The army sent to suppress the rebellion, confident in their superior numbers, paid the local populace no mind.
A violent conflict broke out between them.
The pacification army quickly overpowered the commoners who tried to stop them from setting fire to the mountains. The process inevitably led to casualties, and the numbers were considerable.
This made the commoners even more resentful.
Their families had lived in the area for generations, and their networks of relatives and friends had long since spread to the surrounding villages and towns.
Soon, people from other villages and towns rushed over. As more and more people gathered, the situation escalated.
Driven by hatred, many of them recklessly joined the rebel army.
This not only indirectly bolstered the rebels' ranks, but also caused the court's reputation among the people to plummet.
Hearing this, Li Ji couldn't help but sneer.
'They played a winning hand so badly. How foolish!'
