Hong Rengan had been elevated to prime minister of the Taiping state soon after his arrival at the Taiping camp.

In this position he has tried to introduce his program, which includes railroad construction, telegraph facilities, modern banks and hospitals, and reform of the administration along Western democratic lines.

His suggestions have aroused the jealousy of many of the older Taiping leaders, however, and they refuse to cooperate.

Moreover, the Western countries, having forced the Chinese government to grant their trade concession to them in the “Arrow” War, have thrown their support to the dynasty in the suppression of the rebels.

Rengan's policies have therefore failed, and he is demoted.

From 1860, with the Taipings beset by internal dissension, poor leadership, and corruption, the military and administrative genius of General Li Xiucheng keeps the movement going.

The Green Standard Army twice attempts to besiege Nanjing, capital of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, but is unable to break through.