Chapter 23: Three Teachings Do Not Forget Their Roots Four Sages Test the Zen Mind

A poem says:To seek the Dharma in the West, the journey is long and slow,Autumn winds sigh softly, and frost flowers fall like snow.The unruly ape, firmly bound, must not be set free,The stubborn horse, diligently reined, should not feel the whip's decree.

The Wood Mother and Metal Duke were originally one,The Yellow Hag and Red Infant were never apart from the sun.Biting open the iron pellet reveals true knowledge,Prajñāpāramitā reaches the Other Shore, completing the pilgrimage.

This chapter explains that the path to obtaining scriptures is inseparable from the path of cultivating oneself. Having realized true reality, their worldly shackles were immediately broken. They leaped out of the quicksands of desire, free from all impediments, and headed straight west along the main road. They traversed green mountains and clear waters, enjoying the endless wild grasses and idle flowers. Time flew swiftly, and soon it was the ninth month of autumn. All they saw was:

Maple leaves covering mountains in crimson,Yellow flowers brave the late autumn breeze.Old cicadas' chirps grow lazy and dim,Crickets' sorrowful thoughts find no release.

Lotus leaves, broken, like green silk fans lie,Orange blossoms fragrant, in golden clusters bloom.Pity the wild geese, in lines across the sky,Dotted, they spread out, dispelling the gloom.

As they walked, evening imperceptibly fell. Tripitaka said, "Disciples, it's getting late. Where shall we find lodging?" Pilgrim replied, "Master, you speak amiss. As renunciants, we eat the wind and sleep in the water, lie beneath the moon and rest on frost. Anywhere is our home. Why ask where to stay?" Pigsy interjected, "Brother, you only think of your light steps; you don't care about others' burdens! Ever since crossing the Flowing Sands River, we've been climbing mountains and crossing ridges, carrying heavy loads—it’s extremely difficult! We must find a home, first to beg for some food and tea, and second to regain our strength. That would be sensible." Pilgrim chuckled, "You blockhead! Your words sound like resentment. If you think you can be as lazy and carefree as you were at Gao Village, I'm afraid that's impossible now. Since you're a proper monk, you must endure hardship and suffering to be a true disciple." Pigsy asked, "Brother, how heavy do you think this luggage is?" Pilgrim retorted, "Brother, ever since you and Sandy joined us, I haven't carried it, so how would I know its weight?" Pigsy then said, "Brother, just look at the list then!"

Four pieces of yellow rattan strips,Eight ropes of various lengths.To guard against rain, three or four layers of felt wraps,The carrying pole might slip, so nails are on both ends.A nine-ringed staff, brass and iron-bound,A large straw cape, rattan and bamboo-threaded around.

"With so much luggage, it's hard for old Pig to carry it every day! How come you just follow Master as a disciple, and I'm treated like a laborer?" Pilgrim laughed, "Blockhead, who are you talking to?" Pigsy replied, "Brother, I'm talking to you!" Pilgrim retorted, "You're talking to the wrong person. Old Monkey only cares for Master's well-being. You and Sandy are solely responsible for the luggage and the horse. If you're negligent in the slightest, you'll get a good beating on your shinbones!" Pigsy pleaded, "Brother, don't talk about beating; beating is bullying. I know your high and mighty nature, you'd certainly never carry it. But the horse Master rides, so tall, strong, and fat, carries only the old monk. It would be brotherly if he carried a few items." Pilgrim said, "You call him a horse! He's not an ordinary horse; he's the son of Ao Run, the Dragon King of the West Sea, named the Third Dragon Prince. Because he set fire and burned the luminous pearl in the palace, his father reported him for defiance, and he incurred heavenly punishment. Luckily, Bodhisattva Guanyin saved his life. He waited for Master for a long time in the Eagle's Sorrow Steep Gorge. Fortunately, the Bodhisattva personally came, removed his scales and horns, and took the pearl from his neck. Only then did he transform into this horse, willing to carry Master to the Western Heaven to worship Buddha. This is each person's own meritorious fruit; don't try to claim it." Sandy, hearing this, asked, "Brother, is he truly a dragon?" Pilgrim affirmed, "He is a dragon." Pigsy said, "Brother, I've heard the ancients say that dragons can spout clouds and exhale mist, stir up earth and raise sand. They have the power to rend mountains and hills, and the divine ability to overturn rivers and churn seas. Why does he walk so slowly today?" Pilgrim said, "You want him to go faster? I'll make him go faster for you to see." The Great Sage grasped his golden-banded staff, and ten thousand rays of auspicious clouds emerged. When the horse saw the staff, fearing a blow, its four hooves moved as swift as lightning, and it galloped away. The Master's hands were too weak to hold the reins, and the horse, unrestrained by its wild nature, galloped up a cliff, only then slowing to a steady pace.

Once Master had caught his breath, he looked up and saw a cluster of pines, within which were several grand and imposing buildings. He saw only:

Gates hung with emerald cypress, a dwelling near green hills.A few pines, gracefully swaying, some bamboos, spotted and still.Wild chrysanthemums by the hedge, with frosted beauty gleam,Quiet orchids by the bridge, reflecting crimson in the stream.Walls of white clay, enclosed by brickwork round and wide,High halls so splendid, great mansions serene inside.No cattle or sheep seen, no chickens or dogs roam by,Perhaps the autumn harvest is done, and farmers idly lie.

As Master slowly observed, holding his reins, he saw Monkey King and Sandy just arriving. Sandy asked, "Master, you didn't fall off the horse, did you?" The elder cursed, "Monkey King, you mischievous rascal! He startled the horse. Luckily, I managed to stay on!" Pilgrim apologized with a smile, "Master, don't scold me. It was Pigsy who said the horse was slow, so I made it go faster." That blockhead, having rushed to catch up with the horse, was panting heavily, grumbling and complaining, "That's enough! That's enough! My belly's rumbling, my waist is sore, the load is heavy, and I can't carry it. And now you make me run to catch the horse!" The elder said, "Disciple, look over there! There's a manor house. We can seek lodging there." Pilgrim, hearing this, quickly looked up and saw auspicious clouds covering the air, and propitious mists filling the space. He knew it must be an illusion created by Buddhas or immortals, but he dared not reveal the heavenly secret. He simply said, "Good, good, good! Let's go ask for lodging."

The elder dismounted quickly. He saw a gatehouse with hanging lotus patterns and elephant trunks, painted beams and carved pillars. Sandy put down his load, and Pigsy led the horse. "This family," Pigsy said, "is truly wealthy beyond measure." Pilgrim was about to enter, but Tripitaka said, "No, as renunciants, we must avoid suspicion. We must not enter uninvited. Let's wait for someone to come out and politely ask for lodging. Only then is it proper." Pigsy tied the horse and leaned against the wall. Tripitaka sat on a stone drum. Pilgrim and Sandy sat on the steps. After a long wait with no one emerging, Pilgrim, impatient, jumped up and entered to look. Inside, he found a main hall with three rooms facing south, curtains drawn high. On the screen door hung a horizontal scroll painting depicting Longevity Mountain and a Sea of Blessings. On the two golden lacquered pillars, a large red paper spring couplet was pasted, reading: "Silk flutters by weak willows at the evening bridge; Snow dots fragrant plum blossoms in the spring courtyard." In the center, a highly polished black lacquered incense table was placed, with an ancient bronze incense burner on it. Six chairs were arranged, and on either side hung four seasonal decorative screens.

As Pilgrim was peering in, he suddenly heard footsteps from a back door. A woman, neither old nor young, emerged and asked in a delicate voice, "Who is this, entering my widow's home without permission?" The Great Sage hastily bowed repeatedly, saying, "This humble monk is from the Great Tang in the East, sent by imperial decree to the Western Heaven to worship Buddha and seek scriptures. We are a party of four, passing through your esteemed region. As night has fallen, we specifically came to your revered home, kind Bodhisattva, to beg for a night's lodging." The woman smiled and invited them in, "Elder, where are the other three? Please invite them." Pilgrim called out loudly, "Master, please come in!" Tripitaka, with Pigsy leading the horse and Sandy carrying the load, then entered. The woman came out to the hall to greet them. Pigsy squinted, secretly observing her attire, which was thus:

She wore a brocade-woven, official-green ramie silk jacket,Over which was a shallow red sleeveless vest.She tied a colorful, goose-yellow embroidered skirt,Beneath which high-soled floral shoes were seen.Her fashionable, coiled hair was covered with black gauze,Matched by two coiled dragon hair ornaments.A palace-style ivory comb, glittering with pearls and jade,Diagonally adorned with two gold hairpins.Her cloudy tresses, half gray, flew like phoenix wings,Double pearl earrings dangled from her lobes.Without makeup, she was still beautiful,Her elegance still akin to youthful grace.

Seeing the three of them, the woman was even more delighted. She courteously invited them into the hall, and after exchanging greetings one by one, she asked them to sit and offered tea. From behind the screen, a young girl with a topknot and flowing hair suddenly appeared, carrying a golden tray with white jade cups. Fragrant tea exuded warm steam, and exotic fruits diffused a subtle scent. The girl gracefully lifted her colored sleeves, revealing slender, bamboo-shoot-like fingers; she held the jade cups and respectfully served tea. She bowed to each of them. After tea, she ordered a vegetarian meal to be prepared. Tripitaka clasped his hands and asked, "Respected Bodhisattva, what is your honorable surname? What is the name of this noble place?" The woman replied, "This place is in Xiniu Hezhou. My maiden name is Jia, and my husband's surname was Mo. Unfortunate in my youth, my parents-in-law passed away early. My husband and I guarded our ancestral inheritance, possessing vast wealth and thousands of acres of fertile land. We were fated to have no sons, only three daughters. The year before last, by great misfortune, my husband also passed away. I have been a widow, and this year my mourning period is complete. I am left with land and property, but no relatives or kin. Only my daughters and I manage it. I wish to remarry, but I cannot bear to part with my family estate. It is my fortune that you elders have arrived. I presume you are a master and three disciples. My three daughters and I, four women in total, intend to find husbands to live here. The four of you are just right. May I know your honorable intentions?" Tripitaka, hearing this, pretended to be deaf and dumb, closing his eyes and calming his mind, remaining silently unresponsive.

The woman continued, "My humble home has over three hundred acres of irrigated land, over three hundred acres of dry land, and over three hundred acres of fruit orchards in the mountains. We have over a thousand yellow water buffaloes, herds of mules and horses, and countless pigs and sheep. To the southeast, northwest, we have sixty or seventy manors and pastures. In our household, there is rice and grain unused for eight or nine years, and silks unworn for ten years or more. There is gold and silver enough for a lifetime's spending, far surpassing those who hide spring in brocade tents, let alone having rows of golden hairpins. If you and your disciples are willing to change your minds and marry into my humble home, you can live in ease, enjoying honor and wealth. Wouldn't that be better than toiling on the journey to the West?" Tripitaka remained as if in a daze, utterly silent. The woman persisted, "I was born in the year of Dinghai, on the third day of the third month, at the hour of You. My late husband was three years older than me. I am forty-five this year. My eldest daughter, named Zhenzhen, is twenty this year; the second, Aiai, is eighteen; and the youngest, Lianlian, is sixteen. None of them have been betrothed. Although I am unsightly, my daughters are fortunately quite comely. They are skilled in needlework and all women's crafts. Because my late husband had no sons, we raised them as sons. When they were young, they were also taught some Confucian classics and know how to compose poetry and couplets. Although we live in a mountain manor, we are not entirely unrefined. I believe they are worthy of you revered elders. If you are willing to let go of your inhibitions, grow out your hair, and become the patriarchs of our household, wearing silk and brocade, it would be far better than a begging bowl and black robe, or straw sandals and cloud hats!"

Tripitaka sat above them, like a child startled by thunder or a toad caught in the rain, simply staring blankly, rolling his eyes upwards. Pigsy, hearing of such wealth and beauty, felt an unbearable itch in his heart. He sat on his chair as if pricked by needles, fidgeting left and right, unable to bear it any longer. He walked forward, tugged at his Master, and said, "Master! This lady is speaking to you. Why are you pretending not to hear? At least acknowledge her!" The Master abruptly looked up, shouted "Hmph!" and rebuked Pigsy, "You beast! We are renunciants. How can we be moved by wealth or captivated by beauty? What kind of道理 (principles) would that be?" The woman chuckled, "Pity, pity! What good is being a renunciant?" Tripitaka retorted, "Lady Bodhisattva, what good is being a layperson then?" The woman said, "Elder, please sit. Let me tell you the good things about being a layperson." How was it shown? As a poem testifies:

In spring, new robes are tailored, to enjoy the New Year;In summer, light gauze is changed, to admire green lotus near.In autumn, new wine is fragrant, glutinous and sweet;In winter, in a warm chamber, with flushed face, drunkenly sweet.Four seasons, all joys are bountiful and in store,Eight festivals, all delicacies, increasing evermore.Brocade covers, silk spreads, on a candlelit wedding night,Far better than wandering, bowing to Amitābha's light.

Tripitaka said, "Lady Bodhisattva, for you laypersons, enjoying honor and wealth, having clothes to wear and food to eat, with children gathered—that is indeed good. But you do not know that we renunciants also have our share of advantages." How was it shown? As a poem testifies:

To leave home and commit to a path is extraordinary,Tearing down the former hall of love and attachment.External things cease to cause idle chatter and controversy,Within the body, there is a harmonious balance of yin and yang.When merits are complete and conduct is perfect, one ascends to the Golden Palace,Realizing true nature and illuminating the mind, one returns to the original home.Better than staying home, coveting fleshly food,And in old age, falling into a decaying, smelly skin bag.

The woman, hearing this, became enraged. "You impudent monk! If I didn't consider you came from far-off Tang, I'd scold you out. I was sincere in offering to take you all as sons-in-law, yet you turn around and wound me with your words. Even if you've taken vows and made promises never to return to secular life, surely one of your subordinates could be taken in by my family. Why are you so rigid?" Seeing her anger, Tripitaka stammered humbly and said, "Wukong, you stay here then." Pilgrim replied, "Since I was little, I haven't known how to do such things. Let Pigsy stay here." Pigsy said, "Brother, don't pin it on me. Let's all think it over carefully." Tripitaka said, "If you two won't, then let Wujing stay here." Sandy said, "Look at what Master says! I was converted by Bodhisattva, took my vows, and waited for Master. Since Master took me in, and I received your teachings, I've only been with Master for less than two months. I haven't even achieved a speck of merit. How dare I covet such wealth! I'd rather die than do such a deceitful thing. I am determined to go to the Western Heaven."

Seeing their refusals, the woman abruptly turned and stepped behind the screen, slamming the inner door shut. The master and disciples were abandoned outside, with no tea or food, and no one came out again. Pigsy grew anxious, complaining to Tripitaka, "Master is too incompetent. You talked yourself out of everything. You should have kept some leeway, just vaguely agreed to trick her into giving us some food and enjoy a comfortable night. Whether we agreed or not tomorrow would be up to us. Now that she's locked the door and won't come out, how will we spend the night in this cold, empty place?" Sandy said, "Second Brother, why don't you become her son-in-law?" Pigsy replied, "Brother, don't pin it on me. Let's think it over." Pilgrim said, "Think what over? If you're willing, then let Master become in-laws with that woman, and you can be a live-in son-in-law. Since her family is so rich and wealthy, they'll surely provide a dowry and prepare a feast for the in-laws, and we'll get some benefits too. If you return to secular life here, wouldn't that be killing two birds with one stone?" Pigsy said, "That may be true, but it means I'd be leaving monkhood and returning to secular life, abandoning one wife and marrying another." Sandy asked, "Second Brother, you had a wife?" Pilgrim said, "You still don't know him, do you? He was originally the son-in-law of Elder Gao Taigong in Gao Village in Wusi Zang. After old Monkey subdued him, he took the Bodhisattva's vows, but had no choice but to be captured by me to become a monk. That's why he abandoned his former wife and joined Master to seek Buddha in the West. He's probably been separated for a long time and remembered that old business, so when he heard this new business, he must have had the same idea again. Blockhead, go be the son-in-law of this family! Just bow to old Monkey a few more times, and I won't expose you." The blockhead retorted, "Nonsense, nonsense! Everyone has such thoughts, but you only pick on old Pig! As the saying goes: monks are sex-crazed demons. Who wouldn't want this? You're all acting so prim and proper, ruining a good thing. Now we can't even get tea or water, and no one cares about the lamps. Even if we endure this night, that horse will have to carry people and travel tomorrow. If it's starved another night, it might as well be skinned. You all sit; old Pig will go let the horse graze." The blockhead, impatiently, untied the reins and led the horse out. Pilgrim said, "Sandy, you stay with Master here. I'll follow him to see where he takes the horse to graze." Tripitaka said, "Wukong, go and watch him, but don't mock him too much." Pilgrim said, "I understand." The Great Sage walked out of the hall, shook his body, transformed into a red dragonfly, flew out the front gate, and caught up with Pigsy.

The blockhead dragged the horse along, not letting it eat even where there was grass. He hastened the horse with "da da chi chi" sounds and turned toward the back door. There, he saw the woman with her three daughters, standing idly outside the back door, playing among the chrysanthemums. When the mother and daughters saw Pigsy approaching, the three daughters quickly slipped inside, but the woman stood at the doorway and asked, "Little Elder, where are you going?" The blockhead dropped the reins, stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Mother! I've come to graze the horse." The woman said, "Your master is too subtle. If he found a son-in-law in my family, wouldn't that be better than being a wandering monk, trudging along the road to the West?" Pigsy chuckled, "They are under the Tang Emperor's decree and dare not disobey the royal command, so they refuse to do this. Just now, in the front hall, they were trying to pin it on me. I myself was a bit hesitant but also eager, I just worry you might dislike my long snout and big ears." The woman said, "I don't dislike them. It's just that there's no patriarch in the house. Taking one son-in-law would be fine, but I'm afraid my youngest daughter might find him a bit unsightly." Pigsy said, "Mother, please tell your beloved daughter not to be so picky. My Tang Monk, though handsome, is actually useless. Ugly as I am, I have a few verses to say." The woman said, "What do you say?" Pigsy recited:

Though my appearance is ugly, I have some diligence and skill.If you speak of a thousand acres of land, there’s no need for an ox to till.Just one session with my rake, and seeds will sprout in season.No rain? I can summon rain. No wind? I can conjure wind with reason.If the houses seem too low, I can raise them two or three stories high.If the ground isn't swept, I'll sweep it clean, letting no dust fly.If the drains are blocked, I'll clear them through and through.Household chores, great and small, I can do them all for you.

The woman said, "Since you can manage household affairs, go discuss it with your master again. If it's not awkward, I'll marry you to my daughter." Pigsy said, "No need to discuss! He is not my birth parent. Whether I do it or not, it's up to me." The woman said, "Very well, very well. Let me speak with my daughters." She slipped inside, slamming the back door shut. Pigsy didn't graze the horse, but led it back to the front. Little did he know that Sun the Great Sage had heard and seen everything. He flapped his wings, flew back, and resumed his true form. He first went to Tripitaka and said, "Master, Wuneng has brought the horse back." The elder said, "If the horse isn't tethered, I'm afraid it will run wild." Pilgrim burst into laughter and recounted everything the woman and Pigsy had said, from beginning to end. Tripitaka half-believed him, half-didn't.

A short while later, they saw the blockhead leading the horse and tying it down. The elder asked, "Did you graze the horse?" Pigsy replied, "There was no good grass, no place to graze the horse." Pilgrim retorted, "No place to graze the horse, but was there a place to lead the horse?" The blockhead, hearing this, knew his secret had been revealed. He hung his head, twisted his neck, pouted his lips, wrinkled his brows, and remained silent for a long time. Then, with a creak, the inner door opened. Two pairs of red lanterns and a teapot were brought out. Auspicious clouds swirled, and jade pendants jingled. The woman, leading her three daughters, emerged and called Zhenzhen, Aiai, and Lianlian to bow to the scripture-seeking monks. The girls stood in a line in the hall, bowing towards them. Indeed, they were exquisitely beautiful, each one:

With brows like painted moths, skin like spring blossoms fair,Bewitching, they stole the nation's charm, and moved all hearts there.Floral hairpins revealed their graceful, coquettish grace,Embroidered sashes fluttered, in dustless, ethereal space.With a half-smile, cherry lips parted like blooms,With slow steps, orchid and musk scattered sweet perfumes.Their heads adorned with pearls and jewels, trembling with countless precious pins,Their bodies exuded a subtle fragrance, delicate, with gold threads intertwined.What can be said of Chu-wa's beauty, or Xizi's tender face?Truly, they were Ninth Heaven fairies descending, or Chang'e from the moon's cold place!

Tripitaka pressed his palms together and lowered his head. Sun the Great Sage feigned disinterest. Sandy turned his back. But Pigsy, his eyes fixed, his lustful heart in turmoil, his courage emboldened by desire, twisted awkwardly and whispered in a low voice, "I am honored by the fairies' descent. Mother, please ask the sisters to come!" The three girls turned and went behind the screen, leaving a pair of gauze lanterns. The woman said, "Four elders, are you willing to consider which one of you will marry my daughters?" Sandy said, "We have already discussed it; we've decided that the one named Pig will marry into the family." Pigsy protested, "Brother, don't pin it on me. Let's discuss it among all of us." Pilgrim said, "What's there to discuss? You've already agreed so well by the back door, and you've even called her 'Mother.' What more is there to discuss? Master can be the male in-law, this old woman the female in-law, I'll be the guarantor, and Sandy the matchmaker. No need to consult the almanac; today is a supremely auspicious day blessed by heaven. Come, bow to Master, then go in and be the son-in-law!" Pigsy said, "No, no, I can't do such a thing!" Pilgrim said, "Blockhead, don't make a fuss! You've called her 'Mother' countless times. What do you mean 'no'? Quickly agree and bring us some wedding wine; that would be a good thing!" He grabbed Pigsy with one hand and the woman with the other, saying, "Mother-in-law, take your son-in-law inside!" The blockhead swayed unsteadily, wanting to go there. The woman immediately called her servants, "Set the tables and chairs, prepare the evening meal, and entertain my three in-laws. I will take my son-in-law to his room." At the same time, she instructed the cook to prepare a banquet and feast for the in-laws tomorrow morning. The servants acknowledged the order. The three monks ate their meal, quickly settled down, and rested in the guest chambers, which is not further detailed.

Now, Pigsy followed his "mother-in-law" inside. They passed through countless rooms, stumbling and bumping, constantly tripping over doorsteps. The blockhead said, "Mother, walk slower. This path is new to me inside; please guide me a bit." The woman said, "These are storerooms, warehouses, grinding rooms, and various other rooms. We haven't even reached the kitchen yet." Pigsy exclaimed, "What a grand household!" Stumbling and bumping, turning corners and winding paths, they walked for a good while more before reaching the inner halls. The woman said, "Son-in-law, your senior brother said today is a supremely auspicious day blessed by heaven, so I'll let you marry in today. It's just a sudden arrangement; we haven't invited a yin-yang master or performed the bowing and scattering ceremony. How about you just bow eight times facing upwards?" Pigsy said, "Mother, what you say is right. Please sit up there, and I will bow a few times. That will serve as both the wedding ceremony and the thanksgiving to my in-laws, killing two birds with one stone, wouldn't it be less trouble?" His mother-in-law laughed, "Very well, very well. You are indeed a sensible and capable son-in-law. I will sit, and you bow." Behold! With silver candles shining brightly throughout the hall, the blockhead bowed facing upwards. After bowing, he said, "Mother, which sister will you marry me to?" His mother-in-law said, "That's precisely the difficulty: if I marry you to the eldest daughter, I fear the second daughter will be jealous; if I marry you to the second, I fear the third will be jealous; if I marry you to the third, I fear the eldest will be jealous. So, I have been undecided." Pigsy said, "Mother, since you fear contention, just give them all to me! That way, you'll avoid arguments and disrupting household rules." His mother-in-law retorted, "How can that be! You alone want all three of my daughters!" Pigsy said, "Look at what Mother says! Who doesn't have three or four wives and concubines? Even if there were more, your son-in-law would gladly accept them. In my youth, I also learned the art of 'enduring battle'; I guarantee I can satisfy each and every one of them." The woman said, "No, no! I have a handkerchief here. Put it on your head to cover your face. We'll have a 'heavenly marriage': I'll have my daughters walk past you, and you extend your hand and pull down whichever one you want, and she'll be married to you." The blockhead agreed, took the handkerchief, and placed it on his head. As a poem testifies:

Foolish, he knew not the root of his desire,Lust, a sword, wounding the body, secretly taking its toll.He always believed in the rites of Duke Zhou,But today the new groom wears a head covering.

The blockhead had the covering properly in place and said, "Mother, please bring out the sisters!" His mother-in-law called, "Zhenzhen, Aiai, Lianlian, come all of you to 'bump into fate' and be married to your son-in-law!" They heard the jingling of jade pendants and the fragrant scent of orchids and musk, as if immortal maidens were moving about. The blockhead truly reached out to grab someone. He wildly lunged from side to side, but couldn't catch anyone on the left or the right. Coming and going, countless women seemed to move, but he simply couldn't grab a single one. Lunging east, he embraced a pillar; lunging west, he touched a wall. Running back and forth, he grew dizzy, couldn't stand steadily, and just kept falling. He stumbled forward against a door, fell backward against a brick wall, bumping and crashing, bruising his mouth and swelling his head. He sat on the ground, panting, and said, "Mother! Your daughters are so cunning! I can't catch a single one. What can I do?" The woman uncovered his head and said, "Son-in-law, it's not that my daughters are cunning; they are all being humble and unwilling to marry you." Pigsy said, "Mother, since they are unwilling to marry me, why don't you marry me then?" The woman said, "Oh, good son-in-law! So rude! You want to take your mother-in-law too! My three daughters are very clever. Each of them embroidered a pearl-ornamented silk undershirt. If you can wear one, then that daughter will marry you." Pigsy said, "Good, good, good! Bring all three for me to try on. If I can wear them all, then let me marry them all!" The woman went into the room, took out only one, and handed it to Pigsy. The blockhead took off his dark blue robe, took the shirt, and put it on. Before he could tie the belt, he tripped and fell to the ground with a thud. It turned out to be several ropes tightly binding him. The blockhead was in unbearable pain, and by then, the people had already vanished.

Meanwhile, Tripitaka, Pilgrim, and Sandy woke up from their sleep to find the east turning white. They suddenly opened their eyes and looked up. There were no grand mansions or painted beams and carved pillars; they were all sleeping in a pine and cypress forest. The elder was alarmed and quickly called Pilgrim and Sandy, "Brothers, this is bad! We've met ghosts!" Sun the Great Sage understood in his heart and smiled faintly, "What makes you say that?" The elder said, "Look where we are sleeping!" Pilgrim said, "It's quite pleasant under this pine forest, but I wonder where that blockhead is suffering." The elder asked, "Who is suffering?" Pilgrim laughed, "Yesterday, this family of women, who knows which Bodhisattvas they were, manifested here to test us. I suppose they left in the middle of the night, leaving only Pigsy to suffer." Tripitaka, hearing this, clasped his hands and bowed respectfully. Then, he saw a simple scroll hanging loosely on an ancient cypress tree behind them. Sandy quickly went to retrieve it and gave it to his Master. It was an eight-line verse that read:

The Old Mother of Mount Li has no worldly thoughts,The Bodhisattva of the Southern Sea was invited down from her mountain plots.Samantabhadra and Manjushri were also guests that night,Transformed into beautiful maidens in the forest's soft light.

The Holy Monk, with virtue, remained untouched by the worldly mire,Pigsy, lacking Zen, succumbed to mundane desire.From now on, calm your heart and reform your ways,If negligence arises, the path ahead will be a maze!

As the elder, Pilgrim, and Sandy were chanting this verse, they heard a loud cry from deep within the forest, "Master! I'm bound to death! Save me! I'll never dare again!" Tripitaka asked, "Wukong, is that Wuneng calling?" Sandy confirmed, "It is." Pilgrim said, "Brother, ignore him; let's go." Tripitaka said, "Though that blockhead is foolish and stubborn, he is simply honest and quite strong, capable of carrying the luggage. Let us consider the Bodhisattva's mercy that day and save him to come with us. I doubt he will dare again in the future." Sandy then rolled up the bedding and packed the luggage. Sun the Great Sage untied the reins and led the horse, guiding Tripitaka into the forest to search. Ah! This truly is: Practice righteousness with caution; eliminate desires to return to true self. We do not know what became of that blockhead, whether good or ill. Let's hear it explained in the next chapter.