Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 2 -1 2019 | Page 115

New Tales of the Ming Treasure Voayages
Good Hope Primary School cum Kindergarten, Chung, Nga Yu - 11
I am one of Mr. Zheng He’s maidservants. I met my master who took me back home when I got
abandoned by my parents when I was five.
My master went to the Yongle Emperor’s throne room a week ago. When he came back, he was
as happy as if he was flying in the air. He cried, ‘Ling, the Emperor gave me a mission : The expedition
down the Western Ocean! We are going to set off in 3 months to find the jade seal!”
I signed. Although I didn’t suggest him to do so, it was the preliminary order from the emperor.
11 th July 1405
We set off to the Nan Jing coast. I was amazed by the ships which were as tall as a mountain. We
set off with ambition. A while later, the ship became bumpy. I rushed out of the deck. The sky and the
sea was howling. In a blink of an eye, I had an idea. In a moment, my master ordered the soldiers to push
fake people made of straws and papers. Inside was filled with the intestines and organs of the pigs. The sea
became silent. My master praised me for my intelligence. We continued our journey.
25 TH July 1405
After 14 days of sailing, we arrived at a kingdom named Champa. I went out for fresh air at night.
Abruptly, one of the soldiers covered my eyes. When I woke up, I found myself in a place liked jail. I was
stunned why am I in such place? Day after day, I sat by the window, waiting for my master. A surveillant
told me they were having a war. I started to worry my master. Finally, I was released from prison 3 days
later. When my master saw that I came back with the King safely, he nearly wept. Later, after the King gave
us the gifts and the documents, we continued our journey.
12 th August 1405
We sailed for 10 days and nights, and reached Siam, which had a large population. The sovereign
sent an envoy to deliver a message. However, Wang the deputy marshal insisted on strengthening the
prevention. So all soldiers went to stand-by in their own post. The sovereign came with his large army.
When he boarded the ship, he got caught and tied. Thousands of feeling flocked to his face, which was
liked twisted. I nearly burst out of laughing! Similarly, he gave us some gifts and then documents. We
apologized for our foolish.