The Gathering Storm

Chapter 8 charts the rising tide of insurrection led by Wang Xianzhi and Huang Chao since 875. In “The Middle Yangzi,” Wang Xianzhi threatens the empire’s lifeline for grain and tax shipments. Gao Pian is appointed military governor of the Jingnan region with the mission to secure this strategic artery. Meanwhile, his previous secret agreement with Nanzhao’s ruler Shilong comes to light in “Diplomatic Fallout,” deepening the factional feud at court and casting a temporary shadow over Gao’s standing. After the defeat and death of Wang Xianzhi, the remaining insurrectionists rally under Huang Chao. The focus of their attacks shifts to the lower Yangzi valley. In response, Gao is transferred downstream to “The Sea-Garrisoning Army,” as military governor of the regional command of that name based in Runzhou (modern Zhenjiang). “The Year Jihai ” (879) relates how Huang Chao, driven out of central China by Gao Pian, escapes south, devastates Fuzhou, and besieges Guangzhou. The court declines Gao Pian’s proposal to pursue and rout the rebel army in Guangdong. The year ends calamitously as Huang Chao sacks Guangzhou, massacres its population, and heads back north.