Taoism Persists
“Although the Taoist-inspired insurrections in this epoch (from 221 BCE-265 CE) were short-lived and it’s leaders often died violent deaths, the victim—Taoism—eventually ended up as the victor.
“The persecution of the Taoist rebels drove them underground, forcing them to spread their teachings secretly. The more oppressive the government was toward Taoism, the stronger and more widespread Taoism became.
“Thus, when the Jin dynasty (275-420 CE) finally defeated its rivals and united China, Taoism was ready to exert its influence again.”
-from Tales of the Dancing Dragon, by Eva Wong