CHAPTER 1076: CHAPTER 1032: THE FAULT IS NOT YOURS OR MINE

This grudge that has endured for hundreds of years is extremely difficult to resolve, yet at the same time, it is also very simple. In this era, nothing is more important than survival.

In this era, there is no pursuit of freedom, no declarations of human rights. As long as one can survive in this era, there is still hope for everything. Thus, to resolve this grudge that has endured for hundreds of years, it is actually only necessary to provide the Qiang people with an equal environment for survival.

Even if this equality is in quotes, it doesn’t matter; achieving it superficially is enough. The Qiang people’s pursuits are truly simple, yet no one can satisfy these conditions.

The distinction between Hua and Yi has existed since ancient times, let alone in this era when Huaxia is strong enough to be prefixed with a series of titles. Even Chen Xi’s desire to bring sinicized foreigners into fold requires cautious progress. Even the Great Confucian Scholar’s education has never claimed to turn them into the same clan, but only to make them allies, to become "one of us."

The Han Court of this era is proud and arrogant, and as the most powerful empire, they have such capital. Likewise, they also have the capital not to let foreign clans mingle among them. Despite poverty and hardship, the people of the Han Dynasty have a sense of deep-seated pride towards foreign clans.

No matter how poor they are, the people of the Han Dynasty at least retain some imperial pride. When facing foreign clans, they all have a sense of superiority.

Even though everyone has two arms and one head, the confidence brought by the empire’s continuous expansion over the centuries can clearly be seen on the battlefield. During foreign battles, there is little fear; even when facing several times more foreigners, there is no fear. Fundamentally, they believe they will not lose to the Hu people!

With such a mindset, it would be unusual for everyone to be well without conflict. Though foreign clans have been beaten half to death, they also cannot endure mistreatment. When pushed, even a rabbit will bite, let alone people.

Each conflict between the Han Dynasty and the Qiang Clan usually does not start with a clash at the higher levels. They all begin with clashes between the Han people and the Qiang people. This then acts like a fuse, thoroughly igniting the tensions between the two groups.

Upon hearing this, Ma Chao naturally felt overwhelmed. Fa Zheng had not taught him how to resolve such matters. To be precise, unless Fa Zheng personally came over, it would be impossible for him to devise policies out of thin air without real contact. This was already involving practical application.

However, Fa Zheng’s guidance in this regard is to listen to Zhong Yao or the Xun family brothers, as these three people can surely come up with a solution.

Although Ma Chao was very displeased with Fa Zheng, he recognized Fa Zheng’s intellect, especially when the latter’s words were always accurate.

Naturally, after listening, Ma Chao looked at Xun You with a grim expression, and Xun You found Ma Chao’s gaze on him somewhat strange. Although Xun You was very clever and understood Ma Chao’s intent, he wondered why Ma Chao was so perceptive this time.

"Could you all hear me out?" Although Xun You had his doubts, he was also aware that this was an opportunity—a great opportunity to resolve the current crisis and reverse Cao Cao’s unfavorable situation.

"Speak!" Ma Chao went along with the situation, immediately sternly stopping the Qiang clan chiefs from airing their grievances, feeling increasingly conflicted about Fa Zheng. To be honest, the more he used Fa Zheng’s strategy, the more intuitive he found it. Yet the more intuitive it became, the more Ma Chao’s face felt burning.

The Qiang clan chiefs immediately fell silent. When the King of Qiang spoke, others could only keep silent. They all turned to stare at Xun You, planning to listen to what Xun You would say.

"The conflict between your clan and the Han Dynasty fundamentally stems from mutual distrust. In the absence of a foundation of trust, any alliance is nothing but a joke. This has happened repeatedly throughout history." Although Xun You appeared wooden, his mind was anything but. His words were harsh, but all the Qiang clan chiefs understood the truth in them.

"To resolve the conflicts between your clan and the Han Dynasty, there have been capable and wise ministers striving for it throughout the generations. Some were from the Han Dynasty, some from your clan. To say that we, people of the Han Dynasty, harbored malicious intent, what did the sages of your clan strive for? I’m sure you all understand." Xun You’s expression was wooden, and his tone was flat, yet his persuasiveness was unexpectedly strong.

Among the Qiang clan chiefs, murmurs broke out upon hearing Xun You’s words. Naturally, there were tribes among the Qiang people who had strived for peaceful coexistence between the Qiang and Han, though ultimately these efforts failed. However, history records these events; there is no way to refute Xun You’s words.

"In reality, at this point, investigating who is right or wrong is meaningless. The greatest significance now is to ensure our people are fed. As for the hatred between us, if there are no people left, how can the hatred continue?" In Xun You’s words, there was no intention to resolve hatred—instead, there was a suggestion to let the grievances continue.

The Qiang clan chiefs, who originally thought Xun You would speak about resolving hatred, were left with no chance to retort after hearing Xun You’s words.

Upon hearing these words, Ma Chao frowned. He truly hoped for peaceful coexistence between the Qiang people and the Han people, not out of personal motives, but because he understood the harsh living conditions of the Qiang people. He also realized that in their extreme distress, the Qiang people might drag the Han people into suffering with them.

Xun You noticed Ma Chao’s expression, gaining more confidence. Thus, with a composed demeanor, he continued, "In reality, while you have brought great harm to the Han Dynasty, you have also inflicted considerable wounds upon yourselves. I’m sure you’re all aware of this."

"A life of luxury is not just something the Han people need; you need it, too. I’m sure everyone here is aware of this." Xun You’s eyes gleamed as his words began to provoke thought among the Qiang clan chiefs.

"But in reality, what you have been doing is destroying your life of luxury while also destroying the same for others." Xun You’s eyes glittered with insight, while Dian Wei, standing behind him, listened in bewilderment.

Having reached this point, even Ma Chao began to feel lost, unable to understand. However, he was clear about his goals, so he did not pay it much attention.

"In the past, the biggest problem between the Qiang clan and the Han Dynasty was that the Qiang clan was not a united entity. Political orders could not be consistent, and each tribe considered only itself without coordination at the higher levels. Yet once the Han Dynasty regarded you as the enemy, whether you belonged to the Ling Qiang or Shaodang Qiang, it did not matter; innocence or guilt did not matter." Xun You slowly revealed what he intended to convey.

"In the past, the contracts you made representing your tribes could not bind all the Qiang people, whereas the Han Dynasty wouldn’t give contracts to just one tribe, thus deciding to sign with the entire Qiang clan. From the beginning, both sides chose wrongly." In his calm words, Xun You attributed all responsibility to differences in understanding between both parties. (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to come to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read at m.qidian.com.)