Hongzhang

Li Hongzhang also recommended Yuan's promotion, with Yuan given the rank of sub-prefect.

Li Hongzhang wanted at all costs to avoid a war with Japan, and attempted this by asking for international pressure for a Japanese withdrawal.

The terms might have been harsher, but when Japanese citizen attacked and wounded Li Hongzhang, an international outcry shamed the Japanese into revising them.

Yuan was outraged yet skeptical, and asked Li Hongzhang for advice.