Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 12 | Page 437

“Yeah-” Andreas said
“Who are you?” an old man said.
“We are the ambassadors of her majesty Queen Victoria.” Andreas disguised in his lowest voice.
“Can you tell us, where the Lao xi men is?” Alex demanded.
“Gladly, follow this path until you see the next sign.” The old man said while pointing a path.
Then, the brothers thanked the old man and followed the path. After they arrived at the door, they saw a group of
people sitting next to the gate next to the Lao xi men entrance.
“Hi there, why are you here?” Alex asked.
One of the man said “we are here because the empire forces us to build the walled city day and night, working
non-stop. Can you show mercy and please help us to pay the ransom and save us?”
The brothers were moved by their words, they checked their purse, and they realized that they had a lot of money.
They decided to help the poor people.
Andreas said “don’t worry, I will pay for the ransom.”
Then, he left with his brother.
Then when the brothers went in to the walled city, they saw a tall man talking to another man,
“The poor men need to help construct the walled city!” the tall man said proudly
“You are right, Li, they will only be free when they pay their ransom!” the short man said
After the brothers heard that, they ran towards the two men furiously,
Andreas shouted “I heard everything, Li, stop being mean, I had enough already: stop taking hostages and
get money, everybody needs freedom, everybody needs rests.”
Li looked furious, challenged “are you going to pay all of the ransom?”
Andreas remembered he had around 100 Hong Kong dollars, the currency had changed to yuan in the 11 th century
that meant 10,000 yuan!
Andreas thought for a while, and shouted “okay, I accept the request!”
The man thought for a while and said “hmm… let me think: one man is worth 10 yuan, there are 10 men, so it
equals to 100 yuan, money, money, money time!” he said excitedly.
“Here, 100 yuan.” Andreas said while counting.
“You can free them now.” Li said.
The brothers headed back to the Lao xi men, Alex said
“I have a good news for you: we paid the ransom and you are free!”
All the men were all shouting “yay! We are finally free!”
After a small celebration, Andreas whispered to Alex
“Time to do some research…”
“Yeah…” Alex said, pointing to his brother’s watch.