Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 4-7 2019 | Page 107

The Ming Elite glided blindly for some more time before the mist gradually cleared up.
Before The Ming Elite, an island surrounded by crystal clear water appeared. There were clouds hanging everywhere.
They hung so low, the mountain peak seemed to be higher up in the sky than them. The clouds were like giant,
shimmering pink and blue marshmallows, floating elegantly over the whole island.
As The Ming Elite drew closer, we began departing the vessel and step foot onto the mysterious island. Weapons in our
hands, we stayed alert to their surroundings, not knowing if there were any natives occupying the land.
After a brief search along the edge of the forest, several sailors found out only tropical wildlife lived there. The trees and
plants grew exotic fruits we had never seen before.
I have never seen water so clear or a sky so fresh and blue as I strolled along the seaside.
Looking around the island, I noticed something.
I realized I have been staring at the treasure we were searching for the entire time.
Unlimited natural resources were found here.
If the Yongle Emperor claimed that island as his own, he would become extremely rich.
But what would happen to the island?
Would the resources really be endless? Would the ocean and sky remain so clear if people started inhabiting island?
Would the wildlife be safe from excessive hunting?
I realized if I report my findings to the emperor, this once breathtaking island would turn into another one of China’s
waste-filled islands.
But think of all the glory we would receive once we travel back to China! We would go down in history as warriors
who served the Ming Dynasty well. And most importantly, we would not face any treason once we get back to China.
With saving the natural resources for the future generations to come in mind, my crew and I made the bold decision to
protect that island by agreeing not to disclose the location of the island to the Yongle Emperor.
“What happened next?” Emlyn asked. Her dad shrugged slightly, “No one knows, but all we know is that he risked his
entire life protecting something he knew would be important to future generations.”
Turning to the last page of the book, a picture slipped out. It was a portrait of ZhangJun. He looked strikingly similar to
Emlyn.
“Why does he look like me, dad?” Emlyn’s eyes shone with curiosity.
“My child, ZhangJun was our ancestor. This,” Her dad held up the book, “Was his journal, it has been passed down as
a family heirloom for centuries. I want you to learn from him. Be brave and selfless. After all, that’s why I named you
Emlyn.”