The bearded man had actually dug a trap waiting for Shire to fall into.
Among the grassroots soldiers and the civilians, many had deep-rooted hatred and suspicion towards capitalists, having been exploited by them since they were old enough to understand.
Deep-seated grievances do not develop overnight; those who have suffered greatly do not believe there are good capitalists, not even Shire is an exception.
They believed that everything Shire did was false, had a purpose, and was using civilians to rise to power:
"The money and supplies are nothing but a drop in the ocean to a capitalist, yet it can win people's support for himself."
"Shire indeed can achieve victory and develop equipment, but it also brings him huge rewards."
"All of this is a prelude to gaining power; Shire is the smartest one, he knows how to manipulate people's hearts!"
...
There were quite a few people who held such thoughts.
