Chapter 93: Asking About the Past in the Solitary Garden / The King of Tianzhu Meets an Encounter

A pure thought holds love, but lingering affection invites disaster. How can the enlightened mind discern the three realms? Upon completion of one's journey, one naturally returns to the primordial source. Whether becoming an immortal or a Buddha, it must be arranged from within. Pure and unsullied by dust, one will truly ascend to the upper realms.

The temple monks, upon seeing that Tang Sanzang and his disciples were gone at dawn, all lamented, "We didn't manage to keep them, we didn't bid them farewell, we didn't ask for their blessings; we simply let a living Bodhisattva depart cleanly!" As they were speaking, several prominent families from the South Gate area arrived to invite them. The monks clapped their hands and declared, "Last night, we were unprepared; tonight, they have already ascended to the clouds and departed!" Everyone bowed in unison towards the sky in gratitude. Upon hearing this news, all the officials and residents in the city became aware. They instructed these prominent families to prepare offerings of five sacrificial animals and fruits to be presented at a shrine of rebirth in gratitude.

Meanwhile, the four pilgrims, Tang Sanzang and his disciples, traveled for over half a month, braving the elements, and enjoying a peaceful journey. One day, they saw a tall mountain, and Tang Sanzang, with a hint of trepidation, said, "Disciples, that mountain ahead is steep and perilous; we must be careful!" Pilgrim Monkey chuckled, "This path is nearing the Buddha's land; there will surely be no evil spirits. Master, please relax and don't worry." Tang Sanzang said, "Disciple, although the Buddha's land is not far, the monk from that temple said the capital of Tianzhu Kingdom is two thousand li away. I still don't know how much further we have to go." Monkey replied, "Master, have you forgotten Zen Master Wuchao's *Heart Sutra* again?" Sanzang said, "The *Prajñāpāramitā Heart Sutra* is my constant companion. Since Zen Master Wuchao taught it to me, not a day or moment has passed that I haven't recited it. I can even recite it backward; how could I forget it!" Monkey said, "Master, you only recite it; you never asked that master to explain its meaning." Sanzang retorted, "Monkey! Why do you say I haven't understood it? Do *you* understand it?" Monkey replied, "I do understand, I do understand." From then on, Sanzang and Monkey fell silent. Next to them, Pigsy burst out laughing, while Sandy was overjoyed. Pigsy said, "Look at his face! He's a demon just like me, not some Zen master who has heard lectures, nor a Buddha's disciple who has seen sermons! He's just putting on airs, making empty claims about understanding! Why is he silent now? Come on, preach! Explain it!" Sandy said, "Second Brother, don't believe him. Eldest Brother is just rambling to get Master to walk. He only knows how to wield his staff; how would he know how to lecture on scriptures!" Sanzang said, "Wuneng, Wujing, stop talking nonsense. Wukong's understanding is beyond words and texts; that is true understanding." As the master and disciples conversed, they had already covered a considerable distance, passed several hills, and soon spotted a large temple by the roadside. Sanzang said, "Wukong, there's a temple ahead. Look at it, it's quite—"

Neither small nor grand, yet adorned with glazed green tiles; half new, half old, but boasting imposing vermillion walls. Ancient pines with sprawling canopies were dimly visible, their age unknown, perhaps remnants from thousands of years past; the gentle murmur of flowing water sounded like a lute, its origin unclear, perhaps from a spring carved out in some ancient dynasty. Above the mountain gate, 'Bujin Chan Temple' was inscribed in large characters; on the hanging plaque, 'Ancient Relic' was written.

Monkey read 'Bujin Chan Temple,' and Pigsy also confirmed it was 'Bujin Chan Temple.' Sanzang, deep in thought on horseback, murmured, "Bujin, Bujin... Could this be the realm of Śrāvastī?" Pigsy exclaimed, "Master, this is remarkable! I've been with you for years and never learned the way, but now you recognize it!" Sanzang replied, "No, it's not that. I often read and recite scriptures, and they mention that the Buddha resided in Jetavana-Anathapindika-Vihara in Śrāvastī City. This garden was said to have been purchased by Anathapindika from Prince Jeta to invite the Buddha to preach. The Prince said, 'I will not sell this garden. If he wishes to buy it from me, he must cover the entire ground with gold.' Upon hearing this, Anathapindika immediately laid gold bricks across the entire garden, thus acquiring Prince Jeta's garden and inviting the World-Honored One to preach. I wonder if this Bujin Temple is related to that story?" Pigsy laughed, "What a stroke of luck! If that's the story, let's go grab a few of those gold bricks as souvenirs!" Everyone chuckled for a moment, and then Sanzang dismounted.

Upon entering the mountain gate, they saw porters carrying loads, backpackers, and people pushing carts, all resting or sitting down. Some were sleeping, others conversing. Suddenly, seeing the four of them—some handsome, some ugly—the crowd grew somewhat afraid and instinctively made way. Fearing trouble, Sanzang continuously whispered, "Be proper, be proper!" At this, everyone settled down. Passing beyond the Hall of Vajra, a Zen monk emerged, whose demeanor was remarkably refined. Truly—

His face shone like a full moon, his body resembled a Bodhi tree. Holding his staff, sleeves fluttering in the wind, he walked the stony path in straw sandals.

Sanzang greeted him. The monk quickly returned the bow, asking, "From where do you come, Master?" Sanzang replied, "This humble monk, Chen Xuanzang, has been dispatched by the Great Tang Emperor from the East to the Western Heaven to worship Buddha and seek scriptures. Passing through this esteemed place, I humbly request a night's lodging, and we shall depart tomorrow." The monk said, "This humble monastery accommodates visitors from all directions, so all are welcome. Moreover, for an elder and divine monk from the East like yourself, to receive you is indeed a great blessing." Sanzang thanked him and immediately called his three disciples to follow. They passed through the covered corridor and the kitchen, and entered the abbot's quarters directly. After the courtesies were exchanged, host and guests took their seats, and the three disciples also sat down with their hands lowered.

News spread throughout the monastery that the scripture-seeking monk from the Great Tang in the East had arrived. From the highest-ranking elders and temporary residents to the youngest novices, everyone, regardless of age or status, came to pay their respects. After tea, a vegetarian meal was served. While the elder was still reciting a verse to begin the meal, Pigsy, ever eager, quickly devoured his steamed buns, vegetarian dishes, and noodle soup. The abbot's quarters were crowded; those knowledgeable praised Sanzang's dignified bearing, while the amusement-seekers watched Pigsy eat. Sandy, sharp-eyed, nudged Pigsy discreetly under the table and whispered, "Be proper!" Pigsy, flustered, blurted out, "Proper, proper! My stomach is empty!" Sandy chuckled, "Second Brother, you don't realize how many 'proper' people there are in this world. When it comes to their stomachs, they're just like you and me!" Only then did Pigsy cease his outburst. Sanzang recited a verse to conclude the meal. The attendants cleared the table, and Sanzang expressed his gratitude. The monks then inquired about the reason for his journey from the East. Sanzang spoke of ancient sites and then asked about the origin of the name 'Bujin Temple.' The monk replied, "This temple was originally Anathapindika's Garden Monastery in Śrāvastī, also known as Jetavana-Vihara. Because Anathapindika invited the Buddha to preach here and covered the ground with gold bricks, it was later renamed. The land before this temple is Śrāvastī, where Anathapindika resided. This desolate mountain was originally part of the elder's Jetavana-Vihara, hence its name, Anathapindika-Bujin Temple. Behind the temple, there are still remnants of the Jetavana-Vihara foundation. In recent years, after heavy rains, gold, silver, and pearls are sometimes washed out, and fortunate people occasionally find them." Sanzang exclaimed, "Indeed, the stories are true!" He then asked, "Upon entering this esteemed mountain, I saw many merchants with mules, horses, and carts resting in the two corridors below the gate. Why are they lodging here?" The monks explained, "This mountain is called Centipede Mountain. In earlier years, it was peaceful, but recently, due to a change in the weather, several centipede spirits have emerged and frequently injure travelers on the road. Although they don't kill, people are truly afraid to pass. At the foot of the mountain is a pass called Cock-crow Pass, which people only dare to cross at cock-crow. Those travelers who arrived late, fearing inconvenience, temporarily sought lodging on this desolate mountain, waiting to proceed after cock-crow." Sanzang said, "Then we shall also wait until cock-crow before we depart." As the master and disciples spoke, another meal was brought out, which Tang Sanzang and the others finished.

At this time, the waxing moon shone brightly. Sanzang and Monkey strolled under the moonlight when a monk came to report, "Our venerable elder wishes to meet a person from China." Sanzang quickly turned and saw an old monk holding a bamboo staff, who bowed and asked, "Is this indeed the master from China?" Sanzang returned the bow, saying, "You honor me too much." The old monk praised him endlessly, then asked, "Venerable Master, what is your esteemed age?" Sanzang replied, "I have idled away forty-five years. May I ask the honorable age of the esteemed abbot?" The old monk chuckled, "I am foolishly sixty years your senior." Monkey said, "Then he is one hundred and five this year. How old do you think I am?" The old monk said, "Master, your appearance is ancient yet your spirit is clear. And in the moonlight, my eyes are blurry; I cannot tell at a glance." After conversing for a while, they looked towards the back corridor. Sanzang asked, "You just mentioned the foundation of Anathapindika's Garden; where exactly is it?" The old monk replied, "It's just outside the back gate." He promptly ordered the gate to be opened. They saw an empty plot of land, with only some fragmented stone foundations of walls remaining. Sanzang pressed his palms together and sighed:

Recalling Anathapindika of old, who once used gold and jewels to aid the poor and sick. Jetavana-Vihara's name endures through ages, but where now does the elder rest with the Enlightened One?

They all lingered under the moonlight, walking slowly, and when they neared the back gate, they sat down on a platform for a while. Suddenly, they heard the sound of weeping. Sanzang listened attentively; the cries spoke of a child's pain, unknown to her parents. His heart was touched with sorrow, and tears fell unknowingly. He turned and asked the monks, "Who is that, and where is such sorrowful weeping coming from?" Seeing his question, the old monk immediately ordered the other monks to return and prepare tea. When no one else was present, he bowed deeply to Tang Sanzang and Monkey. Sanzang quickly helped him up, saying, "Venerable abbot, why this courtesy?" The old monk said, "This humble one is over a hundred years old and has a slight understanding of human affairs. In moments of quiet meditation, I have witnessed several visions. For esteemed masters and disciples like yourselves, I know a thing or two; you are unlike others. Regarding this sorrowful matter, unless it is a master like yourself, it cannot be discerned." Monkey said, "Just tell us what happened then." The old monk recounted, "On this very day last year, as this humble one was meditating, I suddenly heard a gust of wind, followed by sounds of grief and resentment. I left my meditation couch and went to the Jetavana-Vihara foundation to investigate. There, I found a beautiful and virtuous young woman. I asked her, 'Whose daughter are you? Why have you come to this place?' The woman replied, 'I am the princess of the Tianzhu Kingdom. I was admiring flowers under the moonlight and was swept away by the wind.' I locked her in a dilapidated empty room, bricking it up like a prison cell, leaving only a small hole in the door, just large enough to pass a bowl through. That day, I told the other monks that it was an evil spirit I had subdued, but as monks, we are compassionate and would not harm its life. So, I give her two simple meals of coarse tea and rice daily to sustain her life. The woman is also clever; she understood my intention to protect her from being defiled by other monks. So, she feigns madness, sleeping in urine and lying in excrement. During the day, she speaks nonsense and acts foolishly; but when night falls, she weeps, thinking of her parents. I have repeatedly entered the city to beg for alms and secretly inquired about the princess, but there has been no news of her being harmed. Therefore, I have kept her firmly locked up, never releasing her. Now, fortunately, revered masters, you have arrived in this country. I earnestly hope that once you reach the capital, you will wield your great Dharma power to discern the truth. This would both rescue a virtuous person and display your divine abilities." Sanzang and Monkey listened intently, taking the matter deeply to heart. As they were speaking, two young monks came to invite them for tea and to settle down for the night, so they returned.

In the abbot's quarters, Pigsy and Sandy grumbled, "We have to leave at cock-crow tomorrow, why aren't they coming to sleep yet!" Monkey said, "What is that idiot muttering about now?" Pigsy replied, "Let's just sleep. It's so late; what more scenery is there to see?" Consequently, the old monk departed, and Tang Sanzang retired for the night. It was truly a night where—

People quieted, the moon set, and flower dreams hushed; a warm breeze softly filtered through the gauze of the window alcove. The copper clepsydra dripped slowly, marking the passing watches; the Milky Way clearly illuminated the nine celestial peaks.

They had not slept long that night when they heard the cock-crow. The merchants ahead stirred noisily, lighting lamps and preparing food. The elder also roused Pigsy and Sandy to tether the horses and pack up, and Monkey called for a lamp. The temple monks had already risen, preparing tea, soup, and refreshments, waiting respectfully behind them. Pigsy, delighted, ate a plate of steamed buns, then led out the luggage and horses. Sanzang and Monkey bade farewell to everyone. The old monk again addressed Monkey, "Remember the sorrowful matter, keep it in mind!" Monkey chuckled, "Understood, understood! Once I reach the city, I will naturally listen to the sounds to discern the truth, and observe appearances to distinguish authenticity." The noisy group of merchants also set out on the main road. Around the hour of Yin (3-5 AM), they passed Cock-crow Pass. By the hour of Si (9-11 AM), they finally saw city walls. It was truly an iron vat and golden fortress, a divine land and heavenly prefecture. That city was—

Its terrain was high, like a crouching tiger and coiling dragon; phoenix towers and unicorn pavilions shimmered with colorful light. The imperial moat flowed like a belt, and auspicious land leaned against the mountains, marked by banners. At dawn, banners brightly illuminated the chariot roads; spring breezes carried the sounds of flutes and drums across stream bridges. The king ruled wisely, his court splendidly attired; abundant harvests displayed the prosperity of the heroes.

That day, they entered East Market Street, and the merchants each headed to various inns. As the master and disciples walked through the city, they came upon a communal guesthouse. Sanzang and the others went directly inside. The guesthouse manager immediately reported to the post-master, "There are four unusual monks outside, leading a white horse, who have just arrived." Upon hearing there was a horse, the post-master knew they were official travelers and came out to greet them. Sanzang bowed and said, "This humble monk is an imperial envoy from the Great Tang in the East, dispatched to the Great Thunderclap Monastery on Spirit Mountain to worship Buddha and seek scriptures. I carry official documents with me, which require verification at court. I humbly request to rest a while at your esteemed residence and will depart once my task is complete." The post-master returned the bow, saying, "This office was established precisely to host official guests; it is only proper that we welcome you. Please come in, please come in." Sanzang was pleased and asked his disciples to come forward and be introduced. When the post-master saw their unsightly faces, he was secretly alarmed, unsure if they were human or ghost. Trembling, he nevertheless ordered tea and food to be served. Sanzang, seeing his fear, said, "Your Excellency, do not be alarmed. Although my three disciples are ugly in appearance, their hearts are good. As the saying goes, 'Mountains may be harsh, but the people are kind.' Why fear them!" Upon hearing this, the post-master's mind settled, and he asked, "Revered Master, where is the Tang Dynasty located?" Sanzang replied, "It is in the land of China, in the Southern Jambudvipa." He then asked, "When did you leave home?" Sanzang said, "In the thirteenth year of Zhenguan, and now fourteen years have passed. After enduring countless waters and mountains, I have finally reached this place." The post-master exclaimed, "Divine monk, divine monk!" Sanzang asked, "What is the current age of your esteemed country?" The post-master replied, "Our humble land is the Great Tianzhu Kingdom. Since its founding by the Grand Ancestor and Grand Emperor, over five hundred years have passed. The current reigning emperor, who loves mountains, waters, and flowers, is known as Emperor Yizong. He changed the era name to Jingyan, and it has been twenty-eight years now." Sanzang said, "Today, this humble monk needs to present himself before the emperor to exchange the travel documents. I wonder if it's possible to have an audience?" The post-master said, "Excellent, excellent, it's just the right time! Recently, the King's Princess, now twenty years old, is currently holding a grand event at the crossroads. A high decorated tower has been erected, where she is throwing an embroidered ball to choose a husband, seeking a fated marriage. Today is the height of the festivities, and I imagine our King has not yet adjourned. If you wish to exchange your documents, this is a good time to go." Sanzang was eager to depart, but then a meal was served, which he ate with the post-master, Monkey, and the others.

It was already past noon. Sanzang said, "I should go now." Monkey said, "I will accompany Master." Pigsy said, "I'll go too." Sandy said, "Second Brother, stop it. You know how your face looks; don't try to puff yourself up outside the palace gate. Let Eldest Brother go instead." Sanzang said, "Wujing speaks wisely. That idiot is too crude; Wukong is somewhat more subtle." The idiot (Pigsy) pouted, "Aside from Master, the three of us look pretty much the same." Sanzang then put on his kasaya, and Monkey took his travel bag, and they went together. In the streets, scholars, farmers, artisans, merchants, literati, and common folk alike were all exclaiming, "Let's go watch the throwing of the embroidered ball!" Sanzang stood by the roadside and said to Monkey, "The people here, their clothing, palace architecture, and even their speech, are all similar to those in our Great Tang. I recall that my late mother, in my mundane life, also met her former destined husband by throwing an embroidered ball and then married him. It seems they also have such customs here." Monkey said, "Shall we go and take a look?" Sanzang said, "No, no! Our attire is unsuitable; it might cause suspicion." Monkey replied, "Master, have you forgotten the words of the old monk at Anathapindika-Bujin Temple? One, to see the decorated tower, and two, to discern the truth. With such a commotion, the Emperor will surely be preoccupied with the princess's joyous news. How could he attend to court affairs? Let's go and come back!" Hearing this, Sanzang indeed followed Monkey and saw all kinds of people gathered to watch the throwing of the embroidered ball. Alas! Little did they know that this trip was like a fisherman casting his hook and line, from which trouble would be reeled in from then on.

It is said that the King of Tianzhu, fond of mountains, waters, and flowers, two years prior had taken his concubines and the princess to admire the moon in the imperial garden. This attracted an evil spirit, which abducted the true princess and transformed itself into a false one. Knowing that Tang Sanzang would arrive on this specific year, month, day, and hour, the spirit, leveraging the nation's wealth, erected the decorated tower, intending to marry Tang Sanzang, extract his vital essence (original Yang energy), and thus achieve the status of a Supreme Immortal. Precisely at the hour of Wu (11 AM - 1 PM), three-quarters past, Sanzang and Monkey blended into the crowd and approached the tower. The princess had just lit incense and was praying to heaven and earth. Around her were fifty to seventy beautiful embroidered maidens, and close attendants held the embroidered ball. The tower had eight exquisitely carved windows. The princess looked around, and seeing Tang Sanzang approach very closely, she took the embroidered ball and personally threw it at his head. Tang Sanzang was startled. His Vairocana hat was knocked askew, and he hastily tried to catch the ball with both hands, but it rolled into his sleeve. From the tower, a chorus of shouts arose: "He hit a monk! He hit a monk!" Ah! At the crossroads, merchants and others, in a bustling throng, all rushed to snatch the embroidered ball. But Monkey let out a roar, gnashed his teeth, and with a slight bow, grew three *zhang* tall. Displaying his divine might and fearsome face, he scared people into stumbling and crawling away, daring not to approach. In an instant, the crowd dispersed, and Monkey returned to his original form. The embroidered maidens, palace attendants, and eunuchs, both great and small, from the tower all came to bow before Tang Sanzang, saying, "Noble one, noble one! Please enter the court to receive congratulations!" Sanzang quickly returned their bows, helped them up, and then turned to scold Monkey, "You monkey, you've tricked me again!" Monkey chuckled, "The embroidered ball hit your head and rolled into your sleeve. What does that have to do with me? Why are you complaining?" Sanzang asked, "How should we handle this situation?" Monkey said, "Master, don't worry. Just go into court and meet the emperor. I will return to the guesthouse and inform Pigsy and Sandy to wait. If the princess does not marry you, then simply exchange the travel documents and we'll proceed. But if she insists on marrying you, tell the king to summon your disciples, as you wish to give them instructions. At that time, when the three of us are summoned to court, I will be able to distinguish the true from the false. This is a plan to subdue the demon through a marriage." Tang Sanzang had no choice but to agree, and Monkey turned and returned to the guesthouse.

The elder was escorted by the palace maidens to the front of the tower. The princess descended, her jade-like hand holding his, and together they ascended the royal carriage. With an impressive retinue, they returned towards the palace gate. Already, a yellow-door official reported to the throne, "Your Majesty, the Princess is holding a monk by the arm, presumably having struck him with the embroidered ball. They are now waiting outside the Meridian Gate for your decree." The King, hearing this, was greatly displeased and wished to dismiss him. But unsure of the princess's intentions, he reluctantly ordered them to be admitted. The Princess and Tang Sanzang then arrived before the Golden Throne Hall. It was truly a scene where a couple hailed 'Long Live!' and two paths, evil and righteous, bowed for eternity.

After the formalities, he was summoned to the main hall. The King opened by asking, "Monk, from where do you come, and how did you happen to be struck by my daughter's embroidered ball?" Tang Sanzang prostrated himself and reported, "This humble monk was dispatched by the Emperor of Great Tang in Southern Jambudvipa to the Great Thunderclap Monastery in the Western Heaven to worship Buddha and seek scriptures. As I possess official travel documents, I came specially to Your Majesty's court for verification. As I passed beneath the decorated tower at the crossroads, I unexpectedly received the Princess's embroidered ball upon my head. This humble monk is a monastic of a different faith; how dare I marry your noble daughter! I earnestly beg Your Majesty to pardon my offense, exchange my travel documents, and allow me to depart swiftly for Spirit Mountain to seek scriptures and return to my homeland, forever indebted to your heavenly grace!" The King said, "You are a holy monk from the East. Indeed, a thousand-mile marriage is predestined by a thread. My princess, now twenty years old and unmarried, chose this auspicious day, month, and hour to erect the decorated tower and throw the embroidered ball, seeking a worthy spouse. And it just so happened that you were struck. Although I am not entirely pleased, I do not know the princess's true intentions." The princess kowtowed and said, "Father, as the saying goes, 'Marry a chicken, follow a chicken; marry a dog, follow a dog.' Your daughter had already made a vow before tying this ball, appealing to Heaven and Earth and all the gods, to choose her husband by this fated toss. Since the holy monk was struck today, it signifies a connection from a previous life, leading to this encounter in the present. How dare I change it! I wish to take him as my consort!" Only then was the King pleased. He immediately summoned the Imperial Astronomer to select an auspicious date, while simultaneously arranging for the bridal trousseau and issuing an imperial decree to inform the entire kingdom. Upon hearing this, Sanzang did not express gratitude but only pleaded, "Grant me release, grant me release!" The King said, "This monk is most unreasonable! I, with the wealth of an entire kingdom, am offering to make you a consort, yet you refuse to stay, constantly thinking only of seeking scriptures! If you refuse again, I will have the imperial guards drag you out and execute you!" The elder was so terrified that his soul almost left his body. Trembling, he prostrated himself and reported, "I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty's heavenly grace. However, this humble monk's party consists of four individuals, and there are three disciples still outside. Although I shall now accept, I have not yet given them a single instruction. I earnestly request that they be summoned here to exchange the travel documents and be sent on their way quickly, so as not to delay their journey to the West." The King then granted his request, asking, "Where are your disciples?" Sanzang replied, "They are all at the communal guesthouse." Immediately, an official was dispatched to summon the holy monk's disciples to receive the travel documents and proceed to the West, while the holy monk was to remain there as consort. The elder had no choice but to stand respectfully by. A poem serves as evidence:

The Great Elixir demands complete integrity, but harsh asceticism often brings forth bitter karmic ties. The Dao is passed down by sages, but cultivation is one's own task; good deeds are accumulated by humans, but fortune is given by Heaven. Do not indulge the six senses with excessive greed; swiftly awaken to one's original true nature. Without attachment or thought, one achieves purity; this will surely lead to transcendent liberation.

At that moment, the official was dispatched to the communal guesthouse to summon Tang Sanzang's disciples.

Meanwhile, Monkey, having parted ways with Tang Sanzang beneath the decorated tower, took a couple of steps, let out a couple of chuckles, and merrily returned to the guesthouse. Pigsy and Sandy met him, saying, "Brother, why are you laughing so happily? And where is Master?" Monkey replied, "Master has found joy!" Pigsy asked, "We haven't even reached our destination, nor have we seen the Buddha or retrieved the scriptures. What joy could there be?" Monkey chuckled, "Master and I simply walked beneath the decorated tower at the crossroads, and by sheer coincidence, the current princess threw her embroidered ball and struck Master! Master was then escorted by palace maidens, attendants, and eunuchs to the front of the tower, and together with the princess, rode in a carriage into court to be welcomed as a consort. Is this not a cause for joy?" Upon hearing this, Pigsy stamped his feet and beat his chest, exclaiming, "If only I had known, I would have gone! It's all because that lazy Sandy stopped me! If you hadn't held me back, I would have rushed straight to the decorated tower, and if the embroidered ball had struck me, your old Pigsy, and the princess had married me, wouldn't that be wonderful, marvelous! Handsome, elegant, perfectly suitable, a great fortune for all of us to enjoy! How interesting that would be!" Sandy stepped forward and, wiping Pigsy's face, said, "Shameless, shameless! What a big mouth! You're like someone who buys an old donkey for three coins and then boasts about being able to ride it! If that embroidered ball had struck you, we'd have to burn joss paper for exorcism all night, and it would still be too late! Who would dare let such ill luck enter their door!" Pigsy retorted, "You dark fellow, you have no taste! Ugly is ugly, but there's still a certain charm to it. As the old saying goes, 'Rough skin and sturdy bones each have their merits.'" Monkey said, "Idiot, stop your nonsense! Let's pack our luggage. If Master gets anxious and calls for us, we'll be ready to enter court and protect him." Pigsy said, "Brother, you're mistaken again. Master has become a consort! He'll be in the palace enjoying himself with the emperor's daughter. He won't be climbing mountains, traversing paths, or encountering monsters and demons. Why would he need your protection? At his age, wouldn't he know what to do in bed? Why would he need you to assist him?" Monkey grabbed his ear, raised his fist, and cursed, "You lecherous brute! What kind of filthy nonsense are you spouting!"

As they were arguing, the post-master came to report, "An imperial decree has arrived! An official has come to invite the three divine monks." Pigsy asked, "Exactly why are we being invited?" The post-master replied, "The venerable divine monk fortunately met the Princess and was struck by the embroidered ball, and has been chosen as consort. That is why the official has come to invite you." Monkey said, "Where is the official? Tell him to come in." The official bowed to Monkey. After bowing, he dared not look up, secretly muttering to himself, "Is it a ghost, a monster? A thunder god, or a yaksha?" Monkey said, "Official, why are you mumbling instead of speaking clearly?" The official, trembling with fright, held up the imperial decree with both hands and stammered, "My Princess invites a family meeting, my King invites a family meeting!" Pigsy said, "We don't have torture instruments here, we won't beat you. Speak slowly, don't be afraid." Monkey said, "He's not afraid of being beaten by you; he's afraid of your face! Hurry and pack the luggage, lead the horse, and let's go to court to discuss matters with Master!" This indeed was the moment where affection was bound to turn to enmity, for on a narrow path, there is no avoiding what comes. What words they would exchange with the King remains to be seen. Let's find out in the next chapter.