Zeng Guofan and Li Hongzhang carefully scrutinized Zhu Wencong, thinking that the Western Regions were under the influence of England and Russia; Zhu Wencong was not really hurting his own cause, was he?
Zhu Wencong managed finances for the Royal Family of England, and it was impossible for him to have any conflicts of interest with England; and as for Tsarist Russia—whatever His Majesty Mikhail, could he possibly command the Russian Army in the Western Regions?
"I will convey your words!" Li Hongzhang came back to his senses and spoke slowly, thinking that Zuo Zongtang was really lucky to have won Zhu Wencong's favor.
Having borrowed the loan, Zeng Guofan and Li Hongzhang stood up ready to leave; having money gave them confidence—many expenses could now be pushed forward.
Zhu Wencong suggested taking a group photo for posterity; after all, they were all significant historical figures—the photos would absolutely be of museum quality.
