The Collapse of Chen Yucheng’s Retreat

The Taiping Rebellion (1850–1864) was one of the bloodiest civil wars in history, and its outcome hinged on critical military maneuvers. One such turning point was the retreat of Chen Yucheng, a key Taiping general, from the cities of Taihu and Qianshan. His withdrawal was so abrupt that the Taiping garrisons abandoned their positions entirely, retreating toward Nanjing. This allowed Qing forces, particularly the Xiang Army led by Zeng Guofan, to seize these strategic outposts with unexpected ease.

The sudden victory surprised even Zeng Guofan and his allies, including Duolong’a and Hu Linyi. They quickly revised their original four-pronged offensive, redirecting their forces. Duolong’a advanced toward Tongcheng, Zeng focused on Anqing, and Li Xuyi’s troops became a reserve force, ready to reinforce any struggling front.

Zeng Guofan’s Cautious Strategy

Zeng Guofan, often criticized for his conservative tactics, approached the siege of Anqing with meticulous caution. His four-point directive to his commanders revealed his military philosophy:

1. Partial Encirclement – Avoid fully surrounding Anqing initially. Secure supply routes through Jixian Pass, Tongcheng, and Qingcao Ridge while leaving an escape route for Taiping forces.
2. Control of Jixian Pass – Ensure this critical supply line remained open at all costs.
3. Scouting and Intelligence – Maintain constant reconnaissance around Qingcao Ridge and Tongcheng.
4. Logistical Security – Guarantee steady provisions before committing to a full assault.

Zeng’s methodical approach lacked the flair of more aggressive commanders, but it ensured stability—a hallmark of his leadership.

The Feud Between Zuo Zongtang and Fan Xie

While Zeng plotted his siege, another drama unfolded in his camp involving the fiery Zuo Zongtang, a brilliant but arrogant strategist. Zuo had long served under Luo Bingzhang, the governor of Hunan, wielding immense influence. His temper, however, proved his undoing when he clashed with Fan Xie, a high-ranking military officer who refused to bow to him.

Zuo, enraged by Fan’s defiance, physically assaulted him. Fan retaliated by denouncing Zuo to the imperial court, accusing him of overstepping his authority. The scandal nearly cost Zuo his life, but Zeng Guofan intervened, leveraging his connections to save him. Despite this, Zuo remained ungrateful, privately dismissing Zeng’s cautious tactics.

Hong Xiuquan’s Fatal Mistake

In 1860, the Taiping leadership, desperate to break the Qing siege of Nanjing, devised a bold plan: attack Hangzhou to divert Qing reinforcements. The strategy, proposed by Hong Rengan (Hong Xiuquan’s cousin), initially succeeded—Qing forces rushed to defend Hangzhou, weakening their defenses around Nanjing. The Taiping then counterattacked, crushing the undermanned Qing garrisons.

Yet this victory proved disastrous in the long run. The Qing’s elite forces, the Jiangnan Grand Camp, were obliterated, leaving the court with no choice but to rely entirely on Zeng Guofan’s Xiang Army.

Zeng’s Rise to Power

With the Qing’s regular armies in ruins, Emperor Xianfeng reluctantly appointed Zeng as Viceroy of Liangjiang (governing Jiangsu, Anhui, and Jiangxi). This promotion marked a turning point—Zeng now had the authority and resources to execute his long-term strategy: capture Anqing first, then march on Nanjing.

Despite pressure from Hu Linyi and others to launch an immediate assault on Nanjing, Zeng held firm. He understood that without securing Anqing, any advance would be premature. His patience paid off—Anqing fell in 1861, paving the way for the eventual downfall of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom.

Legacy and Modern Relevance

Zeng Guofan’s triumph was not just a military victory but a lesson in strategic patience. His emphasis on logistics, intelligence, and incremental gains remains relevant in modern warfare and leadership. Meanwhile, the Taiping’s overextension—brilliant in the short term but catastrophic in the long run—highlights the dangers of overambition.

Zeng’s story also underscores the importance of adaptability. He leveraged political crises, rivalries, and even enemy mistakes to his advantage. In an era of chaos, his disciplined approach proved decisive—a reminder that sometimes, slow and steady wins the war.