CHAPTER 1074: CHAPTER 1030: THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN QIANG AND HAN

Although Ma Chao was well aware that the combat power of the Qiang Cavalry was virtually equivalent to nonsense, in the Central Plains, they mostly could only contend against infantry, and might not even be able to handle elite infantry.

One must know that during the suppression of the Xiliang Qiang Rebellion, the Elite Soldiers of Danyang coordinated with the Xiliang Iron Cavalry to crush the Qiang Cavalry. Although the physical quality of the Qiang was not inferior to the Han, in this era, once the numbers exceeded a hundred, it was nearly axiomatic that foreign clans were difficult to match the Han Court’s military in a frontal assault—even the foreign clans themselves acknowledged this reality.

Well, regardless of how ludicrous the combat power of the Qiang Cavalry was, at least in support and in favorable battles, they were quite decent, as the numbers were there. A large group charging ahead still projected a formidable momentum.

Thinking about favorable battles, cheering and boosting morale could actually be done quite well; Ma Chao, therefore, didn’t pay much attention to it. The reason he was fighting for the position of King of Qiang was actually to stabilize the Qiang and Hu, to prevent his family from being suppressed by Cao Cao under the pretense of dealing with the Qiang and Hu. As for truly using the Qiang and Hu as his subordinates, it was best to abandon that idea.

This point was very clear to Ma Chao; the strength of the Qiang Clan and the Xianbei was truly insignificant. If they faced the Han Dynasty army head-on, they would certainly perish. However, the Han Dynasty couldn’t concentrate all its efforts on the Qiang Clan and the Xianbei, otherwise, they would have been wiped out long ago.

In fact, every time the Han Dynasty dealt with the Qiang and Hu, and the Xianbei, they were fighting with their hands and feet tied; otherwise, it would be surprising if the Qiang and Hu, and the Xianbei could gain any advantage.

But regardless of how formidable their combat power was or was not, this was enough to prove that the Qiang truly expressed submission. After all, to Ma Chao, who considered the not-so-powerful Qiang Elite Cavalry as strong combat power among the Qiang people.

"I greet the King of Qiang, how does His Majesty plan to govern the Qiang People?" Xun You entered the king’s tent, smiling with a bow, yet unlike the past, this time Xun You clearly did not meet in the ceremony between Han Officials, but the rite of an Outer Official seeing a Feudal Lord King.

Although Ma Chao was rather straightforward, he was after all born and raised among princes and nobles and had been exposed to the necessary etiquette, clearly understanding for whom such rites were meant.

"Sir, there’s no need for this, although I, Meng Qi, am the King of Qiang, my father is still the Han Court’s General Who Conquers the West. My body carries the blood of the Qiang people; does it not also carry the blood of the Han people?" Ma Chao spoke with utmost calm, all this having been clarified to him by Fa Zheng long ago.

"In that case, let me first congratulate the King of Qiang," Xun You, as an Outer Official using the rite for a Feudal Lord King, bowed once more.

"Sir, such efforts are unnecessary. Qiang Clan, Han Ethnic Group, trace back to the same ancestor—it is just one forebear after all. Why act in such a manner? Does not my body carry the blood of the ancient Shennong Clan, and does Sir not acknowledge this lineage and even the cultural heritage within?" Ma Chao whispered with sarcasm.

What Fa Zheng taught Ma Chao was simple: if Cao Cao talks about lineage, Ma Chao should speak of the ancient Shennong Clan. After all, the Qiang and Han are originally of the same ancestry, with blood flowing from the Shennong Clan.

Similarly, if Cao Cao were to discuss culture, Ma Chao just needed to display the same stance. As a descendant of a Duke and Marquis, even though the family had fallen somewhat, these things were mastered perfectly by Ma Chao.

"How could I dare doubt Meng Qi," Xun You shook his head. He already understood that it was futile; Ma Chao, with whose help it was unknown, had already prepared everything.

"Sir, such a grand rite, I feel unworthy. In my view, Qiang Clan, Han Ethnic Group, being of the same ancestry, why must they be treated differently? Isn’t the Qiang Clan’s plundering because there is no other way to solve the food problem? It’s said when granaries are full, one knows etiquette. I think Sir, coming from the noble Xun Family, is even more insightful." Ma Chao looked at Xun You with a face full of authority.

Without waiting for Xun You to respond, Ma Chao continued, "Sir, you may raise your hand and look at your garment, then look at these chiefs of the ancient Qiang tribes. They, within a tribe, are nobles who hold life and death over others. In comparison, you understand even better."

How could the clothing of the Qiang Clan compare with Xun You? Even if Xun You was not as extravagant as Lingering Fragrance Xun Ling, it would certainly be impossible for this group of so-called barbarians to match. A simple and elegant Confucian Robe was enough to leave this group of ancient Qiang people, still cloaked in sheepskin, far behind, let alone the jade and gold adornments in his hair—it was a world of difference!

Xun You’s expression barely changed; he already knew what Ma Chao intended to say. However, the road couldn’t be fully travelled by Ma Chao. He promptly said, "My lord also once wanted to improve the lives of all people under his rule, whether they were Han or Qiang, but in the chaos of the Hundred Qiang, how could we have had the opportunity?"

"I believe now is the opportunity. Xiliang is harsh and cold, and the lives of the Hundred Qiang are extremely difficult. For a mouthful to eat, for a piece of pasture, for a patch of oasis, how many Qiang people have fallen?" Ma Chao’s voice carried a hint of pity, and the expressions of the tribal chiefs present also turned bitter. What Ma Chao said was the truth.

"Compare your lives with Sir Xun’s; you must be well aware in your hearts. You know well the strength of the Han Dynasty. Do you still wish to continue living this life of licking blood from the blade?" Ma Chao said with a compassionate expression—an expression he had practiced for a long time.

"Perhaps you think that with me leading as King of Qiang, you could reach the peak, but I can only tell you the Qiang Clan is too small—too small to produce a peerless powerhouse. Even in the Central Plains, I am not considered a master!" Ma Chao said with a face full of emotion.

The chiefs of the Qiang Clan all looked incredulous, and Ma Chao saw the expressions of all the chiefs, glancing at Dian Wei, "General Dian, please show them the strength of a military general from the Central Plains."

Dian Wei grinned, showing a gleaming row of teeth, then punched towards the ground. As the punch was unleashed, the air visibly twisted, refracting with various hues, then with a light sound, a hole the size of a pot emerged beneath Dian Wei’s feet.

The chiefs of the Qiang Clan were all puzzled, without understanding, only the Grand Elder, Second Elder, and the Fourth Elder displayed solemn faces, and after some time, spoke softly, "May I ask Your Majesty, is this general the foremost valiant general of the Central Plains?"

"I, Old Dian, would love to be first, but I didn’t even make it onto that List of Valiant Generals!" Dian Wei stroked his bristly beard with a face full of helplessness, wondering what was with those thirty-six Lyu Bu’s—it was utterly despairing.

"That’s simply the reality; I didn’t make the list either," Ma Chao nodded and said, "In this world, only one person can be considered undoubtedly worthy."

"I imagine you wish to enter the Central Plains, to have your own land, to live peacefully; no one wants to endure such a harsh life." Ma Chao said as he looked at the nobles of the Qiang Clan, "The Han Court has too many strong individuals. If not for you being considered my maternal clan, I truly wouldn’t want to care." (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my biggest motivation. Mobile users please visit m.qidian.com to read.)