Abstract: Based on some historical documents revealed for the first time, this paper displays the complicated political situation in the early period of the reign of Guan Xu in the Qing Dynasty by revealing the secret intercourse, mutual support and strife between Li Hongzhang and Zhang Peilun, an important figure in the “clean stream party.” Communication between the Grand Councilor Li Hongzao and the Minister of Foreign Affairs in North China Li Hongzhang, the hidden schemes made by Zhang Peilun and Li Hongzao for Li Hongzhang’s “Unwilling Abandonment of Filial Piety” after his dismissal due to the bereavement of his mother, secret countermeasures undertaken by the Qing government to deal with the Korean Imo Incident, policy toward Japan made by the “clean stream party” and the attitude of Li Hongzhangall of these demonstrate that the political complexity in the late Qing Dynasty is beyond our imagination.

Key words: Li Hongzhang, Zhang Peilun, Li Hongzao, dismissal due to the bereavement of parent(s), &ldquo, unwilling abandonment of filial piety for the sake of business&rdquo