Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 3 | Page 224

An Untold Story of Zheng He’s Right-Hand Man St. Joseph's College, Cheng, Wai Ho - 12 Wang was a measly soldier serving in the navy of Zheng He’s treasure fleet with the mission to conduct trading and collect tribute in the eastern Pacific and Indian Oceans on behalf of the Chinese Emperor. He came from a remote province in the south-western part of China, close to the land of the barbarians, and thus inviting unpleasant yet inevitable mockery by other soldiers in the same armada. Wang had a surprising talent of analyzing and plotting battle strategies. But he was never promoted and his talents were overlooked until one day… It was a glorious day. The high sunlit clouds drifted across a clear blue sky. The gushing waves were comforting. It was quiet in the meeting room on the enormous vessel. All commanders sat on chairs. Zheng He, the fleet admiral, was seated on a wooden throne in the centre. Wang, among many troops, stood quietly beside his direct commander, Tso. ‘Our ships have reached the coasts of Africa. We will have to tread carefully as pirates roam these seas.’ Zheng He said. His voice was not loud, but it rumbled in the quiet cavern-like room. ‘The name of our powerful fleet has been echoing far beyond our kingdom. Even the kings in all these faraway places have surrendered to our Ming emperor and become our tributary states. These pirates are just too insignificant for us to pay attention to.’ Tso responded conceitedly. ‘But how can we display our power if we have a whole navy on board and we don’t use it?’ Zheng He questioned. ‘I am confident that we can control them without bloodshed. We are far too FORMIDABLE for them to challenge,’ Tao drawled languidly. The commanders nodded in agreement. But Wang had long heard about the ferocity of the pirates and he could not help spurting the comment, ‘If they can be controlled, then why are they pirates? They don’t follow rules and orders. They are the beasts in the ocean! We must eliminate them without delay! ’’ Tso’s face turned beetroot red. He bawled, ‘How dare you speak a word! Throw him out!’ They didn’t have long to wait. While the fleet was cruising smoothly along the Indian Ocean, heading towards Southern Africa for the first time, a sleek ship was seen on the horizon. It was sailing towards the fleet. The lookout, who stationed high on the mast in crow's nest, yelled at the messenger below. Zheng He was informed in no time. He dismissed the messenger and faced his generals. ‘My fellow comrades, we have no idea whether this ship is friend or foe. I think we have to take some action now. ‘ Then Tso spoke up, ‘As I said before, we only need to send someone over to declare our identity and they will succumb to our power.’ ‘Tso, you seem very confident. I believe you are the best candidate to carry out this mission,’ said Zheng He. Tso sat up straighter. ‘Without a doubt, Admiral!’ he said, beaming with pride and satisfaction. At this time, Wang was standing in the back row of the troops and he was worried about Tao. Commander Tso was a warrior in negotiation, but he was not a fighter. Wang gathered his courage and interrupted again, ‘Commander Tao, this ship is a mystery to us. They might be nice, but the possibilities of them being hostile seem bigger. If they were pirates, like we discussed before, they could bring trouble to you. Can I replace you to go instead?’ Wang pleaded. Tao exploded in anger, ‘How can a meagre soldier like you question my decision!’ Zheng He glanced at Wang and contemplated for a while. ‘It seems unwise to trust a soldier rather than an experienced commander. Tso, you may still go on with your plan. You, uh… whoever you are, go back to your place.’