Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 1 | Page 9

New Tales of the Ming Treasure Voyages
Creative Primary School, Mok, Aquila - 7
During the “Injim War (1592-1598)”, the Koreans, with no hope to expel the “Wokou” from their land,
turned to the Ming (Chinese) Emperor for help. Wokou were Japanese pirates who rifled through the
coastlines of China and Korea at that time.
Young-Wook, only 16, was an ordinary Sowi in the Korean’s troop. Sowi was the most junior officer rank
in the army. His taekwondo impressed no one so he decided to join the army. He was not a born hero but
he had a special gift with animals. He could whisper to dogs, understand cat meows, talk to birds and
hypnotize a sheep.
At the break of day when Young-wook was still slumbering, a pigeon came through his window, he
scooped up the bird and unhitched the secret note from its claws, “My troops will visit Jinju on the first day
of winter.” Young-wook realized that disaster was about to strike so he ran as fast as his legs could carry
him, all the way to the castle.
The Korean emperor was stunned because even his top advisors were running out of ideas, he needed to
send his messenger to seek China’s help. On hearing Wokou’s evil plot, the Ming Emperor immediately
ordered Zheng He to bring 5000 men and 50 junks to rescue Jinju and they arrived only two weeks before
winter began.
It was the first day of winter, the Wokou army arrived at last, the Koreans pretended that they were not
prepared at all for battle. The Wokous were completely thrilled because they took down the city in record
time. They plundered the place and brought all the valuables onto their ships. The triumphant Japanese
pirates celebrated all night. On the next day, they set off for home.
After sailing for half a day, the Wokou’s fleet was confronted by Zheng He’s crew. The pirates wanted to
escape but they were in the middle of nowhere. The troops settled in a nearby island and the real battle
began.
Zheng He’s army was the finest at sea yet they were not familiar with fighting on land. Young-wook had a
plan instead as he spent a lot of time communicating with all the wild animals onboard during this voyage.
In the middle of the night, he sent the panicky antelopes and zebras to chase the enemies out of their tents.
The petrified Wokous sped with their tails between their legs but the fierce lions and leopards were greeting
them in all directions. The Wokous wanted to head for the shore but it was too late, the hungry rhinoceros
were awaiting. This time, Yong-Wook led Zheng He and his team to victory. The pirates reluctantly gave
in and once again, peace and prosperity spread across the land.