Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 3 | Page 313

The First Scouting Mission before the Ming Treasure Voyages Ying Wa College, Ng, Ka Hei Henry - 14 Admiral Zheng He gazed at his impressive, massive treasure fleet, with one hand holding the emperor’s command scroll. ”There, this should make him proud”. Thousands of workers moved like hectic ants in front of him. “How’s our shipload going?” Zheng He crossed him arms, standing in the blazing sun on a small, wooden commander platform, shouting in the top of his lungs to the muscular but sweaty loading workers. “Not having the best day of my life, cap” said a worker, dropping his wooden crate with a large thump. Frowning, he said, “’fraid we’re running a bit late, cap.” Zheng He gently placed down the scroll on the floor, then immediately stretched his limbs and jumped down from the platform without a word. He yanked up his sleeves in two big strokes and beamed, “I guess a little more labor could do the trick, then.” Then he tossed a bulky, really heavy chest of silver on his shoulder at ease. “Besides, where’re my crew? I haven’t seen them since morning!” He grunted while advancing to the loading ship. “Drinking, sir” said the loading worker. Zheng He’s face darkened. Scowling, he placed down his load on the ship and marched to where they were. “As I was just saying, the emperor is mad!” A red faced sailor stomped his feet against the wooden floor and raised his cup, “He expects us to sail to nowhere to give gifts to the foreign “ghosts”!” Sailors burst out laughing, others giggled. A fierce punch on the table interrupted the roaring laughter. The sailors looked up and met the intruder’s eye challengingly, a bit of startle flashed in their corners of their eyes upon realizing it was their admiral. Zheng He‘s furious face betrayed no sense of humor. He snarled bitterly, “Is this what you all really think? A fantasy sailing?” A drunk sailor teased, “Take it easy, after all, it’s the emperor you want to please!” Followed by laughter then seconds of dead silence. Zheng He gritted through his teeth, incensed, “You know what, the dynasty has prepared everything, for this sail, they have expectations of you. We go sailing not because of money, not for fame, but for the need of our country. If you put your own needs first before the country, then leave!” The last word echoed through the whole place and in the hearts of the sailors. After moments of silence, Zheng He added, “If you decide to join, meet you in the ship. There will be no turning back.” Zheng He turned and left without another word. Zheng He stood with unspoken silence in the supervising platform for almost an hour, overlooking the constant stream of workers loading the ships. “Cap, the cargo loading is done!” heavy and rushed footsteps came from behind of Zheng He. Zheng He nodded his head slowly, but then frowned, thinking of his crew, “Everything is well prepared, it’s just them I’m worried about.” As if on cue, his whole crew, a full team of a hundred, gathered before him. In the far distance, a total of two thousand soldiers stood with their backs straight, forming a near perfect square, their hands holding spear, the heads of which gleamed in the sunlight. As the army marched towards Zheng He, the crew who were drinking shouted in a steady tone, “We’re all at your command, sir! You can count on us at any time!” then yelled fiercely,” For our people, for the Ming Dynasty!” Zheng He’s face lit up, “then let’s get things going.” “The emperor has come!” a servant of the emperor said in a loud, clear voice. It was at evening, after the whole afternoon of loading and checking of ships. The emperor had decided to come to supervise the sailing. “Kneel down!” the servant yelled, Admiral Zheng He and his ranked first officers immediately fell to their knees. The emperor focused his gaze on the horizon, where the massive, proud fleet was berthed. “Mmmm… Very well,” the emperor nodded slowly while stroking his beard, “You have all done well, let us establish our silk road with the foreigners! For the Ming dynasty and people!” he added with a hint of smile,” but before that, everybody will feast!” motioning to the table filled with delicacies. Some time after the feast, all workers have prepared well for the sail. “Status report! All cargo loaded! All ships fully operational! The fleet has been lined up! Ready for boarding!” a mechanical worker yelled to Zheng He, who just nodded in acknowledgement. The emperor rose from his chair, lifted both his hands up with his cup and said in a deep, meaningful tone, “May mother Mazu bless you all on your journey,” Zheng He lifted his head slowly to the sky and mumbled,” may mother Mazu bless us on our journey,” the soldiers before him said in unity solemnly after him,” may mother Mazu bless us on our journey,” Zheng He then said,” then, warriors, let’s board!”, Followed by thumping of spear hinds on the ground as the soldiers and crew boarded their ships. The long sweep of clouds that lingered beyond the tall flags began to tear apart. The dazzling warming sun cut through and lit the top of the sails ablaze. Rays of sunlight shimmered through the gaps of the sails, spilling onto the wooden deck. It was almost morning when the whole 2100 soldiers and crew finished boarding. And, with a fierce shout from Zheng He, the ropes that bound the ship were cut by swinging