Wang sends vice generals Jing Shang and Wang Dang in 21 to try to put down the rebellions, but Jing and Wang's soldiers are so lacking in military discipline that they further anger that portion of the populace which had not rebelled, causing them to join or help the rebels in greater earnest.

Tian, who had earlier aggravated the rebellions, however, has some success against them, an advocates a policy whereby the villagers would be evacuated to the cities to trap the rebels into attacking fortifications.

Wang, who by this point distrusts Tian due to his military successes, refuses and recalls him to the capital.

About this time, Mother Lü dies, and her followers joined forces with Fan Chong's forces.

Fan and the other rebel leaders still lack any real political ambition—even as they are showing genuine military abilities.

The only rules of law that the rebels observe is that one who murders will die, and one who wounds will be responsible for the care of the victim until he or she heals.

The only titles for the rebel leaders are "county educator", "county clerk", and "sheriff", rather than more grandiose titles such as "general" or "prince”.