Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 4-7 2019 | Page 270

had something to draw reference from - the Battle of Red Cliffs during the Three Kingdoms period.
Although the two situations weren't identical, there were still many similarities. In fact, it could be slightly
simpler for Li Sheng given he is already on the ship he wants to set aflame, risking his own demise. 2
This historical phenomenon could possibly, again, be shown to the world, and Li Sheng's idea was hugely
feasible. Since the voyage fleets were chained together, it was very possible that his plan would work
flawlessly. There was no shortage of flammable goods aboard as well from kindlings to whisky. Everything
was ready, and all he lacked was an opportunity for him to act.
"I should probably get this over with as soon as possible. I can't tolerate the humiliation anymore! Tonight,
tonight! I would burn all of you into ashes! Chen Dalong, let's see if you can still pick on me after tonight!"
Li Sheng thought to himself, chuckling lightly.
Temporarily parking his thoughts, he unlocked the archaic wooden door and entered the squadron's room.
He coughed as the smells of musty wood seeped into his nose. As dust in the room danced in the air, a
sudden fleeting sense of calm set in as the memory of his childhood flashed before him.
By the riverside, there stood a mother and a child. The gushing sounds from the flowing river paired with
the picturesque view were breathtaking. A boy was running around, picking flowers from the beautiful
grassland, trying to impress his mother. His mother's vision, however, was drawn onto the bridge afar, and
the scent of disappointment is fast approaching.
Suddenly, a man dashed across the bridge wearing a weary face as he waved at the duo. The mother's spirit
brightened and her smile blossomed like a flower. The boy bubbled with joy, running towards the man in
the robe, giving him a welcoming hug.
Time mercilessly passed as the trio chatted, bursting in laughter.
"Jing-er, I've really got to go. Until next time then!" The man stood up as he adjusted his attire. He gave
them a warm smile with guilt.
"Have you not told them yet?"
"Next time, next time. I'm still waiting for a good opportunity. You know, the Royal court has been really
unstable recently. There seems to be a divide amongst the officials. I promise, for the last time, I'll get it
done as soon as possible! I don't know when we'll be able to meet again, so take the money, alright? Take
care!" Zhu Di answered with hesitation. As he spoke, he quickly left the scene, unwilling to turn his head to
see the women's disappointed face. He was ashamed, yet he was powerless.
And that was the last memory of Li Sheng with his father. The bag of money from Zhu Di was quickly used
up, and her mother's laborious life began. One Month. One year. Ten years. They continued to wait as Li
Sheng’s mother health conditions slowly deteriorated, constantly working overtime to support their survival.
Li Sheng could only watch as her rosy cheeks losing their vibrant colour; her once-beautiful face filling up
with wrinkles; her silky dark hair turning white.
"Don't blame your father, alright? I couldn’t raise properly, and I've failed to fulfil my duty as a mother!
Your father is the Emperor, so how would he have the time to take care of us? If fate allows, we'll meet
again in the Underworld…”
Snapping out of his thoughts, a bitter smile crept onto his face. Clasping his hands together, he took a deep
breath and held his tears in. He retrieved a towel from his bag as he dejectedly mopped each furniture.
2
[Historic context: The Battle of Red Cliffs is one of the most significant battles in
Chinese history. The Sun-Liu side achieved victory with an enormous number
disadvantage (fifty thousand troops against eight hundred thousand). They sent
unmanned fire ships towards the Cao navy army, which set the whole navy ablaze. By
manipulating the wind direction, the fire caused a "chain effect" as the fire passed on
from one ship to another.]