尊室說
After the death of Emperor Hiệp Hòa, Tôn Thất Thuyết and Nguyễn Văn Tường placed Nguyễn Ưng Lịch on the throne as Emperor Hàm Nghi in July 1885. They started to plan for an opposition towards French protectorate led by this new Emperor. But not all the elites participated the rebellion, including Nguyễn Văn Tường and Hoàng Kế Viêm. Despite his role in selecting Emperor Hàm Nghi, Nguyễn Văn Tường was unwilling to answer the call of revolt. French general de Courcy demanded Nguyễn Văn Tường to capture his former ally, Tôn Thất Thuyết. Failing to do that, Nguyễn Văn Tường was deported to island prison at Poulo Condore en route to Tahiti. Hoàng Kế Viêm had retired to his hometown in Quảng Bình after demotion.