Lianzhuo, Cailong.
Guangzhou has the appearance of a major battle about to erupt, yet places like Heipu and Cailong remain very stable.
The Rebel Army easily occupied this region with hardly any real resistance. Liu Chang entrusted eunuchs with control of the military, leading to dissension and desertion within the ranks. Many soldiers surrendered and switched sides directly in battle.
In the distant mountains and forests, Bao Le'an's family of four stumbled out; his wife was ill and unable to walk, so he carried her forward. Their eldest son carried the young girl, and both wore rags and carried some luggage, but it was all just a pile of tattered goods.
They had only recently heard some news from villagers, which prompted their hasty return from the deep forest.
Indeed, they were fugitives.
After Liu Chang took power, the Great Han Dynasty imposed heavy taxes and levies, forcing many civilians into the mountains and forests to live, eventually becoming local bandits.
