Essential reading for those in politics and business! An edition endorsed by Tang Haoming, who wrote an exclusive foreword! Not a single word cut, with the manuscript presented in its original form! A classic on the renowned official Zeng Guofan, and a masterwork that unlocks the hall of Chinese wisdom on how to conduct oneself!
“Be a sage, or be a beast.” Zeng Guofan’s life reached the very heights of success and renown, while the controversy surrounding him was more complex than that of anyone in history.
In late Qing Hunan, a province rich in talent, Zeng Guofan was dull and clumsy, hardly someone who stood out. Instead, his ruthless killing earned him the nickname “Zeng the Barber.” Yet thanks to his gift for judging people, his foresight in reading the times, his composure in a crisis, his perseverance through despair, and even his ruthlessness when it mattered, Zeng Guofan rose above the bloodshed of his era and became the “foremost minister of the Qing revival,” the man who saved the dynasty.
After raising troops in Hunan, Zeng Guofan’s Xiang Army suffered defeat after defeat. He tried to drown himself twice, wrote his will several times, and even resigned in despair and returned home. No one of his time suffered setbacks and blows like he did. But Zeng Guofan believed that “a true man swallows his broken teeth along with the blood,” and clung to one word: endure. Through relentless self-examination and perseverance, he held on until internal strife among the Taiping forces turned the tide of the war.
After capturing Nanjing, the Zeng clan commanded a vast army and became “the foremost family among all the people under Heaven.” At that moment, Zeng Guofan was at the height of his glory, and in the greatest danger. Yet through extreme self-examination and restraint, he cut ties after his success with the powerful court official Su Shun, who had secretly supported him all along, leaving no evidence to implicate himself when Su Shun’s coup failed. The month after crushing the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, Zeng Guofan submitted a memorial proposing the disbandment of the Xiang Army and swiftly carried it out. This act of a “hero clipping his own wings” made him one of the few figures in history who achieved such great merit that it overshadowed the throne yet still managed to protect himself.
People who have no ideas will only feel a little sad after reading this. When he was young, he devoted himself to reading and serving the country. After three generations of emperors, he was favored by Emperor Daoguang and had a prosperous official career. Feeling deeply favored by the emperor, he inspired and reimbursed the royal family. When he was in danger, he was ordered to recruit Hunan brave men and conquer Hongyang. There were many constraints, many grievances, and hardships in the middle, but he conquered Jinling and achieved immortal feats. He was granted the title of Marquis and worshiped the Prime Minister, and his position was extremely popular. Later, he was jealous of the imperial court and dealt with the Tianjin religious case. His national power declined and he had no choice but to compromise. He was not understood by the people at the time and was regarded as a traitor and traitor. His reputation was ruined throughout his life. In his later years, when I met Chen Fu, he was an outsider and criticized him for sacrificing the people to save his own affairs. He devoted himself to the Qing Dynasty and wanted to help the building when it was about to collapse, but was rejected at the last moment. However, I really felt that this old man who dedicated his whole life was very pitiful. At that moment, did he ever waver?
This book should be said to be the most comprehensive biography of Zeng Guofan, with the richest information and the most authoritative evaluation. The three volumes above, middle and lower, contain one million words, truly representing the ups and downs of Zeng Guofan's life and his mental journey. In the eyes of future generations, Zeng Guofan suffered a defeat that ordinary people would find difficult to overcome and make a comeback. The glory he enjoyed would also make most people unable to restrain themselves and get carried away. He was famous and powerful. Ordinary people would not be able to enjoy any of these three things in troubled times like the late Qing Dynasty. Zeng Guofan has always been clear-headed and not only preserved himself, but his family is still full of talents. This book can explain why.
The author Tang Haoming is a member of the 9th and 10th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and a member of the 6th and 7th National Committee of the Chinese Writers Association. He enjoys special subsidies from the State Council. His books have won the National Book Award, and "Zeng Guofan" was listed in the top 100 Chinese novels of the 20th century in Hong Kong's Asia Weekly. He is extremely professional and has rich life experience. Zeng Guofan was a politician, Neo-Confucian, writer, and calligrapher in the late Qing Dynasty. He was the leader of the Hunan Army armed by Han landlords in the late Qing Dynasty. This book tells the story of Zeng Guopan's life, his successful deeds, and the complexity of his controversies. As one of the four famous officials in the late Qing Dynasty, Zeng Guofan made outstanding contributions in various fields. He also formulated the "Six Precepts" for himself, and later became a sage.
Just like a friend of mine, he had trouble finding a job, but he persisted and finally succeeded. Zeng Guofan was the same. He encountered so many difficulties and relied on his own wisdom and hard work to survive. His success is no accident and we can learn a lot from him. This book is well worth reading!
"If you don't become a sage, you will become a beast." Zeng Guofan's life reached the pinnacle of success and prominence. He was one of the very few people in history who had great achievements and was able to protect himself. Zeng Guofan was a famous statesman, military strategist, and writer in modern times. He had a unique vision and made good use of talents. He relied on his indomitable will to achieve the success of the war. This book is a must-read for everyone in business and government units. It is a palace of Chinese wisdom in life.
Zeng Guofan was a famous statesman, military strategist, Neo-Confucianist, and writer in modern times. He had great vision and skills in discovering, cultivating, and controlling talents. He relied on his indomitable will and control of social ethics to achieve success. He pioneered the establishment of Westernization and made great achievements. He had a great influence on modern Chinese history. This book is a long historical novel carefully written by Mr. Tang Haoming. The novel is based on real history and narrates the process of Zeng Guofan from the time when the Hunan Army launched troops to his victory over the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom and then to his position as a powerful minister. Open this book and see how Zeng Guofan interprets the upgrade method of a continuous striver with a clumsy spirit.
"If you don't become a sage, you will become a beast." Zeng Guofan's life reached the pinnacle of success and prominence. He was one of the very few people in history who had great achievements and was able to protect himself. Zeng Guofan was a famous statesman, military strategist, and writer in modern times. He had a unique vision and made good use of talents. He relied on his indomitable will to achieve the success of the war. This book is a must-read for everyone in business and government units. It is a palace of Chinese wisdom in life.
This book should be said to be the most comprehensive biography of Zeng Guofan, with the richest information and the most authoritative evaluation. The three volumes above, middle and lower, contain one million words, truly representing the ups and downs of Zeng Guofan's life and his mental journey. In the eyes of future generations, Zeng Guofan suffered a defeat that ordinary people would find difficult to overcome and make a comeback. The glory he enjoyed would also make most people unable to restrain themselves and get carried away. He was famous and powerful. Ordinary people would not be able to enjoy any of these three things in troubled times like the late Qing Dynasty. Zeng Guofan has always been clear-headed and not only preserved himself, but his family is still full of talents. This book can explain why.
This is a good book, worth reading for a while. Benefited a lot
Zeng Guofan was a Chinese politician, military strategist, strategist, Neo-Confucian, and writer in the late Qing Dynasty! Known as "the first famous official in the late Qing Dynasty"! Being able to describe Zeng Guofan's life in every detail, it is impossible to write such a pinnacle work without profound writing skills and profound cultural heritage! This is everyone's style! Can't be imitated, can't be surpassed!