The two discussed not only the division of military authority, but also the Yangwu Army's overall development.
Put plainly, this was an army, not some poultry or pet one could raise casually. It required continual, massive investment.
With the Imperial Court providing no funding, or only a paltry amount,
all manner of expenses depended even more on support from the various major and minor powers within Lingwu City.
Food, drink, and clothing could not be neglected. If he dared let ordinary soldiers go hungry, eat poorly, or suffer the cold, then once they truly kicked up a fuss, it would be a mutiny—no joking matter.
Throughout history, such incidents had been too numerous to count. Though cases of subordinates overthrowing their superiors were rare, once any disturbance arose, it dealt an enormous blow to morale. No matter how broad-minded Meng Zhao was, he did not dare handle it carelessly. Proper plans had to be made.
This was also why Meng Zhao proposed recruiting another ten thousand combat soldiers: to offer the forces throughout Lingwu City a little sweetness.
They truly needed such a pretext to keep those people hooked, so they would continue investing in the Yangwu Army's development.
Only with profit could one make people contribute. Otherwise, if they only wanted benefits without giving anything, how could that possibly work?
Meng Zhao himself was not unable to support this great army. He had the Tuxiu Treasure, as well as the enormous income generated by his faction's industries. Supporting fifty thousand troops was not difficult. But he could not become that prominent bird. Once people fixed their eyes on him, that would be real trouble.
Besides, using other people's money to raise his own soldiers was the best way to maintain an army. If he paid from his own pocket,