As the most important subordinate country of the Qing Dynasty, Korea is also the most strategic fortress. Japan's move is undoubtedly a challenge to the Qing dynasty! Back to the first paragraph of the agreement, North Korea is the younger brother of Qing Dynasty. What do you mean by dealing with my brother directly and privately without me? At that time, the court could see how many people were on this floor. Or think about who can tell, Prince Gong? What about left? Zeng Guofan is still alive. Zeng Guofan?
If the whole court can see the danger, it's time to solve the problem. But it's better not to know, because no one can come up with a strategy to repel or defend the Japanese army.
When everyone in the imperial court was at a loss, Li Hongzhang stood up. Li Hongzhang suggested that the best way to stop the Japanese jackal's ambition is to open North Korea to the world. With our present strength, we will lose North Korea as a vassal country sooner or later. It is better to take this opportunity to open North Korea to the world. Li Hongzhang's proposal was put into practice by signing a commercial treaty with foreign powers in korean king. Now think about it carefully, is there a better way to solve this problem?
Li Hongzhang wrote a private letter to Su Shan, an official in Seoul, North Korea, on 18791October 23rd.
Thank you for telling me about the relationship between your government and Japan. The Japanese are arrogant, ambitious, cunning and step by step, and your country is forced to comply with their demands as appropriate. Seeing this situation, I deeply feel that you have a long way to go. Last year, I met with the North Korean diplomatic mission. I read that respected letter, and I have been told by you many times. The Japanese people ask you to convey their desire to maintain good relations with China and say that we can rest assured that their intentions can shine brilliantly.
In my humble opinion, the relationship between neighbors has existed since ancient times: there is a gap between the two countries, which can be pulled together by the bond of common interests. If there is no basis for reciprocity, there is neither agreement nor common enemy. If you know that the Japanese lack sincerity, you must pretend not to know. In order to defend ourselves, avoid disputes and maintain friendly relations. Therefore, in the previous letter, I advised you not to show doubt, lest it become an excuse against you. ?
Political leaders in their country agree that prevention is better than cure. ? Or the simplest way to avoid disaster is to stay indoors. It's all wet. It's extremely difficult for us eastern countries to do this. Japan's expansion movement cannot be stopped by manpower. Your countries are also forced to sign trade treaties with each other and start a new era. Everything shows that the best way out is to fight poison with poison and make full use of our strength. You will seize every opportunity to sign a treaty with the west, so that you can contain Japan.