Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 3 | Page 259

Jing-Hong was dispatched with a squadron to Champa before Zheng-He will follow with the main body
of the fleet.
And this is where my adventure begins.
-
Halfway on our journey, I suggested that we stop in a nearby island to get some rest. Our navigator had
gotten sea-sick, along with a few members of our crew. Jing-Hong decided that it was a good idea, as he,
too, missed the feeling of solid ground beneath his feet.
“We will camp here for the night.” He then ordered a few soldiers to take turns to stand guard.
However, what awaited us in the morning was not a good night’s rest, but a band of hostile pirates that
ambushed us.
-
“Soldiers, don't fight! We are outnumbered.” Jing-Hong growled in anger as the pirates searched our ship
for treasures. Unfortunately for them, all the precious goods are in the main body of the fleet. I mentally
cursed my inability to see this coming—we should have just continued on the journey instead of stopping to
rest.
“Sānshíliù jì, zǒu wéi shàng jì.” Jing-Hong mumbled underneath his breath. “There are only three choices
left: surrender, compromise, or escape.”
I shook my head. “Surrender is complete defeat; compromise is half defeat, and escape is practically
impossible without any loss on our side. It’s too dangerous.”
Jing-Hong gave me an exasperated look. “Well, do you have a better plan?”
“Sānshíliù jì is also known as the Thirty-Six Stratagems,” My eyes lit up, remembering the book I had read
months ago.
“I have a plan. Are you willing to risk it?”
They nodded.
-
“Surrender while you still can, pirates!” I bellowed, in the most commanding and confident way I could
manage. A few heads swerved to stare at me with curiosity at my sudden yelling.
“I have your attention? Good.” I spoke nonchalantly, trying to disguise the growing fear. On the inside, I
was a bundle of nerves.
It was the first time for me to take the lead.
The leader’s eyes narrowed as he glared at me. I could see his sword glinting in the sunlight. I could feel the
sweat beading on my forehead as I strode forward, head held high.
“We have sailed the seas and been to places you've never been. We’ve been through more than you can
imagine. We’ve been to Champa, Java, Malacca, Aru, Semudera, Lambri, Ceylon, Quilon and Calicut...” I
took a deep breath, my heart threatening to burst from its ribcage.
“You think we would be this careless, falling into your obvious trap?” I spoke louder, gaining confidence as
Jing-Hong offered me a supportive smile. You can do this, he mouthed.
“You know Chen Zuyi? Our fleet not only defeated his 5000 pirates in battle, but also executed Chen Zuyi
himself!”
The captain just rolled his eyes, unfazed. He must think that I am lying. However, behind him, a few pirates
were slowly backing away, their eyes blown wide in fear. Encouraged by their terror, I continued.