The memorial is not long, more than 400 words. However, the deep feelings expressed by Li Hongzhang in this memorial aroused the voice of Cixi, who experienced the turmoil in the late Qing Dynasty, and moved the heartless old lady.
Li hongzhang's last words, the effect is:
I know that my serious illness is incurable, and I have probably reached the end of my life. Now I am dictating this paper, hoping that the Holy One can understand it.
I have been an official for more than forty years and have never called in sick. I was injured in Maguan before and lost too much blood, which led to dizziness. Last summer, I had diarrhea again on the way to the north, and my body was badly hurt. After returning to the capital, I was anxious for a long time because everything went wrong, working day and night. This has made my appetite worse and worse, and I have made the old habit again. Later, because of your concern, I had a special holiday. I really appreciate your concern and sympathy.
The contract with the G8 is almost finished, and the agreement with Russia is still far away. These things that worry the holy family are also my unfinished worries. Every time I think about it, I feel that my insides are burning. On the night of 0/9 this month, I suddenly coughed up half a bowl of blood. A few days later, I was in a coma, and the doctor was helpless. I know my life can't go on.
I think I got the appreciation of the court very early, and I am the most indebted. So every time I think of difficulties, I dare not reveal my illness. I just hope to live a few more days and see the revival of the country with my own eyes. It is precisely because of this ambition in my heart that if I die like this, I will probably die unsatisfied.
Now the imperial court is still at the starting point of revival, and the holy one has not returned to the capital. An agreement was reached with the G8, but the dispute in the east did not subside. The foundation of our whole country has been shaken, and crises are lurking everywhere. I think, how difficult it is for a country to be rich and strong, and how sad it is for saints to enlighten. I have read some recent decrees and think that we should adopt new policies to achieve the goal of self-improvement. Prince Qing and others have been with me for a long time, and this time they are facing difficulties with me. So they must be people who can really serve the country. With their persistent efforts, even if I leave like this, I will die without regret. And my children and grandchildren, who are also courtiers, will also contribute to the court.
From the content alone, a 79-year-old seriously ill veteran is still thinking about state affairs when his life is dying. A man who sacrificed his life for his country. When he was seriously ill, Li Hongzhang could still remember the incorruptible government affairs, and he could also see how devoted he was on weekdays.
And Li Hongzhang is not an ordinary minister. His legacy was presented to Cixi.
As one of the important ministers in the late Qing Dynasty, Li Hongzhang led the Westernization Movement and took charge of the Beiyang Navy. The first Japanese Prime Minister Ito Bowen commented on Li Hongzhang and said, Who is he? The only person in the Qing empire who has the ability to compete with the world powers. ? When the domestic situation was chaotic and various forces were fiercely competing, Li Hongzhang played a reassuring role in the Qing court.
No matter what reason Cixi misses Li Hongzhang, it is impossible for Cixi not to feel sad to see the veteran who fought side by side so grateful and reluctant to say goodbye.