Preface
In the late Qing Dynasty, Zeng Guofan was highly regarded as an important minister, and devoted his life to the country, friendship and family. However, he ended his life in the face of illness. This article will trace the life of Tsang Guofan, with a particular focus on his hard work and introspection at the end of his life, as well as two major regrets he left behind on his deathbed.
Through this character description, we will delve into Zeng Guofan's family feelings, friendship and national plans, outline the last moments of this great historical figure, and show his deep affection for his family and country and the immortal historical memory.
"A Dream of Huangliang: Diligence Before Dying"
On the eve of his death, Zeng Guofan's body was weak, but the pure heart that was still burning made him constantly think about the future of his motherland. Tsang devoted his life to nation-building, and he was highly regarded for his political and military prowess. Even when his life was dying, he still did not give up his concern for the country.
Looking back on Zeng Guofan's life, he implemented the "governor and political system" when governing Jiangnan, effectively rectifying the officialdom. He advocated diligence and honesty and achieved remarkable results in the fight against corruption. Before his death, Zeng Guofan conducted a profound introspection on the road of his life's governance, recalling the achievements of reform and the unfinished mission, which made people awe-inspired.
"Matters of Friendship: An Unfulfilled Commitment"
However, in Zeng Guofan's self-examination before his death, there was still an unfulfilled friendship promise in his heart. Zeng Guofan once promised his friend Zuo Zongtang to write an epitaph for his subordinate soldier Liu Songshan. However, as fate would have it, he died of a cerebral hemorrhage and failed to fulfill this trust, making friendship one of the regrets in his life.
Zeng Guofan and Zuo Zongtang had a deep friendship, and they fought side by side to promote the reform of Jiangnan. In matters of friendship, Zeng Guofan's regret cannot be expressed in words. On his deathbed, he felt sorry for the friendship he had not been able to accomplish for his friend, and this inner conflict became a pain in his heart in his last moments. The continuation of friendship and unfulfilled promises have become an indelible mark on Zeng Guofan's life.
"National Plan: A Feast of Studying Abroad That I Didn't Meet"
In Zeng Guofan's eyes when he was dying, in addition to friendship, there was also a reflection on the country's unfinished plans. Zeng Guofan has repeatedly proposed the establishment of a foreign affairs bureau to promote international students to study in Europe and the United States. He knows very well that only by learning from Western science and technology can the Chinese people move towards the road of prosperity and strength. It's a pity that Zeng Guofan was unable to witness the gorgeous opening of this feast of studying abroad.
Zeng Guofan firmly believed in the power of education, and he advocated the Westernization movement, hoping to cultivate more talents with modern scientific and technological knowledge. In his vision, international students will be the backbone of the country's rejuvenation. However, he was unable to witness this feat firsthand, as the study abroad policy was not approved by the imperial court until a few months after his death. The implementation of this policy has become one of the regrets of Zeng Guofan's life, and people can't help but feel sorry for his failure to experience the grand occasion of international students going to the United States.
"The Way of the Family: Entrustment and Empowerment"
On the occasion of Zeng Guofan's death, he not only cared about the country's plans, but also set his sights on the way of the family. As a family elder, Zeng Guofan has a deep sense of family responsibility and leaves important instructions for his relatives. He emphasized the cohesion of the family and the inheritance of traditional values, and carried the sense of responsibility through to the last moment of life.
Zeng Guofan's entrustment is not only reflected in the words, but also in the elegy written for his friend Zuo Zongtang. This tribute is not only a tribute to friendship, but also a continuation of family feelings. Tsang Kwok Fan expressed his deep love for his family and friends in the couplet, so that the family way can be passed on from generation to generation. This part makes one deeply feel the touching side of Tsang's family role as a human being.
"After Farewell: A Continuation of a Career and a Will"
Although Zeng Guofan's life came to an end, his career and last wishes were continued in posterity. Walking into the cemetery of Zeng Guofan, it is like being in a corridor of history. His descendants remember his dedication and continue his unfinished business. The Westernization Movement advocated by Zeng Guofan eventually took root in the hands of later generations, and the study abroad policy was approved by the imperial court after his death, which became a major turning point in Chinese history.
Near the cemetery, international students have embarked on the road to study, and Zeng Guofan's last wish has found a continuation in them. Although he did not personally witness Zeng Guofan's career, his ideas have been passed down through the efforts of future generations, like a seed of civilization that will never wither. In front of his tomb, flowers bloom richly, symbolizing the prosperity of his career and the fulfillment of his last wishes.
epilogue
Zeng Guofan, an important minister in the late Qing Dynasty, was loyal and honest all his life, and was obsessed with the country, friendship and family. In the final moments of his life, he presented himself as a remarkable historical figure with a sense of hard work, deep contemplation of friendship, and concern for the unfinished business of his country.
The regrets he left behind are like the pearls of history, which make people ponder. However, Zeng Guofan's career and legacy have been passed on through the unremitting efforts of future generations and have become a glorious chapter in Chinese history. While remembering Zeng Guofan, we should inherit his feelings for his family and country, bravely pursue our dreams, and let the spirit of this great historical figure shine in our hearts forever.