This chapter discusses the Taiping Rebellion and the events leading to Zuo Zongtang's emergence from seclusion. It highlights the urgent situation in Hunan, the efforts of officials to recruit Zuo Zongtang, and his eventual decision to join the fight against the rebels.
Taiping Rebellion's advance into Hunan
Zuo Zongtang's initial reluctance to join the fight
Persistent efforts of officials like Hu Lin'yi and Luo Bingzhang to persuade Zuo Zongtang
Zuo Zongtang's eventual acceptance of the invitation to join Luo Bingzhang's staff