Shangguan Jian led his three hundred cavalrymen straight down the mountain like wolves attacking sheep. Although the county garrison's cavalry didn't have heavy armor for protection, at this time, cavalry was still considered a "precious asset." Any available protective gear would be prioritized for the cavalry, as their effectiveness on the battlefield could change the entire situation.
The rebels, although known as "rebels" in name, were actually just a band of robbers. At best, they were somewhat well-equipped. In the Qin Dynasty, even farming tools, scythes, and flails had to be registered, let alone weapons. To revolt without equipment, how could one fight barehanded? All these required a large amount of funding. Compared to the county, the rebels simply couldn't have such wealth.
