#假如曾国藩破金陵之后, how the support of the army and the overthrow of the Qing court will have an impact on modern China #
Zeng Guofan, the head of the four famous ministers of the late Qing Dynasty.
Because of the conquest of Tianjing in 1864, he made an unworldly meritorious achievement, and his reputation was prominent, and his power was tilted to the opposition, with 500,000 troops in his hands.
Then, after Zeng Guofan seized Tianjing, he occupied the time, place, and people, so why didn't he follow Zhao Kuangyin's example, raise the banner of anti-Qing and restoration, add yellow robes, seize the Manchu throne, and directly claim the power of the Han people as emperor? If it were to be called emperor, perhaps China would have learned from the Western political system earlier, changed the national system, and realized the country's prosperity, democracy, and civilization.
Even if history has a if, it can be re-selected, Zeng Guofan will not betray the Qing government, divide one side, and call the king emperor.
Why? Because Zeng Guofan was unwilling, could not and did not dare, he would not be called emperor.
First, why are you reluctant to be called emperor?
Because he was deeply influenced by Confucianism, he also had a sober mind and was quite self-aware, so he did not want to be called emperor.
The most notable feature of Zeng Guofan's life was his self-knowledge and knowledge of others, as well as the observance of Confucianism.
1. Confucianism
Zeng Guofan was deeply influenced by Chinese Confucianism, and "self-cultivation, family unity, governance of the country, and peace in the world" was his lifelong pursuit.
What he pursues is that like Confucius and Wang Yangming, the "inner saint and the outer king" can achieve "three immortals for meritorious service, and the teacher will be a perfect person", and becoming a "saint" who can be worshiped by the world is his ultimate goal.
Confucianism actually serves the rulers, and the most basic point is loyalty to the country.
2. Self-knowledge
After capturing Tianjing, Zeng Guofan gong gao zhen lord.
A sober mind told him that "those who have the courage to shake the Lord are in danger, and those who have done great things to cover the world will not be rewarded."
At this moment, instead of asking for rewards, we can't have the intention of rebellion, and how to save our lives is the most important.
Otherwise, Han Xin's fate was his own end, so Zeng Guofan asked for disarmament.
Second, why can't we be called emperors?
The Lord is jealous but enjoys the great grace of the emperor, is in danger and unpopular, and if there is a rebellion, he will be defeated, so he cannot be called emperor.
1. The Lord is jealous
After the capture of Tianjing, Zeng Guofan became famous, and at this time Cixi had just taken over the supreme power of the Qing government, and the most taboo was "lying on the side of the bed, and allowing others to snore". When the Qing government was on close guard, if it was plotting rebellion, whether true or false, it was a very dangerous signal, and it was a small matter of being discredited and losing one's life.
2. Huang Enhao
After conquering Tianjing, the commanders, generals, and soldiers around Zeng Guofan were rewarded by Zeng Guofan's recommendation, but they were more grateful for the grace of the Lord. At this time, they expected to recuperate and return home, rather than betraying the imperial court and doing things that lost their heads.
Zeng Guofan was even rewarded with the title of Prince Taibao and a First Rank Marquis, and was the first Manchu Han chinese to be given the title of Marquis.
3. Losing the hearts of the people
After conquering Tianjing, Zeng Guofan connived with his subordinates to slaughter the city, and at least 100,000 people in Nanjing were killed within 3 days.
The methods are very cruel, even women, children and children have not been spared.
Zhao Liewen, a close confidant of Zeng Guofan, described it in his diary
"Since five generations, life has been destroyed and there is no cure for today", and there are many more such records.
As a result, Zeng Guofan had a new title of "Zeng Shaved Head", which shows that Zeng Guofan's reputation among the people of Nanjing is not good.
Third, why don't you dare to call yourself emperor?
The commander of the Xiang Army was not only Zeng Guofan, but also many famous generals of the Xiang Army who died early, plus other rising stars were transferred out of Tianjing, leaving only Zeng Guofan and Zeng Guoquan, two brothers, so they did not dare to risk the world.
1. Commander of the Xiang Army
Zeng Guofan was the commander of the Xiang Army, and Although Hu Linyi, Li Hongzhang, and Zuo Zongtang were from the Old Xiang Army, they were also the commanders of the party.
After Hu Linyi captured Wuchang, he began to become a commander of his own, but unfortunately died of illness during the attack on Anqing.
From the moment Li Hongzhang founded the Huai Army, he also began to become the commander of his own side.
From the moment Zuo Zongtang founded the Chu Army, he also began to become the commander of his own side.
The reason why Hu Linyi, Li Hongzhang, and Zuo Zongtang were able to command one side each was actually an implicit move by the imperial court to curb Zeng Guofan.
Zeng Guofan can bring the glory of Hu Linyi, Li Hongzhang, and Zuo Zongtang, and naturally the imperial court can also give, and can give what it cannot give.
If Zeng Guofan had two hearts, Hu Linyi, Li Hongzhang, and Zuo Zongtang would be more reasonable to be loyal to the country.
2. A famous general of the Xiang Army who died young
The reason why the Xiang army led by Zeng Guofan was able to conquer Tianjing was inseparable from those famous generals of the Xiang army who were alone but died young.
Such as Jiang Zhongyuan at the beginning, Taqibu and Luo Zenan later, and Li Xubin and Li Xuyi brothers who were the commanders of Hu Linyi after the capture of Wuchang.
In the process of suppressing the Taiping Army, they repeatedly seized Yuezhou, Kewuchang, Jiujiang, and Anqing, but unfortunately, Tianjie died early and failed to enjoy the glory of conquering Tianjing.
3. Famous generals of the Xiang Army who have achieved fame
Duolong'a and Bao Chao are known as the "Duolong Baohu" of the Xiang Army.
Dolonga was the white flag of Manchuria and would naturally be loyal to the imperial court.
After conquering Ing'an, Duolong'a was dissatisfied with Zeng Guoquan's small rewards for his merits and small rewards than himself, and left Zeng Guofan, but unfortunately, a generation of famous generals of the Xiang Army died at the age of 47 when he quelled the Rebellion in Shaanxi and Gansu in 1864.
After conquering Tianjing, Bao Chao began to go to the north to suppress the reorganized and growing Twist army.
Yang Zaifu and Peng Yulin were both the founders and commanders of the Xiang Army's Marine Division.
Yang Zaifu
In 1857, Zeng Guofan returned to his hometown of Dingyou, and Yang Zaifu began to command the water army, and he already had the right to "specialize in playing things" to the imperial court.
After conquering Tianjing, Yang Zaifu had gone to Gansu to serve as the governor of Shaanxi and Gansu, and had become a feudal official.
Peng Yulin
Peng Yulin was a proud disciple of Zeng Guofan.
In his lifetime, Peng Yulin did not seek fame and fortune, did not avoid the powerful, did not rule private property, did not take concubines, and was known for his loyalty, honesty and integrity.
Zeng Guoquan was impeached many times, jealous and hateful, and disregarded the feelings of teachers and students in the face of great right and wrong.
If Zeng Guofan harbored evil intentions, Peng Yulin would definitely cut off his robe and break his righteousness.
4. Tsang's Gemini
Zeng Guofan and Zeng Guofan were brothers, one was the commander of the Xiang Army, and the other was a famous general of the Xiang Army.
Although the Xiang Army had many talents, in addition to those who had died early and had been transferred to Tianjing, the only ones left were the Zeng clan and the two heroes.
Zeng Guoquan was a first-class concubine of Zeng Guofan.
If Zeng Guofan had the idea of winning the Central Plains, the only one who might support him was Zeng Guoquan.
If Zeng Guofan dared to add a yellow robe, Zeng Guofan would instantly become a general from commander.
Because Zeng Guofan had the fame of his early career, coupled with the self-knowledge and knowledge of people, he could sit firmly as the commander of the Xiang Army.
On the basis of leading an army alone to conquer the battlefield, Zeng Guofan's skills really did not dare to compliment.
Zeng Guofan led his troops, first the defeat of Xiangtan Jinggang, then the defeat of Poyang Lake at the mouth of the lake, and then sat in Nanchang, and when he attacked Anqing and attacked Qimen in southern Anhui, he was almost destroyed by Li Xiucheng, the commander of the Taiping Army.
Zeng Guoquan led the troops, the most famous is the Battle of Anqing and the capture of Tianjing, when capturing Anqing and Tianjing, Zeng Guoquan was responsible for the siege of the city, before Li Xuyi and Yang Zaifu were responsible for reinforcements, and later Li Hongzhang and Zuo Zongtang were responsible for reinforcements, so they could win. If Zeng Guoquan was solely responsible for besieging the city and providing reinforcements, I am afraid that he would also be a hero who would be difficult to defeat with four hands.
4. Summary
Conquering Tianjing, although Zeng Guofan was an extremely popular subject, he did not dare to covet the merits of heaven.
Zeng Guofan seems to be strong and strong, and there are very few first-class confidants in careful analysis.
It is not easy for Zeng Guofan to enjoy the glory he deserves in peace and stability, and if he dares to cross the thunder pool for half a step, he will be ruined.
Zeng Guofan, if he is called emperor, the name of the saint will have no connection with Zeng Guofan, and the chaotic courtier and thief will become his new label.
Zeng Guofan is a mature adult, not only mature, but also very deep, and knows how to weigh the pros and cons and avoid risks.
Because Zeng Guofan was unwilling, unable, and did not dare to be called emperor, he would not be called emperor.
Zeng Guofan, not called emperor, was the wisest choice to make at the most dangerous moment.