Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 4-7 2019 | Page 167

The Journey
Korean International School, Yun, Lok Yin - 16
Zhang never had a past. At a young age he ran away from his plagued and trouble-stricken village. Much of his life was
drifting from place to place, running errands and carrying out odd jobs. It was a tough life, food was scarce, and the
winters were cold. No friends, family, past or future. It wasn’t until, by sheer coincidence, that he reached the port
town of Wongzhou. The local marina was an obscure scene. Usually it would smell of fishes from morning catches. But
today there were no aggressive fishmongers selling fishes. In place of those were an armada of a fifty or so vessels. Crates
and barrels of supplies were loaded. We are at war, he thought, God bless those poor bastards.
All of a sudden, he spotted something intriguing. One of the crates that was being hoisted onboard a grand warship
slipped free of its pulley. A thunderous bang followed, as the box exploded. Wood splinters flew everywhere. In the
heap of debris, there was something out of place. Although shattered, Zhang could make out what was the cargo. The
crate used to house a large, decorated porcelain vase. Huh , he thought, why would a warship go to war carrying such
fragile and precious item?
Zhang approached a uniformed ensign taking a break. ‘What’s with the navy and treasure? Captured some contrabands?’
He asked.
The ensign looked puzzled, but then replied. ‘Why, you never heard of the treasure voyages? Have you been in a coma
until just now?’
‘Wha......’ In a flash, he remembered. Wherever he went, there were talks, rumors about the so-called treasure voyages.
Sending priceless gifts to other kingdoms, greeting locals, and other inconceivable events. Propagandas, myths, he
thought. It was simply impossible. ‘Oh, they are real?’
‘Of course! In fact, we are short on men. We could use a good man like you. I promise that there will fame, fortune and
plenty of stories to tell your kids.’
Fame, fortune. The words echoed inside Zhang’s brain. It was perhaps a start to a new life. Without hesitation, he
agreed.
Fast forward six months, Zhang was working as a lookout in the open sea. He was the eyes of the fleet, which now
consists of nearly 200 ships, and commanded by the venerable Admiral Zheng He. His name was renowned in the
whole Ming Empire. A legend, respected by the Emperor himself and worshipped by his own men. However, Zhang
task was arguably more important than his. He had to eye the surroundings for any traces of civilization. But all he saw
was a canvas of different shades of blue, and most of the time he was sick as a parrot.
However, it wasn’t all gloom. For the past few months the fleet had contacted civilizations, from isolated tribes to
massive kingdoms. Wherever it went, Zhang saw sights that he never though was possible. Wild beasts, majestic
creatures, animals with brilliant colors. It was simply incredible. One time, he had the opportunity to set foot on land.
He visited the local bazaar, a site of spectacular sight and sound. Exotic spices, fruits, and textiles. Everything was
otherworldly.
Zhang continued to eye the sea. Trouble was brewing on the horizon. A flotilla of 200 boats emerged and was sailing
towards the fleet. It wasn’t a hallucination. There was pandemonium on the deck. The crew were preparing the
cannons and taking aim. Uh oh. Pirates.
BOOM! BOOM! Cannons fired and recoiled rocked the ship. But the shots were futile. The guns were wildly
inaccurate and the canoes the pirates are on were tiny in size. Moments later, the frigate was boarded by the barbarians.
Zhang abandoned his mast position and brandished a sabre. On the deck was a dark colored man armed with a spear.
Zhang was face to face with that thuggish scum. SLASH! After a brief skirmish, one down. Along with the help from
other sailors, the boarding party was massacred. Though the party was wiped out, everyone knew they were the red
herring. The ship was not carrying anything valuable, hence worthless.