However, the treasury of the captured city was empty, and the only thing they could find was some burnt grain, which did not solve the fundamental problem.

Facing Cheng Guorong and Ding Lin who were already in a state of panic, Lin Hai rarely scolded them.

If they hadn't been on a military expedition and hadn't brought the mace with them because it was too heavy, I'm afraid both of them would have been severely beaten.

"Since the local government's treasury has no grain, then we can borrow from the local wealthy families."

Lin Hai said with gritted teeth.

"Most of the people Yang Yizhen took away were common people. The local wealthy families and landlords would not follow him. At most, they would hide in the countryside to avoid the limelight. After all, who would be willing to follow him back to Taijing and become cannon fodder if they had any other choice?"

Lin Hai explained.

"Borrow?" Ding Lin was a little confused.

Of course, Cheng Guorong actually didn’t understand how to “borrow” this. After all, these luxurious people had all gone into hiding, and you couldn’t find anyone to borrow from.

However, seeing Ding Lin being the first to rush out and take the lead, Cheng Guorong pricked up his ears happily, and then swallowed the words that were on the tip of his tongue.

"Of course we're borrowing. We're a civilized army, we can't just rob people."

Lin Hai said angrily, "I knew you wanted to rob them. We are going to rule these places in the future. Although these people are rich and unkind, have lost all conscience and commit all kinds of evil, they are still our people. We can't just rob them."

Everyone present broke out in a cold sweat, thinking to themselves that you, old man, have already labeled him, and these crimes are punishable by death and confiscation of property, so what's the big deal about stealing some food?

"They've escaped, but the food can't. What are you worried about? At most, we took the food from their hidden warehouse, but we don't know who the owner of the food is.

However, there is a risk of famine in every city right now. As a matter of urgency, I authorize you to use this grain for disaster relief first. Then, you can post a notice at the city gates, instructing the owner of the grain to contact us so we can issue an IOU."

"Oh~~~~" Everyone nodded in unison. It was indeed the principal. He was worthy of being the principal.

"Of course, any government announcement should have a time limit. We can stipulate that within ten days from the date of posting, the grain owner can request compensation from Qinghe. If ten days pass, the grain will be treated as ownerless property."

Lin Hai glanced at everyone with a righteous look and said righteously, "You guys are not really going to let anyone see this announcement, are you?"

Diagram of the Qinghe march direction (very simplified version, you won’t read it anyway)