Cao Mao bestowed rewards on the army Sima Zhao had personally led.
He even used things taken from the Sima Family.
Every one of these Great Clans today was "quite well-off," with substantial wealth accumulated over generations. Cao Mao felt that even his own resources could not compare with theirs.
This method was simple and crude, and many scholar-officials considered it deeply shameful, but it was remarkably effective.
When Cao Mao rewarded the officers and soldiers who had distinguished themselves in suppressing the rebellion and allowed them to rest locally, their cheers nearly lifted the county town behind them off the ground.
The armored soldiers Ma Long had brought also began playing their part in spreading the word.
As they distributed supplies, they began describing the new changes in the Central Army and the improvements in their treatment.
"Brother, judging by your accent, you're from Yanmen too, aren't you?"
"Hahaha, so am I! Here, take these. Let me tell you, the Central Army is different now!"
"His Majesty gives out all sorts of rewards. Every achievement gets rewarded, and he's driven out all those bastards who didn't treat us like people!"
"Yes, yes! Do you know how much I'm paid now? Hahaha!"
"They don't dare skim off our pay anymore, and we even get meat!"
Cao Mao was eating with several generals. When he saw the armored soldiers in the distance eagerly drawing the local soldiers into conversation, he could not help smiling. He motioned for Ma Long to sit beside him.
Once Ma Long had taken his seat beside him, Cao Mao could not help saying, "Commandant Ma, who would have thought? You have quite a knack for spreading the word! How long have you been planning this?"
Ma Long smiled. "I specifically brought some quick-witted men this time.