Trinh Kiem

Trịnh Kiểm (1503-1570) posthumously titled Thế Tổ Minh Khang Thái Vương (世祖明康太王), was an influential political and military figure of Đại Việt during the Southern and Northern Dynasties period. In name, he served as a supporter of the Revival Lê dynasty emperors, but in reality, he was the actual leader of the Southern Dynasty from 1545 onwards. Though his highest title during his lifetime was Thái Quốc Công, he is often regarded as the first Chúa (Lord) of the Trịnh family. He established his family as hereditary governors of Vietnam, ruling in the name of the figurehead Later Lê emperors.