Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 4-7 2019 | Page 272

"Twenty minutes and the smoke should start to become noticeable. By then, the fire would already be
unstoppable. When they find out the accident, I'll probably be executed. Death - bring it on! At least, I've
avenged my mother! I've died a glorious death!"
The next twenty minutes were abnormally quiet. Li Sheng, with a carefree attitude, stared at the starry sky,
appreciating the world's beauty. His mind was more tranquil than ever, and he began to wonder what would
happen if he decided to not seek his revenge. Would he be able to live a carefree life like other sailors on the
ship? He imagined the confrontations of the voyage ships with foreigners, establishing trades, the discovery
of new islands, and even the brutal sea battles against pirates. A smile crept across his face, and his heart
wavered again. Was his decision a right one?
He didn't regret his decision. If he had stayed, he would still be bullied by others, and he would never attain
true happiness as a part of him would constantly strive for revenge.
Smoke began to flood the sky as the treasury door was ignited. The silence was destroyed as the ship fell into
chaos. Sailors rushed out of their resting rooms, anxiously waiting for the Captain's instructions. Some
immediately tried to put out the fire, but the flame was unaffected. Some ran around, forcefully waking
people up from their intoxicated state. Li Sheng watched on the side, observing the situation and merely
smirked.
"Here goes the treasury, and the boat. At least all of you get to stay alive, so I've no regrets either. Farewell!
Mother, I'll accompany you in a few minutes' time!" Li Sheng thought to himself as he walked to the stern
of the ship despite the chaos. He filled his jacket with heavy rocks, and he dove into the boundless sea
without hesitation.
The wave struck him as Li Sheng sank and drifted. He didn't struggle, and his face even carried a smile. He
allowed himself to sink, being suffocated by the water. His body yearned for air, but his strong will refused.
He sank until he lost all consciousness.
...
Years later, the voyage was complete as the sailors returned home after the long journey. The original eight
voyage ships whittled down into seven, and the Emperor was furious. Although transcending became
impossible, this glorious adventure was still recorded onto the books of history, passed down for generations.
On the historical records, there only had been seven voyage ship, and its sole mission was to distribute to the
glory of the Ming Dynasty. He hid his intentions to transcend to an immortal, and he mercilessly issued a
ban on anything regarding it. The Royal Diviner was killed, and even some normal civilians. "Shut it, or die
with it." This attitude established by the court scared many people, and this truth slowly disappeared from
the world.
On the book of history, it noted:
There were seven voyages by the Ming Treasure Fleet, and the people on board had many adventures. It
carried cargoes of gold and silk and other precious items for the captain and the sailors to give away as gifts.
Sometimes they met peaceful people and did give away the wonderful presents they had brought from the
Emperor, making new relationships with a variety of countries. The mission was a success, and this mission
shall be remembered forever.