How to raise military spending is an important issue facing every military group. In times of war, military spending is necessary to keep the army running, but it becomes especially difficult for military groups that have no territory or are underpowered. However, they still have some methods to try. First, they can rely on funding from others. In troubled times, wealthy businessmen and local tycoons often fund military groups, both to protect themselves and as a way to invest. For example, Liu Bei received financial support from wealthy businessmen Zhang Shiping and Su Shuang in his early years, which provided him with financial support for his friendship with Haojie. Secondly, they can be attached to other military blocs and serve them in exchange for military expenses and livelihoods. Liu Bei had been attached to Gongsun Zhan, Tao Qian, Lü Bu, Cao Cao, Yuan Shao, Liu Biao and others, which although there were certain risks, it was also a way to survive. Finally, if neither of the above methods is feasible, they may choose to loot places to meet their needs. However, this approach is riskier and often invites attacks from other forces.
If they are still unable to raise military funds, then they can only accept the integration of the big forces, otherwise they will face the threat of mutinies or the collapse of the army. In troubled times, raising military spending is the key to the survival and development of military groups, and various methods have their pros and cons, which need to be weighed and selected according to specific circumstances. Funding from wealthy businessmen and local wealthy families is a common way to raise military spending. In troubled times, wealthy merchants and local wealthy families are willing to fund military groups in order to protect their interests, and at the same time hope to obtain future returns. Liu Bei is a typical example, after receiving funding from Zhang Shiping and Su Shuang and others in his early years, he successfully made many heroes. However, there are risks associated with such investments, and some funders may not get the expected returns. But for those wealthy businessmen and wealthy families who have successfully invested, the benefits are also rich, for example, Mi Zhu has become an important figure in the Shuhan Group. Another way to raise military spending is to attach yourself to other military blocs.
For military blocs that do not have their own territory or lack sufficient power, attachment to other forces is a way of survival. Liu Bei repeatedly attached himself to Gongsun Zhan, Tao Qian, Lü Bu, Cao Cao, Yuan Shao, and Liu Biao in exchange for military expenses and livelihoods. However, this approach is riskier, because both dependent and dependent people have their own military power, and unstable relationships are likely to lead to a turn of enemies. But fortunately, Liu Bei's record in this regard was relatively good, and except for Cao Cao, he did not turn his face with the object of attachment. This allows him to be welcomed and supported wherever he goes. If neither of these methods is feasible, then looting places becomes the last option to raise military expenses. For warlords who lacked competence and discipline, looting places became their way of meeting their needs. However, this approach is extremely risky, because no one wants to tolerate such bandit-like military groups near their own territory. When given the opportunity, other forces tend to eliminate these military groups as soon as possible.
Therefore, only those who are cornered will choose this way. In general, raising military spending is a problem that every military group needs to face. Seeking funding from others, attaching to other powers, or plundering places are common methods of raising military funds for military groups that do not have territory or do not have enough power. However, each method has certain risks and limitations. In troubled times, weighing the pros and cons and choosing the right fundraising method is crucial for the survival and development of the military group. As an editor, I believe that in the process of raising military funds, military groups should fully consider risks and long-term interests. Relying on the funding of wealthy businessmen and local wealthy families is a more feasible way, but it is also necessary to pay attention to the true intentions of the funders and establish good cooperative relations with them. Although relying on other forces can obtain military funds and livelihoods, it is also necessary to be vigilant against the instability of the relationship between the two sides and avoid turning their faces into enemies. Raiding places is a last resort and the risks and benefits should be carefully weighed.
In addition, military groups should strive to develop their own capabilities, increase their own sources of income and reduce their dependence on external funding. Finally, I would like to ask the reader to think about the question: which method do you think is the most feasible and sustainable in troubled times, and how should military groups raise military spending?