The eunuchs continue their corrupt ways, and the people are burdened with increasingly heavy taxes.

As Emperor Ling grows older, not only does he take no remedial actions, he continues to tolerate, for the most part, the eunuchs' corruption.

The major defeat of the Han cavalry by the Xianbei in 177 further drains the imperial treasury.

The Hou Hanshu records a memorial submitted in 177 CE: Ever since the [northern] Xiongnu ran away, the Xianbei have become powerful and populous, taking all the lands previously held by the Xiong-nu and claiming to have 100,000 warriors.

… Refined metals and wrought iron have come into the possession of the [Xianbei] rebels.

Han deserters also seek refuge [in the lands of the Xianbei] and serve as their advisers.

Their weapons are sharper and their horses are faster than those of the Xiong-nu.