Li Hongzhang, a key minister of the late Qing dynasty and the central figure of the Self-Strengthening Movement, left a profound mark on modern Chinese history through his outstanding political, military, and diplomatic talents. This article provides an in-depth analysis of his BaZi (Ba Zi) chart, exploring his astrological traits, life milestones, and their close connection to history.
BaZi Chart
Astrological Analysis
Li Hongzhang's BaZi uses a Yi Day Master (Ri Zhu) as its root. The Four Pillars (Si Zhu) reveal multiple instances of Rob Wealth (Jie Cai), such as Jia Yin and Jia Shen, reflecting his tendency to build factions and deploy personnel, as well as his skill in consolidating military forces and resources. With the Water of the Hai branch in the Day Pillar providing the protection of Resource, the chart also reflects his literary cultivation and strategic thinking.
The progression of his Luck Pillars (Da Yun) encounters Xin Hai as Seven Killings (Qi Sha), Geng Xu as Direct Officer (Zheng Guan), and Ji You as Indirect Wealth (Pian Cai). This explains his trajectory: rising to prominence through military merit in his early years, then shifting toward Self-Strengthening enterprises and diplomatic compromise once his career had stabilized. He possessed the decisive execution of a seasoned commander, yet also made pragmatic choices to conserve strength and preserve the overall situation.
Leadership and Organizational Ability
The astrological basis lies in the multiple Jia stems penetrating the Four Pillars. This robust presence of Rob Wealth demonstrates his talent for gathering followers, commanding troops, and mobilizing manpower, reflecting strong organizational and executive capabilities.
Pragmatic Promotion of Reform
Supported by Resource as a Yi Day Master, and with the added presence of penetrating Indirect Wealth, the chart indicates that he possessed both scholarly rationality and a focus on practical affairs, making him well-suited to drive industrial reforms such as the Jiangnan Arsenal and the China Merchants' Steam Navigation Company.
Diplomatic and Compromise Skills
The interaction between Direct Officer and Indirect Wealth in his Luck Pillars reveals his flexible approach to compromise in foreign affairs, adopting pragmatic strategies that prioritized preserving the nation and his own standing.
Controversy and Historical Evaluation
The simultaneous presence of Hurting Officer (Shang Guan) and Indirect Wealth, alongside a strong Rob Wealth, suggests a tendency to make decisions based on short-term gains or tactical trade-offs. This led to later controversies surrounding his treaty signings and diplomatic compromises.
Life Timeline
In 1840, Li Hongzhang passed the county-level imperial examination in Luzhou Prefecture, displaying his early academic brilliance and laying the first cornerstone for a momentous political career.
In 1844, Li Hongzhang participated in the provincial examination in Shuntian Prefecture and successfully obtained the rank of juren, officially embarking on his official career. That same year, he married a woman surnamed Zhou, marking important new beginnings in both his career and family life.
In 1847, Li Hongzhang passed the highest imperial examination and was ranked thirteenth in the second tier. He was selected as a bachelor of the Hanlin Academy, officially entering government service and launching his sweeping political career.
In 1858, Li Hongzhang joined Zeng Guofan, the commander of the Xiang Army, to assist with military affairs and draft documents. He grew rapidly through hands-on military and political experience, taking a pivotal step toward his life's achievements.
In 1862, Li Hongzhang led the first detachments of the Huai Army to Shanghai. He was promptly appointed governor of Jiangsu Province, gaining real authority over local military and civil affairs. He immediately set out to expand his forces and implement modernization reforms, marking a crucial turning point in his career.
In 1864, Li Hongzhang personally led the Huai Army to capture Changzhou. He captured and executed Chen Kunshu, the Protection Prince of the Taiping Army, effectively eliminating Taiping forces in southern Jiangsu. For this outstanding military merit, the Qing court awarded him the hereditary title of Cavalry Commandant.
In 1865, with the court's approval, Li Hongzhang merged the American-owned Russell & Co. ironworks with existing ordnance bureaus to officially establish the Jiangnan Arsenal. This move laid the foundation for China's modern military industry and represented a key step in his Self-Strengthening endeavors.
In 1870, Li Hongzhang took office as the Viceroy of Zhili and concurrently served as the Minister of Beiyang Trade, becoming a core figure in the Qing court's diplomacy and military. His power and prestige reached new heights.
In 1872, Li Hongzhang oversaw the founding of the China Merchants' Steam Navigation Company. Adopting a model of government supervision and merchant operation, it aimed to develop civilian shipping, compete with foreign firms, and raise military funds, serving as a major practice of his Self-Strengthening Movement.
In 1879, driven by Li Hongzhang and other reformist officials, he successfully oversaw the construction of China's first self-built telegraph line, connecting Tianjin to Dagu. This marked the dawn of China's modern telecommunications industry and stood as a major achievement in his Self-Strengthening career.
In 1881, with Li Hongzhang's resolute support, the Tangshan-Xugezhuang Railway, which he spearheaded, was officially opened to traffic. Spanning approximately ten kilometers, it was China's first self-built and fully operational railway. It signaled the beginning of the nation's transportation modernization and stood as a milestone in his career of serving the country through industry.