At the helm of the rebellion stood Hong Xiuquan, an ethnic Hakka, who proclaimed himself the sibling of Jesus Christ. His ambitions were multifaceted, blending theological, nationalist, and political aspirations. Hong's vision extended beyond religious conversion; he aimed to dismantle the Manchu-led Qing Dynasty and engineer a radical overhaul of the nation's structure. Rather than merely targeting the ruling class, the Taipings sought to dismantle China's societal and ethical framework. Erecting the Heavenly Kingdom with Tianjing (now Nanjing) as its nucleus, they commanded sway over vast swathes of southern China, eventually encompassing a populace nearing 30 million.