Zeng Guofan devoted himself to learning in his early years. His academic research ranged from history and ancient Chinese literature to calligraphy, Neo-Confucianism and various regulations and systems. He aspired to learn more and be comparable to famous scholars such as Mei Zengliang and He Shaoji at that time. However, he did not become a prolific scholar in the end. The main reason was that he had been promoted to the second level before he had time to write books. A high-ranking official, he was busy with officialdom disputes, and later devoted himself to military campaigns, which made it impossible for him to stick to the book garden and concentrate on studying knowledge. Nan Huaijin, a famous contemporary scholar, said in "The Analects of Confucius": "Zeng Guofan, a famous official in the Zhongxing Dynasty in the Qing Dynasty, had thirteen sets of knowledge, and two sets have been handed down, one of which is "Zeng Guofan's Family Letters"." Today, people can read "Zeng Guofan's Family Letters" Research and study. It records the main activities of Zeng Guofan's life and his main thoughts on politics, family affairs, scholarship, and military affairs. It is a valuable material for future generations to study Zeng Guofan's thoughts.
After Zeng Guofan conquered Tianjing, he became extremely powerful and accomplished, and the Qing Dynasty was extremely worried about him. Emperor Xianfeng once sighed when the Hunan Army conquered Wuhan: "Half of Hong Xiuquan left, but Zeng Guofan came." Zeng Guofan had rich political experience and historical knowledge, and was familiar with anecdotes from past dynasties. Therefore, after defeating the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, he on the one hand suppressed the Hunan Army and on the other hand The family letters were published to show that they were loyal to the Qing court and to silence the jesters. Zeng Guofan's family letters have been popular since then and have endured for a long time. After many selections and adjustments, various versions were formed. In total, there are more than 1,400 of his family letters, which lasted for 30 years from the 20th year of Daoguang to the 10th year of Tongzhi. Their contents include self-cultivation, educating children, running a household, making friends, employing people, conducting business, managing finances, studying, and running the army. In terms of politics and other aspects, these family letters are true and detailed, ordinary and profound. They are a real and vivid guide to life.