Trịnh Tráng
Although he controlled a large, well organized state, with a powerful military and advanced European cannons, Trịnh Tráng was completely unsuccessful in his attempts to conquer the smaller and weaker Nguyen territory. At the end of his life it was the Nguyễn who were on the offensive. Trịnh Tráng's only success came against the Mac. During his rule, the Royal army captured all but Cao Bằng Province from the weakened Mac rulers.