<em>Rich peasants were hard hit by the trade depression and falling prices, whereas poor peasants’ cash income dwindled and they could not pay their rents. Refusal of the government to reduce the revenue demand led to widespread resentment, whereas poor peasants wanted the unpaid rent to the landlords to be remitted.</em>
Life in the city was difficult for the poor who lived in crowded houses and often went without food. Life in countryside was better for the peasants. They had to work hard, but they generally had food and shelter. Taxes were reduced during the Han Dynasty and people who tilled the soil were often respected.
