Chapter 22 Wu Guo Songtao analyzed the interests and conspired to countermeasures, which prompted Zeng Guofan and Mo Fan to come out of the mountain

Chen Fu returned to the hotel in Xiangxiang County, and told Guo Songtao all the details of his trip.Song Tao rejoiced and said: "Brother Guangfu, you not only know how to look at Fengshui, you are eloquent, you can also investigate people's sentiments, even the grave of Granny He San, who died for hundreds of years in the lotus leaf pond, has come in handy for you." .” Chen Fu smiled proudly: "Grandma He's tomb is the best proof of that geomantic land. Otherwise, I have never met Zeng Shilang, so why would they believe me?" Guo Songtao also laughed and said, "It's not Grandma He who gave you the treasure land to prove it, I'm afraid your treasure land was inspired by Grandma He!"

Chen Fu laughed.After laughing, he said seriously: "Junxian, don't make sarcastic remarks. You really have to believe in geomantic geomantic omen. Think about it, if it weren't for his parents being buried in a good place, how could Zhu Yuanzhang, a beggar monk, become the Ninth Five-Year Master?" come?" Guo Songtao nodded and said: "I take the attitude of a sage when it comes to Feng Shui, and I also learn to keep quiet: I neither believe nor derogate." "It's a good thing Zeng Shilang's family doesn't take your attitude. Otherwise, I won't be able to do this." Chen Fu said while packing his luggage, "Junxian, what I said to Zeng Shilang is false, you go to ask for it this time." To be honest, analyze the situation honestly and dispel his worries. He is not a hot-blooded young man in his twenties, and he will not go out to do things recklessly just because of my empty words. Shilang Zeng often tells people that he must Seek truth from facts. What I said will have some effect on him, but the key lies in your truth. We parted ways. I went to Baoqing Mansion to find a foreign friend. When you go this time, you will definitely come out with Zeng Shilang Do it for yourself, the future is very bright."

"Brother, don't leave, let's do it together!" "I'm a wild crane, and I'm used to laziness. I can't stand that kind of drama." Chen Fu said with a smile.Guo Songtao also hurriedly packed his bags, left the hotel, and set off for the lotus leaf pond. In the afternoon after Chen Fu left, the governor's office in Hunan sent someone to send a message. The message is transcribed from the edict delivered by the fire ticket from the Ministry of War: The former Ding Youdai Lang Zeng Guofan was born in Xiangxiang, so he must be familiar with the human relations in Hunan.According to the decree issued by the governor, he was ordered to help and deal with the affairs of the Tuanlian villagers in the province to search for bandits. Yi will do his best and live up to his appointment.This is it.

Zeng Guofan thought, is this the result of Mr. Jing Hai's secret recommendation?Chen Fu walked forward, and the imperial edict followed. Is it true that this Jiangyou mountain man predicted that he would enter the cabinet for the rest of his life, and be granted the title of marquis?He closed the door tightly, lit a stick of incense, and sat cross-legged on the bed.In the curling cigarette smoke, he closed his eyes slightly, like an old monk in meditation, everything in the world has gone away, and the depths of the Lingfu are quiet, and his thoughts are exceptionally clear.This is the trick he learned from Mr. Tang ten years ago when he studied with Tang Jian.Zeng Guofan is not a master in his studies, but is good at understanding various schools of thought.Tang Jian told him once: "The most important thing is the word 'quiet'. Master Dacheng is a three-generation post-sage, and he is also good at the word 'jing'; Wang Wencheng also has skill in the word 'jing', so he can not be tempted. If It’s not quiet, it’s not secretive, it’s not clear, it’s all superficial.”

Tang Jian's words pointed him.He thought that Lao Zhuang also advocated tranquility, Guanzi also advocated tranquility, and Buddhists also advocated tranquility. It seems that the word "quiet" is a main thread running through all schools of thought, and it is the most subtle foundation between heaven and earth, so each school of thought At this point, establish your own theory of self-cultivation and life.The same is true for governing a country. People often praise good ministers who govern the country as people who "have calmness in every major event".When you calm down, you will be able to deal with all kinds of chaotic military affairs.Since then, he has to sit quietly for a while every day, and he has gained a lot of experience and methods in life, study and politics.Especially when encountering major problems, he does not make decisions lightly. He always has to go through several meditations and repeated weighing before coming up with an idea.In order to make the atmosphere more peaceful, a piece of incense is often lit.Every time he sees this situation, no matter how big the family has, he doesn't bother him.

Whether it is to share the emperor's worries or to realize his personal ambitions, Zeng Guofan believes that he should not shirk this mission.For more than ten years, the emperor's kindness has been profound, and the emperor's country, himself and the entire Zeng family have long been integrated into one.Now the emperor wants his ministers to accept orders in the face of danger, how can he resign and refuse?What's more, when he was studying in his hometown, he made up his mind that he would make a big career in this life.After entering the Hanlin Academy, he asked himself to have the achievements of Han Yu in literature and the achievements of Li Mi in martial arts, so as to shine in the annals of history and leave a name for future generations.Since he was promoted to the Minister of Rites, he has become more ambitious.In the past few years, in addition to the household department, he has also served as the servant of the five departments.He can handle every major national event, Yuru.When he was also in charge of the Ministry of War, he read all the military books of the past dynasties, especially "Sun Tzu's Art of War" and Qi Jiguang's "Records of Military Training" and "Ji Xiao New Book".Seeing the turmoil in the current situation, he secretly regarded himself as a savior of the world and the people in his heart.He wrote poems to show his ambition: "Cultivate morality to pursue Confucius and Mencius, save time and Li Zhuge." He determined to be a first-class figure of Confucius, Mencius and Zhuge Liang.Now Changmao is in chaos, endangering the two lakes, and it seems that there is still a danger of spreading north to east, and the imperial court regards it as a confidant's trouble.Isn't it the right time to save the country and ease the worries of the king?What's more, he has formed a sworn feud with Chang Mao, and he hates this gang of rebels who committed rebellion.Get out of the mountain!Suddenly, he subconsciously shook his head again, thinking of a court meeting last year——

The main hall of Qianqing Palace.The Crown Prince Yi Chi back then, and now the young Emperor, sat on the throne.He has been on the throne for more than a year, and changed his name to Xianfeng. From Zeng Guofan's point of view, the emperor seemed to have the drive to work hard.For more than a year, the emperor has spoken out widely, reused virtuous ministers, and thought of doing something.Compared with Emperor Daoguang's later years, the court is full of vitality.Zeng Guofan knew that the state affairs had reached the point where it was difficult to deal with it because he had covered five departments.Years of drought and insect plagues have caused almost no harvest in some places, while the extortion by officials at all levels has continued to increase. There are displaced and hungry people everywhere, and there are thousands of miles of barren land.What's even more frightening is that, for more than ten years, no one in Jiuqing has stated the gains and losses of current politics, and no one in science and technology has discussed the advantages and disadvantages of the local area.Last month, Zeng Guofan posted a discount, pointing out that there are two major diseases in the country at present, one is the lack of national resources, and the other is that the army is not good enough.He suggested that 50,000 Green Battalion soldiers should be eliminated for the benefit of the country.The memorial was sent up, but it was approved very quickly, but there were only three words "understand", and it was not clear whether to agree or disagree.Zeng Guofan could only sigh lightly.

At today's court meeting, several ministers talked about the war in Guangxi.It has been nearly a year since Hong Xiuquan raised the flag to rebel. Whenever this matter is mentioned, the civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty have always changed their colors.Everyone knew in their hearts that although the Eight Banners garrison and the Green Battalion combined had nearly one million soldiers, they were incapable of fighting at all; it was of no use to send the Grand Scholar Sai Shang'a as an imperial envoy to supervise the army. Standing in the court class, Zeng Guofan thought that the country's longitude and latitude are endless, and finally belonged to the emperor alone.He was full of hope for the young Emperor Xianfeng.If the emperor can continue like this, rectify his sacred bow, and strive to be strong, then the state affairs can still be done.Thinking of this, he reorganized some of the opinions he had prepared, walked out of the team, knelt down and said: "I heard that virtue is often confused by people who are similar to it. If you don't distinguish it early, then It is impossible to guard against abuses. My minister secretly observes the virtues of the emperor's life and security, and there are about three ends, and the three ends are similar, and each has disadvantages. We must prevent them from happening, and please present them for my emperor."

When the two classes of civil and military officers heard this, they were too frightened to say anything.This Zeng Guofan has become so courageous today that he dares to say that the emperor is wrong!Someone stole a glance at the emperor. But I saw the twenty-year-old, thin and fine emperor under the plaque of "Upright and Bright" listening.Perhaps it was because Zeng Guofan's Xiangxiang Mandarin was not easy to understand, the emperor had no expression on his face.When Zeng Guofan paused for a moment, Emperor Xianfeng was slightly taken aback, and said, "Just keep talking, Qing."

Zeng Guofan slowly said word by word: "Every time I see the emperor offering sacrifices to Suyong, I must be cautious in every step, and ordinary visits are also done with precision. This is the virtue of respect and prudence. If it is not early to distinguish, its disadvantages are trivial. Since last year, Guanglin, Fuji, Linkui, Huifeng, etc. have all been offended by small details. As this trend grows, the officials will all focus on small things and lose big things. This is the case of Guangxi, where the big ones are the position of talents, The second is judging the geographical advantages, and the second is prudent military supplies. And these three, there are mistakes in the financing."

Emperor Xianfeng's face was already pale, and out of concern for his face and fear of blocking the way of speech, he did not get angry, but interrupted Zeng Guofan's words impatiently: "What about the second end?" "I heard that the emperor's tens of thousands of spare time, Xiqing's classics, and the end of entertainment are also like the former sages. This is also a good ancient virtue. But if you don't distinguish it carefully, it must be prevented. Last year, you opened your mouth and talked about it. Most of the ministers played it with the words "know it". There are some special rewards, hand edicts to praise Woren, and they are not many miles away; excellent decrees are to answer Su Tingkui, not many Denouncing it as a chaotic stream is to seldom observe the true meaning of words, but to pretend to accept advice." When Emperor Xianfeng saw that Zeng Guofan first accused him of being at a loss in handling Guangxi's military affairs, and now he said that his remonstrance was false, he felt very annoyed. The memorial should be short, so hurry up!" Hearing these words, Zeng Guofan felt his legs tremble and sweat profusely. "yes!" He calmed down and decided to speak quickly: "The minister also heard that the emperor's entertainment is far away, and he respects himself. This is a great virtue. However, if you don't know it well, you are afraid of being humble and vulgar and growing arrogant. Defend……" "Crazy rebellion! Presumptuous!" Emperor Xianfeng couldn't bear it anymore.In the past year, the ministers and workers have also made many memorials to criticize the current situation and advise the emperor, but the tone is extremely euphemistic and gentle.Emperor Xianfeng liked such memorials.Although the words are used in a tactful manner, he still understands the intention, and he likes that all his subordinates use this kind of language to play correctly. He didn't expect Zeng Guofan to accuse him in such harsh tone as "mistakes", "vain words" and "arrogance" in front of many civil and military personnel today. He felt his supreme dignity was bruised and was furious.Zeng Guofan clearly saw that he was just a young man who had just passed the weak crown, so he dared to be so unscrupulous.If you don't give him some color today, how can you build up your own prestige?He shouted sharply: "Zeng Guofan's words are purely imaginary and have no real content. Isn't it hypocritical to play the name of loyalty and straightness with radical words? Isn't it arrogant? What crime should we deserve!" Seeing Emperor Xianfeng's anger, the two classes of civil and military shuddered abnormally.In a panic, the academician Qi Junzao hurriedly came out of the class to kowtow, and said: "Zeng Guofan's rebelliousness deserves death. But Gu Nian, who dared to risk his life to speak out, originally regarded the emperor as the king of Yao and Shun. The emperor forgives him this time." Ji Zhichang, the censor of Zuodu, also came out to guarantee: "Zeng Guofan's disciples are stupid by nature, but his heart is the most straightforward and loyal. If the emperor does not punish him, he must be cautious in the future." Emperor Xianfeng saw that both Qi Junzao and Ji Zhichang came to intervene, and thought that Zeng Guofan's words were originally out of loyalty, and punishing him today will inevitably attract discussions from the government and the public, which is not good. So while they were interceding, he waved his hand: "Get down!" Zeng Guofan didn't dare to say anything more, kowtowed to thank him, and withdrew.He didn't know how he got home that day.He lay on the bed all day, thinking of the imminent disaster, he couldn't help feeling a little regretful.I thought that I would make a difference today, but who knows that it is so narrow!He envisages the punishment that will come soon: if it is serious, it will be demoted to the people, and if it is light, it will be demoted and transferred to another country.He ordered Mrs. Ouyang to tidy up the gold and silver; he called Jize to him, and told him to study hard, and in the future he should only be a sensible gentleman and never become a high-ranking official.Jize nodded half understanding. Zeng Guofan was really nervous for a few days. Later, when he heard that Emperor Xianfeng had lost his anger, he only criticized him for being "pedantic and incomprehensible".Although the panic has passed, Zeng Guofan has also experienced the holiness of the new emperor. More than ten years of official career has made Zeng Guofan deeply understand that it is impossible for an official to do great things without the trust of the emperor and the support of his relatives and nobles.Now it is group training, which is even more different in nature.If the regiment training cannot fight, it will not succeed; if it fails, the emperor will look down on it.If it can fight, it will inevitably become a de facto army.The Manchus have always been very suspicious of the Han Chinese who hold military power.What suspicions will this army arouse!If it is not done well, it will be in vain, and there will be unforeseen disasters.Besides, Hunan's official administration is too corrupt, and it can be said to be second to none among the eighteen provinces.From last year to the first half of this year, the emperor repeatedly criticized Hunan's officials.The former governor Lu Feiquan, the chief envoy Wang Gongzhen, and Chen Yongyuan Jingdao Lu Enzhan were all submitted to the Ministry for strict discussion or dismissed for investigation due to corruption, malpractice and improper handling of affairs.Although the governor and the two divisions have replaced newcomers, how can the corrupt habits over the years be changed by replacing a few people?There is another reason buried in the deepest part of his heart, which cannot be revealed in the slightest. In the past, when he was an official in Beijing, Zeng Guofan knew from the memorials, Tang newspapers, and letters from relatives and friends that the country's power had been corrupted.This time I left Beijing and went south, from Zhili to Shandong, from northern Jiangsu to Huainan, everywhere I went was devastated and devastated.All kinds of situations made him feel that the country is in a moment of fluctuating people's hearts and threatening crises.Zeng Guofan sighed in his heart many times: I never thought that the national situation would be so bad!During the half day when he was captured by the Taiping Army, he saw with his own eyes that the long-haired army was neat and strong, and there were many talents in the army, especially the notice that he was asked to copy that night, encouraging the Han people to rise up and recover the country with national righteousness. It is very in line with the hearts of the Han people.It seems that Hong Yang is not someone to wait for.Could it be that Tianxin is really tired of the Aixinjueluo family and wants to change the dynasty?I have been greatly favored by the emperor, so I should help the royal family, but I am tired of it, how can manpower change it!The building will fall, and there will be no tree to support; can the emperor's country be preserved? Thinking of this, Zeng Guofan sighed deeply: "Unexpectedly, if you want to imitate Wuxiang, Marquis Ye can't!" He decided not to order, at least not for the time being.Zeng Guofan no longer thought about it.He got up from the bed, spread out the paper, and wanted to write a "request for final registration" to the emperor. After three or four days of repeated revisions, polishes, and transcriptions, the memorial has come out.They were about to send someone to Changsha to ask Zhang Liangji to act on his behalf, and Jing Qi came in to report: "Guo Hanlin from Xiangyin is visiting." After not seeing each other for several years, Zeng Guofan and Guo Songtao, two best friends, were very affectionate after meeting each other.Guo Songtao, as a junior, knelt down and bowed to the coffin of the old lady of the Jiang family who was staying in the new house in his waist. He also paid homage to the old lady Zeng Linshu, and met Zeng Guofan's four younger brothers one by one. Guo Songtao said to Zeng Guofan: "I came to Heye Pond, first to express my condolences to my aunt, and second to congratulate my dear brother." Zeng Guofan asked in surprise, "What can I congratulate?" Song Tao said with a smile: "I heard that my dear friend is about to go to the provincial capital to take a high school, and he will be in charge of the province's regiment training affairs. The scholars in Sanxiang, who know or don't know, are all happy. They say that things in Hunan can be done. I hope that my dear friend will show Guo, Li Zhi is a great talent, once Shi Suri clarifies the ambition of the world, comforts the environment and the people, and puts order in order. Such a great deed, can Song Tao not congratulate him?" After hearing these words, Zeng Guofan was excited, but his face was expressionless, and said: "Jun Xianmi heard the rumors. Although Zhang Zhongcheng sent a letter to invite him, and the emperor also issued an order recently, Guofan's life is already in danger, so how can he take on this important task?" ? Zhang Zhongcheng has already sent a letter of thanks, and I cannot accept the emperor's decree." With that said, he took out two letters from the cabinet and handed them to Guo Songtao.When Guo Songtao read it, one was transcribing the imperial edict handed in by the Ministry of War, and the other was the memorial just transcribed by Zeng Guofan.The first sentence of the excerpt reads: "I beseech you to end up in the register. You can't accept orders. I pray for the Holy Spirit." Guo Songtao stopped reading, threw it aside, and sighed: "Alas! It's a pity that Zhang Zhongcheng, Zuo Jigao, and Jiang Minqiao are all Misjudged the person. I, Guo Songtao, have thought that you are the best friend in the past twenty years, but it seems unreliable. "It's like Guo and Li at the moment, and return the emperor with two capitals." It turns out that it is just a poem of a literati, not the wish of a person with lofty ideals. " Zeng Guofan is the strongest person, Guo Songtao's sarcastic remarks made his face hot and embarrassed. "Junxian, you don't understand me? I'm a filial piety! How can there be any reason to go out to do business when your mother is dead and not buried?" Guo Songtao ignored his confession, and continued to talk to himself: "There is only one person who is right." "Who?" Zeng Guofan blurted out. "Hunan Water and Land Admiral Bao Qibao. He said that Zeng Guofan is a frail scholar. What skills does he have to run a group training? Although he is usually as strong as an ox, he must be as timid as a mouse in the end." Zeng Guofan burst out laughing.He knew that Guo Songtao was trying to provoke the general, but instead his face was not hot, and he smiled calmly: "What a well-behaved Boss Guo, I am not Zhou Gongjin, I can be provoked with a few words." Guo Songtao said seriously: "Who wants to provoke you? I'm just sorry for you. You failed the high expectations of Sangzi, and what's even more regrettable is that you made King Gong, Xueshi Su, and Mr. Jinghai get a bad name from nobody." Zeng Guofan was startled, Mr. Jinghai had already learned from his letter that Mr. Jinghai had secretly recommended to the emperor, but he didn't know anything about the sponsorship of Prince Gong and Sushun. "Yunxian, what do you say?" "Look at this letter!" Guo Songtao took out Zhou Shouchang's letter to Zuo Zongtang from his cuff.Zeng Guofan quickly took it with one hand and looked at it carefully. Zhou Shouchang's letter stated that since Tang Jian's secret recommendation, the emperor has been considering the appointment of Zeng Guofan, but has not finally made up his mind.For this matter, the emperor summoned Prince Gong Yixin and cabinet scholar Sushun respectively.Both of them strongly advocated the use of Han people to pacify Hong Yang.Prince Gong said that Zeng Guofan was a young and promising talent who was exceptionally promoted by the late emperor. He was a figure like Lin Zexu and Tao Shu, and he asked the emperor to rely on him sincerely and reuse him.Sushun made it clear that in the current turmoil between the two lakes, please order Zeng Guofan to host the group training in his hometown, follow the established method of Jiaqing Ye Pingchuan Chubai Lotus, and give Zeng Guofan the right to do things conveniently.In this way, Hong Yang can be cut off as soon as possible, and the country can be safe as soon as possible.The emperor readily accepted it, and praised King Gong and Sushun for their excellent knowledge and maturity in seeking the country. Zeng Guofan was very excited after reading the letter.Since Chen Fu's visit, Zeng's mansion was still in great mourning on the surface, but it was full of happiness inside.Guoquan invited more than a dozen Fengshui masters nearby to look at the concave land, and everyone praised it as an excellent land, so they believed Chen Fu's words even more.In addition, another edict came, and the brothers all encouraged the eldest brother to organize group training in Jin Province.Guohua said: "Li He said it well: 'Please go to Lingyan Pavilion temporarily, if you are a scholar with ten thousand households?' The fifth-class nobles have always been hunted on the battlefield. How many times have you seen someone named a marquis by articles?" Guoquan said: "During the Jiaqing period, Yang Yuchun was just a military general under Eredengbao. Later, he worshiped the governor of Shaanxi and Gansu and was named a first-class marquis. During the Daoguang period, Ma Jisheng was a brave man and was named a second-class baron. What did he rely on , don’t rely on the military merits of countering the rebellion?” What the younger brothers said made sense, but Zeng Guofan thought more deeply.Chen Fu's prophecy brought him excitement and increased his confidence in going out.However, prophecy is prophecy after all, not reality, but reality has many difficulties.Now, from Zhou Shouchang's letter, Zeng Guofan saw hope.He had many contacts with Prince Gong and Sushun.Prince Gong is quick-witted and knowledgeable, and he is the most intelligent figure in the royal family.Sushun is the sixth son of Ulan Taier, Prince of Zheng.When he was in the capital in the first half of the year, Zeng Guofan knew that the emperor would reuse Sushun, relying on him to straighten out the imperial court and rectify the shortcomings.Sushun's entry into the cabinet to pay homage to the prime minister is only two years away.With the trust of Prince Gong and Sushun, and the emperor's willingness to accept it, are you afraid that there will be no support from the court?Once this biggest worry was eliminated, Zeng Guofan was really tempted.But he didn't express it clearly. He just said to Guo Songtao with a regretful expression: "It's such a big matter, Xunong didn't write to me directly, he is still holding my grudge!" Zhou Shouchang, styled Yunong, also named Yingfu, was born in Changsha. In the 24th year of Daoguang, he took the Nanyuan Examination in Shuntian Township, and in the 25th year he was admitted to the Imperial Academy.Zhou Shouchang made a lot of friends. Although his official position was only a bachelor's degree in the Imperial Academy, he made friends with princes, dukes and ministers, and he was a know-it-all among Nanjing officials in Hunan.Nine times out of ten the information that comes from him is reliable.However, Zhou Shouchang was a man of informality. Once in a brothel, he drank, composed poems, played and sang with prostitutes, and was almost denounced. As a senior, Zeng Guofan scolded him severely.Zhou Shouchang thought Zeng Guofan was too cautious, and Zeng Guofan was also afraid of being implicated by Zhou Shouchang in the future.Since then, the two have not interacted much.Zhou Shouchang revealed this top-secret news, which made Zeng Guofan very grateful. "When I said him that time, it was a little bit more serious, but it was entirely for his own good." "Yunong still accepted your favor, and he has restrained himself a lot since then. When he told Ji Gao the news, he was actually telling you. He didn't write to you directly because he was afraid that you would still hate him!" "I want to write a letter to thank him. I am a person who sometimes treats people with a bad face and looks like he rejects people thousands of miles away." "Disheng, look, if you refuse to order, what will Prince Gong and Bachelor Su think?" Zeng Guofan bowed his head and remained silent for a long time, then said softly: "Junxian, let me tell you the truth, I have never dealt with Zhang Zhongcheng and Pan Fantai, and I don't know if they get along well with each other. The situation is hard to return. I am impatient, and it will be difficult to get along with Hunan officials in the future." "As far as Zhang Zhongcheng is concerned, he loves talents the most, and he is extremely honest. You should know that he is not in love." "Zhang Zhongcheng's incorruptibility is indeed rare in ancient and modern times." "'A civil servant doesn't love money, no matter how mediocre he is, he is a good official; a military officer is not afraid of death, no matter how rough he is, he is a good general.' This is what you said. Based on this, you can know Zhang Zhongcheng's character. Disheng , you probably don’t know how Ji Gao got to Changsha?” Zeng Guofan shook his head. "It's a hilarious story." Guo Songtao told the story of Zuo Zongtang's scheme to earn Zuo Zongtang that he heard in Changsha this time, and it really made Zeng Guofan laugh out loud, saying: "Ji Gao's matter, I really want to engrave an epitaph on him in the future, so that future generations All descendants know how his Zuo San father was tricked into being a teacher." "Although the method used is deceitful, but the heart is sincere and touching." Zeng Guofan nodded in agreement. "Pan Fantai is also a loyal person. Ji Gao and Min Qiao have been friends for many years, so there is no need to worry about this. As for the officials in Hunan, it is indeed corrupt. But, Brother Disheng, at present, which of the eighteen provinces of China? Is the provincial government not corrupt? Crows are as black as crows. Unless you don’t do something, you have no choice but to do something. Dongpo asked Jia Taifu: “But there is no Yao and Shun in the world, so you can’t do evil in the end?” ’ Songtao borrowed this sentence and asked my dear brother: ‘But there is no happy land in the world, so you can’t do evil in the end?’” Zeng Guofan couldn't help laughing, pointing to Guo Songtao and said: "The eight great masters of Tang and Song Dynasties, only you can read alive!" "Disheng, don't make circles with me anymore. The filial piety and corruption of Hunan officials are not the main reasons why you don't come out of the mountain. I know where your concerns lie." "Where?" "I am the only one who knows you better in this life." Guo Songtao gave Zeng Guofan a sly look, "You are worried that Changmao will be difficult to deal with, and that if you fail to succeed, your fame for half a lifetime will be ruined." "Hahaha!" Zeng Guofan laughed out loud, neither agreeing nor denying. "Disheng, let me make a bet with you: Don't look at the long hairs in front of you. Song Tao predicts that they will not be able to do anything." Guo Songtao stretched out a hand, put it in front of Zeng Guofan, and made a high five.Guofan still sat still, and asked calmly, "How can you see that?" Guo Songtao brought out the understanding he had come to after hard thinking these days: "Long Mao's uprising has a fatal weakness. Those who rely on it will worship God, and those who worship the Father and Brother; believe in Jesus and paganism. , obsessed with the evil book of the "New Testament"; wherever you go, destroy the tablet of Confucius and burn the scholar's school palace, and become the enemy of China's thousands of years of civilization. You can't help but hate it. Even the foolish people in the village and the traffickers can't tolerate their atrocities of smashing the Bodhisattva gods and the statues of Guan Diyue. Disheng, after you come out of the mountain, if you raise the banner of defending the famous religion, you will definitely win the hearts of the people all over the world. Everyone submits to your teacher who is diligent in the king, can the long hair last long?" Guo Songtao's hearty speech opened Zeng Guofan's mind: Hong Yang fights for the hearts of the people with national righteousness, and I fight for the hearts of the people with righteousness!Guo Songtao saw the excited light in Zeng Guofan's eyes, and knew that these few words had completely moved him, so he talked more and more loudly: "Brother Disheng, you said that the government is corrupt and the country's affairs are changing day by day. Have you forgotten the great feat of Grandpa Sheng to quell the San Francisco Rebellion? When San Francisco was in chaos, Grandpa Sheng was in power not long ago. Some courtiers said that the foundation of the country has not yet been solidified, and Wu Sangui and others are very powerful, so it is better to use insurance. The holy grandfather was unmoved and resolutely cut down the vassal. As a result, not only the chaos of San Francisco was quelled, but also the country was rebuilt with the power of quelling the chaos, and the prosperity of Kangxi and Qianlong was created, making our country as solid as gold. The sea is flowing, and it can show heroes My true nature. My dear brother has always admired the Marquis of Wuxiang and Marquis of Ye. Wuxiang was hired, but the traitors stole their lives; Marquis Ye?" The light in Zeng Guofan's triangular eyes became brighter and brighter, and he kept shouting: "Okay! My brother said it very well!" "Brother Disheng, you have always held the ambition of clarifying the world, and today you can expand your ambition. The ancients said: 'Although you have wisdom, it is better to take advantage of the situation; although you have a foundation, it is better to wait for the time. The time is the time, the time comes and the time does not follow the opportunity. Therefore, the sage always moves according to the time, and the wise man will take advantage of the opportunity.' Now the time has come, the luck has come, from the emperor and prince, down to the friends of the people and the people, there is no exception I'm focusing on you. If you follow your luck and don't touch it, if you don't act when the opportunity arises, you will not only disappoint your lifelong aspirations, but also make the Emperor cold-hearted and your friends disappointed. Brother Disheng, why are you hesitating?" "Predecessors wrote books, saying that Su Qin and Zhang Yi's mouths are like hanging rivers, and Lu Jia and Li Sheng's tongues are like sharp swords. Just now listening to the words of my virtuous brother, Guofan can see the blue sky like clouds and mists. Today, we know that Su, Zhang, Lu and Li are true!" Zeng Guofan sighed. Song Tao said happily: "Brother, when you go out to organize a regiment training, the military salary is the most important thing. Go forward to besiege the city with Changmao, and the treasury is empty. It is expected that Zhang Zhongcheng will not be able to raise money for a while, so Song Tao will return to Xiangyin immediately and ask for 200,000 salary to help my brother. .” Zeng Guofan held Song Tao's back, and said affectionately: "It's rare for a virtuous brother to be passionate. If the government and the public are as loyal to the emperor as the virtuous brother, worrying about the country and the people, how can Hong Yang cause chaos today! It depends on the virtuous brother. I can't help Guofan to come out. It's just," Zeng Guofan said here, and paused.He thought that he had always used the banner that could never be suppressed. Now that he put away this banner, he had to make a change, "Guofan is a filial person today, and his mother has not been buried properly. How can I bear to leave home and leave the mountain? Incur accusations from scholars!" Guo Songtao sneered in his heart, and said: "How can a man be too strict in his work! Besides, there are clear instructions in ancient times when Mo Yu joined the army. He came out to protect his hometown and the way of Confucius and Mencius. He was upright, not to mention the emperor's brilliant decree, so you don't need to be too many." Worry, if you still have any inconvenience, your uncle can come forward and urge you to go out of the mountain, and the family affairs will be handed over to your younger brothers. In this way, you will obey the emperor's order and follow the father's instructions. A few days ago, there was a man from Youshan, Jiang, who found an extremely wonderful city for his aunt, and would bless your family with great wealth and wealth. He also concluded that my dear brother came out of the mountain this time, following in the footsteps of Guo Fenyang and Pei Xiangguo, and he will definitely be named a marquis in the future. Xiang. It seems that things are not accidental, and the right time, place, and people are all in place. My dear brother, don’t lose the righteousness by sticking to the small details, and leave eternal regrets in vain!” The next day, Guo Songtao reported the conversation last night to Zeng Linshu.Linshu is the nominal head of the regiment in Xiangxiang County, and he has heard about Chen Fu's prophecy in the past few days. Once Guo Songtao finished speaking, he immediately agreed.So he ordered Guofan to transfer his filial piety to be loyal and serve the court.Just at this time, Zhang Liangji sent another letter, reporting the news of the fall of Wuchang, and again earnestly urging Guofan to leave Shanxi Province.So Zeng Guofan made proper arrangements for the family affairs and had a long talk with each of his four younger brothers.The sixth brother, ninth brother, and Mandi all asked the elder brother to take them out this time. Zeng Guofan thought twice and decided to take Guobao to Changsha temporarily, and told Guohua and Guoquan to stay at home and not to act rashly. Decide to stop.Then, he came to the new house in Yaoli, burned the copied and unissued "request for the end of registration" in front of his mother's coffin, and gently said to his mother's portrait: "A son can't fulfill the filial piety of a son. Now, in order to repay the king's kindness and to prosper the family, it has been decided that Mo Yu will come out of the mountain!"