Chapter 54: Law Nature Comes from the West to the Female Kingdom The Restless Mind Plans to Escape the Brothel

After bidding farewell to the villagers, Tripitaka and his disciples continued their journey west. Before traveling thirty or forty li, they arrived at the border of Xiliang Kingdom. From his horse, Tripitaka pointed ahead, saying, "Wukong, a city is near, and I hear a clamor of voices from the marketplace. It must be the Kingdom of Women. You all must be careful, observe proper decorum, and by no means indulge in wanton behavior or disturb the principles of our Buddhist faith." Hearing his words, the three disciples respectfully obeyed the strict command. Before he finished speaking, they reached the street entrance of the East Outer City. There, people of all ages, dressed in long skirts and short jackets, with powdered faces and oiled hair, were all women, bustling about, buying and selling on both sides of the street. Suddenly, when they saw the four arrive, everyone clapped and laughed heartily, arranging their faces into smiles as they cried, "Men are here! Men are here!" Tripitaka, flustered, reined in his horse, finding it difficult to proceed. In an instant, the street was filled, with only laughter to be heard. Pigsy loudly blurted, "I am a pig for sale! I am a pig for sale!" Pilgrim said, "Idiot, stop talking nonsense. Just show them your old face!" Pigsy indeed shook his head twice, cocked his large, fan-like ears, wriggled his lotus-pod-like drooping lips, and let out a shout that sent the women scrambling and stumbling. A poem testifies to this, saying:

The Holy Monk, seeking Buddha, arrived in Xiliang,A nation utterly feminine, with scarce male presence.Farmers, scholars, artisans, merchants, all were women,Fishers, woodcutters, farmers, herders, all adorned in red.Charming ladies lined the roads, calling for men,Young wives filled the streets, greeting handsome youths.Had not Wuneng displayed his monstrous form,They would have been overwhelmed by the amorous crowd.

Terrified by this, the crowd dared not approach. One by one, they twisted their hands, stooped their waists, shook their heads, bit their fingers, and nervously lined the streets and roadsides, all watching Tripitaka. Even the Great Sage Sun created a grotesque display to clear the path. Friar Sand also feigned ferocity to maintain order. Pigsy, holding onto the horse, kept his snout uplifted and ears flapping. As they proceeded, they saw the marketplace with orderly houses and imposing shops. There were salt and rice vendors, wine shops and tea houses, drum and horn towers for trade, and inns with hanging curtains. As the master and disciples turned a corner, they suddenly saw a female official standing by the street, calling out loudly, "Travelers from afar, do not enter the city gate without permission. Please register at the post station. After your names are presented to the throne and your documents verified, you will be allowed to proceed." Hearing this, Tripitaka dismounted and observed a plaque above the government building, inscribed with the three characters "Yingyang Post Station." The elder said, "Wukong, the villagers' report was true; there really is a Yingyang Post Station." Friar Sand chuckled, "Second Brother, you should go to the Childbirth Stream and look to see if you have a double shadow." Pigsy retorted, "Don't tease me! I already drank a cup of the Abortion Spring water and aborted the fetus; why would I look now?" Tripitaka turned his head and instructed, "Wuneng, mind your words, mind your words!" He then stepped forward and bowed to the female official. The official led the way, inviting them all into the post station. They sat in the main hall, and she immediately called for tea. They also noticed that all the attendants had their hair styled in three braids and wore two-piece garments. Even the one serving tea smiled.

A moment later, after they finished their tea, the female official bowed and asked, "Where do the esteemed travelers come from?" Pilgrim replied, "We are envoys dispatched by the Great Tang Emperor from the East, journeying to the Western Heaven to worship Buddha and seek scriptures. My master is the Emperor's sworn brother, known as Tang Sanzang. I am his eldest disciple, Sun Wukong, and these two are my junior brothers, Zhu Wuneng and Sha Wujing. Including the horse, we are five in total. We carry our travel pass with us and request that it be verified so we may proceed." The female official took up her brush and, after writing, knelt and kowtowed, saying, "Your Excellency, please forgive me. I am the postmaster of Yingyang Post Station. I truly did not know you were esteemed gentlemen from a superior kingdom, or I would have come out to greet you much sooner." After bowing, she rose and immediately ordered her subordinates to prepare food and drink, saying, "Gentlemen, please make yourselves comfortable for a while. I will enter the city to report to our Queen, exchange your travel pass, arrange for your provisions, and send you on your way west." Tripitaka sat down, pleased, and said no more.

Meanwhile, the postmaster, having straightened her attire, proceeded directly to the Five Phoenix Tower in the city and said to the palace attendant, "I am the postmaster of Yingyang Post Station; I have something to report to Her Majesty." The attendant immediately reported, and a decree was issued for the postmaster to be summoned to the hall. The Queen asked, "What matter does the postmaster wish to report?" The postmaster replied, "Your humble servant received the Great Tang Emperor's sworn brother, Tang Sanzang, at the post station. He has three disciples named Sun Wukong, Zhu Wuneng, and Sha Wujing. Including the horse, they are five in total and wish to travel to the Western Heaven to worship Buddha and obtain scriptures. I have come specifically to ask if Your Majesty will permit them to exchange their travel pass and proceed?" Hearing this, the Queen was overjoyed. She said to her civil and military officials, "Last night, I dreamt of a golden screen radiating brilliant colors and a jade mirror shining brightly. This is surely a propitious omen for today!" All the female officials bowed before the crimson steps and asked, "Your Majesty, how is this a propitious omen for today?" The Queen said, "A man from the East—the Tang Emperor's sworn brother—has arrived. Since the dawn of creation, through all generations of emperors in our kingdom, no man has ever set foot here. Now, by fortune, the Tang Emperor's sworn brother has descended upon us. I believe this is a gift from Heaven. With all the wealth of my kingdom, I wish to invite the Imperial Brother to be my King, and I shall be his Queen. Together, we shall unite Yin and Yang, bear children and grandchildren, and eternally perpetuate our imperial dynasty. Is this not indeed a propitious omen for today?" All the female officials bowed, danced, and acclaimed her, filled with joy.

The postmaster then reported again, "Your Majesty's words truly speak of a blessing for countless generations. However, the Imperial Brother's three disciples are fierce and ill-favored in appearance." The Queen asked, "How did the Imperial Brother appear to you? And how hideous are his disciples?" The postmaster replied, "The Imperial Brother is majestic in appearance, with handsome features, truly a man of the Celestial Empire, a figure of the Southern Jambudvipa. His three disciples, however, are hideous in form, their faces like demons." The Queen said, "If that is the case, then let his disciples be given their provisions, their travel pass exchanged, and send them on their way to the Western Heaven. Only the Imperial Brother shall remain. What could be wrong with that?" All the officials bowed and reported, "Your Majesty's words are most fitting, and your humble servants shall respectfully obey. However, for a marriage, a matchmaker is essential. As the old saying goes, 'Marriages are made by red leaves and couples are tied by the red string of the Matchmaker.'" The Queen said, "As you have suggested, let the Grand Tutor in attendance act as matchmaker, and the Yingyang Postmaster officiate the wedding. First, go to the post station to propose marriage to the Imperial Brother. Once he agrees, I shall prepare my carriage and go out of the city to welcome him." The Grand Tutor and the postmaster received the decree and left the court.

Meanwhile, as Tripitaka and his disciples were enjoying their vegetarian meal in the post station hall, someone outside reported, "The Grand Tutor in attendance and our local postmistress have arrived." Tripitaka asked, "What could the Grand Tutor's visit mean?" Pigsy said, "Perhaps the Queen has invited us." Pilgrim said, "It's either an invitation or a marriage proposal." Tripitaka said, "Wukong, if they won't let us go and force me into marriage, what then shall we do?" Pilgrim replied, "Master, just agree to their terms. Your old grandson has a plan to deal with it."

Before he finished speaking, the two female officials arrived and bowed to the elder. The elder returned their bows one by one, saying, "I am a humble monk, a renunciate. What virtue or ability do I possess that would merit such a bow from you, esteemed officials?" The Grand Tutor, seeing the elder's majestic appearance, secretly rejoiced, "Our kingdom is truly blessed! This man would certainly make a worthy husband for our Queen." After bowing, the two officials rose and stood to his left and right, saying, "Imperial Brother, this is a joy of a thousand times ten thousand!" Tripitaka asked, "I am a renunciate; whence comes this joy?" The Grand Tutor bowed and said, "This is the Kingdom of Women, and never before has there been a man in our land. Now, by fortune, you, Imperial Brother, have graced us with your presence. Your humble servant comes, by our Queen's decree, specifically to propose marriage." Tripitaka said, "Goodness me, goodness me! I, a humble monk, have come alone to your esteemed land, with no children accompanying me, only three unruly disciples. I wonder, esteemed officials, whose marriage you are proposing?" The postmaster said, "Your humble servant just reported to court, and our Queen was exceedingly delighted. She said that last night she had an auspicious dream, seeing a golden screen radiating brilliant colors and a jade mirror shining brightly. Knowing that the Imperial Brother is a man from the illustrious Celestial Empire, our Queen wishes to offer the wealth of her entire kingdom to take you, Imperial Brother, as her husband. You would sit facing south and reign as King, and our Queen would be your Empress. She has decreed that the Grand Tutor act as matchmaker and your humble servant officiate the wedding. Thus, we have come specifically to propose this marriage." Hearing this, Tripitaka lowered his head and remained silent. The Grand Tutor said, "A great man must not miss his opportune moment. While taking a husband into one's home exists elsewhere, a kingdom's entire wealth offered as dowry is truly rare in the world. Imperial Brother, please accept quickly, so we may report back to Her Majesty." The elder became even more bewildered and speechless.

Pigsy, standing nearby with his snout uplifted, called out, "Grand Tutor, go tell your Queen: my master is an arhat who has cultivated the Way for a long time. He definitely doesn't care for your kingdom's wealth or your Queen's captivating beauty. Quickly, exchange his travel pass and send him west. Keep me here to be taken as husband, how about that?" Hearing this, the Grand Tutor was terrified and dared not reply. The postmaster said, "Although you are a man, your appearance is ugly and not to our Queen's liking." Pigsy laughed, "You're so inflexible! As the saying goes, 'A coarse willow makes a basket, a fine willow makes a dipper.' Who on earth calls a man ugly?" Pilgrim said, "Idiot, stop talking nonsense. Let Master decide. If it's feasible, do it; if not, stop. Don't delay the matchmakers' work." Tripitaka said, "Wukong, tell me what you think is best!" Pilgrim said, "In my old grandson's opinion, staying here isn't bad either. As the ancients say, 'A thousand-mile marriage is tied by a single thread.' Where else could you find such a perfect match?" Tripitaka said, "Disciple, if we stay here, tempted by wealth and honor, who will go to the Western Heaven to obtain scriptures? Won't that disappoint our Great Tang Emperor?" The Grand Tutor said, "Imperial Brother, I dare not conceal anything. Our Queen's decree was originally only to propose marriage to you, and to invite your three disciples to a celebratory banquet, provide them with provisions, exchange their travel pass, and send them on their way to the Western Heaven to obtain scriptures." Pilgrim said, "Grand Tutor, what you say is reasonable. We don't need to make things difficult. We are willing to leave our master here to be your ruler's husband. Quickly exchange the travel pass and send us west. When we return with the scriptures, we can come here to pay our respects to our 'parents-in-law,' ask for travel expenses, and return to Great Tang." The Grand Tutor and the postmaster bowed to Pilgrim, saying, "Many thanks, Master, for your gracious assistance in bringing this about!" Pigsy said, "Grand Tutor, don't just talk about it! Since we've agreed, tell your ruler to prepare a feast for us to drink a cup of engagement wine, how about that?" The Grand Tutor replied, "Yes, yes, yes! We will have a banquet prepared immediately!" The postmaster and Grand Tutor, delighted, returned to report to the Queen.

Now, Elder Tang seized Pilgrim, scolding, "You wretched monkey, you'll be the death of me! How could you say such things, suggesting I marry here while you go to the Western Heaven to worship Buddha? I would rather die than do such a thing!" Pilgrim said, "Master, calm down. Does your old grandson not know your nature? But having come to this place and met these people, we have no choice but to use their own scheme against them!" Tripitaka asked, "What do you mean by 'using their own scheme against them'?" Pilgrim said, "If you stubbornly refuse, they won't exchange our travel pass or let us proceed. What if they become malicious and cruel, ordering many people to cut off your flesh to make fragrant sachets? Would we then meet a good end? We would certainly have to use our demon-subduing and monster-clearing powers. You know our blows are heavy and our weapons fierce; if we were to lay a hand on them, we would kill everyone in this country. Although they obstruct us, they are not monsters or demons; they are people of a nation. And you are, by nature, a kind and compassionate person, never harming a single living thing on your journey. How could you bear to kill countless innocent people? That would truly be an unvirtuous act." Hearing this, Tripitaka said, "Wukong, this argument is most sound. But I fear if the Queen brings me in to perform husband-and-wife rites, how could I consent to lose my primal Yang, ruin my Buddhist virtue, and let my true essence escape, thus falling from my spiritual body?"

Pilgrim said, "If you agree to the marriage today, she will certainly, with imperial ceremony, arrange her carriage to leave the city and welcome you. You must not decline; just sit in her phoenix carriage and dragon chariot, ascend to the Treasure Hall, and sit facing south. Ask the Queen to bring out her imperial seal and documents, then summon us brothers to court. Have our travel pass officially stamped, and then ask the Queen to sign her unique flourish and hand it over to us. At the same time, have a banquet prepared. This will serve as both a celebration with the Queen and a farewell for us. After the banquet, ask for the carriage to be prepared again, saying only that you will escort us three disciples out of the city and then return to unite with the Queen. This will make the Queen and her officials joyous, with no intention of obstructing us or any malicious thoughts. Once you've escorted us outside the city, you dismount from the dragon chariot and phoenix carriage. Instruct Friar Sand to wait by your side and help you mount the white horse. Then your old grandson will use a body-immobilizing spell, making the Queen, her officials, and all the people unable to move. We will then simply proceed west along the main road. After traveling for a day and a night, I will recite an incantation to lift the spell, allowing the Queen and her officials to awaken and return to the city. Firstly, this will not harm their lives, and secondly, it will not compromise your primal spirit. This is called the 'feigned marriage to escape the net' strategy. Is this not a perfect plan that accomplishes both goals at once?" Hearing this, Tripitaka felt as if he had just woken from a drunken stupor or emerged from a dream. His worries vanished in his joy, and he thanked Pilgrim profusely, saying, "I am deeply grateful for your wise counsel, my virtuous disciple." The four of them, united in thought, continued their discussion.

Meanwhile, the Grand Tutor and the postmaster, without waiting for a summons, went directly to the jade steps of the palace gate and reported, "Your Majesty's auspicious dream is most accurate! The joy of fish and water is at hand!" Hearing the report, the Queen rolled up the pearl curtain, descended from her dragon bed, parted her cherry lips, revealing her silver teeth, and asked with a charming smile and sweet voice, "Esteemed ministers, how did the Imperial Brother speak when you met him?" The Grand Tutor replied, "Your humble servants went to the post station, paid our respects to the Imperial Brother, and then fully explained the marriage proposal. The Imperial Brother still had words of refusal, but fortunately, his eldest disciple generously agreed. He is willing to leave his master to be Your Majesty's husband, to sit facing south and reign as emperor. He only requested that we first exchange the travel pass and send the three of them west. Upon their return with the scriptures, they will come here to pay respects to their 'parents-in-law' and ask for travel expenses to return to Great Tang." The Queen smiled and said, "Did the Imperial Brother have anything else to say?" The Grand Tutor reported, "The Imperial Brother said nothing, indicating his willingness to be matched with Your Majesty. It was just his second disciple who insisted on having the engagement feast first." Hearing this, the Queen immediately issued a decree for the Imperial Household Department to arrange a banquet. At the same time, she ordered her grand carriage to be prepared to leave the city and welcome her husband. All the female officials respectfully obeyed the royal command, cleaning the palace and furnishing the courtyards and terraces. One group swiftly prepared the banquet, while another rapidly made ready the imperial carriage. Although the Kingdom of Xiliang was a land of women, its imperial procession was no less magnificent than that of the Middle Kingdom. One could see—

Six dragons breathed colorful mist, twin phoenixes heralded good fortune.Six dragons, breathing colorful mist, escorted the carriage forth; twin phoenixes, heralding good fortune, drew the palanquin.Fragrant and exotic aromas filled the air, auspicious mists swirled open.Many officials, adorned with golden fish and jade pendants, surrounded it; numerous ladies with jeweled buns and cloud-like hair formed ranks.Mandarin duck hand-fans shielded the imperial carriage, jade bead curtains veiled the phoenix hairpins.The music of pipes and songs was beautiful, the sound of strings harmonious.A wave of joy surged to the azure heavens, boundless elation emanated from the spirit.Three-eaved silk canopies swayed beneath the sky, five-colored banners gleamed on the imperial steps.Never before had a wedding ceremony been held in this land; today, the Queen would unite with a talented man.

Before long, the grand procession left the city and soon arrived at Yingyang Post Station. Suddenly, someone reported to Tripitaka and his disciples, "The imperial carriage has arrived!" Hearing this, Tripitaka immediately straightened his robes with his three disciples and went out to the hall to greet the procession. The Queen rolled up the curtain, descended from her carriage, and asked, "Which one is the Tang Imperial Brother?" The Grand Tutor pointed and said, "The one dressed in robes before the incense table outside the post station gate is he." The Queen's phoenix eyes gleamed, her moth-like brows knitted as she scrutinized him carefully. Indeed, his appearance was extraordinary. You could see that—

His demeanor was heroic and imposing, his countenance noble.Teeth white as silver inlay, lips red and mouth well-formed.His scalp flat and forehead broad, signifying ample wisdom; his eyes elegant and brows clear, his chin long and pronounced.Ears with distinct rims, truly a distinguished gentleman; his entire being uncommon, a talented young man.What a splendid, intelligent, and graceful young man, perfectly matched for the beautiful lady of Xiliang.

As the Queen beheld him, her heart filled with joy and admiration. Unconsciously, her lust grew intense and her desires unrestrained. She parted her cherry lips and called out, "Tang Imperial Brother, why do you not come and share the phoenix and dragon carriage with me?" Hearing this, Tripitaka's ears turned red and his face flushed. He was too shy to lift his head. Pigsy, standing nearby, pursed his snout and squinted his eyes to examine the Queen. She was indeed graceful and charming, truly—

Eyebrows like kingfisher feathers, skin like mutton-fat jade.Face adorned like peach blossoms, hair piled with golden phoenix threads.Autumn waves in her sparkling eyes, a bewitching allure; spring bamboo shoots in her slender fingers, a captivating grace.Slanted crimson silk ribbon fluttering with vibrant color, high-piled pearls and jade shimmering with brilliance.What need to speak of Zhaojun's beauty? She truly surpassed even Xishi.Her willow waist slightly swayed, jingling golden pendants; her lotus steps gently moved her jade limbs.Chang'e from the moon could hardly compare, how could a fairy from the nine heavens match her?Her palace attire of exquisite design, truly extraordinary; it was as if the Queen Mother of the West had descended to the Jade Pool.

As the idiot Pigsy beheld her charms, he couldn't help but drool, his heart pounded like a deer, and his bones and muscles turned to jelly. He was like a snow lion before a fire, unconsciously melting away.

Just then, the Queen stepped forward, grabbed Tripitaka's hand, and with a charming, soft voice, called out, "Imperial Brother, please ascend the dragon chariot and come with me to the Golden Luan Treasure Hall, to be united as husband and wife!" The elder trembled, unable to stand steady, as if drunk or infatuated. Pilgrim, at his side, prompted, "Master, no need to be so modest. Please ascend the carriage with our 'Mistress,' quickly exchange the travel pass, and let us go obtain the scriptures!" The elder dared not reply. He waved his hand at Pilgrim twice, but couldn't stop tears from falling. Pilgrim said, "Master, don't fret! Such wealth and honor—if you don't enjoy them now, when will you?" Having no choice, Tripitaka could only comply. He wiped away his tears, forced a cheerful expression, and stepped forward to join the Queen—

Together they held hands, and together they sat in the dragon chariot.The Queen, overjoyed, desired to be united as husband and wife; the elder, anxious, thought only of worshipping Buddha.One sought to unite with a partner in the bridal chamber, the other longed to see the World-Honored One on Spirit Mountain in the West.The Queen's intentions were genuine, the Holy Monk's feigned.The Queen, with true affection, hoped for harmony until old age; the Holy Monk, with feigned interest, carefully preserved his essence and primal spirit.One rejoiced at the sight of a man, wishing to be joined as husband and wife even in broad daylight; the other feared female allure, thinking only of escaping the net and reaching the Thunderclap Monastery.Together they ascended the carriage in harmony—who would have thought that Tripitaka had other intentions!

The civil and military officials, seeing their ruler and the elder ascend the phoenix carriage and sit shoulder to shoulder, all smiled broadly. They turned the procession around and re-entered the city. The Great Sage Sun then instructed Friar Sand to carry the luggage and lead the white horse, following behind the grand procession. Pigsy, however, ran wildly ahead, arriving first at the Five Phoenix Tower, where he shouted, "How free! How ready! This won't do, this won't do! Only after the wedding feast should the marriage be consummated!" This frightened some of the female officials who were leading the procession. One by one, they returned to the carriage and reported, "Your Majesty, that long-snouted, big-eared one is shouting for wedding wine in front of the Five Phoenix Tower!" Hearing the report, the Queen leaned on the elder's fragrant shoulder, nestled her peach-like cheek against his, and parting her sandalwood lips, charmingly called out, "Imperial Brother, which of your esteemed disciples is that long-snouted, big-eared one?" Tripitaka said, "That is my second disciple. He has a vast appetite and seeks rich food throughout his life. We must arrange some food and drink for him first before proceeding with anything else." The Queen eagerly asked, "Has the Imperial Household Department finished preparing the banquet?" A female official reported, "It is ready. Both meat and vegetarian dishes have been prepared in the East Pavilion." The Queen asked again, "Why two kinds?" The female official reported, "Your humble servant feared that the Tang Imperial Brother and his esteemed disciples habitually observe a vegetarian diet, hence the two kinds." The Queen then smiled charmingly, nestling against the elder's fragrant cheek, and asked, "Imperial Brother, do you eat meat or vegetarian food?" Tripitaka said, "This humble monk eats vegetarian food, but I have not forsaken wine. I require a few cups of vegetarian wine, and my second disciple also needs some food."

Before he finished speaking, the Grand Tutor reported, "Please proceed to the East Pavilion for the banquet. Tonight is an auspicious day and propitious hour, perfect for the Imperial Brother to marry. Tomorrow, as the celestial path opens to the yellow road, we invite the Imperial Brother to ascend the Treasure Hall, face south, change the era name, and ascend the throne." The Queen was greatly pleased. She immediately took the elder's hand, supported him as they descended from the dragon chariot, and together they entered the Duanmen Gate. There, one could see—

Wind carried celestial music down from towers and terraces,Amidst the heavenly gates, jade carriages arrived.Phoenix Gate Towers opened wide, bathed in resplendent light,The imperial palace, continuously adorned with shimmering brocades.Inside the Qilin Hall, incense smoke curled,By peacock screens, room shadows shifted.Pavilions and towers rose majestically, like those of a celestial kingdom;Jade halls and golden horses were truly extraordinary!

Upon reaching the East Pavilion, they heard a beautiful stream of pipe and song music, and saw two rows of captivating, rosy-cheeked women. In the main hall, two grand banquets were laid out: on the left at the head was a vegetarian feast, and on the right at the head, a meat feast. Along the lower two sides were individual settings. The Queen gracefully gathered her sleeves, and with slender, pointed fingers, offered a jade cup as she came to arrange the seating. Pilgrim stepped forward and said, "My master and I are all vegetarians. Please first seat Master at the vegetarian table on the left, then move three seats down, and divide us brothers to sit on either side." The Grand Tutor happily said, "Precisely, precisely. Master and disciples are like father and sons; they cannot sit side by side." All the female officials quickly rearranged the seating. The Queen personally passed cups, seating his three disciples one by one. Pilgrim then gave Tripitaka a knowing look, signaling his master to return the courtesy. Tripitaka descended, also holding a jade cup, and offered a seat to the Queen. The civil and military officials bowed to the throne, thanking the Empress for her grace, then sat according to their ranks on either side, whereupon the music stopped, and the wine was served. Pigsy, regardless of decorum, opened his belly and simply began to eat. He devoured everything—be it rice like jade grains, steamed cakes, sugar pastries, mushrooms, shiitake, bamboo shoots, wood ear fungus, daylilies, agar, seaweed, turnips, taro, radishes, yams, or Solomon's seal—gobbling it all down completely, and drank five or seven cups of wine. He shouted, "Bring more! Bring a large goblet! After a few more rounds, let everyone get to their business!" Friar Sand asked, "Aren't you enjoying this fine banquet? What other business is there to do?" The idiot Pigsy laughed, "As the ancients said, 'Those who make bows make bows, those who make arrows make arrows.' Now, some are getting married, some are leaving. Those seeking scriptures should go get scriptures, and those traveling should continue traveling. Don't let excessive drinking delay important matters. Quickly, get the travel pass issued! Just like a general who doesn't dismount, everyone should go forth on their own journey." Hearing this, the Queen immediately ordered large cups to be brought. Attendants quickly fetched several parrot cups, cormorant ladles, golden bowls, silver goblets, glass goblets, crystal basins, Penglai bowls, and amber chalices. They filled them with jade-like liquor and poured in ambrosia. Indeed, everyone drank a full round.

Tripitaka rose with a bow and, pressing his palms together, said to the Queen, "Your Majesty, I am greatly indebted for this magnificent feast; the wine has been sufficient. Please ascend the Treasure Hall to exchange the travel pass. Let us hasten before it gets late and send my three disciples out of the city." The Queen agreed, taking the elder by the hand. They dispersed the banquet and ascended to the Golden Luan Treasure Hall, where she immediately invited the elder to ascend the throne. Tripitaka said, "No, no! As the Grand Tutor just mentioned, tomorrow is an auspicious day according to the celestial path; only then would this humble monk dare to ascend the throne and proclaim himself king. Today, let us simply stamp the travel pass and send them on their way." The Queen agreed and sat back on her dragon throne. She then ordered a golden armchair to be placed to the left of her throne, invited Tripitaka to sit, and called for the disciples to bring forth the travel pass. The Great Sage then instructed Friar Sand to untie the baggage and take out the travel pass. The Great Sage presented the travel pass with both hands. The Queen examined it carefully. At the top were nine imperial seals of the Great Tang Emperor, and below were the seals of the Baoxiang Kingdom, the Wuji Kingdom, and the Chechi Kingdom. After reading it, the Queen asked with a charming smile, "Imperial Brother, is your surname also Chen?" Tripitaka said, "My secular surname is Chen, and my monastic name is Xuanzang. However, due to the sacred grace of our Tang Emperor, he recognized me as his sworn brother and bestowed upon me the surname Tang." The Queen asked, "Why are the names of your esteemed disciples not on the travel pass?" Tripitaka said, "My three unruly disciples are not natives of the Tang Dynasty." The Queen asked, "Since they are not from your Tang Dynasty, why did they agree to accompany you?" Tripitaka explained, "The eldest disciple is originally from Aolai Country in the Eastern Purvavideha Continent. The second is from Wusi Village in the Western Aparagodaniya Continent, and the third is from the Flowing Sands River. All three committed offenses against heavenly laws, but Bodhisattva Guanyin of the Southern Sea relieved their suffering. They sincerely embraced Buddhism, seeking to atone for their sins through meritorious deeds, and willingly vowed to protect me on my journey to the Western Heaven to obtain scriptures. They were all taken on along the way, which is why their monastic names are not yet inscribed on the pass." The Queen said, "Shall I add their monastic names for you?" Tripitaka said, "As Your Majesty pleases." The Queen immediately ordered a brush and inkstone to be brought. She ground the fragrant inkstick thickly and moistened the fragrant brush generously. After the document, she wrote the names Sun Wukong, Zhu Wuneng, and Sha Wujing. Then she took out her imperial seal,