Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 3 | Page 197

Zheng He
We were welcomed back with tears and cheers. I paced toward the crowd and gave some jewellery to
them, wishing them all rich in happiness and money. A messenger came up to me. After his soft whispering,
I was confused. The emperor is sending us on another trip? Looking up, I saw him with his general who
looked down, smiling at me.
We continued on our voyage, but every time we returned. We are sent off to another.
Hua Deng
Years passed by. We keep questioning amongst ourselves, what is the meaning of this endless voyage.
Emperor Yongle
I ordered him to return the riches to me! Not those pests! The people are becoming wealthier and
ungrateful, voicing their demands, flaunting their riches. “Tax collector, double the city’s tax rate, effective
immediately!
Zheng He
Upon returning from our seventh voyage. Something felt awry. The streets were filled with beggars,
their clothes all tattered and patched. A man whispered in my ear, “His Majesty has stripped us of our last
dime. We cannot afford a single meal; the city survives only on bread and water now. Please don’t give us
anything, anyone who receives the wealth is punished heavily.” Shocked, I headed straight for the palace.
There he was, sprawled on his throne. Embellished with exceedingly excessive gems and gold. We started to
quarrel, but I was soon escorted out by force.
Emperor Yongle
Perhaps it is time to rid myself of him. That fool. He is no longer of use to me. The audacity he had to
lecture me! ME! I am the emperor. This kingdom is mine to do as I please. “Guards, I want Zheng He dead
within a week. The one who brings forth his head shall be rewarded.”
Zheng He
Through our many long journeys, I’ve built a trusting relationship with the crew and the army. They
were all professionals of their expertise. We practiced our arts together. Identifying our weaknesses and
strengths, to allow for improvement. This morning I found a note beside my bed, “Beware of the emperor,
he plans to assassinate you. --Guang Dat” Guang Dat is one of the guards from the palace, one of my
treasured childhood friends too, we grew up together. I was shocked, but not surprised. The emperor has
slowly become tyrannical, fuelled by gluttony ever since the voyages, I should have seen this coming.
Cautious wherever I went, my loyal men were always by my side. The day finally came. Soldiers
marched through the city, every exit was heavily guarded, there was no way out. The people were in fury.
The leaders of the towns gathered, preparing for a revolution. That was my chance to step out. I revealed
my identity and explained the current situation. We rallied up all the citizens and planned to attack at dawn.
Emperor Yongle
He disappeared. He’s gone. We have reports of rebellion. “Send out the army at once. Remember, kill
the prince!” The army was summoned, but most people were missing. The weapons were gone. The horses
were taken.
Zheng He
I urged my steed forward, charging through the walls of soldiers, slashing and stabbing, my horse
trampled any that stood in the way. As reinforcements charged into the wall, I signalled for arrows. A rain of
fire flew swiftly into the army. I signalled to create a large carpet filled with sugar, attaching it with two
arrows, it flew towards the enemy and with a single lit arrow, the carpet was ablaze. The chemical reaction
from burning sugar creates a hot liquid that pops and spills. The easiest way to burn your foes. Other loads
of burning sugary liquid soon followed. The soldiers were spent. The archers stopped as cavalry units barged
into the palace. We got into a formation of a turtle. Shielded from all angles, we marched slowly, but
steadily through the palace grounds. We soon split into groups and continued to eliminate the remaining
supporters of emperor Yongle.