Zeng Guofan's words made everyone present fall into deep thought.
Li Hongzhang was the first to speak: "Teacher, in the officialdom, people always pay attention to taking sides, and those who sit on the wall will definitely be unlucky. Although Li Zhen has become a powerful official, the two empresses do not pose a threat to Li Zhen, and the little emperor is still a baby, let alone. Thinking about the fate of He Guiqing, Xu Naizhao and others, I think joining Li Zhen's army will not suffer."
Zeng Guofan said with a serious expression: "Now, Li Zhen is indeed powerful and has power over the government and the public. Ten years later, twenty years later, or even thirty years later, when the emperor grows up, Li Zhen will still be an evergreen tree." Well, from the perspective of the relationship between the two parties, Zai Chun is the king and Li Zhen is the minister. The relationship between the two parties is inherently superior and subordinate. It is not easy for Li Zhen to confront the emperor."
"Sir, I think you are wrong and underestimate Li Zhen's ambition."
In the hall, a young man spoke. This young man had a slim figure, a face like a jade, and a handsome appearance. His eyes were gentle, neither arrogant nor impetuous, giving people a gentle and jade-like feeling.
As soon as the young man opened his mouth, Zeng Guofan took it very seriously."
"If Liewen has any ideas, just say it, we will discuss it privately," Zeng Guofan encouraged.
The young man's name was Zhao Liewen, and he was Zeng Guofan's staff.
Zhao Liewen said: "I estimate that in twenty or thirty years, the Manchu Qing Dynasty will have been destroyed. It was Li Zhen who came to power, and King Zhennan has the power he has today. Ten years later, he will definitely not be content with his current power. People's hearts will change, especially those in high positions, who will never let go of the rights they have held for a long time. The most important thing is that King Zhennan is not a pedantic person and will not hand over his rights. Therefore, I conclude that the Manchu Qing Dynasty will definitely It ended in the hands of King Zhennan."
These words were earth-shattering and shocked everyone in the hall.
But if you think about it carefully, it makes sense.
Historically, Zhao Liewen served as Zeng Guofan's staff in the fifth year of Xianfeng. Zhao Liewen left a heavy mark in history. It was he who predicted the demise of the Manchu Qing Dynasty.
According to historical records, in 1867, Zeng Guofan and Zhao Liewen were chatting in the evening.
Zeng Guofan had a look of emotion on his face and said seriously: "People from the capital say that the atmosphere in the capital is very bad. Murderous crimes involving open fire fighting occur from time to time. There are groups of beggars in the streets, and there are even many women who are naked and have no clothes to cover their bodies." , the people are destitute and their wealth is exhausted, the country is in chaos, and the officials are arrogant, I am afraid there will be a big chaos, what should I do?"
Zhao Liewen replied: "If we divide for a long time, we will unite, and if we unite for a long time, we will divide. The situation of stability and unity has lasted for a long time, and it is inevitable to move towards turmoil and division. However, the authority of the royal family is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, and local separatism has not formed a climate, unless "the heart is broken", Otherwise, the whole country will not fall apart. I estimate that the disaster in the future will be that the imperial court will collapse first, leaving the world without a master, and then the local governments will go their own way. This situation will not occur within fifty years."
Less than fifty years after Zhao Liewen's prediction, the Manchu Qing Dynasty perished. At this time, Zhao Liewen also asserted that the Manchu Qing Dynasty perished in the hands of Li Zhen because he believed that Li Zhen could not be captured without mercy.
Li Hongzhang said: "Teacher, I agree with what Mr. Zhao said."
Peng Yulin said: "The emperor in the north is a rebel. His reputation is not just and his words are not justified. He also loses power and humiliates the country by ceding territory. It will not become a climate. The emperor here is a little baby and it is difficult to become a climate. If the emperor has the appearance of a dragon and a tiger, There may be a way to save it, but the emperor is a little baby and there is no threat at all. I think that after Li Zhen launched his troops in the Northern Expedition and destroyed the false emperor in the north, the world's pattern will change. This is probably what Mr. Zhao expected. ."
At this time, a soldier came over and said, "Sir, Zuo Zongtang is here to visit."
"please come in."
Zeng Guofan raised his eyebrows and immediately ordered.
After Zuo Zongtang walked into the hall and took his seat, he said: "Brother Bohan, the prince has taken the initiative to recruit you, why did you refuse? You and I have known each other for many years and have been close friends for many years. Tell me the truth, what do you think?"
Zeng Guofan was silent for a moment and then said: "To be honest with brother Ji Gao, I felt very sad when I thought that the Hunan Army was going to be merged into King Zhennan's army, so I politely declined King Zhennan's invitation."
At this moment, Zeng Guofan found an excuse for himself.
Zuo Zongtang shook his head and said loudly: "Brother Bohan doesn't want the Hunan Army to be merged into the army under the command of the prince, but has Brother Bohan ever thought about it? The emperor transferred other officials to serve as leaders of the Hunan Army and wants to take over your Hunan Army. What should you do? Is it possible that you, Zeng Bohan, want to rebel against the imperial court and imitate Hong Xiuquan in causing rebellion?"
When Zeng Guofan heard this, his expression changed drastically.
Immediately, he sighed and said, "Oh, it's so difficult."
Seeing this, Zuo Zongtang signaled Li Hongzhang, Zeng Guoquan and others with his eyes to persuade them.
Li Hongzhang immediately said: "Teacher, I think it is okay to merge into the command of King Zhennan. It is better than having the Hunan Army fall apart in the future. We are all still in the same army at the moment."
Zeng Guoquan also said: "Brother, I agree."
Immediately, Peng Yulin, Zhao Liewen and others also began to persuade Zeng Guofan to join Li Zhen's command.
Because the emperor's power was too small and could almost be ignored, and Li Zhen was not a cruel and ignorant person, there was no possibility of the gap between the two sides being reduced. As long as Li Zhen worked steadily, Li Zhen's strength would definitely continue to increase, and The emperor's strength was limited by Li Zhen and could not be increased.
Li Hongzhang, Zeng Guoquan, Peng Yulin and others all saw this reason and unanimously agreed to join Li Zhenjun. As for Zeng Guofan, his subconscious mind was loyal to the emperor and he was also worried about the future situation, so he hesitated.
Now, after being persuaded by Zhao Liewen, Peng Yulin and others, he had already accepted it in his heart. He borrowed the donkey from Poxia and nodded: "I am willing to serve as the commander of the third army and build another army for the King of Zhennan."
Zuo Zongtang said happily: "I will tell the prince that you will wait for the prince to summon you."
Immediately, Zuo Zongtang went to report.
Not long after, Li Zhen summoned Zeng Guofan, Li Hongzhang and others together.
Li Zhen said in a deep voice: "Brother Bohan will serve as the commander of the Third Army. I can rest assured that I will let someone tell Brother Bohan how to form a new army. I hope Brother Bohan can form a strong army as soon as possible. "
Zeng Guofan said: "Yes."
Li Zhen continued: "Brother Bohan has many talents under his command, and they are all people with lofty ideals. I will give you a quota in another army, which means that one of you will be born as a commander. Who is it specifically? Let’s see how you perform next. At the same time, the DPRK also needs people to match me, so there are also official positions in the DPRK. I hope you can stand out.”
"yes."
The people under Zeng Guofan suddenly became excited. The position of a military commander was vacant, and the official position of civil servant in the DPRK was waiting for them. This made many people under Zeng Guofan excited.
Zeng Guofan felt a little bitter in his heart when he looked at the excited people under his command.
He knew that after being merged into Li Zhen's army, the Hunan Army would definitely not be able to remain intact, and many people would be transferred away, but Zeng Guofan did not want to delay the future of his subordinate officers and generals, because these people were either brothers or disciples , or good friends, he also hopes that these people can have a good future.