Zeng Guofan's Strategy

Author: Zhou Cuiling Translated and Annotated
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-06-01
Features: Great men are born in times of turmoil. The emergence of Zeng Guofan, a man of high status who remains a subject of posthumous debate, once again proves this point. In the mid-19th century, amid the of the Opium War, China's national crisis deepened, class contradictions sharpened, and the traditional feudal order was gradually disintegrating. The late Qing government, plagued by internal uprisings and external invasions, was in a precarious state. During this turbulent period, in 1838, at the age of 27, Zeng Guofan traveled to the capital to take the imperial examination and was ranked third in the jinshi class, later becoming a cishiji and then a Hanlin academic. He embarked on the traditional path of "those who excel in learning should serve in office," beginning his long career in the civil service. With his profound foundation in traditional culture, his mature and steady temperament, and extraordinary talent, Zeng Guofan gained the favor of the powerful official Mu Chang'a. In 1847, he was promoted to the position of Grand Secretary of the Grand Council and Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites. In 1849, he was further elevated to the position of Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites.
In 1853, as a Vice Minister on leave, Zeng Guofan was appointed as the head of the Hunan militia, where he organized a highly Confucian-influenced and highly combat-effective army known as the Xiang Army. Over a decade of fighting, the Xiang Army defeated the Taiping Army led by Hong Xiuquan, which had nearly overthrown the Qing Dynasty and controlled half of the empire. At the same time, the Xiang Army grew to a total of 300,000, establishing the saying "No army is complete without Xiang soldiers" and reaching the peak of Zeng Guofan's political career.
In the nine years following 1849, Zeng Guofan held concurrent positions as Vice Minister of War, Industry, Justice, and Personnel, overseeing key military and political affairs. Over ten years, he was promoted seven times, rising ten ranks in a single leap, from the seventh rank to the second rank, creating a miracle in the Qing Dynasty's official promotions. During this period, Zeng Guofan was also tasked with suppressing the Nian Army and mediating the Tianjin Incident.
In 1872, Zeng Guofan finally retired from his post as Viceroy of Liangjiang. Shortly after, the Qing court issued an imperial edict posthumously bestowing upon him the title of Grand Tutor, the posthumous name Wenzheng, and allowing his spirit to be enshrined in the Temple of Loyalty and the Temple of Virtuous Officials in the capital. A memorial temple was also built in his hometown and in Jiangning, and his biography was included in the National Historical Archives. In life, he enjoyed great prestige, and in death, he received immense honor.
This book is based on the Collected Works of Zeng Guofan published by Yuehu Press in 1985. It selects and annotates passages centered on Zeng Guofan's strategies in personal conduct, governance, and military affairs, providing translations and annotations while noting the page numbers of the selected excerpts for easy reference. If readers can gain a glimpse of the bigger picture and find inspiration from this book, the annotator's efforts will be well rewarded.