Li Hongzhang's father and Zeng Guofan are old friends, which means that Li Hongzhang can call Zeng Shu when he sees Zeng Guofan. Zeng Guofan was an important official in Yat Sen Qing, and he was knowledgeable, while Li Hongzhang was a cutting-edge official at that time, the son of an old friend. Li often asks Zeng questions, and over time, the two have established a profound friendship between teachers and students. Although Li Hongzhang later became prime minister, it was not so smooth when he was young. On the contrary, he is a high-spirited and pushy person who can't get along with his colleagues modestly and peacefully.
On one occasion, he was excluded by his colleagues because he falsely reported the meritorious military service, so he defected to Zeng Guofan and felt sure to get an important position. Unexpectedly, Zeng Guofan accepted him, but only let him live with other colleagues, and did not give him a "green light". On the contrary, he was more severe and ordered him to strictly observe military discipline and stand by at all times. Does Zeng Guofan want to stop helping Li Hongzhang and think he can't help him? On the contrary, Li was once rated as "ambitious and brilliant, while Minhui was better". In doing so, he is actually helping Li. If Li is entrusted with an important task as soon as he comes, not to mention being attacked by public opinion such as nepotism, Li will also ruin his career because of the jealousy of his colleagues with poor foundation.
Zeng Guofan was strict in running the army and asked the soldiers to assemble before dawn. However, Li Hongzhang craved a good time to sleep late and didn't go to the party on the pretext of a headache. After Zeng Guofan knew it, he ignored him and just ordered that as long as one person didn't arrive, he couldn't eat. Li Hongzhang was worried that he had offended the public. Zeng Guofan didn't seem to want to protect himself. He got up quickly, but it was still late. After dinner, Zeng Guofan said to Li Hongzhang, I have something to tell you. Here, what we say is a sincere word. Li was afraid to answer.
If ordinary parents encounter this situation, I am afraid they will criticize this undisciplined and lying behavior. Zeng Guofan, on the other hand, quietly made Li Hongzhang realize the importance and necessity of being honest with others, and how noteworthy it is to cooperate harmoniously with colleagues.