Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 2 -1 2019 | Page 231

New Tales of the Ming Treasure Voyages: Life on the Ming
Treasure Fleet
Po Leung Kuk Choi Kai Yau School, Muk, Tuen Callie - 10
I stared up at the great ship, which belonged to the Ming Treasure Fleet. How I longed to be up on its desk,
breathing the fresh sea air and staring down at the rolling blue waves. But I was too young to be allowed in
the fleet. I watched enviously as men piled into the ships, wishing I was one of them. I was watching so
intently that I hadn’t heard the sound of footsteps coming up behind me. “Hello, child,” boomed a deep
voice behind me. I whipped around to see the great General Zheng He standing behind me. Shock pulsed
through me, for General Zheng was the one who commanded the fleet. I bowed in deepest respect, still
startled by his appearance. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.” I stammered nervously. Zheng turned to the
ships. “You want to go too, don’t you?” He said suddenly. “Y-yes.” I replied. Narrowing his eyes, Zheng
walked around me slowly, studying me and making himself seem even more imposing than before. “You
have broad shoulders and strong hands.” he commented after walking a full circle around me. “Perfect for a
sailor.” I gaped at him as he concluded, “You shall join me on the ship. Now come!” I quickly hurried after
Zheng as he turned and walked onto the ship, not believing my luck. “Wow. I’m on the Ming Treasure
Fleet!” I murmured to myself as I climbed onboard.
A few days later…
I hurried across the deck. It had been a few days after I’d joined the fleet. The ship was amazing. It
had so much treasure and precious goods that it could last me two lifetimes! As soon as I came on-board,
Zheng had me working hard to prove my worth. It’s so great up here feeling the wind and looking up at
the sky. I feel relaxed and happy on this ship. I’m glad Zheng let me join.
“LAND AHEAD!” yelled a voice. I looked over the rail and saw a large patch of green land. I
looked on nervously as the ship slowed and stopped near the coast of the little island. Zheng appeared near
the head of the ship and told us, “We’re not sure if the people who live here are friendly or not, so we’ll
approach warily and be ready for anything.” Then he stepped off the boat, right after telling some sailors to
get the treasure ready. I followed him, along with some of my fellow sailors. Zheng came walking alongside
me. “Be ready for anything, child. Be ready to fight if needed.” he whispered in my ear before moving on.
As we went deeper into the island, two men came running out. They wore friendly, peaceful
expressions on their faces as they greeted us warmly. “Hello,” The first one said in a strange accent,
“Welcome to Java! You are from China?” Zheng dipped his head politely. “Yes, and we come in peace. We
come to give magnificent treasures to you!” He said respectfully. The second one beckoned us to follow
them. “We show you Serang, our home. You come in peace, we shall give you peace!” They went off
swiftly into the trees, leaving us to follow them hurriedly.
After a bit of walking, we finally arrived in Serang. “We are in Serang now!” The men exclaimed
grandly. It was beautiful and amazing. Tall buildings and trees were everywhere, decorated beautifully with
lights and sparkling rivers. “Wow,” I heard Zheng whisper beside me as the men led us into Serang. Zheng
stepped forward to talk to the men. “We like your home and your island, and you are peaceful and friendly
men. To thank you for being so kind, we shall give you gifts!” he said. The first man looked surprised. “Of
course. But it’s nothing really. We didn’t do anything special.” Zheng smiled, and waved a hand. Two
sailors came up, hands loaded with precious treasures. Another sailor followed, dragging a treasure chest
behind him. The island men gaped at them in shock.
“W-we can’t accept this!” one of them cried. “I-it’s--” Zheng cut him off. “Please take it.” he
said quietly. The men looked at each other, then nodded. “Thank you, so much!” They cheered as the
sailors dropped their load at their feet. Zheng stepped back and gestured for the sailors to go back to the
ship, leaving the men to marvel over their treasure. They went back onto the ship, and to their surprise the
men followed. As Zheng and his crew climbed onboard, the men below yelled after them, “Thank you for
your visit! Thank you for your gifts! You will always be welcome here!” Then the ship started, and off they
went. I watched the island get smaller and smaller in the distance, my heart warmed by the men’s gratitude.