resisting temptation. That’s why he treated us like brothers,’ he said, weeping quietly. Then he went on,
‘
Connecting walls that protect us from enemies was our idea. I mean, every former criminal’s. We hope to do
something together to help Zheng establish his kingdom.’
‘
Yes!’ Jiang joined in to talk about the truth. He spoke proudly, ‘You were surprised that those
constructing the Great Wall were happy, right? Well, that’s because we are all volunteers! We begged Zheng to
approve the idea. He said no at first. He thought the onus should be on every national to work for the country
together. But we urged him to start the construction as soon as possible as the Great Wall would take a long time
to finish. At last, he permitted our request.’
‘
However, Zheng didn’t want others to know that since he tried to keep a low profile on his kindness. We
actually heckled him because of that, haha! We told him not to make the story up, and just let people know the
truth, but he replied that it was what he wanted and the story’s the best excuse,’ Jiang sighed.
‘
But we just couldn’t help telling you the whole thing when we had a chance, though I feel like I am blabbering
a good friend’s secret,’ said Mu, shaking his head a little bit before he continued. ‘Never mind! He didn’t
deserve the bad reputation he gained!’
They all burst into laughter although tears had come into their eyes as they talked about Zheng - their good
friend.
‘
Now, we’ve finished building most of the wall. Hopefully, we will finish it within the next few years
since we’ve already come to Liaodong, the east of the country. Nevertheless, it’s unfortunate that Zheng has
died. He couldn’t witness the whole process of construction,’ said Shi.
‘
That’s a shame.’ I heard my voice saying. Everything was…really shocking.
Huo spoke to me, ‘Josie, the time travel machine showed me that you are a journalist. That’s why I sent
you here. Please help us to bring this truth to your era. Although it’s the 21st century, it’s better late than never!’
‘
Promise?’ They all requested together.
Giving my most sincere look to them, I answered, ‘Yes.’
So they whooped with glee and thanked me gratefully.
I didn’t speak as I was still overwhelmed by what I heard.
It was all true! I pinched myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.
‘
Ah! Before sending you back to your era, you’ll need to bring something back as proof.’ Jiang said as he
took out a writing brush from his pocket and gave it to me, ‘This belonged to Zheng. He gave it to me before he
passed away.’
There were words written on the writing brush – Yin Zheng – the name of Qin Shi Huang.
‘
Thanks! This will help a lot!’ I replied.
The five of us then returned to the temple and used the time travel machine again.
***
I couldn’t remember how and when exactly they began to send me back to where I belong, but I didn’t
forget to check what I was carrying when I crept out from the ring of light produced by the time travel machine.
The evidence of my trip – the writing brush – was still in my right hand.
I checked the date from my mobile phone. It was the next day. There was a record with loads of missed
calls – some from my boss. But I was not afraid because I had to be brave due to my promise to Huo, Mu, Jiang
and Shi. I had an important mission to do on the day when I arrived back at my office.
***
So that was my trip to Liaodong in 209BC. I met my ancestors and their friends. Although they were
criminals, they wanted to save their great friend – Qin Shi Huang’s reputation, and asked me for help.
At first, I was in utter dismay when I was sent to the past by the time travel machine. However, I found
out that the purpose of my arrival in the past was the bottom line of this journey – to inform the public that Qin
Shi Huang was not as ferocious as we ‘knew’, and the source of the Great Wall was not the order from an
emperor to his nationals, but an expression of friendship.
From this trip, I understood that friendship is necessary to everyone. Even criminals, a group of people
who are disliked or feared by others, need friends. Though we may disagree with Qin Shi Huang’s behavior to
his people - he was willing to understand the criminals and build up friendships with them. Yet why do we still
discriminate against the ones ‘we don’t like’? I personally think that we need to give more acceptance, care,
love and patience to others. I believe that when everybody engages in the interaction of building up friendships,
our relationships can be as firm as the Great Wall.
* * *