Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 4-7 2019 | Page 133

Confucius at Sea
Kellett School, Samtani, Divina - 16
1. Part one: 仁 Jen - kindness, the fundamental of humanity
Every great story that takes place upon the high seas usually involves swashbuckling adventure and utter skulduggery,
perhaps even a treasure chest or two. However, this story may prove, peculiar, as the story of Admiral Zheng He and
his fleet is but a simple exploration into the concept of humanity.
Our whirlwind of a story sets out at the turn of the century, 1403.
The crew have eagerly boarded the docks, with farewells shining on their eyes, and heartfelt admirations from loved
ones blazing on their cheeks. Or perhaps, it could be the unabating touch of the blessed sun on their skin. Nonetheless,
the ropes are untied, the sails shiver in anticipation, and the anchor is hauled, a final companion welcomed aboard.
Pensive, the newly instated, though greatly admired Captain Zheng He stands at the bridge of the ship as his fingers
drum against the smoothened oak of the steering wheel. Quieter and quieter the demanding and deafening voices
behind him crash against each other, waves writhing upon waves, crest crashing upon crest.
A few hours later, the captain opened his eyes to reveal an expanse of ethereal light glide across the mountains and hills
of the ocean. Tendrils of incandescent lustre illuminated the contours of his face just as the first scream shattered the
serene silence.
Deteriorating bodies bloat under the watchful eye of the rest of the crew; rubbed raw rashes growl angrily in the dark;
and seafoam white froth bubbles at the gums. Disease had come for them, and on the first night too.
A couple hundred sailors crowded the lower deck of the ship and excessively poured out the doors, morbidly peering in
to see the afflicted. Musty wood and sea salt wafted through the ship, until it reached the area of sickness where the air
turned putrid.
Whispering turned to bickering as the future was contemplated by the surviving crew. Shrewd eyes and a flippant
tongued man asked his colleagues two questions amidst the chaos as they awaited their captain.
“我们为什么不在它们感染我们之前把它们扔到船上？我们为什么要冒着痛苦，因为上帝注定了他们/Why
don't we just throw them over board before they infect us? Why should we risk suffering because God has doomed
them?”
A perturbed quiet fell upon the men as they endured the moans of the sick. Minutes trudgingly wore on while the
thought of merciful murder settled in the stomachs of the men.
Leather boot clacked against flimsy wood boards, beckoning the Captain’s imminent arrival.
Cleaving in two, the humble crew parted anxiously; bated breaths begging for guidance. Once Captain Zheng He
examined the scene, his calm expression cracked by the lines that appeared on his forehead.
Determinedly rolling up his silk woven sleeves, his fingers nimbly pull apart the coarse fabric of the shipmates shirt,
revealing swollen joints and coalescing bruises, forming a map of anguish.
He had already heard his crew’s thoughts on the matter upon arrival.
Zheng He’s fingers carefully clutched the sick man’s hand as he formed a decision and murmured a quick prayer to
Tianfei, the Chinese goddess of the sea.
Heaving the man’s body into his arms, Captain Zheng He turns to his comrades.
“他们需要营养丰富的食物。把它们放在我的宿舍等待订单/They need nutrient rich food. Lay them in my
quarters and await orders.”
Stumbling at the words, the young cook asked, “但先生，船长的宿舍是禁区/But sir, the captain's quarters are off
limits. ”
As he regarded the rest of the uncertain crew, the captain replied, “为什么我的宿舍不受限制？与男人的生活相比，
昂贵的布料无济于事。让这些病人在最黑暗的时候体验到舒适/Why should my quarters be off limit? Expensive
cloth is nothing compared to a man's life. Let these sick men experience comfort during their darkest time. ”