The Imperial Court's decree tripling the taxes swept through every surrounding village, and Zhangjia Village, the village Li Xiu had married into, was no exception to the disaster.

At first light, the county's yamen runners and tax collectors barged into Zhangjia Village in a menacing rush.

The clang of iron chains dragging over the ground and their harsh bellowing shattered the village's peace in an instant.

Just like in Green Creek Village, the moment these officials entered, they went from house to house violently pressing for payment. They were ferocious as evil gods, showing not the slightest mercy.