Dual Transmigration: American Prison, Surviving to a Fantasy Development Stage

Lin Feng glanced at Li Yan, Jiang Yun, Zhou Tong... Of the top ten, apart from Wu Jian and Wu Changning, everyone else had already arrived.

The prefects from various prefectures also gathered in twos and threes to drink tea and chat.

Lin Feng thought he had arrived quite early, but he didn't expect that all these people were already there.

When he entered, everyone nodded in greeting.

Lin Feng returned the greetings with a bow, and then he and Gao Yaolin found a corner stone bench to sit down.

The garden is elegantly decorated, with artificial hills, flowing water, and lush flowers and plants.

Several maids carried teacups and moved among the crowd, refilling tea and water for everyone.

Gao Yaolin, holding a teacup, leaned close to Lin Feng's ear and whispered, "Brother Lin, we'll be going to the capital next month."

Are you planning to travel with the group, or alone?

Lin Feng picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said calmly, "I prefer to walk alone."

Gao Yaolin hesitated for a moment, but still advised, "Brother Lin, it's more than 3,000 li to the capital. The journey is long and the road is not safe."

How about we travel together and keep each other company?

My father will send skilled escorts, and all my food, clothing, and other necessities along the way will be on me.

Lin Feng glanced at him and shook his head.

"No need, I'm used to being alone."

Seeing his resolute attitude, Gao Yaolin stopped trying to persuade him.

He took a slip of paper out of his pocket and handed it to Lin Feng.

"Brother Lin, this is my address in the capital."

Once you arrive in the capital, feel free to come and find me if you need anything.

I can't speak for other things, but I know the capital well, so I can be of some help.

Lin Feng took the note, glanced at it, and put it in his pocket.

Thank you.

After a cup of tea, Wu Jian and Wu Changning arrived one after another.

Wu Jian, still dressed in a black outfit, walked in with a cold and stern expression, without looking to the side. He found a corner to sit down alone and did not talk to anyone.

Wu Changning, dressed in white robes, had a gloomy face and his gaze swept over the crowd with a hint of hostility.

He spotted Lin Feng in the crowd, paused for a moment, then looked away, snorted coldly, and sat down on the other side.

Prefects from various regions arrived one after another, and officials of all ranks in Liangzhou City took their seats.

The main seat is empty; it was reserved for Governor Ding Jianyang.

Lin Feng sipped his tea while observing everyone present.

The Great Wei Dynasty was ruled by military officials, with civil officials assisting them.

The top local leaders were almost all from military backgrounds.

It's practically military control.

Suddenly, a loud shout was heard.

"The Prefect has arrived!"

Everyone stood up.

Ding Jianyang strode in, wearing a scarlet official robe, with a smile on his face and looking very energetic.

He was followed by several guards and a few unfamiliar officials.

"I apologize for keeping you all waiting," Ding Jianyang said with a smile, bowing slightly. "I am late, and I deserve punishment!"

Everyone quickly returned the greeting, and the atmosphere immediately became lively.

The banquet officially began.

.................

Ding Jianyang stood up, raised his glass, and glanced at everyone present with a satisfied smile.

"You've all worked hard these past few days. Let me first raise a glass to you all, cheers!"

He tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp.

Everyone stood up, raised their glasses, and said in unison, "To the esteemed sir!"

For a moment, the air was filled with the clinking of glasses and the crisp sound of wine glasses colliding.

Ding Jianyang put down his wine glass, smiled, and waved his hand:

"Today, there is no distinction of status; we are here simply to celebrate the successful completion of this year's martial arts examination in Liangzhou."

Everyone is welcome to relax and make themselves at home.

Let the feast begin!

"Yes, sir!"

As he finished speaking, the banquet officially began.

The maids filed in carrying trays, placing one exquisite dish after another on the table.

Steaming hot, with a wonderful aroma.

The wine jars were also brought up, and the mud seal was broken, immediately releasing the aroma of wine.

The prefects from various places stood up one after another and took turns toasting Ding Jianyang.

Ding Jianyang accepted all drinks offered, emptying his glass in one gulp, his smile growing ever wider.

The atmosphere at the banquet was lively, with toasts and laughter filling the air.

Lin Feng was chatting quietly with Gao Yaolin about things in the capital when suddenly a figure approached.

"Lin Feng, let's have a drink, you two brothers."

Lin Feng looked up and saw that it was Zhao Boli.

He held a wine glass in his hand, a smile on his face, and his eyes were full of satisfaction.

Lin Feng quickly stood up and respectfully raised his wine glass: "Thank you for your guidance these past few days, Brother Li. I should be the one toasting you."

Zhao Boli laughed heartily and patted him on the shoulder: "We're brothers, what's wrong with us? Come on, drink!"

The two drank it all in one gulp.

Zhao Boli put down his wine glass, his gaze sweeping across the crowd, and he spotted Wu Changning sitting alone in a corner.

He walked over with his wine glass in his hand.

"Wu Changning, come on, let's have a drink together."

Wu Changning gave him a cold look, remaining motionless and not even touching his wine glass.

"I don't drink alcohol."

His voice was as cold as ice, keeping people at arm's length.

Zhao Boli's hand holding the wine glass froze in mid-air, his smile fading for a moment before he awkwardly withdrew his hand. "Then do as you please."

Is a mere martial arts graduate really this arrogant?

If he really becomes an official in the future, what will happen?

He didn't think much of Wu Changning; he thought he wouldn't go far before he died.

Such arrogance usually leads to a short lifespan.

He shook his head, ignoring Wu Changning, and returned to Lin Feng's side to continue drinking and chatting.

The banquet continued.

After going around in circles, everyone had become somewhat familiar with each other's faces.

These people are all outstanding individuals from Liangzhou; we might even run into them in the capital someday.

After several rounds of drinks and five courses of food,

Seeing that the atmosphere was just right, Ding Jianyang clapped his hands.

In an instant, the melodious sounds of string and wind instruments filled the air.

A dozen or so dancers filed in, dressed in light gauze dresses, their figures graceful.

They danced gracefully at the banquet, their long sleeves fluttering and their skirts billowing, captivating everyone's attention.

The scene became increasingly lively.

Lin Feng leaned back in his chair, slowly sipping his wine, his gaze sweeping over the dancers, but he didn't seem to care much.

These dancers, though beautiful, were still several levels below the twin courtesans in the family.

The banquet lasted for a full hour.

In the midst of the revelry, Ding Jianyang stood up, clapped his hands, and signaled for everyone to be quiet.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I have a few final words to say."

Everyone put down their glasses and focused their attention on him.

Ding Jianyang looked around and slowly said, "The imperial examination in the capital will be held in three months."

"You are all the pride of Liangzhou, and I have high hopes for you."

He paused, then clapped his hands.

Ten guards filed in, each carrying a vermilion lacquered tray.

The tray was neatly stacked with ten silver ingots, each worth one hundred taels, and two bottles of pills—one for healing and one for replenishing qi.

"This thousand taels of silver shall be your travel expenses to the capital."

The elixirs were also a gift from the imperial court; please keep them safe.

Everyone stood up, cupped their hands in thanks, and said, "Thank you, sir!"

Lin Feng noticed that Wu Jian, who was ranked first, had a gold ticket on his tray in addition to silver and pills.

The gold note, weighing one hundred taels, was gleaming and particularly eye-catching.

Ding Jianyang continued, "Liangzhou is far from the capital, more than three thousand li away."

You all should set off as soon as possible, lest you miss the imperial examination.

Be careful on the road and take good care of yourself.

"Yes, sir!"

Ding Jianyang nodded and raised his glass: "Today's banquet is now over."

The path to the imperial examination depends entirely on yourselves; you cannot cheat, and no one can help you.

I wish you all great success and a place on the honor roll in the imperial examinations!

"Thank you for your hospitality, sir!"

Everyone echoed in agreement, and the last glass of wine was drunk in one gulp.

After the banquet ended, Ding Jianyang was the first to leave.

Everyone stood up and said goodbye to each other.

Lin Feng followed the crowd out of the governor's mansion, a cool night breeze blowing against his face.

He looked up at the sky; the moon was bright and the stars were few—it was a beautiful day.

He walked briskly towards the house.

Back at the mansion, as soon as he pushed open the gate, Xiao Tao came to greet him.

"Young master, you're back."

Lin Feng nodded and casually asked, "Are they awake yet?"