Ma Chao's words silenced all the Qiang Clan chiefs. They acknowledged Ma Chao's position as the King of Qiang and admitted his strength. Ma Chao's straightforward manner, devoid of any rhetorical art, was very much in line with the personality of the Qiang People.
There have been numerous times when the Qiang Clan wished to become part of the Han Dynasty as citizens, but how many times have they been disappointed? In the end, they could only choose to resist, even when knowing they were bound to lose. Without a fight, they'd have nothing; with a fight, at least there was a slim chance of survival.
"King, you have never led our clan, you don't know our past efforts. We also hope for food and drink, as long as we pay taxes on time, the country protects us, but we've been disappointed for too long," the Grand Elder said bitterly, bowing.
