Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 4-7 2019 | Page 12

New Tales of the Ming Treasure Voayages
Buddhist Sin Tak College, Ng, Justin - 15
During the Ming Dynasty in 1413, China was one of the most powerful countries on planet Earth, even the most
forceful in the whole universe. It was renowned for its indestructible and unassailable fleet of ships, known as “Grand-
ships”, which was said to be unsinkable and unyielding, they were far more resplendent and stupendous than the
Titanic.
Why were these fleets particularly notable? At that time, China had complete worldwide sovereignty over the
seas, they stroked fearfulness and admiration from other countries because of China's well-established sailing facilities.
What's more, the generous Ming Emperor decided to make use of the sumptuous fleet to carry cargoes of precious
items, giving them away as marvellous prizes to make cordial relationships with other countries on every New Year's
Eve.
As “Grand-ship” set sail on New Year's Eve in 1413, an important day that saw China giving out extravagant
presents for the first time. Thousands of Chinese people gathered at a colossal wharf, witnessing piles of silk, stacks of
diamonds, heaps of gold being transported onto the ships. The scene was inordinately mind-blowing. Afterwards, they
cheered for their homeland and raised a formidable hurrah which was as loud as thunder.
There was a total of seven voyages sailing to seven continents and passing through five oceans. The first route was
going to Asia, calling on countries like Japan and Singapore. “What a placid and tranquil place with an idyllic scenery
and extensively unrivalled grasslands, it must be immensely restful here!” the captain exclaimed. The sailors marvelled at
the splendour of this breathtaking scenery. The rulers of several Asian countries met the captain and received a great
deal of precious items.
The second route was travelling to Antarctic. It was distinguished for the hostile environment with frosty
temperatures, lands were filled with mounds of snow. The rivers and lakes froze over.
“BREAK CLEAR! QUICK! Storms are coming… all ghastly and crazy” the captain stammered and crammed his
hands into pockets. “It’s a desert here. Nobody can live under such dreadful weather!”
“Hang on! Heeling, Captain!” cried the sailor. It was a truly gruesome and nasty nightmare for all on board.
After leaving the threatening monstrous place, they decided to proceed with their journey, sailing to Africa. It was
a populous continent yet most people suffered in poverty by virtue of a lack of resources. The sailors witnessed
thousands of people living in dilapidated mud huts, lying on the filthy and shrivelled floor, praying for food and water.
The sailors were flabbergasted to see those abnormally thin bodies.
“Why is this continent so doleful and flaccid? People living here must have suffered in lengthy agony! Poor
souls!” a voice broke out.
As the fleet had plenty of advanced fishing resources, including lures, tackles and reels, they made use of the
pleasant geographical location and mild climate to teach those inerudite African people the art of fishing. They even
gave the revolutionary fishing equipment to them. From then on, Africans were known to be “king fishermen”. The
generosity of China had triumphantly driven the economic growth of Africa.
After establishing a long-lasting and trustful diplomatic relationship with Africa, the fleet moved on to Europe,
where many western countries with state-of-the-art weapons were located. Noisy markets were everywhere, trading
all sorts of exotic goods. At that time, Spain and Turkey had a strenuous relationship, paving the way for the erupting
Spanish-Turkish War. The sailors saw many homeless refugees. A majority of them were forced to leave their
homelands to foreign lands by swimming or trekking to get away from the obnoxious chaos of wars. Nevertheless, the
captain transported cargoes of gold to each of the two countries as a peace treaty, for the sake of ameliorating the
relationship between Spain and Turkey. The war finally ended peacefully. The European refugees couldn't thank China
enough by dint of hard work and persuasion to settle the war.
A quarter of the year had passed of 1413, many countries that laid on the equator had already entered typhoon
season. Unfortunately, the fleet met a catastrophic tropical cyclone on the way to the Australian continent. The roaring
waves rolled mountain high. Strong winds snarled like wild animals. The teeny-weeny junks couldn't prevail on the
whistling animal, and got tossed about on the stormy sea.
“Captain! Water in the hull! The junk may sink.” the alarming voice warned mechanically. No sooner had the
warning come than the captain pressed an emergency button promptly. Thousands of crude and steely pillars hoisted
from the bottom, lifting the whole “Grand-ship” up in the midair.