his adoptive father's memory. This led to a coup orchestrated by Tôn Thất Thuyết and Nguyễn Văn Tường, who deposed him after only three days. He was imprisoned and eventually died in captivity.

Following his deposition, the regents enthroned Hiệp Hòa, another adopted son of Tự Đức. The events surrounding Dục Đức's short reign and subsequent dethronement were highly controversial and contributed to the political instability of the Nguyễn dynasty during a period of increasing French colonial influence. Dục Đức's reign highlights the power struggles within the court and the growing vulnerability of the Vietnamese monarchy to external forces.