I didn’t know Li Hongzhang when I was young, but now I know the truth - Li Hongzhang and Bismarck

In June 1896, 75-year-old Li Hongzhang visited Germany. The Bismarck of the East visited the real Bismarck of the West. The current Chinese Prime Minister held cordial talks with the former German Chancellor. They expressed the same or similar views on international issues of concern to both sides. Based on the principles of seeking common ground while reserving differences and promoting mutual development, they talked together for a long time and complained for a while.

Li Hongzhang asked Bismarck: "As a minister, you want to do your best for the country. However, the opinions of the court are not in line with your own, and the crowd is restricting you. So why do you want to carry out your own ambitions?" "As a minister, I want to devote myself to the country, but the opinions of the entire court are inconsistent with my own. Is there any way to achieve my ideals at this time?"

Bismarck replied. : "The first thing is to get the king. If you are dedicated to the king, what can't you do?" "The key is to get the trust and support of the king. As long as you get the support of the leader, everything will go smoothly.

Li Hongzhang also said: "For example, there is a person here. His ruler listens to everyone's words. He sits in the center and wants to serve those close to him. He often pretends to be powerful and holds the overall situation in jeopardy. What should one do if they are here? "If there is such a minister, the king he is loyal to has a good temper and a soft ear. He will listen to everyone." There are some sycophants around me who are domineering and causing trouble all day long. What should you do if faced with such a situation?

Bismarck thought for a long time and said: "As long as I am a minister, I will sincerely care about the country and there will be no one who cannot understand the king's heart. But if I have sex with women and children, it will not matter." ""As a minister, if you think about the country with sincerity, the king will definitely not be distracted. But if the king is a young master and the power is controlled by a woman, it will be difficult to deal with it. When they meet Empress Dowager Li and Xiao Wanli, they will mistake you for Zhang Juzheng; when they meet Xiaozhuang and Kangxi, they may mistake you for Ao Bai! ”

Li Moran Yun and Li Hongzhang were silent and shed tears, saying that you are so fucked up. To be honest, I was almost upset!

------Uncle Hai’s Essays 2018.10. 23