Hong Xiuquan, despairing after a lingering illness…

Hong Xiuquan, despairing after a lingering illness and having refusing all requests to flee the city, had committed suicide on June 1, 1864.

His young son has succeeded him on the throne.

Five days after the death of Hong, Li Xiucheng is finally put in charge of all military and political affairs, but it is already too late: the fate of the city and its defenders is sealed.