Weng Tonghe

Author: Liu Yongqiang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-07-01
Features: Gained the top imperial examination rank at the age of 26 after years of studying in poverty. Served as the tutor of the Tongzhi Emperor for 10 years and reached the rank of second rank official. Acting as the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, he presided over the judgment of the "Yang Naiwu and Xiao Baicai" case. Served as the tutor of the Guangxu Emperor for over 20 years, earning the respect of officials as "fatherlike." Appointed as a member of the Grand Council, he supported Liu Yongfu in resisting France. Served as Minister of Revenue, planning the development of Xinjiang, raising funds to mint coins quickly, and assisting in the emperor's wedding. During this period, he opposed the establishment of the Huamei Bank and the construction of the Tianjin-Pukou Railway, angering Li Hongzhang and Zhang Zhidong. During the First Sino-Japanese War, he strongly advocated for war, suppressing Li Hongzhang's peace efforts. During the Hundred Days' Reform, he recommended Kang Youwei. Kang Youwei called him "Weng Gong the mentor of China's reform movement." Although a core figure of the imperial party, he was dismissed by the Guangxu Emperor for "showing signs of power-hunger and being unable to fulfill the duties of the Grand Council."