Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 2 - 2 | Page 136

Wong’s Ming Treasure Adventures
St Stephens College Preparatory School, Poon, Wilson - 9
I, Wong Kit, was the watchman of several of the Ming Treasure voyages commissioned by Admiral Zheng
He in 1400’s. Having the honour to scout for the voyages through long telescopes, I had first-hand
information on what our leading ship would expect and encounter. People called me the “Eye” of the fleet.
Even though some of my reported intelligence might neither be pleasant nor recorded in details by
historians, I still would like to share with you some of these memorable stories, whether you considered
them to be fairy tales or not.
Having dreamed of fighting against wrongdoers since childhood, I prayed for the opportunities to punish
them in our voyages. In the returning trip of our first voyage, our fleet of more than 60 large treasure ships
and 28,000 men encountered a large gang of 5,000 pirates led by Chen Zuyi at Palembang. Through the
telescope, these pirates were strong, weaponized and ready to claim the treasures from our fleet.
Meanwhile, Chen surrendered but secretly planned for a surprise ambush. Fortunately, a local informant
tipped Admiral Zheng off and our fleet was prepared to shed blood on foreign soil with no mercy. With
adequate preparation, our state-of-the art cannons drew first blood and struck lethally at the pirates and
their fleet. Although the band of pirates and their fleet had already been covered in smoke, we fired our
cannons as accurately and frequently as possible to prevent them from having time to counter-attack. As
barbaric and determined as the pirates were, they fought hard in the fierce battle. Bombs, swords, arrows,
body parts and blood were flying all over the various parts of our and their fleets. Putting it simply, each of
the fleets attacked its enemy for survival and until the opposition lost its last breath.
Our Ming armanda won the battle after killing all of the 5,000 pirates and destroyed their fleet. When I
returned home to Nanjing, I was relieved but my heart was empty at the same time. Gradually, I suffered
traumatic symptoms and kept questioning why our inhuman massacre of the pirates was necessary.
Nevertheless, I wished that casualties could be controlled to a minimum in future voyages.
On our fourth voyage to the Persian Gulf, I spotted a herd of big sea creatures dividing its feast of fish in the
deep blue sea. The circle of blood grew larger as these creatures enjoyed their meal ravenously. Without
delay, I reported that they had sharp teeth and swam with their black fins on the surface of the sea. With
little hesitation, the generals of the fleet suggested that the fleet should either capture or kill such creatures
since we had more manpower and firepower than those of the prior voyages. When the scientists were
debating what creatures they were, Admiral Zheng yelled “Sharks”! As the leader of the troops, Zheng
explained that sharks could be extremely dangerous when they sensed threats or smelled blood. Instead of
igniting a new battle, Zheng tactfully commanded the fleet of ships to change its course and keep enough
distance from these vicious animals. When we were sailing away from these sharks, I could not forget how
terrifying they looked when staring furiously at our fleet underneath the water.
From this adventure, I learned and appreciated that Admiral Zheng was a wise and decisive leader. More
importantly, he would not use military forces lightly to solve problems when there were better solutions.
In the seventh and final voyage, there were more than 100 ships and over 27,000 men. We managed to visit
all the important ports in the South China Sea and Indian Ocean. At that time, I was no longer the young
watchman with sharp eyes but served humbly as a butler of Admiral Zheng. During our leisure time, Zheng
and I discussed the important diplomatic and commercial aspects of the past voyages. Zheng said “The
voyages were all about demonstrating the Ming supremacy to other countries, broadening the horizons of
the Chinese people and fostering trades among countries. They were not meant to be military exercises to
conquer foreign land and expand the boundary of our country.”
Shortly after becoming a close friend to Admiral Zheng, it was difficult for me to accept that he died in the
return trip in 1433. I could barely hold back my tears during his burial even though the sea should be the
most suited chamber for our god of exploration and navigation. “Farewell and rest in peace, our dear friend
and great diplomat, Zheng He!”