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There is a remote village in Kenya, Africa.
There are no traffic streets here, only a few dirt roads;
There are no bustling crowds, only the villagers who know each other well;
There are no colorful neon lights, only the chandelier in every household...
Everything looks quaint, beautiful and quiet, as if it makes people in an ancient village hundreds of years ago.
And the residents living here all have the traditional "African appearance":
Dark skin, curly hair, thick lips.
But one day, the sudden visit of a certain Chinese ambassador broke this peace.
At that time, he came to the door of a resident with confidence.
After knocking on the door, an African girl came out to open the door.
I saw the ambassador carefully looked at her, took out a letter and asked:
"Are you Sharif? Did you write a letter saying that you are the descendants of Zheng He sailors?"
Sharif
This makes people wonder. Just from her appearance, she should have no Chinese bloodline;
More importantly, there is no historical record in our country. After Zheng He voyage to the West, he was left here.
However, at this moment, Sharif silently took out a "family heirloom" from the room.
Seeing this "treasure", everyone gradually believed in her identity and agreed to fulfill the wish mentioned in the letter...
Cause of the incident. Ancestor story
In September 2004, the Chinese Embassy in Kenya received a letter from a local residents.
The letter was Sharif.
At that time, the staff members who saw the content on the letter were undoubtedly shocked.
letter mentioned:
Mr. Ambassador,
My name is Mavamaka Sharif, and I am a Kenya girl who is about to graduate from high school.
At the same time, I am also a descendant of Zheng He’s subordinates hundreds of years ago.
Therefore, I want to take advantage of the holiday to go back to the distant Chinese hometown.
Can you give me some help...
Not only that, Sharif said in the letter that in addition to her, there are also descendants of a group of sailors living in their village. After reading the letter, almost everyone was skeptical.
You should know that there have been controversy from ancient times to the present wherever " Zheng He voyages to the West" go.
Although there are historical records in my country, the farthest place it arrives is Malindi located on the eastern coast of Africa (now Malindi, Kenya).
and later, experts did find some wrecks and a large number of fragments of Chinese pottery and ancient porcelain in the waters near Kenya.
But these are just speculations, and the authenticity behind it remains to be investigated.
Not to mention whether there are really crew members here and marry and have children with locals.
This is a historical mystery.
Naturally, these questions always hover in the minds of the ambassadors.
Some people even think that this is a "joking" for children and don't take it to heart.
But at this time, Chinese Ambassador Guo Chongli raised objections after reading it several times.
The girl's tone in the letter was sincere and sincere, letting him calm down and think, and said to his colleagues:
"If the letter is true, she is really a descendant of Chinese sailors.
Then it means that hundreds of years later, thousands of miles away from China, there is still a mark related to Zheng He's voyage to the West.
, so her appearance is a good thing for China.
So I want to verify the truth of this matter myself." After hearing this, my colleagues were also convinced and nodded in support.
Guo Chongli
That's it. The next morning, with a pragmatic mind, Guo Chongli embarked on the way to Sharif's house.
Sharif's home is in the village of Siyu, Patai Island, Mombasa Province, Kenya.
As soon as he came here, Guo Chongli discovered the difference between this place and other places.
The graves on both sides of the road are completely different from those on the local graves.
It is a mound of soil, and it looks similar to the traditional Chinese funeral methods, regardless of its orientation or style.
In theory, even if is not friendly, even customs and habits will not be learned from each other.
Guo Chongli couldn't help but think:
"Can't there really be descendants of Chinese people living here, right?"
Thinking of this, he had already arrived at Sharif's doorstep without realizing it.
Then the beginning scene appeared.
At that time, Sharif and his mother came to open the door when they heard the knock on the door.
Seeing the man with black hair and yellow skin in front of him, the mother and daughter were full of doubts.
Sha Mu even asked directly:
"Who are you, why are you here? Are you Chinese?"
Sharif's mother
Guo Chong smiled and replied:
"Yes, I am a staff member of the Chinese Embassy and received it a few days ago. The letter Sharif wrote to us is here today to find Sharif."
When Sharif heard this, he was so excited that he suddenly screamed, jumping and screaming:
"Oh my God, I never thought you would really believe me and come to my house! Thank you for your trust."
Looking at the excited little girl in front of him, Guo Chongli felt even more "strange" in this matter.
More importantly, when you look closely at Sharif's appearance, it is actually different from the locals.
Her curly hair is not as close to the scalp as the locals;
skin is much whiter than others;
There is an indescribable Asian feeling between her eyebrows...
And Guo Chongli's arrival surprised Sharif and her family.
, especially Sharif.
She never expected that the letter she sent with a lucky mentality would receive a reply, and the ambassador came in person.
Her family didn't expect that the Chinese ambassador would be so approachable.
Seeing this, Sharif's mother immediately invited Guo Chongli to the living room of her home.
Sharif
Then, she brought the ambassador a pot of tea soaked in boiling water, which was similar to that of Chinese tea sets.
Guo Chongli immediately noticed this detail.
You should know that this is different from most African families.
Although Africa is influenced by British colonization, it also drinks tea.
But usually they drink blended tea and use cups with gold edges.
So, he asked tentatively:
"Sorry, I want to ask, are your family drinking tea?"
Sharif's mother smiled and said:
"Yes, this is a habit passed down by our ancestors."
Hearing this, Guo Chongli couldn't wait to ask Sharif's mother to tell him the story of their ancestors.
In this way, Shamu followed his request and told the experiences passed down from his ancestors...
Sharif
The story took place around one day in more than 1400 AD.
At that time, due to storm weather, there were strong winds and huge waves in the waters near Patai Island in the Indian Ocean.
A merchant ship was also blown down the mast, unfortunately hitting the reef and unable to continue moving forward.
In the end, the group could only get to the dock nearby.
And their arrival broke the local peace and caused panic among residents.
At that time, the villagers heard the noise and raised their sticks from their homes to the beach.
Then, the group quietly hid not far from the coast.
Wait until they saw a large group of black-haired and yellow-skinned people coming off the ship, their hearts were even more hostile, because they were invaders from foreign countries. What walked off the ship was Zheng He and his group who were sent to the West in the Ming Dynasty.
Zheng He voyage to the West
In fact, they found the villagers hiding not far away as they got off the boat.
But what happened, both sides could not communicate with each other.
They also know that the other party treats him as a bad person, so they are vigilant.
However, the sky gradually darkened.
In order to create unnecessary conflicts, Zheng He and his group decided to set up camp on the coast.
expresses his friendship by being far away from the village.
It was this move that made the residents in the bushes feel a little relieved and then went back to their own homes.
However, on this island, the islanders are not only afraid of outsiders, but also afraid of a kind of creature.
That is python .
Or because of the good ecology, there are always pythons in the village appearing at night.
As far as that era was concerned, these creatures seriously endangered the lives of local villagers.
But helplessly, because the village is backward, everyone has no idea what this is;
plus they don’t even have a decent iron tool.
So, there is no way for everyone to use them.
One night, the python appears as usual.
This time it happened to be near the camp where Zheng He and others set up.
Fortunately, a crew member of the fleet discovered it in time that night and immediately notified Zheng He.
What you see and hear along the way has long made others unsuspecting.
After hearing this news, Zheng He only thought for a while and immediately gave a countermeasure to ask his subordinates to set up traps.
After they finished the device, he led several strong and flexible subordinates to lure the python into it separately and introduce it into it.
Finally, everyone worked together to get rid of this dangerous python.
Zheng He's voyage to the West
"scoundrel" was eliminated and the good news spread throughout the villages.
The villagers were very happy after learning the news, and they even improved their views on Zheng He and his group.
Later, under the leadership of the village chief, the masses spontaneously went to welcome the sailors into the village.
Although due to language problems, both parties can only communicate with each other with their hands.
But over time, we have developed a certain understanding of each other and probably understand what the other party wants to express.
At that time, Zheng He said to the villagers:
"We are from the far east, the Ming Dynasty, and traveled all sides at the order of the emperor, good neighbors and friendly, and make friends with each other."
Sharif
Hearing this, the village chief immediately stood up and said:
"Thank you, thank you so much, I removed the python for us. Welcome to our village, we call it 'Shangjia Village'. Your ship is broken, so let's stay here. You can wait until the ship is repaired before leaving."
Since then, Zheng He and others have temporarily settled in the village.
At that time, all the skills of the Ming Dynasty were far stronger than those of the local area.
So as a thank you, Zheng He led his subordinates to teach the locals some farming skills and life skills.
Later, by chance, a sailor in the fleet who had a little knowledge of medical skills also used traditional Chinese medicine forensics to cure a sick villager.
A few days later, this person became lively again. The recovery speed of
is simply incredible in the eyes of the locals, and they all call it a "miracle doctor".
What's more, they kneel directly on their feet and ask to learn from their masters.
cannot resist the enthusiasm of the villagers, and with the spirit of publicity;
The sailor taught all the traditional Chinese medicine treatment techniques he knew to the local people.
Traditional Chinese medicine materials
To this day, there are still people in Xiyou Village, Patai Island who are proficient in traditional Chinese medicine.
But happiness is always short-lived.
Time passed day by day, and Zheng He saw that the ship was about to be repaired, and he felt it was time to leave.
So, he summoned all the villagers in the village and said to everyone gratefully:
"Thank you for your care for us all the time. It's time for us to go back and report back to our homeland!"
Hearing this, some villagers present left tears of reluctance.
After this period of time, they have long regarded Zheng He and his group as their own family.
And at this moment, a subordinate of Zheng He suddenly stood up and said:
"Report to General Manager Zheng, I want to stay!"
Zheng He looked at him.
Only saw a girl with long hair standing next to her subordinate.
The two stood hand in hand.
Zheng He immediately understood the reason.
After pondering for a moment, he said to all his subordinates:
"I understand, it's because I'm not thinking thoroughly. Well, since I want to stay, then stay. Does anyone want to stay?" After the leader of
gave the order, several more people stood up one after another, saying that he wanted to stay.
Seeing this, Zheng He smiled and said,
"Okay. You can stay whatever you want. I will not stop you from forming a family. I hope you will live happily in this land." As soon as he finished speaking, he turned around and took out some porcelain from the box on the boat and left it to them as a souvenir.
Ming Dynasty porcelain
Immediately afterwards, Zheng He and others waved goodbye to this land under the eyes of the villagers...
Going to China Road to study abroad
Speaking at this point, Sharif's mother's eyes were filled with tears.
She turned her head and patted her daughter beside her and said to her:
"Sharif, take the treasured things in our house and give them to the ambassador to see."
After hearing this, Shariif immediately ran to the room.
After a while, she walked out carefully holding a handkerchief.
looks like it seems that it is wrapped in something when you buy it here.
Only after she got it to Guo Chongli did she dare to open it lightly.
At this time, Sha Mu lowered her head aside and said a little apologetically:
"We originally kept it very carefully.
But a few years ago, it was accidentally broken because of an accident.
But this is the ancestor left behind.
No matter what, we still collected the fragments.
We must never forget our ancestors."
looked along the handkerchief, and the first thing that caught Guo Chongli's eyes was the familiar blue and white porcelain pattern.
Then he picked up a piece of porcelain piece and looked at it carefully.
It found that although the porcelain has become fragments, it still looks elegant in color and clear in texture.
Then, he put down the porcelain pieces.
Looking at the Sharif family who treated the "fragments" in front of him, Guo Chongli's eyes couldn't help but wet.
He asked carefully:
"That's great, can I bring these porcelain pieces back? For rigor, I need to find an expert to identify them."
Naturally, Sharif's mother agreed without saying a word.
When I returned to the embassy, Guo Chongli hurriedly found some cultural relics identification experts.
"It was from the Ming Dynasty!"
After repeated confirmation by several experts with magnifying glasses, they came to this conclusion.
As soon as these words were spoken, the staff around were very happy.
Sharif
But after hearing this, Guo Chongli suddenly thought of another thing in his mind.
The next day, he went to Sharifu's house again and said to him:
"Sharif, good boy, you are really a descendant of Zheng He's sailor."
Hearing this, she hugged her head and cried bitterly.
Wait until his emotions recovered, Sharif asked:
"Then I... can I go to China to see it?"
Guo Chongli answered this question very naturally.
even had a little puzzled in his heart:
Our country has always welcomed people of all countries, why did she say so sad?
Thinking of this, Guo Chongli couldn't help but ask curiously:
"Of course! But can you tell me why you want to go to China so much?"
Hearing this question, Sharif's face showed a sad look.
After a while, she barely squeezed out a polite smile and said:
"The conditions in our village are not developed compared to other places, and they are even a little poor.
Here, because they can't go to school and have no money to go to school, most people have low educational level.
Especially girls at my age, usually their families will arrange marriages for them, get married and have children.
My family is no exception, and my two sisters are like this.
And I naturally can't escape this fate.
This is exactly why I wrote this letter. "
Speaking of this, Sharif's voice began to tremble, with a little crying voice, and continued:
"Here, there are many women who live a miserable life because of their husbands drinking and gambling;
is even beaten by their husbands every day.
But they can only endure it because men need to make money to support their families.
but I don't want to do this.
This is not the life I want.
I also want to read more books, want to go to China to see what my hometown I have never seen before looks like. "
Looking at the girl in front of him who was not happy but very strong, Guo Chongli felt very distressed.
Sharif
At the same time, he suddenly had a flash of inspiration, patted Sharif on the shoulder, and said happily:
" The Ministry of Education of China and Kenya have always cooperated.
Every year, the government receives a group of outstanding graduates from Kenya to study in China.
This is an opportunity for you to go to China. "
The haze on Sharif's face disappeared all of a sudden.
She bowed to Guo Chongli and thanked:
"Thank you! I will definitely work hard to go to China! "
This is Sharif's only hope for free to go to China, and Guo Chongli also worried about her.
At that time, he was worried that Sharif would not learn enough knowledge in this poor and backward village.
That means that she could not get a "ticket to go home".
Sharif
A year later, Sharif graduated from high school.
And what Guo Chongli was worried about still happened.
At that time, although she graduated successfully, she failed to get a quota for going abroad.
After thinking about it, Guo Chongli decided to help her.
He immediately submitted materials about Sharif to his superiors and explained his identity.
What is heartwarming is that after the leader learned about the situation, he specially approved a quota for studying abroad from Kenya to China for public expenses to fulfill Sharif's "dream of going home".
In July 2005, Sharif finally boarded a plane to China and headed to Nanjing, Jiangsu (formerly Yingtianfu of the Ming Dynasty).
Along the way, Sharif was very nervous, even a little dazed, and always felt like he was dreaming.
It was only when she saw people coming and going, rows of tall buildings, and the yellow-skinned and dark-haired Chinese people around her, that she felt like a dream. When I woke up, I was excited.
Sharif didn't expect that he would really come to China, nor did he expect that this mysterious ancient oriental country would be so developed, advanced, lively and prosperous.
The then deputy mayor of Nanjing received the news that Shariif came and personally received her.
Not only that, the deputy mayor prepared a scarf in advance to give it to Shariif, and said to her:
"Welcome to your arrival and welcome you back to your hometown! I will arrange someone and he will lead you around. Finally, you must remember to make good use of this valuable learning opportunity and learn knowledge, and bring China's relevant history and culture back to Kenya in the future so that more people can understand China. ”
Sharif expressed his gratitude to the mayor and promised that he would study hard.
Sharif
Maybe it was the blood of Chinese people flowing in the blood.
Although he had never set foot in China, Sharif returned to his bloodline and returned home like a wanderer...
Back to his hometown Helping Chinese people
Later, Sharif decided to choose a Chinese medicine major.
To fully integrate into China's life, she also asked her teacher to give a Chinese name, "Xia Ruifu" .
But after a period of learning Chinese culture, Sharif knew to have a surname with his ancestors.
So, she changed her name to "Zheng Hua" .
This is the first time Sharif has been away from his hometown.
At the beginning, because there were no friends or familiar people, Sharif would hide in the quilt and cry quietly every night.
But she never gave up on the idea of studying in China.
This study took seven years.
Sharif
She has successively obtained a bachelor's degree in clinical medicine in traditional Chinese medicine and a master's degree in pediatrics in integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine from Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 4.
In 2017, Sharif has been successfully admitted to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, preparing to continue his doctoral degree in obstetrics and gynecology.
After more than ten years of learning, she has been able to speak fluent Chinese and is also quite excellent in professional knowledge.
But when I recalled the day I came to China, Sharif still remembered it freshly and said with emotion:
"Nanjing is my second hometown for me. I think it is a good place. I not only learned medical knowledge, but also a lot of social knowledge..."
In fact, there are countless voices questioning her identity along the way.
Some people even say that she is cheating on studying abroad quotas.
However, Sharif didn't care about this, and would only hit back with one sentence:
"I don't think this is important. I am Chinese and I am also Kenyan. No matter where I am, I will be proud of the Chinese culture I have learned."
Sharif and his mother often talk to each other.
However, due to the distance and time difference, the cross-border telephone signal is always blocked, and the mother and daughter cannot chat for a long time.
Naturally, we always care about each other.
More importantly, Sharif still pretends to be a native of his hometown in his heart.
Sharif
Therefore, when talking about her plans after graduation, she said directly:
"I will return to my hometown, help my compatriots, and treat them.
I want to use my story to tell those little girls who are 15 or 6 years old, They also have their own youth and life!
I want to pay tribute to my ancestors with my decision. I will return to Kenya like them, with the knowledge I learned from China and help the villagers. "
Postscript
Although I love China very much, Sharif still chose to return to his hometown and contribute his own strength.
Perhaps several years later, if she has her own child, she will tell the stories of her ancestors to her children like her mother.
The difference is that Sharif will also tell his experience in China.
At that time, she would say with her eyes shining:
"China is an inclusive big country, a friendly big country, an advanced big country, and a beautiful big country..."
References
CCTV4 "20200926 The world listens to me"
International online "Zheng He fleet sailor "Kenya descendants" China's deep feelings"
People's Daily Online "China and Kenya Cooperation to Exposure Chinese Cultural Relics on the Kenyan Coast"
