Lawrence nodded repeatedly, chuckled twice, then leaned in closer to Luo De,
"Why are we maintaining so many troops, even surpassing those nearby Counts...?"
Lawrence paused for a moment, then continued to mutter softly,
"These soldiers eat grain all day without generating any income."
In Lawrence's merchant mindset, any investment must yield returns.
It's normal for a Lord to maintain an army to strengthen the territory, but right now there seems to be neither war nor any clear threat.
In Lawrence's view, maintaining thousands of soldiers was truly wasteful.
Luo De heard this question and revealed a mysterious smile.
He did not answer immediately but waved his hand to Vivian.
Vivian understood, picked up a delicate wooden box from the chair next to her, and placed it in front of Lawrence.
"Open it and see, Lawrence."
"Okay, sir."
Lawrence nodded, carefully held the edge of the wooden box, and lifted the lid.
As the box opened, Lawrence's eyes widened.
