Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 4-7 2019 | Page 207

Defeated, I stopped struggling, the men picked me up and rushed back to the ship. I lost consciousness soon after. I woke to the sound of soft humming. Then, I sat up abruptly as I realised my bed was not swaying from side to side. “Dearie, you’re finally awake. They thought you wouldn’t wake up.” A voice said. I turned and saw an unfamiliar face staring back at me. “Who are you? Where am I?” I asked. “Why, you don’t know who I am? I am Xiwangmu, the highest goddess of immortality. As for where you are, you are in the Kunlun Mountains, simply put, in heaven.” She replied. “What? I don’t remember dying? I was escaping...” I trailed off, my memory was blurry. “My child, after you lost consciousness, you were hit by an arrow that was shot by the Gampola guards. The men guarding you fled and you bled to death. I’m very sorry.” Xiwangmu said, taking my hands in her wrinkled ones. “I...died? But why are you here, and where is Hua?” I asked, if I had died, then Hua should be around too. “Hmm... so many questions, but the real question is, why are you here?” She smiled knowingly. “Because... I am dead?” I stared blankly at her, I was confused to no end. “Let me put it this way, what do you want most in life?” She asked. I thought hard at that. As a woman, we had little choice in life. Our destiny was always to find a husband, preferably a rich one, and have children, preferably a male. I’ve never really thought of what I wanted... “Well, if I were still alive, I’d wish for freedom and that women aren’t treated as lowly creatures by the men..” I blushed after saying such a ridiculous wish. “Hmm... Perhaps I shall transfer your spirit over to Kuan Yin, she is the Bodhisattva of compassion and mercy. Maybe you will find your purpose as her aid...” With a sweep of her arm, I blacked out for a second and when I opened my eyes, I was standing in front of a huge palace. I sighed wearily, what was going on? Why did I meet Xiwangmu? I had so many questions swirling in my head that I didn’t hear the soft pitter-patter of footsteps. “YueXin? I can’t believe it’s you!” At that familiar voice, I looked up and saw Hua in a white robe. “Hua? Do you know what’s going on?” I asked as I gave her a hug. “Kuan Yin will explain everything. Come, I’ll take you to her.” Hua said. Hua led me through a maze of hallways and we soon arrived inside a large room that was decorated with a lot of statues. “Hello, YueXin. I am Kuan Yin. I’m guessing you have a lot of questions for me.” A figure sitting on a cloud in the middle the room said. I was about to open my mouth to speak but Kuan Yin raised her hand with her palm facing me. “You are here because I have a shortage of spirits to help me protect people who ask me for help. I believe after your voyage on the Ming treasure fleet, you have seen how helpless the women are and will be willing