Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 3 | Page 196

Noble Gluttony
Sha Tin College, Wong, Clement - 12
Zheng He
“Father, may I speak to you alone?”
“Yes, of course, after all, you are the heir to the throne. Come in,”
My father, Emperor Yongle is the gloriest and mightiest person I’ve ever known. I am his son Zheng
He. “I walked down the streets disguised as a civilian today. I find it is an effective method to know what is
happening in the country. Though I did hear something rather peculiar today, rumours that I am not your
son. I never take gossip to heart until I overheard the guards also mentioning it. Is it true?” My father
looked up to the ceiling, his face turned rigid. A few minutes later, his expression seemed to melt, and a
warm smile plastered across his face. “Such preposterous thoughts. Rumours are rumours, meaning they are
not true,” he sighed.
Zheng He
I stood at the door, I was about to enter when I heard my name. They are sending me off to battle other
countries, to form alliances. Then my suspicions were validated. I am adopted and all the things that father
claimed were rumours are real.
Zheng He
“Your grace, you are summoned to the throne room,” Seeing the emperor on his golden throne, I
bowed. “Rise,” he said, “Zheng He, you are to set sail to help the empire conquer new lands, bring forth
treasures, provide the kingdom with glory, wealth and respect. Set sail at once and leave for India. Without
further ado, I wish you good luck,” Surprised and shocked, I prepared for the voyage.
Taking a glance at the sea, I caught a glimpse of rows of boats loaded with military needs. My mind
flickered back to the meeting yesterday, “Do not tell him, he is an asset to the empire,” said the advisor.
Rage fuelled my body with anger, I had a point to prove now.
Hua Deng
Being one of the soldiers on this expedition is not good. We usually battle on ground, not a ship. How
did I end up here? I question how a prince with servants and no battle experience can effectively lead us. He
doesn’t even know the crew. What does he look like again?
Zheng He
The emperor said to only form alliances, not enemies, which is one of the few things we both agree on.
I explained that thoroughly to the soldiers too. An empire with an exceeding number of enemies is only
destined for failure. Nations are stronger together than alone. I had to earn their trust and respect in order to
become their leader.
As we neared the island, we left our ships in haste. What a weird nation. Different clothing and
traditions. “Hello, where is your leader?” I said with a smile. The man pointed. A magnificent tower
appeared before our eyes.
We headed toward the glistening castle, paths formed before us like Moses parting the red sea. We were
greeted by guards who lead us to a room with a throne in the middle. A man with a crown sat on it while
inspecting his jewellery. We bowed and rose. I explained how we were seeking to form a trade route.
Negotiating with the skills I learnt before, we traded silk with gold and jewellery. Then we returned to
China.
Emperor Yongle
I am quite surprised he made it back so swiftly. “Send him off to another journey, tell him to set sail
immediately,” I said. I gazed off the balcony. He was giving the treasures to the civilians. Once or twice
won’t matter.