In China in the mid-19th century, the country faced internal and external troubles. The aggression of the Western powers against China intensified, while the country was tormented by ethnic conflicts such as the Taiping Rebellion and the Hui Rebellion. In this context, Zuo Zongtang, as an outstanding military strategist and politician in the late Qing Dynasty, undoubtedly brought a ray of life to the crumbling Qing Dynasty.
Empress Dowager Cixi, as the de facto ruler of China at the time, attached great importance to maintaining the rule of the Qing Dynasty. Zuo Zongtang's successful suppression of the rebellion not only stabilized the northwest frontier, but also consolidated the rule of the Qing Dynasty. Therefore, when the news of Zuo Zongtang's triumph reached Beijing, the Empress Dowager Cixi was naturally ecstatic, and she knew that Zuo Zongtang must be rewarded accordingly to highlight his merits.
Li Lianying, as Cixi's confidant, had a deep understanding of the political situation inside and outside the court. He knew that Cixi needed to find a suitable reward for Zuo Zongtang's merits, so he cleverly proposed to give the palace maid Zhang Yi to Zuo Zongtang. This proposal not only satisfied the Empress Dowager Cixi's demand for rewards for meritorious heroes, but also solved the problem of Zhang Yi's embarrassing position in the palace.
Zhang Yi, a talented and good-looking woman, originally had the dream of soaring, but unexpectedly was caught in the political whirlpool of the deep palace. Her beauty and talent attracted the attention of Cixi, but at the same time made her the target of exclusion by other forces in the palace. Li Lianying's proposal, although her fate took a turn, also opened a new door for her.
The marriage between Zuo Zongtang and Zhang Yi is ostensibly a political marriage, but in fact, a deep relationship that transcends the marriage relationship has gradually established between the two. Zuo Zongtang's understanding and respect for Zhang Yi made their relationship more like family than husband and wife. Under the influence of Zuo Zongtang, Zhang Yi gradually showed her intelligence and became an important partner in Zuo Zongtang's later life.
After Zuo Zongtang's death, his children and grandchildren followed his last wish to find a suitable home for Zhang Yi and ensure that she could live a happy life. This reflects Zuo Zongtang's profound humanistic care and sincere feelings for Zhang Yi.
In general, Zuo Zongtang's life is a selfless dedication to the Chinese state and nation. Not only did he achieve brilliant military achievements, but he also had a profound political and cultural impact. His story is not only a celebration of individual heroism, but also a profound embodiment of the brilliance of human nature. Zuo Zongtang's name and deeds will leave a strong mark in Chinese history and will always be remembered by future generations. History