Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 4-7 2019 | Page 214

“And what? Let him blab to the Emperor about what happened today?” Tang Guan asked. “I can’t let that
happen.”
Without warning, Wang Jinghong began laughing. Zheng He was suddenly aware that he’d been silent the
whole time. Both men looked at him, bewildered.
Zheng He realized that while the two of them had been speaking, reinforcements had arrived. Soldiers were
marching onto the deck, surrounding the group of traitors.
“You didn’t bribe all the men on board,” Wang Jinghong said, still laughing. “Some were too loyal to be
turned like this. I managed to contact them before I got caught.” The officer grinned, showing bloodstained
teeth. “Your move.”
The two sides began clashing, the reinforcements pushing in and trying to reach Zheng He and Wang
Jinghong. Screams punctuated the night as men from both sides fell in pools of blood.
Tang Guan wheeled around, staring at the scene, his right hand clenched around his sword. He seemed to
be considering his course of action. Then he turned back to the two prisoners.
“There is another way to stop further voyages from happening,” he said, “And another way to exact my
revenge.”
The lieutenant drew his sword, the metal reflecting the faint, flickering lights from the lamps.
“If the great Admiral Zheng He dies on the voyage, no matter the circumstances, the Emperor will cancel
all further trips to the Western seas, for a very good reason,” Tang Guan said, a cruel gleam in his eyes. “No
one else is actually up to the task.”
Wang Jinghong’s eyes widened in shock as he understood Tang Guan’s meaning.
“So, you see, I think my previous plan was too overcomplicated,” Tang Guan said, a smile growing on his
face. “I think Zheng He’s death will suffice.”
He charged. Zheng He tried to dodge, but his movement was hampered by the soldier that held him by his
shoulders. He moved too late, allowing Tang Guan to strike a glancing blow on his left shoulder. A spatter
of blood smeared the deck.
Zheng He stumbled backwards, clutching his injured shoulder. Tang Guan lunged again, and this time, he
was too slow to get out of the way. The blade impaled him through his chest, and he collapsed.
When Tang Guan withdrew his sword, Zheng He clamped his arms around the man’s legs. Tang Guan
struggled to free himself from the iron grip, but Zheng He could feel his strength waning. With a final leap,
he launched himself off the deck, carrying Tang Guan with him.
As the two men hit the frigid water, a crimson cloud billowing around them, Zheng He’s thoughts were on
his failed promise to the Emperor.