Zhang Jue
Political discontent, as well as droughts and plagues, fuelled public resentment against the Han government. The Taoist sect of Zhang Jue took advantage of public sentiment to further their plans for a new beginning. Zhang Jue sent disciples out to gain support and organize followers throughout north China in preparation for a revolt. The rebels even had allies in the imperial court, and most government officials were either ignorant of their intentions or intimidated by their power. Zhang Jue intended to launch an uprising throughout the Han Empire, but the plan was betrayed before he was ready. Rebel sympathizers in Luoyang were arrested and executed, and the revolt in the provinces had to begin ahead of time, in the second month of 184. Despite the inevitable lack of co-ordination and overall preparation, tens of thousands of men rose in rebellion. Government offices were plundered and destroyed and the imperial armies were immediately forced on the defensive.