Chapter 74 Don't turn your face until the end

Li Hongzhang was recognized as an outstanding talent by ZTE famous generals such as Zeng Guofan and Hu Linyi. Otherwise, Zeng Guofan would never have given him the succession of the business he had worked so hard to create, not to mention that he was not from Hunan. Among them, Zeng Guofan chose him, which shows that Li Hongzhang is indeed outstanding. But Li Hongzhang also has major flaws in character, as I have said before, that's why Zeng Guofan worked hard to educate him until he could stand on his own.An important shortcoming of Li Hongzhang is that he is more than smooth and lacks integrity, which created a lot of obstacles for him in interpersonal relationships, especially in foreign exchanges.

Yung Wing specifically commented on Li Hongzhang. He said: Although Li Wenzhong was recommended by Zeng Wenzheng to replace him, he took into account his temperament and character, and he was completely different from Wenzheng.He is emotional and moody; his behavior is prone to change without a certain purpose.And serious illnesses in life, especially those who like to hear others praise themselves.It looks reckless on the outside, but in fact it has a deep heart.Political talents are far from chasing Wen Zheng; that is, their loyalty and personality are also different.If there is a history of burning rhinoceros, his behavior in his life is like exploring the sea with lanterns and candles, and there is no hiding in autumn.

It comes down to one point, that is, Li Hongzhang's moral cultivation is far inferior to that of his teacher, especially when it comes to not being loyal enough, Li Hongzhang still hasn't got rid of his old problems. In response to Li Hongzhang's lack of loyalty, Zeng Guofan gave him a blow when he first arrived in his shogunate, and warned him to be honest.Even when Li Hongzhang founded the Huai Army, Zeng Guofan still did not relax the education of Li Hongzhang, but a new situation happened at this time.After Li Hongzhang himself led the army, he was ordered to rescue Shanghai.Shanghai was occupied by foreign powers at that time, so dealing with foreigners was an important topic.Faced with the new situation, Li Hongzhang was at a loss.Foreigners are uncivilized barbarians, without culture, let alone etiquette, and of course they have no credibility. When dealing with them, there is no need to abide by the law of integrity.This is the foreigner in the Chinese traditional concept.When Li Hongzhang arrived in Shanghai, he also had such considerations.But Zeng Guofan taught him with a clear-cut banner that no matter who he is, he must pay attention to honesty. Faith means honesty. He never cheats on a word and does nothing false.Regardless of China or foreign countries, regardless of the ancients and modern people, regardless of whether they are big or small officials, talented or not, in times of crisis, if there is no word, it is worthless.

In just a few months, Li Hongzhang wrote to Zeng Guofan several times to ask for advice, and Zeng Guofan explained to him tirelessly. Zeng Guofan has always adhered to the principle of honesty, especially when it comes to negotiating with foreign countries. He once said: Since ancient times, he has been good at controlling foreign countries.It is not a violation of the contract, and it is a breach of trust to abandon the previous promise, that is, the things that you know little, and the laughter must have the true meaning. The word "faith" and the word "sincerity" are interlinked. Zeng Guofan interpreted "letter" as: a believer is neither false nor exaggerated.Also in terms of Westernization, Zeng Guofan believes that in all matters of Sino-foreign negotiations, the main thing is to be honest and trustworthy.A little bit of deceit and pretense, and being glimpsed by it, even if it is true in a thousand words in the future, it cannot be undone once.He also said: Only foreign affairs should abide by the treaty.If there is nothing to do in ordinary times, all officials, big and small, will be diligent and self-motivated, seeking the way to strengthen themselves.For a long time, the government is well-organized and the people are harmonious, and the people are united as one, the righteousness is strong, and the evil spirits are self-defeating.

Starting from the actual environment of the Qing government at that time, Zeng Guofan believed that the enemy was strong and we were weak at that time, so he should compromise in Westernization.He hopes to gain the trust of foreigners through sincerity and trustworthiness, so as not to make more and excessive demands. In the first year of Tongzhi (1862), Zeng Guofan wrote to Li Hongzhang, admonishing him to treat foreigners with sincerity and not to cause troubles over trivial matters. Zeng Guofan said: How are foreigners doing these days?Don't you become angry from embarrassment?Our generation only admonishes all officers and men to stick to the four characters of loyalty, sincerity and respect.As the general of Fengjiang, although he has the ambition of Goujian to live in Kuaiji and Tiandan to guard Jimo in his heart, he is very accommodating on the outside.For Chinese soldiers and civilians, there is no other meaning than compromise.

In April of this year, Zeng Guofan once again warned: To communicate with foreigners: say to be loyal and trustworthy, say to act with sincerity and respect, say to be able to prevent but not suppress, and say to be estranged first and then relatives.A loyal person has no deceitful heart; a trustworthy person has no deceitful words;For those who speak this second language, no matter whether it is right or wrong, I should always keep it and not lose it. In April of the seventh year of Tongzhi (1868), Zeng Guofan's letter to Guo Songtao also expressed this point of view: When I try to communicate with foreigners, the letter is first of all important.In the tenth year of Tongzhi (1871), the letter to Li Chaobin also said: When negotiating with foreign countries, the letter is always the most important thing.If the foreign firm finds out that the full amount of compensation is not worth a lot, it will blame me for my lack of trust, and it will be more difficult to get along with it.

The reason why Zeng Guofan has this view is that foreigners love money and friendship the most. As long as they keep their promises and don't change lightly, they can gain trust and live in peace.At that time, due to the differences between Chinese and Western cultures, many foreigners believed that the Chinese were not trustworthy, and Zeng Guofan treated each other with trust, which indeed saved a lot of trouble. During Li Hongzhang's negotiations with foreigners, various matters were handled properly, which is inseparable from Zeng Guofan's teachings.From then on, as a diplomat of the Qing government, Li Hongzhang gradually came to the fore.