Wulin novels depict a variety of cultures and ethnic groups that occupy China. Often, we see comparisons and contrasts between the numerically dominant Han ethnic group and the various other ethnic groups that occupy China.
Such groups as the Khitan, the Juchen, the Tangut, and the Mongols are depicted as notably "foreign" by Han Chinese standards. Members of these ethnic groups dress differently, have different-sounding names, and practice different customs than do Han Chinese. The Bai of the Dali Kingdom, however, are almost always depicted as indistinguishable from Han Chinese: they dress like the Han, and seem to follow Han cultural practices (moreso than the Khitan, Juchen, Tangut, and Mongols...even after their "Sinicization"). Moreover, whereas the Khitan, Juchen, Tangut, and Mongol states were depicted as being in military conflict with the Han, the Bai of Dali seemed to always maintain friendly relations with the Han.
Why is this so?