Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 4-7 2019 | Page 156

“I see, I don't even know how they got to this ship.”
“Wait, I hear footsteps, let's get back on duty.” ends the worker.
Like any other days, the sun rose, and the blazing sunlight woke up the ship, everyone is working hard to get
to the destination, food is running out and everyone knew that the only way to counter this crisis is arriving at any port
in Africa. Sailors invested the whole afternoon altering the past mainsail afternoon and it is now manoeuvring without
any blemishes. Zhenghe is at the forecast deck with his telescope, then he catches a flat green line in his sight, a land
that possibly is Africa that they have craved for. Zhenghe in excitement shouts out
“Day 16, we are in Africa crew members, command the fleet to approach to the land in front of us at full
velocity.”
Chapter 2: Brief Moments in Mogadishu and Malindi
When Zhenghe’s ship was about to approach, diminutive vessels surrounded. Then after a minute or so, four
packs of African soldiers appeared. Zhenghe, covered with bodyguards, then arrived. The African soldiers performed
actions, moving hands around their body, then soon made gestures that seemed as greetings. The captain of the Chinese
vessel than bowed to the soldiers and moved to the port.
“Get the gold and all the valuables ready, time to impress the king of this country,” ordered Zhenghe. “Time
to show what Ming has got.”
As soon as Zhenghe commanded, colossal amounts of precious stones, marbles, and elegant silk and respectable
specialities filled the harbour. Wagons to deliver all these briberies arrived, Zhenghe was escorted forthwith, both his
soldiers and African guards circling for a brief walk to the King’s accommodation.
The palace that Zhenghe and the soldiers arrived was fascinating, adorned with gold and precious material, the
place seemed sacred and stunning. The waiting man soon was allowed to go into the palace. The King was covered
with all kinds of refined jewellery and accessories. When the visitor was still astonished by the outstanding beauty, the
King stood up. A gentle smile upon the King’s face relieved Zhenghe’s anxiousness from the fear of rejection. The
African man looked around the captain of the ship, circled him for a few laps in curiosity, then sat back on his throne.
“I, as the servant of the great Yingzong emperor of everlasting Ming Dynasty would like to present you our
treasures specially ordered by our majesty,” said Zhenghe breaking the silence.
In a short time after Zhenghe finishing his last word, a whole mountain of stunning presents invaded the
King’s room. A slight smile spread on the receiver’s face; he seemed to be impressed by what the Chinese explorer has
added to his collection. The King then spoke
“Welcome to Mogadishu”
“Thank you” replied Zhenghe in fascination due to the ability of the King to speak Chinese.
“I hope you to visit Malindi too, I have a present to your emperor there.”
“I would also appreciate your consideration if you spare some of this country’s food. We lack food to maintain
our journey.
“As you wish traveller,” answered the greeter.
After the discussion, Zhenghe’s vessel travelled to Malindi, gifted a giraffe and a zebra for the Yingzong
emperor, and safely came back to Fuzhou, the territory of Ming dynasty at the year 1433.