The situation escalates in October or November 184 when the troops of the Auxiliary of Loyal Barbarians From Huangzhong, which consists of Qiang and Lesser Yuezhi recruits sent to suppress the disturbances, mutiny against their Han Chinese superiors in the military camp of Lianju (northwest of present-day Lanzhou) and join the insurgents, in the process killing the Colonel Protector of the Qiang Ling Zheng.

At this point, the two groups have joined together, with former Auxiliary soldiers Beigong Boyu and Li Wenhou as their leaders.

This union means that the rebels now have control of the band of territory along the Yellow River in present-day Lanzhou.

Within a few weeks, the rebels attack and capture Yuanya, the capital of Jincheng prefecture, making the prefecture their main stronghold for rebel operations.

The rebels are helped by the fact that the local governor Zuo Chang, Inspector of Liang Province), has embezzled the funds allocated for the defense force, making no relief possible.

The Grand Administrator Chen Yi goes to the rebels' camp to negotiate for the release of hostages, but the rebels kill him.

The hostages—which include Bian Zhang, the former Prefect of Xin'an; and Han Sui, Attendant Official of Liang Province—are then persuaded to join the rebels' cause.

The addition of such reputable and influential men gives the rebellion wider popular support, and the two men are to play more prominent roles in the rebellion as the course of events progresses.