Adventures of the Treasure Fleet. Ann Martin Bowler

      As winter approached, the massive ships were finally ready. Huge crowds gathered to see the ships be launched into the water. Then, thousands of crates filled with food, weapons, and trading goods were loaded on board, along with chests containing priceless gifts. At last, the sailors and soldiers boarded the ships. When the huge sails went up, the crowd cheered wildly. As the ships sailed down-river, people ran alongside waving bits of silk. “Be careful! Watch out for pirates and sharp reefs! We’ll pray for you!”

      Onboard the lead ship, Zheng He was thinking that no man had ever sailed this far. Filled with excitement, he lit incense and prayed, “With heart pure and true, I ask that our sails meet with favorable winds, that the sea lanes be peaceful, and that gold and pearls fill our ships with glory.”