Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 4-7 2019 | Page 172

I Come. I See. I Do Not Conquer but Connect
Munsang College, Ng, Jerry - 15
11 th July 1408
Cloudy
This morning, the Emperor summoned me to the Grand Palace for a briefing. I was quite sure that he would order
me to navigate uncharted waters and explore the unknowns. I was ready to be at his beck and call. No countries are
allies of China and even some Northern tribes are hostile to us. We must break the impasse by securing resources in a
mass of Virgin Land.
When I saw him, he looked joyful, though with a streak of pensiveness.
“Guess what! I have thought of a brilliant way to gain the support from neighbouring countries. We could make an
enormous fleet and you could lead your people to set sail,” he exclaimed.
“What?! Your Majesty, what have you said? In the past, no one was allowed to set sail. Are you sure to break the
rules set by the ancestors?” I asked. Breaking any rules set by past emperors could set a dangerous precedent, upset the
equilibrium and throw us into a flat spin.
“Never mind. Everything has to change.” I could hear a subtle sign of discontent.
In order to please him and free myself from trouble, I decided to accept the challenge. Now I am still feeling
worried as the world is an unknown and anything can be hazardous and take my life. What can I do? I cannot pay lip
service to the Emperor. I have to bring myself to the unenviable task, a mammoth one actually.
13 th October 1408
Sunny
That day has finally come. A few months ago, enormous boats of with trappings of regality were pieced together.
They were moored to the harbour and we are now going to set off. At that moment, instead of feeling afraid, I was
nervous and sweated a lot. When I walked on the kerbside, some waved to me and shouted, “It is an honour to
be appointed by the Emperor to explore the whole world. Break a leg!” I didn't respond to it, but I mumbled to
myself, “You would not say that if you see the dangers that loom on the horizons.”
The Emperor was not there since the harbour is far from the capital, so instead the chief executive of the province
came. He brought a letter and boxes containing heavy stuff from the Emperor to me.
He read it raucously, “ Message from the Emperor : Please bring these boxes of goods and silks to the Emperors of
other countries that are willing to cooperate with us. Wish all of you a resounding success