Cheng Yue took out a roll of silk.
Opening it before everyone’s eyes, the names of the award-winning students were written in flying, cursive script upon it.
Clearing his throat and maintaining a solemn expression, Cheng Yue began to read aloud.
“The recipient of the Excellence Award is Zhuang Zhi.”
Pei Yan lifted the outer corners of his eyes. In his past life, he had already learned from Little Daddy that he would win this award.
It could be considered the fourth place.
After all, Zhuang Zhi’s literary talent belonged among the upper echelon of the student body.
Yet Zhuang Zhi clearly did not look happy.
Naturally, the Excellence Award was not among the top three champions.
However, this competition was a contest against the literati of Wenxuan Pavilion, and these literati were all individuals with profound literary accomplishments, making it highly probable for them to sweep the top three spots.
Cheng Yue continued reading: “The recipient of the Innovation Award is Zhao Ding.”
Zhao Ding was simply happy to receive any prize, and he let out an immediate cheer.
Some classmates offered him quiet congratulations.
Pei Yan and Pei Yuning also offered smiles of congratulation.
“Do not grow complacent.” After reminding Zhao Ding, Cheng Yue spoke in a measured tone once more: “The recipient of the Fledgling Phoenix Award is Zhou Hezhao.”
“Ooh-hoo!” Zhou Hezhao leaped straight up from his chair in excitement: “Now I can put on a good show before the old man… S-H-A…”
With a loud smack, a roll of books slammed into Zhou Hezhao’s head, leaving him wincing in pain.
Immediately following came Cheng Yue’s stern reprimand: “A tiny prize, yet you are already full of yourself! It will be difficult for you to achieve great things!”
Pei Yan chuckled inwardly.
The instructor had truly hit the nail on the head.
After failing the imperial examinations, Zhou Uncle had tried his hand at a small business only to be swindled, and he didn’t even receive a share of the family property from the old man, making a living by writing family letters for others and living out a mediocre, ordinary life into middle age.
Cheng Yue continued: “These awards serve as encouragement for those with exceptional academic performance. Next, we will announce the top three champions of this competition against the literati of Wenxuan Pavilion. Regardless of whether you are among them or not, they can serve as a role model for you all, and I hope you will study hard with an open mind.”
The hall immediately fell dead silent as everyone waited for him to read the names of those who secured the top three spots.
Those capable of capturing the top three were true paragons of excellence with bright futures ahead of them.
Grown nervous, Pei Yan couldn’t help casting his gaze toward his Little Daddy.
In his past life, because of illness, his Little Daddy had regretfully missed this competition, so he hoped that this time Little Daddy could achieve outstanding results and make up for the regrets of the past.
Clutching his pen tightly, Lin Zhaoru was naturally extremely nervous as well, hoping that he could secure first place.
To make a name for himself, elicit the envy of others, and ultimately fulfill his ambitions.
Without dragging things out, Cheng Yue picked up the silk roll and slowly opened it.