Zeng Guofan held entirely different opinions about imperial examination from those in favour of the mainstream education concept at that time. Zeng Guofan did not pressure his younger brother and eldest son Zeng Jize to pass the imperial examination, giving no thought to personal gain or loss. As for his second son Zeng Jihong who also attended the imperial examination, Zeng changed his attitude from giving adequate attention initially to feeling relieved at whatever the result finally. Zeng’s younger brother and his two sons who failed to pass the imperial examination were not bogged down in the mire of it. Instead, under the guidance of Zeng, all of them found new paths and finally achieved certain achievements in their fields. Zeng Guofan’s view on the imperial examination is not only a simple educational concept, but also contains a wealth of family education thoughts, such as reading not for utilitarian purpose, not worrying about personal gains and losses, having lofty aspiration, showing filial respect to parents, treating siblings friendly, teaching students according to their aptitude, and being open and pragmatic. These thoughts had a subtle influence on the family members, making Zeng’s family a century-old famous family both at home and abroad. Zeng Guofan’s thoughts on family education are enduring and inspirational, also serving as an agent for current study, education, employment as well as inheriting family traditions.