Proving God begins with the principle that no effort is wasted.

Jiang Laogen got up very early today.

Although it was early morning, it wasn't actually fully light yet. He put on his nearly new blue cloth robe in the dark and sat on the edge of the bed smoking a pipe.

"Dad, what are you doing?" The old man's wife, Zhao, turned over in her sleep.

"I can't sleep," Jiang Laogen muttered, taking another drag of his cigarette.

Zhao opened her eyes, looked at the crossbeam on the roof, and got up: "That's right, the results are out today."

Neither of them spoke again. One put on his shoes, the other combed his hair, each busy with their own tasks. The house wasn't small; it consisted of three rammed earth tile-roofed rooms, the family fortune Jiang Laogen had accumulated in his youth.

In the Reed Bay area, some are poor and some are rich. Jiang Laogen's family is considered to be in the middle to upper range—they have a few acres of poor land, two old locust trees in front of the door, and three or five chickens in the backyard.

Although they weren't wealthy, compared to those living in dilapidated boats in the west, they were already living a good life.

Jiang Laogen had two sons—the eldest son, Jiang Dahe, was Jiang Lan's father. He insisted on working hard at the dock to earn money, risking his life, and died, leaving behind Cheng Erniang and young Jiang Lan, who lived on a dilapidated boat at the west end of the bay.

The youngest son, Jiang Dazhuang, was Jiang Hao's father. Jiang Dazhuang was an honest and simple man who spent his life fishing and farming, without any particular skills. However, his wife, He Shi, was a troublemaker. He Shi was not ugly and had a sharp tongue, but her only flaw was that she was short-sighted and could only see what was right in front of her.

It's common knowledge in Luweiwan that Jiang Laogen favors his youngest son. With his eldest son gone, the youngest is his only heir, especially since he gave birth to a grandson, Jiang Hao.

This kid was strong from a young age. At eight years old, he could carry half a sack of soybeans for three miles. When he was ten, the master of the martial arts school in town came to the village to select talents and took a liking to him at first sight.

"This kid has a good physique; he's got the makings of a martial arts student."

Jiang Laogen remembered those words for ten years. From that day on, he regarded Jiang Hao as the hope for the Jiang family to turn their lives around.

The grain was sold, the fishing nets were sold, and even the pair of silver bracelets passed down from their ancestors were pawned. The money they raised was spent like water – to hire martial arts instructors, buy medicine, and purchase training equipment.

Madam He spared no effort, telling everyone she met, "My son Xiao Hao is destined to become a martial arts scholar."

As for Jiang Lan, the grandson left behind by the eldest son...

The child was thin and weak from a young age, spoke little, and was not close to anyone. When they met, he would lower his head, call out "Grandpa," and then fall silent.

His mother, Cheng Erniang, was also a quiet, reserved person. She lived in a thatched hut, never bothering or asking anyone for anything. Sometimes, when Jiang Laogen wanted to bring them some rice, Zhao would stop him, saying, "Can you really deliver it all? Xiao Hao's medicine money is still owed."

Over time, Jiang Lan completely became a wild child in Reed Bay.

Jiang Laogen wasn't without guilt; sometimes he would wake up in the middle of the night and think of his eldest son, and his heart would ache. But as soon as it was light, He Shi's shout, "Dad, Xiao Hao's medicine money is gone again," would overshadow that guilt with something more tangible.

Today is a big day; the results of the martial arts exam have been released.

Jiang Laogen dressed neatly, straightening the collar of his blue cloth robe again and again. Zhao Shi wiped the dust off his cloth shoes twice with a damp cloth, then ironed them with her breath.

"Alright, who are you dressing up for?" Zhao said, while she herself combed her hair meticulously and even put on a silver hairpin—it was part of her dowry when she married into the family, and she usually couldn't bear to wear it.

"Show it to the officials." Jiang Laogen straightened his collar. "They've come to deliver good news; we can't lose face."

Zhao glanced at him, wanting to say something, but swallowed it back. She wanted to say, "What if you don't pass?" But the words caught in her throat, and she felt it was unlucky.

In Jiang Laogen's mind, Jiang Hao was bound to succeed. He had spent so much money, hired martial arts instructors, and given so many blood-nourishing pills over two whole years; if he still didn't succeed, then there would be no justice in the world.

Although Jiang Hao went to work as a guard at the Liu family, Jiang Laogen always harbored a thought in his heart—what if? What if Xiao Hao secretly signed up and passed the exam? That child is highly talented, with six acupoints of cultivation; how many people in Reed Bay can compare to him?

He wasn't sure if Jiang Hao had definitely signed up, but he also couldn't rule out the possibility.

"Father, the officials are here—" Madam He poked her head out of the kitchen, still clutching half a handful of chopped scallions in her hand, her face beaming with joy.

Jiang Laogen's heart skipped a beat. He straightened his back and adjusted the collar of his robe.

In Jiang Laogen's mind, if anyone in Reed Bay could pass the martial arts exam, it would definitely be Jiang Hao.

In the entire Reed Bay, besides Jiang Hao, who else has practiced martial arts? Who else has taken pills? Who else has hired a martial arts instructor?

no one.

As for Jiang Lan, who lives on that wrecked boat at the west end... that kid can't even get enough to eat, how can he take the exam?

Jiang Laogen sorted out his thoughts, becoming more and more certain. He stepped out of the courtyard, the wrinkles on his face smoothing out, and his pace quickening considerably.

Zhao followed behind, her hand on the door frame, a smile on her lips.

Mrs. He came out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron repeatedly: "Father, the tea is ready. Should we bring it out?"

"Wait until the officials arrive before serving it," Jiang Laogen said. "Don't let it get cold."

He responded and turned to go back into the kitchen.

The sound of a gong came from the alley entrance, growing ever closer.

Jiang Laogen took a deep breath and straightened his back two inches more than usual.

Today is a day for the Jiang family to bring glory to their ancestors.

at the same time.

At the western end of Reed Bay, Cheng Erniang was squatting in front of the stove, starting a fire.

Cheng Erniang stuffed the last twig into the stove, and the flames leaped up, casting flickering light on her thin face. She was not yet fifty, but looked like she was over sixty. Her hair was gray, the wrinkles on her face were deeper than those of people her age, her hands were covered in cracks, and her fingernails were stuck with dirt that could not be washed off.

She didn't go to the dock to wash clothes today because the results were released.

She didn't know if Jiang Lan would be able to win.

She didn't even know what the martial arts examination was about or how it was conducted. All she knew was that her son had told her before he left, "Mother, I'm going to take the martial arts exam. I'll be back after I finish."

Then she waited, starting from the day her son passed away. She counted the days, noting what day it was today and what day it would be tomorrow.

The iron pot on the stove was steaming, filled with a white flour porridge. She had gone to town yesterday to grind the fine flour, which cost her two coins, and she was so distressed by the expense that she couldn't sleep well all night.

But today is a big day—regardless of whether his son passes or not, he's back, so he deserves a hot meal.

She stirred the paste in the pot with a small wooden spoon; when it thickened, she added a ladle of water.

Just then, the faint sound of gongs could be heard in the distance.

Cheng Erniang's hand trembled, and the spoon almost fell into the pot.

The sound of gongs grew closer, mixed with shouts, spreading from the east end of the bay towards this side.

"We passed! We passed! Our village has produced a martial arts scholar!"

Cheng Erniang's heart suddenly raced.

She put down her spoon, wiped her hands on her apron, walked to the bow of the boat, and lifted the curtain to look outside.

A large crowd had already gathered on the wharf. Some people ran out of the sheds, some stood on the shore on tiptoe to look around, and several children ran around barefoot by the water, shouting, "The officials are here! The officials are here!"

Cheng Erniang's gaze swept past the crowd and looked eastward.

To the east, in the direction of Jiang Laogen's house.

She saw the red silk on the gong, the red feathers on the official's hat, and a crowd of people rushing towards Jiang Laogen's house.

Her heart sank.

That's true, how could it possibly be their turn?

Cheng Erniang loosened her grip on the curtain and turned back to the stove.

The white flour paste in the pot was still bubbling away. She stared at the pot of paste, her eyes reddening, but she didn't cry.

She told herself: If it doesn't work out, it doesn't work out. As long as everyone is alright, that's all that matters. Her son is alive and well, which is more important than anything else.

The gong was still ringing, but it stopped at the east end.

Cheng Erniang heard cheers, laughter, and shouts of approval coming from Jiang Laogen's house. The fact that she could hear them so clearly from this distance showed how loud the commotion was.

She closed her eyes and turned the fire down.

At the east end, is Jiang Laogen's house.

As soon as the gong sounded, the whole courtyard erupted in chaos.

Jiang Laogen stood at the door, his back ramrod straight, his long blue robe swaying slightly in the morning breeze. Zhao stood behind him, clutching the hem of her robe, her face beaming with undisguised joy. He rushed out of the kitchen, a cleaver still in her hand, her smile wide and wide.

"They're here! They're really here!"

Jiang Dazhuang stood up from the wall, still holding the bowl of porridge in his hand, but he had forgotten to drink it. He stared wide-eyed at the alley entrance, his throat moved, it was unclear whether he was swallowing or trying to say something.

Neighbors flocked over from all directions.

"Grandpa Jiang! What wonderful news! Your son Xiao Hao has won!"

"Wow, I knew Xiao Hao was going to amount to something!"

"How many years has it been since our Reed Bay produced a scholar? This is truly a great honor for our ancestors!"

Surrounded by the crowd, Jiang Laogen's wrinkles smoothed out, and he walked with a brisk pace. He waved his hand and said in a loud voice, "Folks, don't worry, when the officials arrive, everyone will share in the joy!"

Madam He had already gone back inside to fetch the teapot. She had prepared it yesterday; the tea leaves were bought in town, and although they weren't particularly good tea, they had still cost money. Her hands were trembling as she brought it out.

Jiang Laogen stood in the middle of the crowd, surrounded by several people his age.

"Brother Gen, you're truly the best in our village!"

"Don't forget your brother when you become successful!"

Jiang Laogen grinned, saying it wasn't confirmed yet, but his back was straighter than anyone else's. He glanced at the alley entrance; the officials had already entered the village, their gongs striking steadily.

He took a deep breath and straightened his chest even more.

The officials finally arrived.

Leading the procession was a minor official in a black-robed uniform, his hat adorned with a red plume, carrying a vermilion wooden tray upon which rested a large red notice of good news. Behind him followed two constables with single-edged swords at their waists, their steps steady and their expressions stern. Behind them were several idle men who had come running from town, drenched in sweat.

The minor official stood at the entrance of Jiang Laogen's house, glanced around the yard, cleared his throat, and spoke in a loud voice:

Good news!

Zhao gripped his sleeve tightly, her nails digging almost into his flesh. He held the teapot, barely daring to breathe.

All sounds disappeared, leaving only the rustling of the wind through the reeds.

"—Qianlin County—"

Jiang Laogen's ears perked up.

"—Reed Bay—"

The crowd held their breath.

"—Jiang Mansion—"

Jiang Laogen's heart was in his throat.

Then that name came out of the officer's mouth.

"—Master Huilan—"

Jiang Laogen's smile froze on his face.

"—A martial arts scholar who passed the county's imperial examination—"

Zhao's mouth opened, but no sound came out.

"—Ranked ninth on the C list!"

A nearby constable shouted, "Congratulations, Master Jiang Lan! Congratulations, Master Jiang Lan!"

The courtyard was silent for a full three seconds.

In those three seconds, Jiang Laogen heard his own heartbeat, the sound of Zhao loosening her sleeve, and the gentle tapping of the teapot lid against the spout in He's hand.

Then came the whispers of the neighbors.

"...Jiang Lan? Not Jiang Hao?"

"Who is Jiang Lan? Why does that name sound familiar?"

"The son of Cheng Erniang lives on that dilapidated boat at the west end."

"Oh, that kid... he got it too?"

The murmurs buzzed into my ears like flies.

He was the first to come to her senses.

"Wait, wait!" Her voice was shrill and piercing. "Officers, are you sure you haven't made a mistake? My Xiao Hao's name is Jiang Hao! Not Jiang Lan!"

The clerk glanced at her, his expression indifferent: "The good news report says Jiang Lan, and her hometown is Luwei Bay, that's correct."

"How is that possible?" Madam He's voice became even shriller. "My Xiao Hao spent money to hire a martial arts instructor and took so many drugs, how could he not be affected? That Jiang Lan can't even get enough to eat!"

Jiang Dazhuang tugged at her sleeve and whispered, "Alright, stop talking."

"What do you mean, 'Stop talking!'" Madam He flung his hand away. "I gave you a son, and your father spent so much money, only for someone from a dilapidated house to conceive, while our Xiao Hao didn't? That's not fair!"

The clerk's face darkened.

"Sister-in-law, the martial arts examination is a grand ceremony for selecting officials by the imperial court. The examination papers are sealed, and the archery and horsemanship tests are conducted in public. Whether it is fair or not is not for you to say." His voice was not loud, but every word was like a nail driven into He's ears.

He opened her mouth, as if she wanted to say something, but was stopped by Jiang Laogen's sharp shout.

"That's enough!"

Jiang Laogen's voice sounded like it was being forced out of his chest; it was rough, hoarse, and carried an indescribable weariness.

He was stunned by the roar; her lips trembled twice, but she ultimately did not speak again.

Jiang Hao stood there, his smile long gone. His face was pale, his lips were tightly pressed together, and his eyes were fixed on the ground, lost in thought.

Someone nearby whispered, "Didn't Jiang Hao also take the exam? Why didn't he pass?"

Another voice, even softer but clearly audible in the silence, said: "I heard he didn't pass the first round; his bow strength was a bit lacking."

Jiang Hao suddenly raised his head, his gaze sweeping over like a knife. The person who had spoken quickly lowered his head, pretending not to say anything.

Jiang Laogen turned around, looked at the clerk, and after trembling for a long time, finally managed to squeeze out, "Officer, then... then my grandson Jiang Hao..."

The clerk closed the register, his tone softening slightly: "Old man, the list of candidates for the military examination is all here, only one is named Jiang Lan. Do you have any other descendants who passed?"

Jiang Laogen shook his head, his voice barely audible: "No...nothing more."

The clerk nodded and turned to leave.

"Officers!" Madam He called out again, but this time her voice was much softer. "Um...where are you delivering Jiang Lan's good news report?"

"Of course, we'll deliver it to his house." The clerk glanced at her. "What, you don't recognize him?"

Mrs. He's face flushed red and then turned pale. Her lips moved, but she didn't say anything.

The crowd began to disperse. Not disperse, but headed west—towards the wrecked ship. Some ran faster than rabbits, afraid of missing out on an even bigger spectacle.

Jiang Laogen watched the departing figures of those people, standing still without moving.

Zhao sighed and reached out to support him.

"Old man, come inside."

Jiang Laogen didn't touch it. He looked at the bowl of golden soybeans by the door—the ones He Shi had brought back yesterday, intending to grind them into tofu for the officials' banquet. Now that the officials hadn't gotten any, he had no appetite either.

"Did I... do something wrong?" His voice was very low, so low that only Zhao could hear it.

Zhao didn't answer. She simply supported him and led him step by step into the house.

The once bustling courtyard is now a scene of utter devastation.

On the west side, on a wrecked boat.

After turning down the fire, Cheng Erniang squatted in front of the stove, lost in thought. She heard the gong stop at the east end, then heard cheers coming from that direction, followed by silence, and then the gong started again.

This time they're heading west.

Cheng Erniang's heart began to race again.

No way?

impossible?

She stood up, lifted the curtain, and looked outside.

Sure enough, the group was heading her way. Leading the way was an official banging a gong, his red ribbon fluttering in the wind. Behind him followed a group of neighbors, some running, some walking, and some running while shouting, "Second Aunt! Second Aunt! Your Ah Lan has passed the exam!"

Cheng Erniang gripped the curtain tightly, her knuckles turning white.

She thought there was something wrong with her ears. She wondered if she was dreaming, then pinched her thigh hard—it hurt, it wasn't a dream.

But she still couldn't believe it.

She had never had a good life. She married a man, and he died. She raised her son alone, often going hungry, and in winter she couldn't even afford a cotton-padded coat. She accepted her fate for twenty years, never expecting that good fortune would ever come her way.

There must be something wrong here.

As the officials drew closer, Cheng Erniang retreated back into the cabin.

She collected the bowls from the stove, put the lid on the water vat, and folded the blankets on the bed—knowing it was too late, she just couldn't control herself. She was afraid, afraid that the officials would come up and say there was a mistake, and then she would have nowhere to hide her face.

The sound of the gong stopped at the bow of the boat.

"Excuse me, is this the home of Madam Cheng?" The clerk's voice came through the curtain, unusually polite.

Cheng Erniang's hands trembled, and it took her a long time to squeeze out a single word: "...Yes."

"Congratulations, Madam!" The clerk's voice rose eight octaves. "Your young master, Jiang Lan, has passed the imperial martial arts examination and ranked ninth on the third list! This is the good news; please take a look!"

Cheng Erniang's hand trembled as she lifted the curtain.

She saw the bright red congratulatory notice and the two characters "Jiang Lan" on it, the ink-black characters, each stroke clear and distinct. She didn't know many characters, but she recognized her son's name.

Jiang Lan.

That's her son.

She opened her mouth, as if to say something, but her throat felt blocked by something, and she couldn't utter a single word.

"Madam?" The clerk bowed slightly, his face beaming.

Cheng Erniang suddenly did something that surprised everyone—

She knelt down with a thud.

She wasn't kowtowing to the officials; she was kneeling on the deck, hands on the ground, body bent low, her voice trembling and choked with sobs: "This humble woman...this humble woman..."

The clerk was startled and quickly stepped forward to help her up: "Oh dear! Madam, what are you doing? Get up, get up! You are now the mother of a scholar, how can you kneel before us? Isn't this beneath your dignity?"

He helped Cheng Erniang up; her face was covered in tears.

"Officer, you...you're not mistaken?" Her voice was barely audible, like a mosquito's hum. "Is it my Ah Lan? Not someone else?"

The clerk was both amused and exasperated: "Madam, the names and hometowns on the congratulatory notice match perfectly. We've been asking around all the way here; it's definitely your family!"

"But...but my son..." Cheng Erniang wiped her eyes, "He's never eaten anything good since he was little, he..."

An older neighbor chimed in, "Second Aunt, you're confused! Your son, Alan, is successful because he's hardworking! It has nothing to do with whether he eats well or not!"

Another neighbor chimed in, "Exactly! Ah Lan has been a sensible child since she was little. I've seen her practicing martial arts at the gym morning and night!"

Hearing these words, Cheng Erniang couldn't stop her tears from flowing.

The clerk presented the good news with both hands. Cheng Erniang reached out to take it, but her hands trembled so badly that she missed it several times.

"Madam, please don't get so excited." The clerk smiled and gently placed the good news in her hand. "Your hardships have finally come to an end. From now on, just wait to enjoy the blessings of your son!"

Cheng Erniang held the congratulatory notice and looked at it for a long time.

The bright red paper and the ink-black words felt heavy, like a dream.

"Officer... Officer, please come in and have a seat." She turned to go back to her cabin. "I... I'll go pour some tea..."

"No, no!" the clerk quickly waved his hand. "Madam, you're too kind. We have to rush back to the county office to report. We'll owe you this cup of tea; we'll come back for a cup of wedding wine when Master Jiang returns!"

Cheng Erniang then remembered and reached into her bosom to pull out a cloth bag that she had hidden close to her body. The bag was small, and inside were the loose silver coins that Jiang Lan had left her before he left. She had never been willing to spend them and had kept them hidden inside.

She trembled as she untied the cloth bag and poured out the silver—a few pieces of silver, less than two taels in total.

"Officer, this is a small token of my appreciation... Please have some tea with your men."

The clerk looked at the few pieces of silver, then at Cheng Erniang's cracked hands, his smile unchanged, and took them with utmost respect.

"Thank you so much for your generous gift, Madam!" He carefully put away the silver. "Then we'll take our leave! We'll come to offer our congratulations again when Master Jiang Lan returns!"

After saying this, he took two constables, struck a gong, and turned to leave.

Cheng Erniang stood at the bow of the boat, holding the congratulatory notice, watching the officials' figures grow smaller and smaller until the sound of the gong disappeared at the end of the bay.

Holding the good news, Cheng Erniang sat on the boat deck for a long time until her legs went numb before slowly standing up.

She went into the cabin and lifted the pot lid. The white flour paste had already cooked into a thick porridge, almost turning to mush. She stirred it with a spoon, ladled out a bowl, and placed it on the stove.

This is for Alan.

She sat down and held the bowl of porridge in her hands. The bowl was very hot, but she didn't let go.

The bright red congratulatory poster was pasted on the door, and it was slightly curled up by the wind, revealing the two characters "Jiang Lan", which shone like a ball of fire.