New Tales of The Great Wall
Andre Ho, Group 2: Fiction, Quarry Bay School
t was a boring Sunday evening with no one at home. So I sneaked to the attic to search for some fun. I
found all manner of old relics, a bronze telescope, an ancient Chinese compass and a wooden chest to name
a few. Intrigued, I walked over to the chest. This unique work of art was engraved with tiny figures that
depicted a battle scene where flocks of riders were attacking a frontier. Curious to see its contents, I
carefully opened the chest. Inside, there was another plain wooden box. Strange, I thought, to put
something so small in a huge container. I gently took the little box out and peered inside. In a silk case,
there was a beautiful gold plague and I touched it. Suddenly, the plague emitted a golden glow, bathing me in its
bright light. I felt as if the whole world was spinning and blacked out.
I
I found myself lying on the floor of a gigantic hall. I raised myself and saw a robed man sitting on a throne
made of gold and precious gems. His magnificent robe was made of bright yellow silk covered with dragon
embroideries. He was also wearing a bejewelled crown. “You have been brought here to help me,” he said. “Me?
To help?” I stuttered. I was shocked to find myself understanding and speaking ancient Chinese! “I am Emperor
Qin Zong of the Song Dynasty,” he said solemnly. The name rang a bell but I was not sure what he meant. I
should have read more Chinese history!
“
A commander betrayed us and told the Mongolians to invade through Xiang Yang. If they break through,
my kingdom will be extremely vulnerable. I’ve been told you are familiar with strategic battle, is that true?” he
asked. “Well, I supposed so. I’ve won the International Paintball Championships 3 times in a row,” I bluffed and
immediately regretted it. Oh dear, I thought. How would he know what Paintball is! The emperor looked
perplexed and said, “Well, I assume that’s a yes. I need you to defeat them.” “Yep! Surely I can!” I exclaimed.
The emperor raised an eyebrow and said, “Come, my generals are anxiously waiting in the War Room.”
In the War Room, I was shown a map of the Mongolian deployment. ”They started attacking Xiang Yang
10
days ago. Since then, our men have been constantly on watch, and they are exhausted, if not wounded. They
can only stand one more battle before collapsing,” said one general worriedly. “Don’t the Mongolians have a
weakness?” I asked and was answered by silence. Then I noticed the reflection of light from a cup of tea and
considered with an idea.
The next day, I was transported to Xiang Yang border before dawn. The generals put me in a stone tower
to safely witness the conflict. I then realized it was actually the Great Wall, only an early version prior to its
extension during the Ming Dynasty. I could not shake the feelings of awe. If only my friends saw me now!
Standing on the Great Wall and giving commands in a real battle!
A few hours later, the sentry horns blared from a nearby tower. The battle had begun! A contingent of Song
cavalry went out and galloped around the area not far from the gates. The horses had huge straw brushes tied to
their tails, so they beat the dust, sending it swirling around the air. The dust cloud formed a shield for the Great
Wall. From afar, I heard the sound of galloping hooves and I knew the Mongolians had come. Right above us,
the sun was beating down mercilessly.
When the Mongolians rode into the cloud of dust, their horses were confused and were unsure of where to
go. The snarls of Mongol horses were most unpleasant to the ears. Slowly, the Mongolians emerged from the
cloud, panting, and disoriented. But then they were met with their second surprise, our battalion of soldiers.
Equipped with metal shields that were as polished and buffed as mirrors, the Song troops were brimming with
confidence. With a mere 15 meter distance from the Mongolian cavalry, the men faced their shields upwards,
reflecting the sun’s piercing rays into the eyes of the enemy. The horses were blinded and sent into panic. Many
of the Mongolians were thrown off and quite a few were crushed by the hooves. In the midst of all the chaos, the
garrison of archers on the ramparts of the Great Wall raised and released a deadly black cloud of arrows against
the invaders. Once the arrows claimed their prey, they aimed for the blinded horses. When all the horses were
taken out of action, the archers stopped firing and the battalion of men rushed back inside the safety of the walls.
Meanwhile, an army led by one of the generals charged out. The Mongolians, with no horses, were powerless to
resist. Within minutes, the Mongolians were subdued, while the survivors retreated back to their base. Two
more armies came out of the gates to join the first one, and they set off to annihilate the Mongolian camp.
“
You did it! You defeated the Mongolians!” exclaimed the delighted emperor. “Yes. I had a great tactic,
but the battle could not be won without the right weather and strategic protection of the Great Wall,” I replied.
“
Your highness, this battle is only a small victory, the Mongolians will be back,” I advised. “Don’t forget you’re
only a ten year old boy from the future, not my teacher! Well, with your mission accomplished, I trust you must
return to your own time,” the emperor said with crossed brows as he brought out a gold plague. Touched it, I
blacked out again.