I Sailed the Western Seas with Zheng He

In the third year of the Yongle reign, Lu Mingyuan, a physician at the Imperial Medical Academy with an expert knowledge of medicine and foreign languages, is selected by Zheng He to join his fleet and embark on the epic voyages to the Western Ocean. From preparations in Yingtian Prefecture to the departure ceremony at Changle, Lu Mingyuan witnesses the fleet overcome storms with advanced technology and experience, and uses his medical skills to treat sailors struck by a sudden, strange illness. After reaching Champa, Java, Sumatra, and other countries of the Southern Ocean, he explores the region, records local customs and medical traditions, and gets caught up in local conflicts, helping Zheng He resolve crises through wisdom and diplomacy. After crossing the Strait of Malacca and entering the Indian Ocean, the fleet faces a series of dangers, including pirate attacks and a conspiracy by the king of the Kingdom of Ceylon. In Calicut, Aden, and Arab lands such as Tianfang, he experiences the charm of different civilizations and studies advanced medical knowledge. On the return voyage, the fleet contends with monsoons, coups, epidemics, and other challenges, while Lu Mingyuan remains steadfast in his duties. At last, the fleet returns to the capital in triumph. Lu Mingyuan compiles his observations into a book, promoting the integration of Chinese and foreign medicine. He decides to continue following Zheng He on a new voyage, uncovering the secrets of his family and a mysterious medical text from overseas, while continuing to witness the exchange and collision of civilizations.