Where thoughts arise, attachment is born; where affection lingers, calamity is sure to follow. Why does the awakened mind trouble itself with the three celestial spheres ? When the pilgrimage is complete, it naturally returns to the primordial ocean . Whether one seeks to become an immortal or a Buddha, the path must be arranged from within. Pure and clear, free from all dust, when the fruit is true, one ascends to the higher realms.
The monks of the Compassionate Cloud Temple , upon discovering at dawn that Tang Sanzang and his disciples had vanished, lamented among themselves: "We failed to keep them, failed to bid them farewell, failed to seek their blessings—and thus we let a living Bodhisattva slip away!" As they spoke, several wealthy households from beyond the southern gate arrived, hoping to invite the pilgrims for a meal. The monks slapped their thighs in regret: "We lost them last night! They mounted their clouds and departed under cover of darkness!" The people all kowtowed toward the sky in gratitude. When this news spread, every official and citizen in the city learned of it, and the wealthy families hastily prepared livestock and fruit to offer at the pilgrims' shrine in thanks. Of this, we shall say no more for now.
As for Tang Sanzang and his three disciples, they traveled on, enduring wind and dew, journeying steadily for over half a month. One day, they suddenly saw a towering mountain ahead. Tang Sanzang, once again afraid, said, "Disciples, that mountain ahead is steep and dangerous—we must be careful!" Wukong laughed and replied, "Master, we are nearing the Buddha's land; there surely will be no demons here. Set your heart at ease and worry not." Tang Sanzang said, "Disciple, even if we are close to the Buddha's land, the monks at the temple said we still have two thousand miles to go before reaching the Heavenly Kingdom. Who knows how much longer the journey will be?"
Wukong said, "Master, have you forgotten the Heart Sutra that the Crow's Nest Chan Master taught you?" Tang Sanzang replied, "The Prajna Paramita Heart Sutra is a treasure I carry with me always. Ever since the Crow's Nest Chan Master taught it to me, have I not recited it every single day? Have I forgotten it even for a moment? I can recite it backward—how could I forget it!" Wukong said, "Master, you only know how to recite it, but did the master ever explain its meaning to you?" Tang Sanzang said, "You monkey! How dare you say I do not understand! Do you understand it, then?" Wukong replied, "I understand it. Of course I understand it."
After this exchange, both Tang Sanzang and Wukong fell silent. Zhu Bajie, watching from the side, doubled over with laughter, and Sha Wujing also chuckled. Bajie said, "What bragging! Just like me—we're all demon-born, not sutra-chanting monks. We've never listened to dharma talks or sermons! Putting on airs and strutting about, saying 'I understand, I understand'—and now you don't say a word! Go on, then! Explain it! Interpret it!"
Sha Wujing said, "Second Brother, do you really believe him? Eldest Brother is just making idle talk to hurry the master along. He only knows how to wield his golden-banded staff—what does he know of sutra interpretation!"
Tang Sanzang said, "Wuneng, Wujing, do not speak recklessly. Wukong's understanding is the true understanding that transcends written words."
As the master and disciples spoke, they had already traveled a considerable distance and crossed several mountains. Suddenly, a large temple appeared by the roadside. Tang Sanzang said, "Wukong, there is a temple ahead! Look at it—neither too large nor too small, yet its roof is of glazed jade tiles; half new and half old, yet it has vermillion walls. I can faintly see ancient pines spreading like great umbrellas—who knows how many thousands of years these old trees have stood here? I can also hear the sound of flowing water, like the plucking of zither strings—who can say in which dynasty this mountain was first opened and this temple built? Above the triple gate is written ' Temple of Spread Gold ,' and the plaque bears the inscription 'Ancient Relic.'"
Wukong clearly saw the words "Temple of Spread Gold," and Bajie also said, "It is the Temple of Spread Gold."
Tang Sanzang, still seated on his horse, pondered: "Spread Gold... Spread Gold... Could this be the border of the Kingdom of Shravasti ?"
Bajie said, "Master, how strange! In all the years I have followed you, I have never been able to recognize the road, yet today I actually recognize it!"
Tang Sanzang said, "It is not that you recognize the road. I have often read in the sutras that the Buddha once taught in the Garden of the Solitary Giver at Shravasti. That garden was purchased by the Elder Anathapindika from the crown prince. The prince said, 'I will not sell this garden. If you wish to buy it, you must cover the entire ground with gold.' When the Elder Anathapindika heard this, he used gold bricks to pave the entire garden, thus buying the prince's Jeta Grove and inviting the Buddha to teach there. I wonder if this Temple of Spread Gold is connected to that story."
Bajie laughed and said, "What luck! If it really is connected to that story, let's pick up a gold brick for ourselves!" Everyone laughed again, and then Tang Sanzang dismounted.
As they entered the triple gate, they saw people carrying loads on shoulder poles, bearing backpacks, and pushing carts, all sitting on the ground resting. Some were sleeping, others chatting. When the crowd saw the four pilgrims—some handsome, some ugly—they were all somewhat frightened and hastily made way. Tang Sanzang, afraid of causing trouble, kept muttering, "Be civil! Be civil!" At these words, the crowd restrained themselves somewhat. Passing through the Hall of the Vajra Guardians , a monk emerged, bearing an extraordinary presence. Truly:
Tang Sanzang stepped forward to greet him, and the monk quickly returned the salute, asking, "Venerable Master, where have you come from?"
Tang Sanzang replied, "Your disciple, Chen Xuanzang, has been sent by the Great Tang Emperor of the East to worship the Buddha and seek the scriptures in the Western Paradise. Passing through this esteemed place, I have taken the liberty of visiting and wish to request lodging for the night. Tomorrow, I shall depart." The monk said, "This temple of ours welcomes monks from all directions. How much more so when the elder is a holy monk from the East! To host you is a great honor." After Tang Sanzang expressed his thanks, he called his three disciples to follow. They passed through corridors and the refectory, proceeding directly to the abbot's quarters. After exchanging courtesies, they took their seats as host and guest, while Wukong and the other two stood respectfully to the side.
When the monks of the temple heard that a scripture-seeking monk from the East had arrived, whether they were permanent residents, temporary lodgers, elders, or novices, all came to pay their respects. After tea was served, a vegetarian meal was laid out. While Tang Sanzang was still reciting the mealtime blessing , Bajie could no longer contain himself, stuffing steamed buns, vegetables, and soup into his mouth all at once. The abbot's quarters were crowded—those who understood propriety admired Tang Sanzang's dignified bearing, while those fond of entertainment watched Bajie eat. Sha Wujing, with sharp eyes, saw Bajie's behavior and secretly pinched him, saying, "Be civil!"
Bajie, startled, hastily cried out, "Civil! Civil! My belly is completely empty!"
Sha Wujing laughed and said, "Second Brother, you don't understand. How many people in this world claim to be 'civil,' yet when you look at what's inside their bellies, it's no different from you or me."
Only then did Bajie stop. When Tang Sanzang finished his mealtime blessing, the attendants cleared the tableware, and Tang Sanzang thanked the monks.
The monks of the temple asked about the situation in the Eastern Lands, and when Tang Sanzang spoke of ancient sites, he took the opportunity to ask about the origin of the name "Temple of Spread Gold." The monk replied, "This temple was originally the Garden of the Solitary Giver Temple in the Kingdom of Shravasti, also known as the Jeta Grove. Because the Elder Anathapindika, when inviting the Buddha to teach, covered the garden floor with gold bricks, it was renamed. Looking out from our temple, you can see the former Kingdom of Shravasti. In those days, the Elder Anathapindika lived in Shravasti, and this wild mountain was originally his Jeta Grove, hence it was called the Garden of the Solitary Giver Gold-Spreading Temple. Behind the temple, there are still ruins of the Jeta Grove. In recent years, when heavy rains fall, gold and silver pearls are sometimes washed out, and those with good fortune often find them."
Tang Sanzang said, "Truly, the reputation is well deserved!" He then asked, "When I entered the temple, I saw many merchants with carts and shoulder poles resting in the corridor. Why are they all stopping here?"
The monks replied, "This mountain of ours is called Hundred-Foot Mountain. It used to be quite peaceful, but recently, for some unknown reason, a centipede spirit has been causing trouble, often biting people by the roadside. Though its bites are not fatal, no one dares to travel. Below the mountain is a pass called Cockcrow Pass, which can only be crossed when the roosters crow. Those merchants who arrive late, fearing the danger of travel, temporarily lodge in our temple for the night, waiting for the roosters to crow before proceeding."
Tang Sanzang said, "Then we, too, shall wait for the roosters to crow before we leave." As the master and disciples were speaking, another meal was served. After everyone had eaten, night had fallen.
The crescent moon was bright, and Tang Sanzang and Wukong were strolling under the moonlight when suddenly a Daoist attendant came to report, "Our old abbot wishes to meet the venerable master from the East." Tang Sanzang quickly turned around and saw an old monk leaning on a bamboo staff. The old monk stepped forward and greeted him, saying, "Are you, Venerable Sir, the master from the East?" Tang Sanzang returned the greeting and said, "I dare not accept such honor." The old monk praised him repeatedly and then asked, "Venerable Master, how old are you?" Tang Sanzang replied, "I have barely lived forty-five years. May I ask the old abbot's age?" The old monk smiled and said, "I am sixty years older than you." Wukong said, "Then you are one hundred and five years old? And how old do you think I am?" The old monk said, "Venerable Master, you have the bearing of an immortal, but the night is dark, and my eyesight is poor—I cannot tell."
After chatting for a while, they all walked toward the rear corridor. Tang Sanzang asked, "Where exactly are the ruins of the Garden of the Solitary Giver that you mentioned?" The old monk said, "They are just beyond the back gate." He quickly ordered the gate to be opened, revealing an empty plot of land with some broken stone walls. Tang Sanzang clasped his hands and sighed, saying:
They strolled slowly under the moonlight, and after sitting for a while on a high platform beyond the back gate, they suddenly heard the sound of weeping. Tang Sanzang quieted his mind and listened carefully. The one crying spoke of longing for parents, uttering heart-wrenching words. His own heart ached, and he could not help shedding tears. He turned back to ask the monks, "Who is crying so sorrowfully, and where?"
When the old monk heard the question, he first sent the other monks back to prepare tea. Only when they were alone did he kneel before Tang Sanzang and Wukong. Tang Sanzang quickly helped him up, saying, "Old abbot, why do you show such great respect?" The old monk said, "I have lived for over a hundred years and have some understanding of the world. In my meditations, I have witnessed strange things. I can see that you, Master, and your disciples are different from ordinary people. As for this sorrowful matter, no one but your eminent disciple here can resolve it." Wukong said, "First, tell us what the matter is."
The old monk said, "On this very day last year, I was meditating and cultivating my mind when I suddenly heard a gust of wind, followed by the sound of crying. I got up and went to the ruins of the Jeta Grove to look, and there I saw a very beautiful young woman. I asked her, 'Whose daughter are you, and how did you come here?' The girl said, 'I am the princess of the Heavenly Kingdom. While watching the flowers by night, I was blown here by the wind.' I locked her in an empty room, building the room like a prison, leaving only a small opening in the door just large enough to pass a bowl through. At the time, I told the other monks, 'This is a demon, and I have bound it.' But as monks, we are compassionate and could not bear to take her life. I give her two simple meals a day to keep her alive. The girl is clever and understood my intention. Fearing that the other monks might harm her, she feigns madness, sleeping in filth, babbling nonsense during the day, and acting like a fool. Only at night, when no one is around, does she secretly weep for her parents. I have gone into the city several times to beg for alms and inquire about the princess, but there has been no news at all. So I have kept her locked up, not daring to release her. Now, fortunately, you, Master, have come to the Heavenly Kingdom. I hope that when you reach the city, you will use your dharma powers to help identify her. First, this will save the virtuous girl; second, it will demonstrate your divine abilities." Tang Sanzang and Wukong both took this to heart. As they were speaking, two young monks came to invite them for tea and rest, and everyone returned.
Bajie and Sha Wujing were grumbling in the abbot's quarters: "Tomorrow we have to wait for the roosters to crow before leaving, and now they're not even sleeping!"
Wukong entered and said, "Fool, what are you mumbling about now?"
Bajie said, "Let's sleep! It's so late, and still you're out sightseeing?" The old monk then took his leave, and Tang Sanzang and the others settled down to sleep. Truly:
They had not slept long when they heard the roosters crow. The merchants who had stopped for the night all rose, lit their lamps, and began to cook. Tang Sanzang also woke Bajie and Sha Wujing, telling them to pack the luggage and prepare the horse. Wukong ordered the lamps to be lit. The monks of the temple had already risen and prepared tea and refreshments. Bajie was delighted and devoured a plate of steamed buns. The luggage and horse were led outside the gate. Tang Sanzang and Wukong thanked the monks, and the old monk said again to Wukong, "Keep that sorrowful matter in your heart! Keep it in your heart!" Wukong laughed and said, "Rest assured! Rest assured! When I reach the city, I will naturally discern the truth by listening to voices and reading faces." The merchants, noisy and bustling, also set out together on the main road.
Around the hour of the Tiger, they passed Cockcrow Pass. By the hour of the Serpent, they finally saw the capital city of the Heavenly Kingdom. It was truly a sturdy and splendid city, like a dwelling place of immortals. This city:
That day, they entered the Eastern Market Street, and the merchants each went to their inns. The four pilgrims walked a little further into the city until they saw a government hostel and went straight in. The attendant in charge quickly reported to the hostel master, "Outside are four very strange-looking monks, leading a white horse." When the hostel master heard there was a horse, he knew they were official travelers and hurried out to greet them.
Tang Sanzang greeted him and said, "I am a poor monk sent by the Great Tang Emperor of the East to worship the Buddha and seek the scriptures at Spirit Mountain in the Western Paradise. I carry with me a travel pass and wish to enter the city to pay my respects to the king and have it sealed. I ask to borrow your esteemed hostel to rest for a while. Once my business is done, I will depart."
The hostel master returned the greeting and said, "This hostel is meant for receiving guests. It is only right that we host you. Please come in! Please come in!"
Tang Sanzang was delighted and called his disciples forward to greet the hostel master. When the hostel master saw how ugly Wukong and the other two were, he was secretly terrified, unsure whether they were human or ghost. Trembling, he could only order tea and a meal to be served. Seeing his fear, Tang Sanzang said, "Sir, do not worry. Although my three disciples are ugly in appearance, their hearts are kind. As the saying goes, 'The mountain may look fierce, but the people within are good.' What is there to fear?"
Hearing this, the hostel master relaxed and asked, "National Teacher, where is the Tang Dynasty located?"
Tang Sanzang said, "It is in the land of China, in the Southern Continent of Jambudvipa."
The hostel master asked, "When did you leave home?"
Tang Sanzang said, "I set out in the thirteenth year of the Zhenguan era. It has now been fourteen years. After crossing countless mountains and rivers, I have finally arrived here."
The hostel master exclaimed, "Truly a divine monk! A divine monk indeed!"
Tang Sanzang asked, "What is the current reign title of your esteemed kingdom?"
The hostel master said, "This is the Great Heavenly Kingdom. From the founding emperor down to the present, it has been over five hundred years. The current king delights in mountains, waters, flowers, and trees. He is called Emperor Yizong, with the reign title Jingyan, and has been on the throne for twenty-eight years."
Tang Sanzang said, "I wish to go to court today to pay my respects to the king and have my pass sealed. I wonder if the king will be holding court?" The hostel master said, "Good! Good! You have come at the right time! Because the princess has just come of age at twenty, a colored pavilion has been set up at the crossroads for her to throw an embroidered ball to choose a husband. Today is the height of the festivities, and the king has likely not yet withdrawn from court. If you wish to have your pass sealed, now is the perfect time." Tang Sanzang was delighted and prepared to set out. Just then, a meal was served, and he ate together with the hostel master and Wukong and the others.
After the meal, it was past noon. Tang Sanzang said, "I should be going now."
Wukong said, "I will accompany you, Master."
Bajie said, "I will go too!"
Sha Wujing said, "Second Brother, forget it. Your appearance is too conspicuous. Don't cause trouble at the palace gate. Let Eldest Brother go."
Tang Sanzang said, "Wujing is right. The fool is too reckless. Wukong is more careful."
Bajie pouted and said, "Aside from Master, the three of us look pretty much the same!"
Tang Sanzang put on his cassock, and Wukong carried the travel pass. Together, they left the hostel. On the street, scholars, farmers, artisans, merchants, and ordinary folk were all shouting, "Go watch the embroidered ball toss!" Tang Sanzang stood by the roadside and said to Wukong, "The people here dress, live, and speak much like those in our Great Tang. It reminds me of my own mother, who also chose a husband by throwing an embroidered ball and thus married my father. It seems this custom exists here as well."
Wukong said, "Shall we go and watch too?"
Tang Sanzang said, "No, no! We are wearing monk's robes. It would be inconvenient and might arouse suspicion."
Wukong said, "Master, have you forgotten what the old abbot of the Temple of Spread Gold said? First, we can see the colored pavilion; second, we can discern the truth from falsehood. With such festivities, the king will surely be busy hearing news of the princess's betrothal. How could he have the mind to attend to court affairs? Let's go and see!"
Hearing this, Tang Sanzang really did go with Wukong, and they saw a great crowd watching the embroidered ball toss. Alas! They did not know that this trip would be like a fisherman casting his hook, drawing forth trouble from then on.
Now, as for the king of the Heavenly Kingdom, because he loved mountains, waters, flowers, and trees, he had taken the empress and the princess to the imperial garden to view the moon two years earlier. This disturbed a demon, who captured the real princess and transformed itself into a false one. The demon knew that Tang Sanzang would arrive today, so it used the kingdom's resources to build the colored pavilion, hoping to take Tang Sanzang as its husband, absorb his primordial yang essence, and thereby cultivate itself into a Supreme Immortal of the Great Unity.
At the hour of the Noon, the third quarter, Tang Sanzang and Wukong mingled with the crowd and approached the colored pavilion. The false princess first burned incense and made offerings to heaven and earth. Around her were fifty or sixty palace maids holding the embroidered ball. The eight windows of the pavilion were all thrown open. The false princess turned her head and, seeing Tang Sanzang approaching, picked up the embroidered ball and threw it with her own hands toward him. Tang Sanzang was startled—even his Vairochana hat was knocked askew. He quickly raised his hand to steady it, and the embroidered ball rolled right into his sleeve. The people upstairs shouted together, "The ball has hit the monk! The ball has hit the monk!"
Ya! The merchants and common folk at the crossroads all surged forward, trying to snatch the ball. Wukong let out a great roar, bared his fangs, and bent his body, growing to three zhang tall in an instant, revealing a terrifying visage. The people, frightened, stumbled and scrambled away, not daring to come near. After a while, the crowd dispersed, and Wukong returned to his normal form. The palace maids and eunuchs upstairs all came down and kowtowed to Tang Sanzang, saying, "Noble one! Noble one! Please enter the palace to offer congratulations!" Tang Sanzang quickly returned the greeting, helped them up, and turned back to reproach Wukong, "You monkey! You are playing tricks on me again!"
Wukong laughed and said, "The embroidered ball hit your head and rolled into your sleeve. What does that have to do with me? Why do you blame me?"
Tang Sanzang said, "What am I to do now?"
Wukong said, "Master, do not worry. First, go to the palace to see the king. I will return to the hostel and tell Bajie and Sha Wujing to wait. If the princess does not want you, we will seal the pass and leave. If she insists on taking you as her husband, you can say to the king, 'Summon my disciples. I must give them some instructions.' Then call the three of us into the palace, and I will naturally be able to discern truth from falsehood. This is called 'using the betrothal to subdue the demon.'" Tang Sanzang had no choice but to follow his advice. Wukong turned and went back to the hostel.
Tang Sanzang was escorted by the palace maids to the base of the colored pavilion. The false princess descended and reached out to support him. Together, they boarded a carriage, set out the imperial procession, and headed toward the palace. A eunuch had already reported to the king, "Your Majesty, the princess is supporting a monk. It seems the embroidered ball has hit him. They are now waiting outside the Meridian Gate for your decree." When the king heard this, he was greatly displeased. He wanted to drive the monk away, but he did not know the princess's intentions, so he had to brace himself and order them to be brought in.
The false princess and Tang Sanzang arrived at the foot of the Golden Throne Hall. They bowed to the king like husband and wife, and the officials on both sides also performed their salutations. After the ceremonies, the king summoned them to the hall and asked, "You monk, where have you come from, and how did my daughter's embroidered ball hit you?"
Tang Sanzang knelt and reported, "I am a poor monk sent by the Great Tang Emperor of the Southern Continent of Jambudvipa to worship the Buddha and seek the scriptures at the Great Thunderclap Temple in the Western Paradise. I came to pay my respects to Your Majesty to have my travel pass sealed. As I was passing the colored pavilion at the crossroads, I never expected Her Highness the princess to throw the embroidered ball, which struck me on the head. I am a monk—how dare I enter into marriage with the princess! I beg Your Majesty to spare me the death penalty, seal my pass, and let me depart quickly for Spirit Mountain. Once I have obtained the scriptures and returned to the Great Tang, I will forever remember Your Majesty's grace!"
The king said, "You are a holy monk from the East. Truly, 'a thousand miles of fate are tied by a single thread.' My daughter is twenty years old this year and has not yet married. I chose this auspicious day for her to build the colored pavilion and throw the embroidered ball to select a husband. It just so happened that you caught it. Although I am not pleased, I do not know what my daughter thinks."
The false princess kowtowed and said, "Father King, it is often said, 'Marry a chicken, follow the chicken; marry a dog, follow the dog.' Your daughter long ago swore an oath and called heaven and earth as witnesses. Today, the ball has struck this holy monk. This is a bond from a former life and a meeting in this one. How could it be changed? I am willing to take him as my husband."
Only then was the king pleased. He immediately ordered the Imperial Observatory to select an auspicious day for the wedding. Meanwhile, he ordered the preparation of a dowry and issued a decree to be announced throughout the kingdom. When Tang Sanzang heard this, far from giving thanks, he kept crying out, "Let me go! Let me go!"
The king said, "You foolish monk! I am offering you the wealth of an entire kingdom to take you as my son-in-law, yet you only think of seeking scriptures! If you dare to refuse again, I will have the Imperial Guard drag you out and behead you!"
Tang Sanzang was terrified out of his wits. Trembling, he could only kowtow and say, "I thank Your Majesty for your grace, but I have four disciples, and three of them are still outside. Now that I am to be taken as your son-in-law, I have not yet said a single word to them. I beg Your Majesty to summon them, seal their pass, and let them go ahead, so as not to delay the scripture-seeking mission."
The king agreed and asked, "Where are your disciples?"
Tang Sanzang said, "They are all at the government hostel."
The king immediately sent an officer to the hostel to summon Tang Sanzang's disciples, to give them the travel pass and let them proceed to the Western Paradise, while keeping Tang Sanzang here as the royal son-in-law. Tang Sanzang could only stand and wait. There is a poem to prove this:
Now, the officer went to the government hostel to summon Tang Sanzang's disciples. Of this, we shall say no more for the moment.
Let us instead speak of Wukong. After parting from Tang Sanzang at the base of the colored pavilion, he took a few steps, laughed a couple of times, and returned cheerfully to the hostel. Bajie and Sha Wujing came up to greet him and asked, "Elder Brother, why are you so happy? Where is the master?"
Wukong said, "The master has a happy event."
Bajie said, "We haven't reached Spirit Mountain yet, nor have we obtained the scriptures. What happy event could there be?"
Wukong laughed and said, "When I reached the colored pavilion at the crossroads with the master, the princess of the court happened to throw the embroidered ball and hit the master. The master was then escorted by the palace maids and eunuchs to the base of the pavilion, where he boarded a carriage with the princess and went to the palace. They want to take him as the royal son-in-law. Isn't that a happy event?"
When Bajie heard this, he beat his chest and stamped his feet, saying, "If only I had known, I would have gone! It's all Sha Wujing's fault for stopping me! If you hadn't stopped me, I would have rushed straight to the base of the colored pavilion. If the embroidered ball had hit me, Old Pig, and the princess had taken me as her husband, how wonderful that would be! Beautiful and noble, enjoying riches and honor together—what fun!"
Sha Wujing stepped forward and wiped his face, saying, "Shameless! Shameless! What bragging! 'Spent three cents on an old donkey and still boasts about riding it!' If the embroidered ball had hit you, they would have burned the exorcism papers that very night, afraid even to let your bad luck through the door!"
Bajie said, "You black-faced fellow don't understand! Ugly as I am, I still have some charm. As the old saying goes, 'Tough skin and coarse flesh, but strong bones—each has its own good points!'"
Wukong said, "Fool, stop your nonsense! Quickly pack the luggage. The master might be anxious and call for us. We need to be ready to enter the palace and protect him."
Bajie said, "Elder Brother, you're talking nonsense again! The master is now the royal son-in-law, living in the palace with the princess. He's not climbing mountains or fleeing demons—what protection does he need from you? He's old enough to know what goes on under the covers; he doesn't need your help!" Wukong grabbed Bajie by the ear and shook his fist, cursing, "You pig-headed fool with nothing but filthy thoughts! What nonsense are you spouting!"
As they were quarreling, the hostel master came to report, "The emperor has issued a decree and sent an officer to invite the three divine monks to the palace." Bajie said, "Really inviting us? For what?" The hostel master said, "The old divine monk was hit by the princess's embroidered ball and has been taken as the royal son-in-law. Hence, an officer has been sent to summon you." Wukong said, "Where is the officer? Call him in." The officer entered and bowed to Wukong. After the bow, he did not dare to raise his head, muttering to himself, "Is it a ghost? A monster? A thunder god? Or a yaksha?" Wukong said, "You, officer, you have something to say but won't speak. What are you mumbling about?" The officer, trembling with fear, held up the imperial decree with both hands and stammered, "My lord... my lord invites you... to the palace for a family gathering..."
Bajie said, "There are no instruments of torture here. I won't beat you. Speak slowly, don't be afraid." Wukong said, "He's not afraid of you beating him; he's afraid of your face! Hurry up and pack the luggage, shoulder the pole, and lead the horse. We're going to the palace to see the master and discuss matters!" Truly:
We do not yet know what words will be spoken when they see the king. Listen to the next chapter for the resolution.