11 Facts About Zeng Guoquan

Zeng Guoquan, courtesy name Yuanfu, art name Shuchun, was a Chinese official and military leader of the late Qing dynasty.

Zeng Guoquan was the ninth brother of Zeng Guofan, a prominent statesman and general, and a descendant of the philosopher Zengzi.

Zeng Guoquan served in the Xiang Army, a standing military force organised by his brother to counter the Taiping rebels, and was nicknamed "Ninth Marshal".

Zeng Guoquan was known for his expertise in siege warfare, particularly the use of trenches, hence he was nicknamed "Zeng the Iron Container".

Zeng Guoquan sat for the imperial examination several times but failed to make the cut.

Zeng Guoquan was later appointed as the Provincial Governor of Hubei Province.

Zeng Guoquan offered 300 silver taels to Li Shanlan for the printing of Ze Guxi Zhai Suanxue, a book on mathematics written by Li.

Zeng Guoquan ordered Bao Chao to lead his unit to attack the rebels.

Zeng Guoquan was forced to retire, ostensibly on the grounds of illness, but actually as punishment for his failure.

In 1875, Zeng Guoquan returned to politics and consecutively served as the Provincial Governor of Shaanxi and Shanxi provinces, and Viceroy of Liangguang.

Zeng Guoquan died in 1890 and was given the posthumous name "Zhongxiang".