Yong'an Notes

Author: Xue Fucheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2000-01-01
Features: Xue Fucheng (1838-1894), styled Shuyun and styled Yong'an, was a native of Wuxi, Jiangsu, and a. In 1865, he joined Zeng Guofan's after writing a letter to suggest reforms in the imperial examinations, reducing the Green Standard Army, and learning Western technology. In 1875, he submitted a memorial on domestic and foreign reforms and was appointed by Li Hongzhang as an important aide, managing foreign affairs for ten years. In 1879, he wrote《》, advocating for the development of industry and commerce and the implementation of customs autonomy. During the Sino-French War, he served as the Governor of Ning, Shao, and Tai in Zhejiang, organizing defenses and coordinating troops to repel French naval invasions. In 1888, he was promoted to the position of Hunan Anchipan. The following year, he was appointed as an envoy to Britain, France, Italy, and Belgium, while also holding positions such as Minister of the Imperial Kitchen and Minister of the Supreme Court and Vice Director of the Left. During his tenure as envoy, he further advocated for learning from Western countries to develop mechanical industries and commercial operations, and praised the constitutional monarchy systems of Britain and Germany, becoming a renowned reformist political commentator and thinker. In 1894, he returned to China and died in Shanghai shortly after.