Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 2 -1 2019 | Page 180

Ming Treasure Voyages
Kennedy School, Chua, Emma - 9
One winter morning, when the Ming emperor still ruled, a young Chinese boy named Xiaoming was on a journey to
India. “Maybe, in India, I can get herbs to cure my mother.” His mother had been ill for many years and he had heard
from the doctor that the cure was a herb only found in India. Xiaoming was only 16 years old and was traveling with his
father, one of the chefs of Admiral Zheng He’s ship. Xiaoming’s job was to wash the dishes.
Days, weeks and months went by before they finally reached their destination. Calicut. The sky was starting to get
dark grey. “Prepare for a rough day, I think there is a storm coming in” one sailor warned.
Despite the warning, Admiral Zheng He ordered “Anchor the ship. We’re getting off.” Xiaoming had just started
doing the dishes when he suddenly heard the clash of swords. He looked out onto the deck. Without hesitation,
Xiaoming got up and grabbed a ladle, so he could help. He was immediately caught up in the fight.
A sharp sword flashed over his head. In the corner of his eye he saw the Admiral fighting. Xiaoming ducked and hit a
pirates leg. Xiaoming raised his ladle and jammed it on another pirates head, with such strength that the pirate was knocked out,
unconscious. Then, Xiaoming felt the ship rocking heavily under his feet. The sky had become an eerie grey. Thunder started.
Lightning appeared. Suddenly, a petrifying cry rang out. Xiaoming looked, and saw gigantic waves rising from the sea. The
waves crashed heavily on the sides of the ship. Xiaoming saw silhouettes of pirates with pointy hats fall off board.
When the storm was over the Admiral continued his journey in Calicut. Luckily, for the sailors, though not all of them had
survived, the pirates had been knocked off board by the powerful waves. Xiaoming tread on something hard and round as he
walked to the ships edge. He looked, and down beneath his feet was a glass bottle covered in dirt and a whiffy stench. Could it
have been left behind by a pirate? Or could it have been carried on board by the waves? This would be a secret no one would
ever know the answer to. Xiaoming took it to his cabin and wiped the mysterious bottle. That’s when he realised there were
small, green herbs inside. The herb he saw was identical to the drawing the doctor showed him back in China. Xiaoming was so
excited. “ Fantastic! This is just what I need to cure mother.”
They had returned to their homeland, China. It had already been 1 ½ years, but it only felt like a few days. Xiaoming and
his father rushed home. His mother cried “Xiaoming! I’m so glad you’re back.” from under the sheets. “Look what I found! It
can cure you, mom!” Xiaoming said.
With permission from the doctor, Xiaoming let his mother consume the antidote. His mother was gradually getting better.
Xiaoming and his family lived happily and well for a long time and maybe you will visit the very ship they were on the next
time you go to China..