Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 2 - 2 | Page 160

The Defeat of Chen Zuyi The Independent Schools Foundation Academy, Zhang, Steven - 11 A brilliant flash of light appeared near the horizon, and the water instantly became sapphire. The calm waves rolled on and on, casually moving boats out of the way. The sun raised like a fiery ball of molten fire. Tiny islands can be seen near the horizon. On the main ship, a man named Zheng He woke up. Zheng He walked up the stairs to the platform and took out a small, white object and a map. He muttered something and looked more closely at the object. It was, in fact, a fish compass. “Chin Hong, are we in direction?” Zheng He questioned. Then a young man wearing a white robe and a sword at his belt walked up and answered his question. “Yes, sir. We are heading west with pinpoint accuracy. At this rate, we will be back within 2 weeks, even with some ships damaged from the first attack of the pirates.” A sudden flash of this horrible memory came into mind. Hundreds of men dying, the ocean soaked with blood, platforms littered with dead bodies, and ships filled with holes. Even though they won these battles, the casualties were high and the fleet was extremely damaged. “Sir, are you okay?” “What? Oh, yeah, I’m okay. Just wondering if I should put those islands on the map. Meanwhile, Chen Zuyi still didn’t come yet for his surrendering contract.” “Sir… those are not islands. Those are the pirate ships, and they are coming back.” One hour later, the whole crew among the ships woke up and armed for battle. But the ships in the distance was not a battle fleet. It was simply just a cruiser ship “All troops, hold your fire! He is only here for negotiation!” commanded Zheng he as the ship made its way to the commanding ship. The ship was a masterpiece. Holly wood lined the hull, with sanded poles and gold linings here and there. A broad grey sail could be seen on the junk with decorative carvings depicting victories and legendary battles. If there were no pirates on board then it will be impossible to recognize it as an enemy ship. A bridge lowered and Chen Zuyi stepped out. Chen Zuyi was about 50 years old. He wore glistening bronze armor that shined brightly in the sun. He had a small beard and sharp, piercing eyes. He was only by himself and showed no means of threat. “ So, it looks like you received my message. I am demanding surrender from you. Here is the contract. Surrender and leave the bay of Palembang and the East, or we will use force.” Chen Zuyi’s grey eyes glinted under the sunlight. “I agree to... surrender. I will leave Palembang immediately. Without military force. Farewell, then.” He said and then left. All the soldiers and crewmen sighed contently, feeling safe after the surrender. But Zheng He had the tiniest bit of suspicion left in him, so he soon hatched a plan. That very night, Zheng He sent his fellow navigator Chin Hong on a mission. He fears that Chen Zuyi’s attack could be coming any moment, so Chin Hong will be spending the whole night tailing the pirate boats. He looked at Chin Hong leave on the small boat until he disappeared. Then, Zheng He went to bed.