Zeng Guofan
Han Chinese official, military general, and devout Confucian scholar
Years: 1811 - 1872
Zeng Guofan (November 26, 1811 – March 12, 1872) is an eminent Han Chinese official, military general, and devout Confucian scholar of the late Qing Dynasty in China.
Zeng raises the Xiang Army to fight effectively against the Taiping Rebellion and restores the stability of Qing Dynasty along with other prominent figures, including Zuo Zongtang and Li Hongzhang, setting the scene for the era later known as the "Tongzhi Restoration".
He is known for his strategic perception, administrative skill and noble personality on Confucianist practice, but also sometimes for the ruthlessness of the execution of his policies.
Zeng also exemplifies loyalty in an era of chaos, but is also regarded as a precursor to the rise of warlordism.
