1848 Great Qing Charcoal Burners

Chapter 308 A Worthy Arm
After Xiao Guoda and Wei Shoushan left, Peng Gang began to review today's official documents and letters.

Today's official documents mostly concern trivial matters.

Peng Gang's cronies in Tianjing and his rival, the Qing government, seem to be busy celebrating the New Year or accumulating strength, and have not made any major moves recently.

After reviewing the trivial official documents and making simple comments, Peng Gang handed them over to the twelve officials in charge of the Northern Palace, led by Li Ruzhao and Liu Sijin, to handle. He left only three important official matters for himself to deal with personally.

The first official matter was the report on the spring famine in Huangmei County by Yang Xun, the magistrate of Huangmei County, and Hou Jiyong, the deputy commander of the Fourth Regiment.

Huangmei County was facing a spring famine and food shortage. Yang Xun hoped that Wuchang could transfer 8,500 shi of grain to support Huangmei County for disaster relief and help farmers in Huangmei County overcome the difficulties.

Yang Xun and Hou Jiyong jointly submitted a report on this matter, suggesting that the disaster situation in Huangmei County is not optimistic.

Although the North Palace has many places where it needs grain, 8,500 shi of grain is a considerable amount for the North Palace.

However, Peng Gang still decided to approve this disaster relief grain for Huangmei County. If the spring famine delayed the spring planting in Huangmei County, resulting in a poor harvest this year, then the problem in Huangmei County would not be solvable by a mere 8,500 shi of grain.

Peng Gang issued an imperial edict to Yang Xun and Hou Jiyong, ordering them to jointly take charge of distributing the spring famine relief grain. At the same time, he instructed Liu Tongwei to send someone to Huangmei County to keep an eye on things and report back to him on the situation there.

The second official matter was the purchase of military equipment from Western countries.

Tang Zhengcai has already contacted the consuls and business representatives of England, France, and the United States.

However, Acting Vice Consul General Kim Neng-hyung of the United States Consulate in Shanghai stated that the American representatives would wait for a reply from Humphrey Massali, the American Minister to China in Guangzhou, to confirm whether the American Minister to China intended to personally travel to Wuchang before deciding on the itinerary for the American delegation in Shanghai.

Peng Gang glanced at a list of representatives from Britain, France, and the United States that Tang Zhengcai had submitted.

The representatives tentatively to be sent by England and France are both business representatives of foreign trading companies.

The tentative list of the delegation that the United States is sending includes at least one official diplomat at the vice-consul level.

Although before the Second Opium War, the diplomatic relations between Western countries and the Qing Dynasty were vague, the diplomatic missions of Western countries in China, except for the relatively well-established British consular system and the relatively formal diplomats, were basically makeshift teams, with business representatives of various countries in China serving as consuls or even ministers.

The identity of an American consul is, in essence, that of a business representative of an American trading company.

The fact that the US diplomatic team in China is willing to send a representative with official backing at least demonstrates that the team is more sincere than the teams of Britain and France.

The reasons why neither Britain nor France has any intention of sending official diplomatic personnel at the moment are not hard to understand.

Britain and France had more vested interests with the Qing government, especially England, which was the only Western country to have consulates in all five treaty ports.

The United States has fewer concerns in this regard.

Peng Gang wrote back to Tang Zhengcai, saying that they would travel to Wuchang together after the American representatives officially finalized the list of diplomatic personnel to visit Wuchang.

Although relations between Britain and France at this time could not be described as a honeymoon period, the two countries were strategically converging in order to counterbalance Russia's expansion in the Near East, and the relationship between these two long-time rivals was easing.

During this period, the major powers' diplomatic strategies toward China basically followed those of Britain, and France was no exception.

Bringing the British and French representatives, who were already prepared, to Wuchang would not yield any meaningful results unless Peng Gang was willing to concede more benefits than the Qing government. At most, he could purchase some second-hand weapons and outdated machinery from the British and French business representatives at high prices.

This was not the outcome Peng Gang wanted.

As for the relationship between the United States and England.

At this time, the relationship between the United States and England could be broadly described as politically cold but economically hot.

England is America’s largest trading partner and source of investment, and American Southern cotton is the lifeline of England’s textile industry.

However, in terms of diplomacy and geostrategy, the two countries are fierce competitors with tense relations and constant friction, and can hardly be called friendly.

With the banner of Manifest Destiny in hand, the United States expanded westward and southward, and after the Mexican-American War, it became a major power with coastlines on two oceans, directly challenging England's interests in Canada and Central America.

The two sides have ongoing border conflicts and friction in the Oregon region.

In the 1844 U.S. presidential election, Democratic candidate James Polk even shouted the radical expansionist slogan "54°40' or Fight!" and made territorial claims to the Oregon region (in the 19th century, the Oregon region was not only the present-day state of Oregon, but also included the southern part of present-day British Columbia, Canada and the Pacific Northwest of the United States), demanding that the U.S.-Canada border be extended to the 54°40' line. The British and Americans clashed several times in the Oregon region.

In addition, both the UK and the US are cultivating proxies in Central America to compete for influence and interests in the region.

At this time, England was also acting as the world's policeman. The British Royal Navy, under the guise of civilization and humanity, intercepted slave traders around the world and frequently boarded American merchant ships for inspection. This action caused the American government to lose face and was regarded by the United States as a serious violation of American sovereignty.

One peach can hardly kill two warriors, but two peaches can easily kill three warriors.

It would be fine to leave them in Shanghai until the representatives of Britain, France and the United States had all gathered, and then have Tang Zhengcai bring them to Wuchang.

After writing a reply to Tang Zhengcai and giving further instructions, Peng Gang wrote to Shi Dakai, who controlled the Jiujiang and Wuhu sections of the river, and Yang Xiuqing in Tianjing to explain the matter to them and ask for their assistance in facilitating passage.

The third matter concerns intelligence from Hunan.

One issue is the personnel appointments and removals in Hunan's officialdom. Zhang Liangji, the Yunnan Provincial Surveillance Commissioner, has been promoted to Governor of Hunan and has already taken office in Changsha.

Zhu Sunyi, the former magistrate of Xiangxiang County, was promoted to prefect of Changsha Prefecture, and Jiang Zhongyuan, the prefect in charge of the area, also obtained a substantive post in Yuezhou Prefecture, even though the most important parts of Yuezhou Prefecture were currently under the control of the Northern Palace. Within Yuezhou Prefecture, only Pingjiang County, located in the middle and upper reaches of the Miluo River, was under the control of the Qing government.

Regardless of the circumstances, Jiang Zhongyuan now holds a real post and is an official with actual control over a region.

Another piece of intelligence concerned money and provisions; the money and provisions that Governor-General Xu Guangjin of Guangdong and Guangxi had been used to assist Hunan had already arrived in Hunan.

Peng Gang made the judgment last year that the Qing court would ask the neighboring provinces of Guangdong and Sichuan to provide Hunan with money and grain to support the Qing army soldiers in Hunan.

Now that the money and grain from Guangdong Province to aid Hunan have been delivered, it is estimated that the money and grain from Sichuan Province to aid Hunan will also be delivered to Hunan soon.

Peng Gang sent an imperial edict to Luo Dagang and Chen Ajiu, ordering Luo Dagang to strengthen defenses to prevent the Hunan troops who had received money and supplies from invading Baling, and ordering Chen Ajiu to strengthen patrols around Dongting Lake.

After finishing these three official matters, the exhausted Peng Gang moved to the inner quarters of the Northern Prince's Mansion to rest.

Four days later, a guard suddenly reported that Zuo Zongtang and his wife Zhou Yiduan had arrived at the gate of the Prince's Mansion.

Zuo Zongtang came alone, most likely for official business related to the clearing of fields in Hanyang.

The couple came together, which undoubtedly indicates that they were there for Peng Gang's wedding.

Peng Gang ordered the opening of the ceremonial gate of the Northern Prince's Mansion to welcome Zuo Zongtang and his wife into the mansion.

This was the first time that Zuo Zongtang and his wife had visited the Northern Prince's Mansion together, so they had to be given the proper pomp and circumstance.

Upon entering the Northern Prince's Mansion, Zuo Zongtang, familiar with the place, led his wife Zhou Yiduan to the entrance of the main hall, where the couple stopped.

Zuo Zongtang ordered his wife, Zhou Yiduan, to wait in front of the main hall, while he went in first to meet Peng Gang.

Stepping into the main hall and seeing Peng Gang, Zuo Zongtang stroked his beard and smiled, revealing an expression quite different from his usual demeanor: "Your Highness, please don't be offended. I have come here today with my wife on the behalf of a highly respected elder. We have brought some old items from our hometown to pay our respects to Your Highness, and we also have some private matters we would like to discuss with you."

“Sir, what are you saying? There’s nothing strange about it. Please invite Madam Zuo into the hall.” Peng Gang smiled and instructed Peng Min to invite Zhou Yiduan into the hall.

A moment later, Zuo Zongtang's first wife, Zhou Yiduan, walked in gracefully.

Zhou Yiduan was born into a scholarly family in Xiangtan. The Zhou family had a prosperous history, producing high-ranking officials such as the Vice Minister of Revenue and the Vice Minister of Rites.

Zhou Yiduan was dignified and graceful, possessing both the gentleness of a scholarly family and the competence of a matriarch of a prominent family.

She first bowed to Peng Gang, then exchanged a few pleasantries, and presented him with some local gifts that she had brought from Hunan. Her words and actions were impeccable.

The Zhou family of Xiangtan came to join Peng Gang with Zuo Zongtang. Zhou Yiduan's three brothers, Zhou Yisheng, Zhou Yiyu, and Zhou Yiyu, are currently serving in the Northern Palace.

Zhou Yisheng served as Chengxuan Guan under Prince Peng Gang, while Zhou Yiyu and Zhou Yiyu assisted Zuo Zongtang in handling the land redistribution in Hanyang.

After taking their seats, Zuo Zongtang and Zhou Yiduan exchanged a glance as Zuo Zongtang accepted the fragrant tea.

Zuo Zongtang cleared his throat and got straight to the point: "Your Highness, I apologize for disturbing you by visiting your residence today, but there is indeed a matter I have to discuss. I heard from the Wang family the other day that Your Highness personally visited the Wang family residence and met with the two granddaughters of the old master Wang?"

Peng Gang paused slightly in his teacup and said, "That is indeed true. Mr. Wang comes from a family with profound learning, and his two granddaughters are both knowledgeable, reasonable, and intelligent."

Seeing that the time was almost ripe, Zhou Yiduan smiled and said, "That's right. I visited Mr. Wang yesterday. Mr. Wang praised Your Highness's character and learning highly, and even mentioned... mentioned his two daughters. Since the day they met, they have also admired Your Highness very much."

At this point, Zhou Yiduan paused, glancing at Peng Gang out of the corner of her eye to confirm that Wang Quan's words were true and that Peng Gang was not averse to the topic. With the possibility of facilitating a marriage between the Peng and Wang families, Zhou Yiduan continued, "Although the Wang family is not a prominent official family, it is a family of scholars and gentlemen, with a long tradition of poetry and propriety. The two young ladies, the elder named Yunheng and the younger Yunshi, are both of outstanding appearance and character, and are of exceptional quality."

"Your Highness, when you met them that day, which young lady's demeanor left a deeper impression on you? Or perhaps, Your Highness was impressed by both of them?"

Zhou Yiduan was particular; he didn't ask for personal preference, but only for impression, leaving ample room for both the Peng and Wang families.

The study fell silent, with only the soft crackling of the embers in the brazier.

Zuo Zongtang looked intently at Peng Gang, awaiting his reply.

This matter concerns the marriage of the Northern King, and even more so the deepening of the relationship between him and the Northern Palace of the Hunan and Hunan literati. He attaches great importance to this matter.

When Zuo Zongtang was still in Hengzhou Prefecture, he wanted to arrange a marriage between Peng Gang and the Wang family.

However, due to frequent battles at the time, Peng Gang led his troops to fight in all directions, so the matter was put on hold.

Now that Peng Gang has established a foothold in the three towns of Hubei with the Northern Army, and has a stable base, there is no need for them to fight on the move anymore. This is a good opportunity to bring up this matter again.

Besides the military academy, Peng Gang was also preparing to establish an administrative school and a normal school. Once these two schools were established...

Whether the young intellectuals Peng Gang brought from Guangxi and Hunan could fill the first class of the administrative school and the normal school was still uncertain.

In any case, Peng Gang has already exempted Jiangxia, Hanyang, and Huangmei counties from taxes this year.

Zuo Zongtang thought that the Northern Prince's wedding could be used as an opportunity to hold a special imperial examination, to show the Northern Prince's favor to the people, win their hearts, and at the same time, attract local intellectuals from Hubei to participate in the Northern Prince's examination and recruit them to serve the Northern Prince.

Peng Gang put down his teacup, pondered for a long time, and finally spoke slowly: "Mr. Zuo, Mrs. Zuo, thank you for your kindness, and please also convey my thanks to Mr. Wang for his favor. The Wang family daughters are all outstanding young ladies, how could I presume to make any comments? However..."

Peng Gang first exchanged pleasantries, then paused briefly before continuing, "If we're talking about lifelong companionship and sharing great responsibilities, I personally believe that Miss Yunheng is more composed and experienced."

Peng Gang directly named Wang Yunheng.

Between the two sisters, Wang Yunheng and Wang Yunshi, Peng Gang, whether considering personal aesthetics or practical factors, prefers the slightly older Wang Yunheng.

"Oh?" Zuo Zongtang raised an eyebrow, expecting Peng Gang to continue.

“That day in Mr. Wang’s study, Miss Yunheng not only had a broad knowledge of classics, history, philosophy, and literature, but was also particularly skilled in practical subjects such as geography and mathematics. Her words were incisive and insightful, far surpassing those of ordinary young ladies who only knew about romance and poetry. This is one reason why Miss Yunheng was not only knowledgeable but also practically savvy.” Peng Gang’s words revealed his appreciation for Wang Yunheng.

"Miss Yunheng's worldly wisdom far surpasses her age. In quiet rooms, she can naturally resolve occasional awkward situations while also being considerate of her sister's feelings. Her words and actions are always perfectly measured, neither overstepping the bounds nor losing sincerity. This is the second point: she is adept at human relationships and worldly wisdom."

After the New Year, Peng Gang turned twenty-one, which is considered old for a young person in this era.

Peng Gang married at the age of thirty in his later life. In another timeline, before Peng Gang got married, his mother often nagged him about how other people his age already had children who could run errands. This saying also applies in this timeline.

The Qing Dynasty's "Imperially Commissioned General Rites of the Great Qing" stipulated that men should be 16 years of age or older and women 14 years of age or older for marriage. In families with the means, men generally married at 15 or 16 years of age, or even younger.

Although Peng Gang was not a person who indulged in sensual pleasures, he also knew that in terms of the stability of the entire Beidian political group, his marriage should not be delayed any longer.

"So it seems Your Highness prefers Miss Wang Yunheng?" Zuo Zongtang asked.

Peng Gang had already directly mentioned Wang Yunheng's name, and Zuo Zongtang no longer beat around the bush, directly using the word "favorite".

Zuo Zongtang had met the two Wang sisters. Apart from differences in personality, Wang Yunheng was also in better health than Wang Yunshi.

Wang Yunheng was in good health and had never suffered from any serious illness. Wang Yunshi was not exactly weak and sickly, but he was somewhat deficient in qi and blood.

In his decrees such as the "Law on Land Ownership for Farmers in Jiangxia and Hanyang," Peng Gang explicitly prohibited foot binding, which shows that he preferred natural feet and abhorred foot binding.

Wang Yunheng did not bind her feet as a child because she was afraid of pain and had a more assertive personality. Wang Yunshi, on the other hand, had her feet bound because she was gentle.

Considering all factors, Wang Yunheng is indeed more suitable.

Peng Gang nodded and said, “I have devoted myself to the perilous task of rebuilding our country. Although I have achieved some success, the future is fraught with difficulties, and I am walking on thin ice. The help I need is not just a companion for romance and poetry, but someone who understands my mind, relieves my worries, and can even help me in the smallest ways and be a pillar of support. Miss Yunheng’s talent, feelings and knowledge are more suitable. Her younger sister, Miss Yunshi, is innocent and naive, and well-educated and polite, but she lacks experience and may not be the best choice at this time.”

Zuo Zongtang nodded repeatedly upon hearing this, and Zhou Yiduan also smiled.

"Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! Your Highness has keen insight and can see the subtle signs in people!" Zuo Zongtang clapped his hands and laughed.

"In that case, Miss Yunheng is indeed more suitable! Calm and experienced, she is a perfect match for Your Highness! The matchmaker has truly brought my husband and I together with the right people!"

Zhou Yiduan was also delighted: "Your Highness, rest assured, I will go to the Wang family now and convey Your Highness's intentions to Elder Wang. It is an honor for the Wang family to have a daughter marry into the Northern Prince's Mansion. I just wonder if Your Highness has any instructions regarding the arrangements for this marriage?"

Seeing that the matter was settled, Peng Gang was also very pleased and said with a smile, "I will trouble Mr. Zuo and his wife to consider everything. Once an auspicious date is chosen, I will personally prepare the betrothal gifts to show my sincerity."

"Your Highness, I have something to say," Zuo Zongtang said, glancing at Peng Gang's fine cotton robe.

"I know Your Highness is frugal, but everything should be done in moderation. Your Highness's wedding should not be extravagant. However, this is not only Your Highness's wedding, but also a major event involving the scholars of Hunan. It should not be too simple, lest people look down on you."

“I understand. My wedding should be a grand affair, and I know what I’m doing,” Peng Gang said, nodding.

Although Hunan is not peaceful at the moment, the governor's office in Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province, is a brightly lit and bustling place with lively music and singing.

A grand banquet was held in the governor's office to welcome the newly appointed Hunan governor Zhang Liangji and Zeng Guofan, the minister in charge of local militia training.

Inside the government office, dozens of glass lamps illuminated the night as brightly as day.

The low-hanging warm curtains blocked out the chill from outside, but couldn't shut out the noisy heat inside.

Several square tables were covered with scarlet tablecloths, and a dazzling array of Hunan dishes were laid out in layers: plump Dong'an chicken with a golden color, oily and fragrant steamed assorted preserved meats, huge Dongting mandarin fish lying on a blue and white porcelain plate, and local specialties such as Yongzhou blood duck and Baoqing pig blood balls, all accompanied by mellow Liuyang River wine.

The officials sat in a circle according to their rank, with red and blue hats adorning their robes, which shimmered under the lamplight, creating an atmosphere of wealth and prosperity.

The newly appointed governor, Zhang Liangji, with his fair complexion and slightly plump appearance, sat in the main seat. He wore a brand-new official robe of a second-rank official and always wore a amiable and appropriate smile.

Zhang Liangji first rose and faced north towards the capital, bowing respectfully. Then, he picked up a wine cup from the octagonal table, raised it in a toast, and said, "Fellow colleagues! I am deeply honored by His Majesty's trust in appointing me Governor of Hunan. Today, seeing the outstanding talents of Hunan gathered here, working together with one heart, I feel somewhat relieved. From now on, the military, political, and civil affairs of Hunan will depend on your strong support! Let us work together to protect our homeland and repay His Majesty's grace! Come, let us drink this cup to the brim!"

Everyone quickly stood up, picked up their glasses, and drank the wine in one gulp to show their respect for Zhang Liangji.

Zeng Guofan and Jiang Zhongyuan, who were seated in the second-highest positions, also rose and drank a cup of vegetarian wine.

Zhang Liangji's words were comprehensive, showing both humility and control over the welcoming banquet, prompting everyone to stand up and echo his sentiments, with flattery filling the air.

"Governor Zhang's concern for the country and its people is truly a blessing for the people of Hunan!"

"We will follow the Governor's lead without question!"

However, the focus of some people, especially those from Hunan, was mostly on Zeng Guofan, who held the second-highest position, and Jiang Zhongyuan.

Before Zeng Guofan resigned from his post and returned to Hunan to assist in the local militia training, he was a second-rank official, a high-ranking official in Beijing, on par with the governor. He was also bestowed with a string of imperial pearls by Emperor Xianfeng and entrusted with the important task of training the Hunan militia. He himself was very famous and influential in Hunan. Naturally, he was qualified to sit at the same table as Luo Bingzhang and Zhang Liangji.

As for Jiang Zhongyuan, although he is still the prefect of Yuezhou for the time being, it is clear to everyone that Jiang Zhongyuan's Chu Yong is currently the most elite militia force in Hunan. It is no exaggeration to say that the Chu Yong of Xinning is the ballast stone of Hunan.

Furthermore, Jiang Zhongyuan not only had a close personal relationship with General Wulantai of Jingzhou, but it was also rumored that Jiang Zhongyuan was deeply favored by Emperor Xianfeng.

No one present dared to underestimate Jiang Zhongyuan.

Zeng Guofan, Jiang Zhongyuan, and their brothers were all reinstated after being released from mourning, and were all in the period of mourning.

The Zeng brothers from Xiangxiang and the Jiang brothers from Xinning who attended the banquet were all dressed in plain robes and cloth clothes with hemp ropes tied around their waists, in mourning attire.

Compared to the bright and gorgeous clothes around her, she looked somewhat out of place.

After a few rounds of drinks, the conversation naturally turned to the most pressing matter at hand: the suppression of bandits.

Zhang Liangji put down his wine cup and looked at Zeng Guofan with a beaming smile: "Disheng, the Emperor has specially ordered you to assist in the Hunan militia training and support military affairs, which shows how highly he regards you. I wonder if you have any strategies for organizing local militia and protecting the people?"

All eyes immediately turned to them.

Some people were looking forward to it, some were watching from the sidelines, and some were secretly hoping to see a good show. After all, organizing and training the troops was a thankless and difficult task that could offend people.

(End of this chapter)