Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 2 - 2 | Page 13

A Trip to the Sea
Regents Primary School of Shenzhen, Long, Ho Sen Mathew - 11
The brave explorer, Zheng He, had just experienced his first voyage, decided to embark on another journey
to the seas. This time, he was requested by the Emperor to escort ambassadors of Thailand, Cambodia and
Vietnam back to their countries. In order to avoid any unexpected situations happening, Zheng He took a
myriad of treasures including precious silk, which was an extremely valuable commodity at the time. He
believed that the value of this product could help him solve any problems that they may encounter during
their voyage.
The sky was clear and the breeze was mild on the day when Zheng, his sailors and three ambassadors set off.
‘It’s a good start! This trip will go smoothly as expected,’ thought Zheng. One of his sailors controlled the
rudder, others stayed on the deck to safeguard the voyage. Zheng and the three ambassadors sat inside the
cabin, drank beer and exchanged their opinions on worldwide issues of politics, economy and culture.
The weather was beautiful. The motor of the ferry was powerful. All the sailors were taking rest in turns.
The one who controlled the rudder was tired and he closed his eyes. Suddenly, a thunder boomed.
Everyone in the ferry stood frozen and stared in shock because of the sudden loud noise. The sky loomed as
it got darker and darker. The ferry started swirling, wagging from side to side. Suddenly, there was a shot of
white light that blinded everyone’s eyes. In the twinkling of an eye, lightning came one after another.
Unfortunately, the sailor who stood in the watchtower was struck by the lightning and died afterwards. All
other people were frightened. Some of them huddled together and cried. Some of them knelt down to pray.
Some of them held the treasure tightly. What a mess it was in the cabin!
Zheng looked around and noticed that everyone was scared. Being the caring leader, he wanted to go
around and comfort them. He gathered everyone for a meeting. ‘Listen everyone! I know things look bleak
right now, but things are going to get better. This too shall pass. God bless us! Stop crying! Cheer up! You
are not alone- I’m here!’ All the sailors and ambassadors were touched and this speech enabled them to
restore their morale.
Zheng went outside of the cabin, pacing back and forth, trying to figure out a solution. Then he found a
small gold shiny point in the distance. He was afraid that it was a dream. He kept rubbing his eyes to check
if he was dreaming and alas, the small gold shiny point remained in the distance. ‘Oh My God! This is not a
fantasy! It’s true! Island ahead! We made it!’ thought Zheng, his eyes were widening. He rushed back to the
cabin and told the good news to everybody. They all looked out of the windows. A statue was standing
right there. The status’ body emanated a halo of light extending around him for two meters. The lines on
the statue’s palms were long and deep. Its face was long and beautiful! Its eyelids were well proportioned. Its
hair had long curls. The ambassador of Thailand shouted excitedly, ‘That’s my Buddha that I believe in! My
home!’ Zheng asked the experienced sailor to control the rudder and keep moving forward.
Four hours later, they arrived at the pier. Everyone was relieved. ‘Finally, we have made it! We are safe!’
The ambassador of Thailand led Zheng and his sailors to the Emperor’s Palace. In order to thank Zheng for
all he had done, the Emperor held a grand party at night to celebrate their success. Zheng and his sailors
enjoyed this big feast and wanted to give away the gifts to Thailand. ‘Dear Emperor of Thailand, here are
our most valuable treasure from our country: silverware and gold jewels, ceramics, silk, seeds and a golden
cookbook. I want to give them to your temples and share them with the Thai people because the Buddha
gave us hope when we fell through hard times during the voyage. Moreover, our Ming Dynasty Emperor
wants to build a good relationship with your country. So we are friends now!’ said Zheng. ‘Thank you,
Zheng! We wish you good luck! Cheers, my friend!’ replied the Emperor of Thailand.
The next day, Zheng and his sailors set off early. ‘Go, friends! Let’s head to another destination!’ He looked
through the horizon with a proud and knowing smile on his face.