Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 3 | Page 296

Year 1415
Dear Diary,
I’m so eager to pick up my pen once more, and just relax to feel the joy of revealing my secrets
with ink. It’s been such a journey, too much excitement that I’ve have had enough of the tension I’ve got
to bear every day on the seas. I feel like this is the best way for encouraging myself to carry on. Now, Diary,
allow me to divulge my second battling experience on the seas since the capture of Chen Zuyi.
Our fleet arrived in Sumatra on the eleventh month, in Indonesia. Admiral Zhenghe ordered an
ambassador to discover essential information in order for us to safely “trespass” on Sumatra’s land. We
received news on the third day and were shocked to find a war raging within the land. The son of the
Sumatra king, Su Gan was currently attempting to kill the king to gain control of the land. In order to still
fulfill our emperor’s wish to spread the Chinese culture, we gave presents to the Sumatra king, Zairu
Abidin. Evidently, the son was furious that the newcomers not only supported the enemy, but also did not
give any of the presents from China to him. You’d never have guessed how Su Gan reacted to this incident.
Su Gan actually raised a navy of over ten thousand to show his anger, as we heard from the ambassador!
I’m happy to say that we had the upper hand throughout the whole battle on the seas. Imagine
our great ships combined with Zairu’s army! It’s what we call, “flowers on the brocade”. I played a great
role in the battle, commanding our shipmates to attack at various directions despite the fact that we already
lost directions on the awfully dizzy deck. We didn’t dare to stop until we heard the news that our Admiral
had Su Gan, with his wife and children captured. I must say, the ropes that were tightened around him were
the thickest I’ve ever seen in my entire life. I assume the extra protection was provided upon Zairu’s
request!
Enough of battling. I was assigned as the same post of diplomacy commander on the largest ship
of the fleet, with more than 140 metres long! My wife is going to be really proud of me once I arrive home!
Feeling much better,
Li Mingxun
Year 1433
Dear Diary,
I must say, this might be the last time I will write to you while on the vast seas. It’s going to be
the end of the great journeys I’ve had with Admiral Zhenghe. I wish I could give him my most sincere
gratitude for his leadership in the journey, but it’s too late now…
We arrived in Guri on the fourth month. The king welcomed us in a great fashion, with over
five hundred warriors stationed on the bank where our ship moored. I was stunned by the widely spread
fame of China and our fleet’s arrival. In addition to the silk fabrics and porcelain, we also gave out tea,
lacquerware, copper coins, camphor and metal products. Of course we had something in return, including
ivory products and heaps of jewellery, flashing winking smiles under the sunshine. Admiral Zhenghe was
very happy with the presents, and enjoyed the feast with the King of Guri thoroughly, walking out with a
red face after drinking too much!
We were about to leave for our homeland when it happened. The doctors said he died on Guri
due to too much stress. I didn’t believe the doctors until I saw the white cloth covering his body. As a
feeling of numbness and dread filled my body, I slowly uncovered the sheet, and my tears came dripping
uncontrollably. My heart filled with sadness, not only because I didn’t get in time to thank him for his care
and leadership to the whole crew, but also most importantly, his contribution to the spread of Chinese
culture. My deepest gratitude to you, Admiral, and may you rest in peace.
Sadly,
Li Mingxun
“Now that’s my story, my children.” I said to my grandchild, sitting on my wooden chair. “Throughout my
diary, you should’ve understood Zhenghe’s contribution for the safety to our homeland, and the spread of
Chinese culture in Ming Dynasty.”
“How long have you been keeping this diary, Grandpa Li?” asked my grandson, sitting beside the duck
pond.
“Well, it’s the year of Ming Xianzong now…” I grunted, waving my handheld fan in thought, “so it’s been
thirty years, my child.”
“Wow! Bring me to the beach again, Grandpa, and let’s row the boat you’ve built me!”
“Alright, bring the compass.”
“What compass?”
“The one I’ve left over on Zhenghe’s ship! It was the best of its time, with the needle floating on water…”