Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 1 | Page 54

The Expedition to India
Shanghai United International School Wanyuan Campus, Yu, Ruby - 8
“BANG!!!” The drum was banging. Zheng He found a new island because he heard some unfamiliar
powerful music was louder and louder. It was India!
They got off the fleet and exclaimed “WOW!” They saw a beautiful view. Everyone had dark skin. The
women had big eyes, long hair, beautiful clothes and shiny jewelry.
At the very beginning, the Indians thought the visitors were an army because there were some knights. Just
then, Zheng He heard someone whispering Emperor Yongle’s favorite song. He thought, “we can sing
songs, so that these local people can know we won’t attack them.”
It worked! The Indians knew Zheng He and his fleet wouldn’t attack them. They chose a person to lead the
way for Zheng He because they needed to talk with Bahobali and Tiposhina (the King and the Queen of
India). Bahobali and Tiposhina met them formally in the palace, and talked about trading goods between
India and China.
When the meeting was finished, Zheng He ordered some people to carry out the goods. When they were
preparing, Zheng He explored India. He used body language to ask and the Indians used body language to
answer. He learned that men wear dhoti, and women wear sari. Their transportation was oxcart.
When Zheng He finished his exploration, everyone was ready to trade. There were jade, silk, bronze and
china. One man liked jade, so he traded for it with some tea. Someone else liked jade too, so they asked,
“where did you get it?” The man pointed at the shop. More and more Indians came to buy the jade, silk,
bronze and china. They used tea, spices and curry powder to trade.
A week later, it was time to leave for the next stop. Zheng He met Bahobali and Tiposhina again to say
goodbye. Tiposhina was very curious about China, so she sent her most trusted envoy called Gary to stay
with Zheng He and his fleet. “My envoy will send my best wishes to your country and your emperor,” said
Tiposhina.
In the whole life, Zheng He made 7 expeditions across the Atlantic Ocean. He explored lots of countries.
When Zheng He thought of this trip, he was so proud of discovering this fantastic country and meeting the
kind and polite Indians. “I am so happy that we do not only trade, but also learn! We learn songs, new ways
of crafting beautiful things and cooking yummy food!” he said with a big smile on his face.