Viceroy of Liangguang
In July 1900 Wen Tsung-yao participated in the Independence Army uprising () which was organized by pr-reform leader Tang Caichang (), and Wen was appointed a representative for foreign affairs to Shanghai. In next month, Tang failed to rise in rebellion against Qing Dynasty and was executed. Wen escaped to Southern China and got positions under the Viceroy of Liangguang (). From 1903 to 1908, he successively held the positions of Chief of Foreign Affairs Bureau of Liangguang (), Director to the Telephone Administration of Guangdong, Director to the Military Cadets' Academy of Guangdong (廣東將辦學堂), etc. In 1904 he was sent to India as Deputy Envoy to negotiate with the British Government over the question of British trade in Tibet () and a member of the Tang Shaoyi's party. In same August Wen returned to China, and became a secretary for foreign affairs to the Viceroy of Liangguang Cen Chunxuan.