Yung Wing

Chin Kiang

Chin Kiang and Yung Wing worked together on educational and diplomatic projects, with Chin often facilitating Yung's initiatives.

Li Sien Lan

Li Sien Lan and Yung Wing had a working relationship, with Li supporting Yung's educational reforms.

Ou Ngoh Liang

Ou Ngoh Liang and Yung Wing worked together on modernization projects, with Ou providing bureaucratic support.

Chin Lan Pin

Chin Lan Pin and Yung Wing were colleagues in the Chinese Educational Mission, though they had differing views on its management.

My Life in China and America

The author and central figure, whose life story is chronicled.

I: Boyhood

Narrator and protagonist; born in 1828, enters Mrs. Gutzlaff's school, later works to support family.

II: School Days

The youngest of the first class, he is the first to rise when Brown offers to take pupils to America, and he persuades his reluctant mother to let him go.

III: Journey to America and First Experiences There

Narrator of the journey, describes his first impressions of America and his stay at the Bartlett parsonage.

At Monson Academy

Narrates his time at Monson Academy, deciding to stay in America for further studies and aiming for Yale.

V: My College Days

Reflects on his college years, struggles with finances and academics, and his determination to use education for China's regeneration.

VI: Return to China

Returns to China after ten years, reunites with his mother, and begins relearning Chinese language and customs.

VII: Effort to Find a Position

Narrator and protagonist, seeking a position to support his mother and pursue his reform ideas.

VIII: Experiences in Business

Works as a clerk in an English firm, then as a translator; gains recognition in Shanghai; declines comprador position; sent to tea districts.

IX: My First Trip to the Tea Districts

Narrator and protagonist, undertaking his first trip into the interior of China to purchase tea and silk.

My Visit to the Taipings

Narrator and traveler, seeking to understand the Taiping movement and considering whether to support them.

XI: Reflections on the Taiping Rebellion

Author and narrator, providing reflective analysis on the Taiping Rebellion.

XII: Expedition to the Taiping Tea District

Narrator and leader of the tea expedition, seeking fortune after abandoning hopes in the Taipings.

XIII: My Interviews with Tsang Kwoh Fan

Receives letters from Tsang Kwoh Fan's secretaries, deliberates on the invitation, and eventually meets the Viceroy to discuss the machine shop project.

My Mission to America to Buy Machinery

Commissioned to buy machinery, travels to America, attends Yale reunion, offers to serve in Civil War.

XV: My Second Return to China

Returns to China, reports to Viceroy Tsang, and is promoted to mandarin of the fifth rank.

XVI: Proposal of My Educational Scheme

Proposes his educational scheme and drafts four proposals for government reform.

XVII: The Chinese Educational Mission

As commissioner, he oversees the mission, selects students, and arranges their placement in New England.

XVIII: Investigation of the Coolie Traffic in Peru

Returns to China to introduce the Gatling gun, confronts the Peruvian Commissioner, and investigates coolie conditions in Peru.

XIX: End of the Educational Mission

Commissioner of Education, appointed joint minister to Washington but prefers to stay with the mission.

Journey to Peking and Death of My Wife

Narrator and protagonist; returns to China to report after his diplomatic term, visits Li Hung Chang, and later returns to the U.S. to care for his ailing wife.

XXI: My Recall to China

Recalled to China by Viceroy Chang Chi Tung; proposes war plans, serves as secretary, and attempts banking and railroad projects.

XXII: The Coup d'État of 1898

Narrator and central figure; flees Peking after the coup, organizes reform association, and later confronts Kodama in Formosa.

Appendix

Although not named directly, the mission described is the Chinese Educational Mission, which Yung Wing conceived and helped establish.

Commissioner Yung Wing

The central figure of the chapter, whose life story and character are the focus.

In Yale College

Central figure; attends Yale, excels in English composition, struggles with poverty, decides against ministry, and resolves to return to China.

Taking First Steps in Life

Seeks to implement his grand scheme by seeking influential positions; meets Viceroy Tsang Kwoh Fan.

Made a Mandarin

Endures years of trial and loneliness, persists in his educational reform plan, and is appointed Mandarin of the fifth rank, later advancing to the fourth.

An Opportunity Seized

Seizes the opportunity to push his educational scheme; appointed Chief Commissioner and later Associate Minister.