There's a saying? Officials learn Zeng Guofan? . Then, in Zeng Guofan's life, which stage of experience can best represent his wisdom as an official? When dealing with things, can he show his bureaucratic ingenuity to the maximum extent?

In fact, just after the Xiang army captured Tianjin, Zeng Guofan was faced with extremely complicated chaos, complicated contradictions, huge crisis and extremely rare opportunities. Zeng Guofan's attitude, way of doing things and characteristics can best reflect the wisdom and strategy of the commander-in-chief of Xiang army.

Zeng Guofan

At that time, there were two complicated problems:

First, after the fall of Tianjing, how to properly solve the contradiction between the Xiang army and the Qing court, and how to alleviate the huge crisis faced by the Xiang army?

Second, after the fall of Tianjing, some people (including his younger brother and direct generals, etc. ) It is suggested that Zeng Guofan learn from Zhao Kuangyin, so how should Zeng Guofan choose?

In fact, when Xiang gained an advantage on the battlefield, the Qing court noticed whether Zeng Guofan, the commander-in-chief of Xiang, and Zeng Guofan's family would have it. Cheating? Therefore, preventive measures were taken in advance. There are Manchu troops around Xiang army. After the fall of Tianjing, the Qing army's restrictive measures against Xiang army were greatly strengthened.

North of the Yangtze River, the Manchu army is being formed and ready to attack south. Around Tianjing, Sange Jincheng and Guan Wen presided over the military and political affairs, which restricted the Xiang army from logistics and military aspects. In addition, the imperial court expressed vigilance and suggestions to the Zeng brothers by commending the heroes who defeated the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom. Many generals have won awards, including civil servants and military commanders, such as Chen Sanglin, Guan Wen, Li Hongzhang, Shen Baozhen, Zuo, Zhang and Fu. And other generals, such as Yang, Luo and Bao Chao. Let's commemorate the people who attacked Tianjing.

After the fall of Tianjing, the crisis has become obvious. While many Xiang generals were still immersed in the atmosphere of victory and joy, Zeng Guofan was more sober than ever. Facing the extremely dangerous situation, he was terrified and braved the cold sweat to think about the countermeasures and the best way to get rid of the crisis.

The result of Zeng Guofan's thinking focused on an extremely important choice, that is, whether to continue to be a loyal minister of the court, compromise with the court as soon as possible, and let the court feel completely at ease with practical actions, or to raise the flag against the Qing Dynasty and seize the world with the Qing court?

Some generals have reminded Zeng Guofan. For example, the implicit Peng Yulin once asked: There is no owner in the southeast half. Is the teacher interested? ? Zeng Guofan's answer is:? There are countless flowers in the sky, and the mountains have self-knowledge! ?

Zuo also wrote couplets for Zeng Guofan. Ding Zhizhong seems suspicious? ? Zeng Guofan? Do you like it? Change this word to? Don't like it? Give the couplet back to Zuo.

This shows that Zeng Guofan has made a choice in his heart: yellow robe plus body? You can't, and you can't. He chose to retreat!

Then, after the fall of Tianjing, why did Zeng Guofan give up the rare opportunity to defeat the Qing Dynasty, and why not? Yellow robe? Fight?

The key lies in Zeng Guofan's profound insight into the situation at that time. It is extremely unlikely that the Xiang army will win in the confrontation with the Qing court, but? Wearing a yellow robe? It is out of the question. Only a quick retreat is the safest strategy.

First, after the capture of Tianjing, the Xiang army has lost its previous strong fighting capacity. After the capture of Tianjin, great changes have taken place in the Xiang army. Seemingly invincible in the world, it has lost its original combat effectiveness in essence. The failure of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom troops made Xiang Yong lose his mind. They enjoyed the fruits of victory enthusiastically, vented their anger crazily, burned and looted, and lost their fighting spirit. The Xiang army, once brave and good at fighting, has now become a proud soldier who robs gold and silver treasures and women, only seeking pleasure and no longer willing to fight bloody battles. If Zeng Guofan chooses to be an enemy of the Qing court, Xiang Yong may no longer be willing to work for Zeng Guofan's family. Moreover, even if Zeng Guofan can control Xiang Yong, this army may not be able to defeat the Manchu army.

Second, Zeng Guofan was worried that his troops might lose their strength because of civil strife if they fought against the Qing Dynasty. It was not just the Tseng brothers who defeated the rise of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom. In the army commanded by Zeng Guofan, in addition to Xiang, there are Li Hongzhang's Huai Army and Zuo Chujun. Although Li Hongzhang and Zuo were both trained and promoted by Zeng Guofan, they all obeyed Zeng Guofan's orders when attacking the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom army. However, both Li and Zuo have the ability to command, and they can stand alone. If Zeng Guofan opposes the Qing Dynasty, if Li and the left don't object, Xiang and Chu Huaijun may kill each other, which they don't want to see. In addition, Zeng Guofan knew his two proteges very well, and they each led an army. With their disposition and strategy, they will not follow in the footsteps of Zeng Guofan's anti-Qing banner. Li and Zuo either obeyed the imperial court, led the troops to counter the rebellion and dealt with the Xiang army; Either fight alone or fight for the world. If so, the Xiang army will be in danger.

Portrait of Xiang Jun

Third, the Qing court has always been wary of the Xiang army and has long taken measures to contain it. Xiang army is hard to oppose. Han people have always been the most feared by the Qing court. Since Zeng Guofan founded the Xiang army, the Qing court has been guarding against the Xiang army. Xianfeng four years, after Zeng Guofan captured Wuchang, Emperor Xianfeng was very happy and offered to reward Zeng Guofan, while Manchu ministers secretly played music, thinking that Zeng Guofan, a scholar and an idle official, could attract tens of thousands of brave people and occupy Wuchang, which was not the blessing of the court. This play sobered Xianfeng and immediately cancelled the reward for Zeng.

After the Xiang army captured Tianjin, the Qing court refused to let Ceng Guoquan, who led the troops to attack Tianjin, report the good news with a red flag of 800 Li, which was a signal that the Qing court strengthened restrictions on the Tseng brothers. Previously on when? Eight banners? When soldiers and green camp couldn't defeat the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom army, Emperor Xianfeng promised to take Jiangning as the king! ? When Ceng Guoquan captured Tianjing, the Qing court cheated, not only failed to give Zeng Guofan the title, but also gave Ceng Guoquan an alternate title, just like other important generals.

In addition, the Qing court accused Ceng Guoquan of letting the young king Tianguifu Hong escape, thus smashing the Tseng brothers. In addition, Xiang fought bloody battles in Tianjing, and the Qing court laid a heavy army around Tianjing and surrounded Xiang. Of course Zeng Guofan can see clearly? The yellowbird is behind? Trick. The Qing court has begun to guard against the rebellion of the Tseng brothers, but if the tired Xiang army raises the flag after the fall of Tianjing, it may not be able to defeat the Manchu and Mongolian imperial army.

In addition to dealing with the imperial army, the Xiang army stationed in the station should also guard against Li Hongzhang's Huai army and Zuo Chujun, and face the remnants of the Taiping Army. Besides, we have to deal with the rebels. What worries Zeng Guofan even more is that there may be a split within the Xiang army, and foreign enemy aggression forces will take the opportunity to provoke in the name of supporting the imperial court. Prior to this, the Xiang army and the Taiping Army fought smoothly and later won. However, if the Xiang army, which has lost its fighting spirit, deals with foreign enemies and various forces under the command of the Qing court, it will be difficult to be sure of winning. This is also an important reason why Zeng Guofan did not dare to raise the anti-flag.

Fourth, if Zeng Guofan raises the anti-Qing banner, the Xiang army will face enemies from all directions. Zeng Guofan was a famous Neo-Confucianism at that time, based on benevolence, loyalty and filial piety. He established Xiang Army on the basis of clan culture, and it was also his ethical virtue to deal with the theological concept of Taiping Army. If Zeng Guofan raises the anti-Qing banner, it will ruin his reputation of loyalty, filial piety and benevolence, and Xiang will become a rebel. How can you call him again? Teacher of righteousness? ? Zeng Guofan is very clear in his heart. Revenge is revenge, useless? Raise the flag, damage the righteousness, and lose the item.

Fifth, Zeng Guofan did not dare and would not ruin the honor of benevolence, righteousness and loyalty in his life. After the Xiang army captured Tianjin, it became the most powerful person in Jiangnan. In charge of Xiang army, he can command Huai army and Chu army. He is a college student, governor of the two rivers, and has a prominent authority. If the anti-Qing dynasty succeeds, who is he? Quasi-emperor? . And his younger brother, who holds the most elite troops of the Xiang army-Xiangfu Camp, and his men are brave and good at fighting. Once Zeng Guofan has it? Wearing a yellow robe? The commander-in-chief of Xiangrui Character Camp and his bravest soldiers may not be tempted by possible memorials. Ceng Guoquan was ambitious and outrageous, and Zeng Guofan knew it. Therefore, Zeng Guofan was worried that he would repeat the tragedy of Zhao Guangyi's handling of Zhao Kuangyin in the Song Dynasty. He didn't want to see the Tseng brothers and clansmen split up because of the power struggle, and he didn't want to see the Tseng clansmen killing each other.

Finally, as a new Confucian, does Zeng Guofan have Confucianism? Orthodox? I thought, I don't want to be a villain. Xiang army has been at war with Taiping army for many years. Years of war ravaged the land in the south of the Yangtze River, causing untold sufferings to the people. In addition, many people are already in the sixth place. Zeng Guofan was worried about the civil strife in Xiang, and the Tseng brothers were fighting among themselves. Sanxiang is dead.

After the fall of Tianjing, Zeng Guofan was very tired of war. He didn't want the war to start again.

Zeng Guofan

For the above reasons, Zeng Guofan completely canceled the idea of raising the flag against the Qing Dynasty in his mind, even if it was? Yellow robe plus body? The scenery was very prestigious, and he didn't learn from Zhao Kuangyin, so he chose? Rush back? Immediately take a series of measures to reconcile the contradiction with the Qing court and try to be nice to the court to avoid ending up? Birds hide bows, but dead rabbits cook? It's over.

Then, after the fall of Tianjing, what measures did Zeng Guofan take to reconcile with the Qing court? It should be said that what Zeng Guofan did at this time can best show that Zeng Guofan has extraordinary wisdom and strategy. Zeng Guofan, a famous Neo-Confucianism scholar, began to engage in cultural construction and no longer paid the most attention to war. After the fall of Tianjing, the Qinhuai River was renovated immediately, which made the cultural and commercial activities on both sides of the Qinhuai River flourish again. He rebuilt the Confucius Temple and resumed the imperial examination, content to be the champion dream that could not be satisfied because of years of war. At the end of the Ming Dynasty, he reprinted Wang Fuzi's representative work "Letters from the Mountain of the Boat". These actions actually sent a signal to the court that he didn't want to fight and wanted to return the stable situation to the people in the south of the Yangtze River. At the same time, it also expressed goodwill to the people of Tianjing and Jiangnan, and washed away the notoriety left by Xiang Army in Tianjing. He wants the Qing court to know that he will only be a? Zhongxing? Officials, not traitors.

First, Zeng Guofan shifted his focus from military action to cultural construction. It was quickly approved by the court. Seven days later, Zeng Guofan ordered more than 25,000 people to be cut off, leaving only 10000 people in Jiangning, and 15000 people outside the city as guerrilla divisions to search for the remnants of Taiping Army. By March of the following year, there were only two thousand Xiang troops guarding the city, and there were few guerrillas outside the city. The court ordered Zeng Guofan to go north to suppress the Nian Army, and Zeng Guofan only left the Song and the leader? Laoxiangying? . Zeng Guofan took the initiative to abolish the item and assured the Qing court that Zeng Guofan could be exempted? Kill rabbits and cook dogs? The fate of.

Xiangjun

Second, Zeng Guofan took the initiative to play in the court and demanded the abolition of the Xiang army. Ceng Guoquan, the commander-in-chief of the front line of the Xiang army who attacked Tianjin, was urged to go home and rest after his illness. At the same time, he ordered the dissolution? Kiko camp? This is the elite force of the Tseng Group headed by Ceng Guoquan. Although the court pretended to comfort Zeng Guofan and said a few nice words, it was soon allowed to play things and let Ceng Guoquan, the greatest hero of the attack on Tianjin, go home for illness. Zeng Guofan's move is very effective. He let the Qing court know that he had dismissed the elite troops? Lucky camp? His commander-in-chief left his post because of illness. This is actually to show the court that Zeng Guofan will not respect himself.

Third, Zeng Guofan was cruel? Break your wings? Ask an expert to call in sick. Tell the court that Jinling City has no gold or silver? Report to the Ministry for transfer? This means that Jinling City was breached, but no treasure was found. How do we pay for it? In fact, all the gold and silver treasures in Tianjin were taken back to their hometown by Xiang. How did Zeng Guofan recover the money taken away by gambling?

Therefore, in order to cope with the imperial court, Zeng Guofan came up with a clever response. A few days after he demanded disarmament, he went to the imperial court and demanded that the Xiang army pay be stopped: First, Guangdong lijin should be stopped, at least1.2000. It turned out that it was directly allocated to the item from Guangdong, and the contribution to the item was the most important; The second is to stop solving the wages in Jiangxi, and

Zeng Guofan's intentions, of course, the Qing court is very clear. Zeng Guofan returned all the lijin originally used to pay the salaries of the Xiang army to the court, and the number was not small. In exchange, the court no longer recovered the gold and silver treasures robbed by the troops in Jinling city. At this time, the Qing government did not agree, and the Xiang army could not be chased back. It stopped the Lijin court, made a fortune, and then forced the Xiang army away. What if there is no money to rebel? In order to cope with the court's constant concern about the plundering of wealth by the Xiang army, Zeng Guofan adopted this exchange strategy, which is indeed a coup.

Fourth, after the fall of Tianjing, Zeng Guofan skillfully responded to the court's pursuit of Xiang Army and handed over the gold and silver seized by Jinling City.

Therefore, the imperial court only rewarded the Zeng brothers for their contributions, and the Qing court did not want the world to say that they were kicking down the ladder. Zeng Guofan can be carefree.

Zeng Guofan cleverly and successfully eliminated? Superior? The situation resolved the crisis brought about by the defeat of Taiping Army by Xiang Army, avoided the intensification of contradictions with the Qing court, and avoided? Kill rabbits and cook dogs? The ending. He kept his position as a senior official and the safety and glory of the Zeng family.

In a word, Zeng Guofan showed his loyalty to the court through a series of measures, which made the court completely at ease. At this time, there are fewer soldiers and horses, and there are fewer gold and silver salaries. The valiant soldier called in sick, the elite troops were abolished, the threat to the imperial court was completely lifted, and there was no possibility of rebellion.