In fact, this is recorded in historical materials.
The Qi Dynasty's general use of thatched bamboo huts, already quite rudimentary among all civilian dwellings, still cost about ten guan per unit, while the construction standard for military barracks was no more than four guan per room.
One can imagine what kind of living quality that would be…
Moreover, bringing the entire family with the army at first glance indeed seems like some kind of welfare benefit, but upon closer scrutiny, one can find a significant pitfall.
On one hand, this practice of the Qi Dynasty was actually also a means to prevent desertion.
After all, if a soldier were alone, they could just run off, head straight home to find their wife and children, and with the conditions of ancient times, it would be difficult to apprehend them; but what if their wife and children were all in the camp? If a soldier then thought of running away, they'd have to flee with their whole family, making it easier to be discovered.
