Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 3 | Page 127

The Adventures of Zheng He
Island School, Yim, Chak Fung - 13
It was the year 1405. China was ruled under Ming Dynasty’s third emperor Zhu Di or commonly known as
the Yongle Emperor. Yongle is his emperor’s era name defined as "perpetual happiness." He craved for
China’s power and authority over the world, and he wanted to be king of “all under heaven”. He decided
that he should make use of China's advanced technology and send armadas out to undertake voyages to
convince other countries that China is the most powerful of all.
The Emperor had an extremely faithful general under his belt called Ma He. Ma He was strong, talented and
skilful. The Emperor then changed his name to Zheng He and sent him on exceedingly lavishing,
challenging and vital voyages in the course of history.
Zheng He prepared his fleet of flotillas and military soldiers, a staggering amount since it consists of
approximately 317 ships and 60 majestic Treasure Ships. He had 28,000 sailors, soldiers, polymaths and
passengers aboard. Zheng led the way to Thailand, and once his army arrived, locals came out shouting,
protesting and rioting. It was chaotic. Zheng tried to soothe and comfort them by presenting valuable gifts
such as necklaces, silver and other rare alloys to them. The leader of a Thai tribe, Ongsakponsaemroen,
received the presents gratefully and made his tribe respect China. The Thais thanked Zheng and his people
of their amiableness and asked forgiveness of their past misbehaviour. The weather was singularly calm, and
everyone’s disposition was excellent. It was a successful first trip.
Later, they sailed to a volcanic island in Indonesia called Java. The citizens were divided into tribes like the
Thais. The locals did not like new people barging in their land, so they gathered their bows and arrows and
attacked Zheng He’s people. Fortunately, inside the Treasure Ships were all kinds of contemporary
ammunition. They fought back and won. Zheng didn’t like to be inhospitable, so he gave some fabric was
given to the Javans. However, the Javans did not accept the gifts as they were still remorseful about their
humiliating defeat. The Javans knew that the Chinese were affluent, mighty and advanced.
After rest, Zheng He’s fleet moved on to Malacca City in Malaysia. They had discovered some precious
artefacts on the way and bestowed them to the Malaysian leader. Malaysians traded some of their best textiles
and tea leaves. Suddenly, a horrific storm came which meant that the Chinese were unable to leave Malacca.
Luckily, the Malaysians had already approved of Zheng and his people and permitted them to stay until the
storm had calmed down. The profuse flotillas and armadas were safely anchored and protected. A friendship
between the two countries formed and they both respected each other.
The next day’s noon, the battering storm finally came to a halt, and the Chinese prepared to depart
Malaysia. The Malaysian leader sent a messenger to the Yongle Emperor giving thanks. The final destination
of this voyage was southern India. En route, a sailor came up to Zheng He’s luxurious cabin and informed
him that one bag of bronze coins fell into the sea. Someone had inadvertently pushed it out.
Zheng He replied: “ Who was in charge of this extremely negligent blunder?”
The sailor said: “ Sorry sir, I don’t know. But we will carry out investigations to our utmost.”
Zheng He said: “Find that person and caution him. Let me see him first so I can deduct if he had done it on
purpose or not. If he did it on purpose, then he shall be imprisoned.”