An Lushan, a mixed-race Hu from Yingzhou, started from Yalang in Hushi, joined the army with his bravery and cunning, and worshiped Zhang Shougui as his adoptive father. He won favor with the Hu Xuan dance, used generous bribes to win over the powerful, and climbed up the ranks amidst official strife and bloody internal strife. He eventually took over the power of the Jiedushi of Fanyang, Pinglu, and Hedong towns, and became the most powerful frontier commander in the Tang Dynasty. He worked lightly in Hebei and won the hearts of the people, secretly accumulating strength and growing ambition. A huge change that would tear apart the prosperous age was quietly brewing in his heart...
