As four famous ministers in the late Qing Dynasty, Zhang Zhidong can be said to be a clean stream in officialdom. In that era when officialdom was chaotic and officials were selfish and greedy, Zhang Zhidong set an example for officials Although he was appreciated by Empress Dowager Cixi, he was promoted from a four-grade official to a two-grade official, and he was also a minister of Zhenjiang. It can be said that he has a lot of power. He wants to collect money, and many people give him money with their fingers, but Zhang Zhidong is clean and not greedy for any money. When he was an official, he had a birthday and didn't tell other officials and businessmen. He just closed the door and spent his birthday in the office of Guangdong and Guangxi. Some businessmen heard that Zhang Zhidong had a birthday and wanted to set off firecrackers to celebrate it, but he had closed the door and had to return in vain.
Although Empress Dowager Cixi had an unshirkable responsibility for the downfall of the Qing Dynasty, she did a good job in the final appointment of officials. Therefore, Zhang Zhidong gave her a jade pestle, which should also be a reward for her kindness in meeting him. Thanks to Empress Dowager Cixi for promoting him out, giving him a chance to play his role and make a contribution to saving the Qing Dynasty.
Unfortunately, in the end, Zhang Zhidong died of illness, and the already shaky Qing government lost a few points. Zhang Zhidong's image as an honest official has always been praised and remembered by future generations.