Heshen, who had only gained his position because he was the Emperor's favorite, is known to have embezzled funds and resources earmarked for the defeat of the White Lotus; this accounted for his defeat.

The Jiaqing Emperor, on assuming effective power in 1799, overthrows the Heshen clique and, as a way of restoring discipline and morale, gives support to the efforts of the more vigorous Manchu commanders in suppressing the White Lotus Rebellion.

A systematic program of pacification follows, in which the populace is resettled in hundreds of stockaded villages and organized into militia.