A portion of the grain must be used to repay debts. At present, there is not much grain that the court can mobilize.

If Zhao Hao wants to gather another 5,000 to 10,000 people now, he still has to get money from the people of the two states.

There's nothing we can do about it.

If the threat of the two countries' coalition forces cannot be completely eliminated, the wilderness will recover again.

The people of the two states will still suffer.

The next morning, Zhao Hao met with a group of officials from Mubei City again.

I asked them about the specific situation of each tribe on the grassland.

For example, the approximate number of cattle and sheep born by all tribes on the grassland today.

When this question was raised, everyone had different opinions, and no one could come up with a relatively accurate number.

Zhao Hao shook his head, then asked people to count the food and grass, and at the same time summoned all officials above the seventh rank in the two states to come to Mubei City for discussions.

Since you have decided to fight, you must prepare in advance.

A few days later, all officials above the seventh rank in the two states, more than 300 people, came to Mubei City.

Zhao Hao held an unconventional and super-large meeting.

He listened to all officials' reports on the various situations in the areas under their jurisdiction.

For example, the lives of the people, farming, and the distribution of relief grain by the imperial court.

And so on.

While asking questions, he made detailed records.

Finally, he looked at everyone and said softly: "Everyone, you are all the parents of the two states."

"We all know how difficult it has been for the people of the two states over the past two years."

"But at least everyone from His Majesty to you is working hard to ensure that the people will not die."

"Now, you all more or less know the situation on the grassland."

"I work hard and face a lot of pressure."

"My idea is to ask you for a batch of food. Don't worry, I will only ask once!"

"Before I came to Mubei City, I had already promised His Majesty that I would definitely turn the current situation around."

"So, I beg everyone to squeeze out some food from between your teeth."

Hearing what Zhao Hao said, everyone lowered their heads.

Because these things are really too difficult for these officials.

I want them to spit out the food they put in their mouths.

Not to mention Zhao Hao, even if Jiang Wan'er came, they would not be willing.

Seeing the attitudes of these officials, Zhao Hao took a deep breath and said, "I know this is a bit unreasonable."

"But I still hope that you gentlemen can consider the overall situation."

"I don't want more, just 50,000 dan of grain."

"There are more than 30 prefectures and counties in the two states. The larger ones should be gathered with more, and the smaller ones should be gathered with less."

Everyone looked at Zhao Hao, then at the people around them, but still no one spoke.

Before he did this, he had already realized that this would be difficult.

However, unexpectedly, he still underestimated it.

So, even though he understood it in his heart, he still couldn't help feeling a little annoyed.

Just when Zhao Hao thought that these officials needed to be forced to express their opinions.

An official suddenly stood up.

This was a seventh-rank official who was about forty years old, extremely thin, had a mustache, and had dry and dark skin.

After this person stood up, he immediately bowed to Zhao Hao.

"Sir, I am the magistrate of Mianyu County in Dingzhou. I am willing to give out 3,000 grains to support the army in the battle!"

Upon hearing this, everyone present immediately looked towards the Mianyu County Magistrate.

Zhao Hao's eyes suddenly lit up, and he quickly walked over and asked, "Mianyu County Magistrate, please tell me your name!"

The Mianyu County Magistrate immediately bowed and said, "My Lord, this is Tian Yan!"

Zhao Hao immediately said: "Okay, Master Tian, it seems that you are the one with the most long-term vision among all of you present!"

"I will report your actions today to His Majesty truthfully."

"However, as far as I know, your Mianyu County is not rich, and it is extremely difficult now."

"How are you going to explain to the people in the county that you took out 3,000 dan of grain in one go?"

Tian Yan immediately said in a serious tone: "My Lord, I will gather all the people together after I return."

"Tell the people everything, and don't cover up anything."

"I will tell the people that these three thousand dan of grain are to support the army in fighting against the barbarians and the Yue coalition forces!"

"Only if we win, will all the people in our two states be able to have a stable life in the future."

"Only then can we no longer be constantly invaded by the wilderness."

"I believe that the people I serve have a sense of justice in mind. I also believe that they would rather starve for a while than be slaughtered by the barbaric cavalry again!"

"I don't want to see my descendants being brutally slaughtered."

"I will persuade the people under my rule by using reason and emotion, no matter what!"

Zhao Hao nodded approvingly, even though the Mianyu County magistrate looked rather plain-looking.

However, his words have a convincing aura.

You must be direct and never beat around the bush.

Zhao Hao looked at Tian Yan, and their eyes met. Tian Yan did not avoid his gaze at all.

Just staring at Zhao Hao.

After a long while, Zhao Hao said, "Master Tian, I, Zhao Hao, appreciate your kindness."

"But for a small county like yours like Mianyu, giving out 3,000 dan of grain in one go is still too much!"

"How about this, you just take out 1,500 dan!"

Zhao Hao waved his hand and asked Tian Yan to sit down again.

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