Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 2 -1 2019 | Page 157

The Magical Journey
Holy Cross Lutheran School, Han, So Hyeon Ariel - 11
Have you ever thought about the history of China? Have you ever heard about the Ming Treasure Voyages?
Well, our story takes place between 1405 and 1433, the time when Zheng He goes on the Ming Treasure
Voyages.
In 1421, Zheng He started his 6 th journey. This time, Zheng He wanted to explore more countries
and let the world know how powerful China was. After the emperor had given the order, Zheng He started
his journey as soon as possible because he was very excited to start this new journey.
After several weeks of sailing, Zheng He and his crew arrived at Oman. This place was very famous for
its commercial port, for some businessmen and businesswomen came from all over the world to do business
there. Because it was every businessman and businesswoman’s ‘dreamland’, the king of Oman warmly
welcomed Zheng He and his team and invited them to trade. After Zheng He read the Ming Dynasty’s
edict, the king of Oman traded things with Zheng He. They traded silk, porcelain and other things from
China, for mastic, aloe and myrrh.
After staying for a few more days in Oman, they said goodbye and sailed to their next destination,
Adan. Adan had abundant resources, there were many agricultural products and rare birds and animals;
commerce and handicraft were very developed at that time. In Adan, Zheng He and his team bought cat
eye stone, pearls, a coral tree that was 2 feet high and many rare and valuable animals and bird species. They
also chatted and sang songs with the people there, making good friendships.
The last destination on the 6th journey was Bengal but while they were sailing to Bengal, a strong
storm came. The storm made the waves bigger and the ship twist and turn. Luckily, one of Zheng He’s
crew members said, “Land! Look, there is a small island there! Let’s stop by and wait until the storm ends.”
Zheng He agreed with his decision and quickly ordered the crew to prepare for landing.
Zheng He’s team was surprised to find out they had landed on Atlantis, the mysterious lost city. They
explored the incredible city, they saw they were underwater but they could breathe normally and there was
an invisible shield covering the magical city. They could see beautiful fish and all kinds of sea creatures
through the invisible shield. They were in awe! In the middle of the city, there was a beautiful castle made
from coral reefs. While they were exploring, they saw some citizens of Atlantis. Zheng He asked them the
way to the palace gates, but unfortunately, they spoke a different language. While Zheng He and his crew
were worrying about how to communicate with the people of Atlantis, a little boy stood up and said, “I
know how to speak Atlantis. I can translate for you!” Zheng He was once again filled with joy. Because of
that little boy, Zheng He successfully entered the castle door and chatted with the king of Atlantis; he also
discovered many things he did not know before. To celebrate Zheng He’s arrival, the king of Atlantis threw
a big welcome party. Zheng He and his crew tasted many new and delicious types of food there. The crew
chef asked the royal chef for the recipes to make the yummy food. They felt as lucky as a person who had
won a million dollars because they could have the chance to come on this special journey and visit this
magnificent underwater world.
After a few days of happiness, it was time to go back to China, their homeland. Every crew member
was very sad to end this incredible voyage full of surprises and magic. Zheng He, leading his crew, sailed
away. In this adventure, Zheng He was overfilled with joy that he could visit Atlantis. He couldn’t wait to
tell the king his new discovery. While Zheng He and his crew were heading back to China, he looked at
the big blue sea and thought once more about the wonderful memories the 6 th voyage had bought to him.
He wished he could visit Atlantis one more time in the future.