He also had a sister Phạm Thị Liên, whom was Nguyễn Huệ's wife.
He was promoted to Hộ Giá ("Protectorate General") by Nguyễn Nhạc.
[1] In late 1777, the main part of the Tây Sơn army left Saigon to go north and attack the Trịnh lords.
Ngạn led a navy to attack Biên Hòa, Saigon and adjacent coastal areas.
After the recapture of Saigon, Nhạc slaughtered all the Chinese in Chợ Lớn, and threw their bodies into the river.