¹After the failure of the Eastern Learning Revolution, corruption worsened throughout all sectors of the government and officials became all the more cruel and greedy. ²All teachings and religions lost their true virtue and engendered vice of all sorts. ³Confucian scholars valued empty formalities; Buddhism exploited society and deluded the people; Eastern Learning virtually disappeared in the wake of the failed revolution; and Western religion strove only to expand its power and influence. ⁴Consequently, public morale deteriorated daily, and the people were plunged into hardship and poverty and had nowhere to turn for relief. Every part of society was overwhelmed with uncertainty and fear.