I can't find the detailed information of Li Dingfang on the Internet. I saw this book published in 1946 on the ancient books online.
The language style of this book, like Xiao Yishan's, is early vernacular, and it is estimated that Xiao is a contemporary figure.
When reading this part, I remembered the public guests in the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period. At that time, it was normal for nobles to train scholars, and the four sons of the Warring States period claimed to have three thousand diners.
Well-known is Jing Ke, who said that "the wind is rustling and the water is cold, and the strong men are gone forever"; Yu Rang said, "A scholar dies as a confidant, and a woman is happy for herself"; Feng Xuan, volunteering, stands out from the crowd; Hou Yi and Zhu Hai stole symbols to save Zhao; And those two gentlemen, let a cock crow and a dog thief.
In ancient times, they were called "door guests" and "diners", and this article called them "shogunate guests" or "screen guests". Whether it is a guest or a guest, it shows that the relationship with the host is not a hierarchical relationship within the system, nor is it an employment relationship in a strict sense. Similar to the relationship between friends and subordinates, there are not so strict constraints.
For example, Li Hongzhang, after an argument with Zeng Guofan, said he would leave without cutting. Of course, Zeng Guofan later extended an olive branch and came back when he came back.
It is a lucky thing to be Zeng Guofan's guest. He spared no effort to cultivate and support his guests. "There are often famous ministers in the shogunate."
Famous ones are Li Hongzhang, Zuo, and many other governors and mayors.
Zeng Guofan is not simply supporting talents, but cultivating and training talents first.
For example, when he saw that Li Hongzhang was arrogant, he deliberately hit him.
Zeng Guofan has breakfast with guests at 6 o'clock every morning. Li Hongzhang is sleepy and doesn't want to come over. He used to escape from his headache.
As a result, a servant came to urge me, and then someone came to urge me, saying that people would not eat if they were not together. Li Hongzhang had no choice but to put on his clothes at once.
Zeng Guofan didn't say a word at dinner. After eating, I said seriously: since I'm here, I have to say that what I admire here is "integrity is the only word" Li Hongzhang was too scared to mention it again.
Later, Li Hongzhang himself became a big official and got up at 6 o'clock every morning. His daily life, diet and work and rest are very regular, which shows Zeng Guofan's influence on him.
Of course, help is mutual. Zeng Guofan can achieve great things, "that is, because his shogunate guests work together."
Without guest Liao's persuasion, he may not be able to get out of the mountain; Without the rescue of the guests, he might have died long ago; Without Bing Liao's guidance and help, even if he had superhuman powers, he could not have accomplished this great cause.
As the saying goes, a hero has three gangs. We ordinary people, coming into this world, can have one or two confidants and three or five friends, which is also a great blessing in our career and life.