Chapter 54

Having bidden farewell to the villagers, the Tang Monk and his disciples proceeded west along the road. Before they had covered thirty or forty li, they had already reached the borders of the Western Liang Kingdom. The Tang Monk pointed from his horse and said, "Wukong, there is a city ahead, and the noise of people on the streets is loud—this must be the Women's Kingdom of Western Liang. You must all be careful, observe propriety and discipline, and by no means give way to wanton thoughts that might disturb the doctrines of our faith." When the three heard this, they solemnly acknowledged the command. Before he had finished speaking, they arrived at the entrance of the eastern suburb. The people there all wore long skirts and short jackets, with powdered faces and oiled hair—regardless of age, all were women. They were busy trading in the streets when suddenly they saw the four of them approaching. Together they clapped their hands and laughed, composed their faces, and cried out joyfully, "Seedlings of men have come! Seedlings of men have come!" Startled, the Tang Monk reined in his horse and could hardly proceed. In an instant, the streets were filled with them, and nothing but laughter and chatter was heard. Bajie shouted amid the commotion, "I'm a castrated pig! I'm a castrated pig!" Wukong said, "Idiot, stop your nonsense—just show your old face!" Bajie really shook his head a couple of times, pricked up his fan-like ears, twisted his hanging lotus-pod lip, and let out a roar, frightening the women so that they stumbled and crawled. As proof, there is a poem: The holy monk, worshipping Buddha, came to Western Liang, Where all within was yin and rare was yang. Farmers, scholars, artisans, merchants—all were maids, Woodcutters, fisherfolk, plowmen, herdsmen—all in rouge array. Lovely maidens filled the roads, crying "Seedlings of men!" Young women crowded the streets, welcoming their handsome lords. Had not Wuneng put on his ugly form, Amid such flowery throngs, their plight would have been hard to bear! Thereupon all were frightened and dared not come forward. Each one wrung her hands and stooped, shook her head and bit her fingers, trembling with fear as they crowded along the roadside to gaze at the Tang Monk. The Great Sage Sun also put on an ugly appearance to clear the way; Sha Seng likewise made himself fierce and formidable to maintain order; Bajie held the horse, pouted his lips, and flapped his ears. As they advanced, they saw that the buildings in the market were neat and orderly, the shops imposing—there were sellers of salt and rice, taverns and tea houses; drum towers and pavilions for trade, post stations and inns with hanging curtains. The master and disciples turned corners and wound along alleys when suddenly they saw a female official standing beneath the street, calling out loudly, "Distant envoys, you may not enter the city gate without permission. Please proceed to the post station to register your names in the ledger, and I shall present your names to the throne for verification of your credentials before allowing you passage." Hearing this, the Tang Monk dismounted and saw a plaque above the office gate bearing the three characters "Yingyang Post." The elder said, "Wukong, what the villagers told us was true—there is indeed a Yingyang Post." Sha Seng laughed and said, "Second Brother, go to the Nurturing-Fetus Spring and look—see if you see a double reflection!" Bajie said, "Don't tease me. Ever since I drank that cup of Abortion Spring water, I've already aborted the fetus—why should I look again?" The Tang Monk turned back and instructed, "Wuneng, be careful with your words, be careful." Then he stepped forward and greeted the female official. The female official led the way and invited them all into the post, seating them in the main hall, and at once called for tea. The attendants there all had their hair combed in three strands and wore two-piece garments. Even the one who brought the tea was smiling. After a while, the tea was finished. The female official bowed slightly and asked, "From where do the envoys come?" Wukong said, "We are imperial envoys dispatched from the Great Tang in the East, under the sovereign of the Tang court, to worship the Buddha and seek scriptures in the Western Heavens. My master is the royal brother of the Tang emperor, styled Tang Sanzang. I am his eldest disciple, Sun Wukong. These two are my junior disciples, Zhu Wuneng and Sha Wujing. Together with the horse, we are five in all. We carry with us a travel pass and request that it be inspected and that we be allowed passage." The female official took up her brush, finished writing, then came down and kowtowed, saying, "My lords, forgive your humble servant. I am the postmaster of Yingyang Post and truly did not know that you were noble lords from the superior land; had I known, I would have received you from afar." After the kowtow she rose and ordered the attendants to arrange food and drink, saying, "My lords, please sit at ease for a while; your humble servant will enter the city to report to my king, have the pass exchanged, issue the necessary documents, and see you off to the west." The Tang Monk sat down contentedly, and we shall leave him for the moment. Now the postmaster straightened her dress and cap, went straight into the city to before the Five-Phoenix Tower, and said to the Yellow-Gate Officer, "I am the postmaster of Yingyang Post and have business to report to the throne." The Yellow-Gate Officer immediately announced it. An edict was issued summoning her to the court, and she was asked, "Postmaster, what matter do you have to report?" The postmaster said, "Your humble subject at the post has received the Tang emperor's royal brother from the Great Tang in the East, Tang Sanzang, who has three disciples named Sun Wukong, Zhu Wuneng, and Sha Wujing, and together with a horse, five in all, wishing to proceed to the Western Heavens to worship the Buddha and fetch the scriptures. I have come specially to report to Your Highness—may we permit them to exchange their pass and allow them passage?" When the queen heard this, she was filled with joy and said to all her civil and military officers, "In my dreams last night I saw the golden screen shine with brilliant color, and the jade mirror display a radiant light—this is an auspicious omen for today." All the female officials bowed on the crimson steps and said, "Your Highness, how do you know this is an auspicious omen for today?" The queen said, "The man from the East is the royal brother of the Tang court. In our kingdom, since the creation of chaos and the opening of the world, through successive generations of rulers, never has a man come here. Now that the Tang emperor's royal brother has descended here, I think it is a gift from Heaven. With the wealth of a whole kingdom, I wish to invite the royal brother to be king, and I will be his queen, so that with yin and yang united, we may bear sons and grandsons and perpetuate the imperial line forever—is this not an auspicious omen for today?" All the female officials bowed and danced in praise, none without joy. The postmaster further reported, "Your Highness's plan is indeed a fine one for generations of inheritance. However, the royal brother's three disciples are ferocious and ill-favored in appearance." The queen said, "What does the royal brother look like? And how ferocious and ugly are his disciples?" The postmaster said, "The royal brother is dignified in appearance, handsome and distinguished—truly a man from the heavenly court of the superior land, a figure from the central continent of Nanzhan. His three disciples, however, have hideous features and look like demons." The queen said, "If that is so, give his disciples their credentials, exchange the pass, and send them off to the Western Heavens, leaving only the royal brother—what harm is there in that?" All the officials bowed and submitted, "Your Highness's words are most fitting; we your ministers receive them with reverence. But for the matter of marriage, no match can be made without a go-between. The ancients said: 'Marriage is sealed by red leaves; the Old Man of the Moon ties couples with a crimson cord.'" The queen said, "In accordance with your proposal, let the Grand Preceptor in attendance be the matchmaker, and the postmaster of Yingyang Post be the master of ceremonies; first go to the post to seek a marriage alliance with the royal brother. When he gives his consent, I shall have my carriage prepared and go out of the city to receive him." The Grand Preceptor and the postmaster received the decree and left the court. Now the master and disciples were enjoying their meal in the post hall when someone outside announced, "The Grand Preceptor in attendance and our own mistress the postmaster have arrived." The Tang Monk said, "What could the Grand Preceptor's coming mean?" Bajie said, "Perhaps the queen is inviting us." Wukong said, "It is not an invitation, but a proposal of marriage." The Tang Monk said, "Wukong, if they will not let us go and force a marriage upon us, what shall we do?" Wukong said, "Master, just agree to it; old Sun will take care of it." Unable to finish speaking, the two female officials had already arrived and bowed low before the elder. The elder returned the bows one by one, saying, “I am a monk, with what virtue or ability would I dare to trouble you great officials to bow to me?” When the grand tutor saw that the elder had a distinguished appearance, she was secretly pleased and thought, “Our country is truly blessed; this man could indeed serve as our king’s husband.” After the two officials finished their bows, they stood at his side and said, “Your Highness, the Imperial Brother, a thousand congratulations are due.” Sanzang said, “I am a monk—whence comes this joy?” The grand tutor bowed and said, “This is the Western Liang Women’s Kingdom, and from of old there have never been any men here. Now by good fortune Your Highness the Imperial Brother has descended. I, your subject, have received our king’s decree and have come specially to seek this marriage.” Sanzang said, “Amitabha! Amitabha! I, a poor monk, have come alone to your honored land, with no children or family following me—only three unruly disciples. I do not know which marriage affair you great official seek?” The post-house official said, “I but now entered court to present the memorial, and our king was greatly pleased, saying that last night she had a lucky dream: she dreamed that a golden screen displayed splendid colors, and a jade mirror shone with brilliant light. The Imperial Brother is a man of the superior Central Land of China. Our king is willing to offer the wealth of the entire kingdom to take you, Your Highness the Imperial Brother, as her husband, so that you may sit facing south and reign as sovereign, while she herself would be empress. She sent a decree appointing the grand tutor as matchmaker and myself as chief witness, and so we have come specially to seek this marriage.” Hearing this, Sanzang hung his head and said nothing. The grand tutor said, “A great man meeting his opportunity must not let it pass. Though such matters of taking a husband are found in the world, the wealth of an entire kingdom as dowry is indeed rare. I beg the Imperial Brother to consent quickly, that we may return with a favorable reply.” The elder grew even more dumbstruck and silent. At the side, Bajie stuck out his pestle-like mouth and called out, “Grand Tutor, go back and report to the king: my master is an arhat who has long cultivated the Way and attained the Truth; he certainly does not covet the wealth of your kingdom, nor does he care for your kingdom-toppling beauty. Quickly exchange the official travel documents and send him on his way to the West, and leave me here to be taken as husband—how about that?” Hearing this, the grand tutor trembled with fear and dared not answer. The post-house official said, “Though you are a man, your appearance is too ugly; you do not suit our king’s taste.” Bajie laughed and said, “You are most inflexible. As the saying goes, ‘Rough willow winnows and fine willow buckets—who in the world ever saw a man’s ugliness as a fault?’” Wukong said, “Idiot, stop your foolish talk. Let the master decide as he wills: if it is feasible, then act; if not, then desist. Do not delay the matchmaker’s work.” Sanzang said, “Wukong, what do you think is best?” Wukong said, “In old Sun’s opinion, it would be fine for you to stay here. Ever since ancient times it has been said, ‘A thousand-li marriage is tied by a thread’—where else could you find such a perfect match?” Sanzang said, “Disciples, if we covet wealth and honor here, who will go to the Western Heaven to fetch the scriptures? Would that not betray our sovereign of the Great Tang?” The grand tutor said, “Your Highness the Imperial Brother, your humble subject dares not conceal anything. Our king’s decree originally only requested the Imperial Brother as the groom; your three disciples will be invited to the nuptial feast, then given provisions and their official travel documents exchanged, and they may proceed to the Western Heaven to fetch the scriptures.” Wukong said, “The grand tutor speaks reasonably. We need not make difficulties; we are willing to leave our master here to be husband to your king. Quickly exchange the documents and send us westward. When we return with the scriptures, we can come here to pay respects to our master’s new parents-in-law, ask for traveling expenses, and go back to the Great Tang.” The grand tutor and the post-house official bowed to Wukong and said, “Many thanks for the teacher’s kind assistance.” Bajie said, “Grand Tutor, do not just talk of dishes on the table. Since we have agreed, tell your king to first arrange a feast and give us a cup of betrothal wine—how about that?” The grand tutor said, “We have, we have; I shall order the banquet to be prepared at once.” Then the post-house official and the grand tutor, overjoyed, returned to report to the queen. Now the Tang elder grabbed hold of Wukong and scolded him, saying, “You monkey, you are killing me! How could you say such things, asking me to marry here while you go to the Western Heaven to worship the Buddha? Even if it meant death, I would not dare do such a thing.” Wukong said, “Master, be at ease. Do I not know your nature? But having come to this place and met these people, we have no choice but to play along with their scheme.” Sanzang said, “What do you mean by ‘play along with their scheme’?” Wukong said, “If you stubbornly refuse, she will not exchange the travel documents and will not let us go. What if she turns malicious and orders her people to cut off your flesh to make some sort of scented sachet—would we have a good outcome? We would certainly have to use our powers to subdue demons and monsters, but you know that our hands are heavy and our weapons are fierce; with the slightest movement, we would kill all the people in this kingdom. Though they impede us, they are not monsters or demons—they are human beings of an entire nation. And you have always been a virtuous and compassionate person, never harming a single soul on the road. If we killed countless innocent people, how could you bear it? That would truly be unvirtuous.” Sanzang, hearing this, said, “Wukong, your reasoning is excellent. But I fear that if the queen invites me inside and insists on performing the rites of husband and wife, how could I consent to lose my primal yang and defile the virtue of a Buddhist? To let my true essence be drained and fall from my own religious standing?” Wukong said, “Today we accept the betrothal. She will surely, with imperial rites, set out her carriage and come out of the city to receive you. You must not refuse; simply sit in her phoenix palanquin and dragon chariot, ascend the precious hall, and face south. Then ask the queen to bring out the imperial jade seal, summon us brothers into court, have her affix the seal to our travel passport, and also ask her to write her personal cipher and sign it before handing it over to us. Meanwhile, order a banquet to be prepared—it can serve as the wedding feast with the queen and also as a farewell feast for us. When the banquet is over, ask her to order the carriage again, ostensibly to escort us three out of the city, and then return to consummate the marriage with the queen. That will make her court and subjects all happy, with no thought of hindering us and no ill intent. Then, when we are escorted out of the city, you descend from the dragon chariot and phoenix palanquin, have Sha Seng attend you on the left and right, and help you mount the white horse. Meanwhile, I will use a body-freezing spell to immobilize her and all her subjects, and we will head west along the main road. After traveling a full day and night, I will recite the spell to release them and let them revive and return to the city. In this way, we neither harm their lives nor damage your primal spirit. This is the strategy of ‘feigning marriage to escape the net’—is it not a perfect plan that benefits both sides?” When Sanzang heard this, it was as if he had awakened from intoxication, as if from a dream—his worries vanished and he thanked him endlessly, saying, “I am deeply grateful for my wise disciple’s excellent plan.” The four of them were of one mind and discussed the matter together. Now the grand tutor and the post-house official, without waiting for a summons, went straight into the court before the white jade steps and reported, “Your Majesty, your auspicious dream has come true; the joy of union is at hand.” Hearing this, the queen rolled up her pearl curtain, descended from the dragon couch, parted her cherry lips, revealed her pearly teeth, and with a smiling, charming voice asked, “Worthy minister, what did the Imperial Brother say when you met him?” The grand tutor said, “When we arrived at the post-house and paid respects to the Imperial Brother, we told him of the marriage proposal. The Imperial Brother still made excuses, but luckily his eldest disciple readily agreed and was willing to leave his master as husband to our king, to rule as emperor facing south. He only asked that we first exchange the travel documents and send the three of them westward; after they obtain the scriptures, they will return here to pay respects to their master’s new parents and ask for traveling funds to go back to the Great Tang.” The queen laughed and asked, “Did the Imperial Brother say anything else?” The grand tutor replied, “The Imperial Brother said nothing more; he is willing to marry our sovereign. However, his second disciple first demands a cup of betrothal wine.” Hearing this, the queen immediately issued a decree ordering the Court of Imperial Sacrifices to prepare the banquet. On one side, the grand imperial procession was arranged to go out of the city to welcome the bridegroom. The female officials promptly obeyed the royal command, swept and cleaned the palaces, and set out the pavilions and halls. One group hurriedly arranged the feast; another group busily prepared the procession with the speed of shooting stars. And you may note that although the Western Liang Kingdom was a land of women, its imperial carriage was no less magnificent than that of the Central Land. See then: Six dragons spurted colored light, and paired phoenixes bore auspicious signs. The six dragons spurted colored light to escort the carriage forth; the paired phoenixes bore auspicious signs to draw the imperial chariot on. Rich and strange rare fragrances spread thickly; dense and luminous propitious vapors opened wide. Goldfish ornaments and jade pendants—many officials thronged; jeweled coiffures and cloudlike tresses—a host of fair maids lined in ranks. Mandarin-duck palm fans shaded the imperial chariot; emerald-and-pearl curtains shadowed the phoenix hairpins. The sound of pipes and songs was sweet; the notes of string and wind instruments were harmonious. A surge of joyous feeling rushed toward the azure heavens; boundless happy radiance emerged from the Terrace of Spirit. A three-tiered silken canopy swayed against the celestial dome; five-colored banners cast their gleam before the imperial steps. This place had never known the nuptial cup; today the Queen matches herself with a talented man. Before long, the great cortege left the city and soon arrived at the Welcoming Sun Lodge and Post-station. Suddenly someone reported to the Tripiṭaka master and his disciples: "The imperial carriage has arrived." Hearing this, Tripiṭaka immediately straightened his clothes with his three disciples and went out from the hall to greet the carriage. The Queen rolled up her curtain, descended from the chariot, and asked: "Which one is the Imperial Younger Brother of the Tang?" The Grand Minister pointed and said: "The one in the broad-lapel robe before the incense altar outside the station gate is he." The Queen flashed her phoenix eyes, knitted her moth eyebrows, and scrutinized him carefully—indeed, his appearance was extraordinary. Behold him: His bearing was heroic and handsome, his countenance lofty and dignified. His teeth were white as piled silver, his lips vermilion and mouth square. His crown was flat, brow broad, and heavenly storehouses full; his eyes were elegant, brows delicate, and earthly pavilions long. His two ears had rims—truly a worthy man; his whole person was uncommon—a talented gentleman. A fine young man, clever, handsome, and gallant, worthy to match the graceful maiden of Western Liang. As the Queen looked upon him with growing delight, she could not help but feel amorous desires surging and passionate longings spreading. She parted her cherry-like small mouth and called out: "Imperial Younger Brother of the Great Tang, will you not come to ride the phoenix and mount the luan?" Hearing this, Tripiṭaka's ears reddened and his face flushed; bashfully he dared not raise his head. Beside him, Zhu Bajie pursed his lips and gazed with languid eyes at the Queen—she was indeed graceful. Truly: Her brows were like emerald feathers, her skin like mutton fat. Her face was set off like peach petals, her coiffure piled with golden phoenix strands. Her autumn waves brimmed with enchanting allure; her spring bamboo shoots—slender fingers—bore delicate, charming grace. Slantingly draped red silk fluttered with brilliant hues; high-pinned pearls and kingfisher feathers shone with radiance. Why speak of Zhaojun's beauty? She truly outshone Xi Shi. Her willow waist swayed slightly, sounding golden pendants; her lotus steps moved lightly, shifting jadelike limbs. The Chang'e in the moon could hardly come to this; how could the nine-heaven immortals match her? Her palace finery was of exquisite, uncommon kind—truly it was the Queen Mother herself descending to the Jasper Pool. That dolt, seeing these delights, could not help his mouth watering and his heart pounding like a startled deer. In a moment his bones went soft and his sinews numb; he was just like a snow lion before a fire—before he knew it, he was wholly melted away. Just then the Queen approached, seized Tripiṭaka by the hand, and with charming words and tender voice called: "Imperial Younger Brother, pray mount the dragon chariot and go with me to the Golden Luan Hall to become husband and wife." This elder was so trembling that he could barely stand, as if drunk or dazed. Pilgrim at his side urged: "Master, do not be overly modest; pray mount the carriage with your mother-in-law. Quickly have the passport exchanged, so that we may go fetch the scriptures." The elder dared not reply; he rubbed Pilgrim two or three times, unable to stop his tears from falling. Pilgrim said: "Master, do not be distressed. With such wealth and honor, if you do not enjoy them, what else are you waiting for?" Tripiṭaka had no recourse but to comply; he wiped away his tears, forced a cheerful countenance, and stepped forward with the Queen: Together they held fair hands and sat side by side in the dragon chariot. The Queen was overjoyed, eager to become husband and wife; this elder was anxious and fearful, thinking only of worshiping the Buddha. One wished for the bridal chamber and candlelight to join as mandarin-duck mates; the other wished for the Western Heavens and Spirit Mountain to see the World-Honored One. The Queen's feelings were true; the holy monk's intent was false. The Queen's true feelings hoped for harmony and shared old age; the holy monk's false intent kept his emotions hidden to nourish his primal spirit. One rejoiced at seeing a man's body, wishing they could join heads and be spouses even in broad daylight; the other feared encountering female beauty, thinking only of escaping the net at once and reaching Thunderclap. The two mounted the carriage together—who would have thought that Tang Monk had a different heart? When the civil and military officials saw their sovereign and the elder ascend the phoenix chariot and sit shoulder to shoulder, each beamed with joy. They turned the ceremonial procession around and re-entered the city. The Great Sage Sun then bade Sha Monk carry the luggage and lead the white horse, following behind the great cortege. Zhu Bajie ran wildly ahead and first reached the Five Phoenix Tower, shouting: "How comfortable, how ready-made! This won't do, this won't do—only after drinking wedding wine and entering the bridal chamber will it work!" He frightened the female officials bearing the ceremonial insignia, and they all returned to the carriage and reported: "Your Majesty, that long-snouted, big-eared one in front of the Five Phoenix Tower is shouting that he wants to drink wedding wine." Hearing this report, the Queen leaned her fragrant shoulder against the elder, nestled against his peach-like cheeks, parted her sandalwood lips, and called in a tender voice: "Imperial Younger Brother, that long-snouted, big-eared one—which of your eminent disciples is he?" Tripiṭaka said: "He is my second disciple. He was born with a large appetite and has always sought to fill his stomach. We must first arrange some wine and food for him to eat, and only then may we proceed with the matter." The Queen asked urgently: "Has the Court of Imperial Banquets prepared the feast? Is it complete?" A female official reported: "It is complete. We have set out both meat and vegetarian dishes, in the Eastern Pavilion." The Queen asked again: "Why two kinds?" The female official replied: "I feared that the Imperial Younger Brother of Tang and his eminent disciples usually eat vegetarian fare, hence both meat and vegetarian dishes." The Queen then smiled sweetly, nestled against the elder's fragrant cheek, and said: "Imperial Younger Brother, do you eat meat or vegetarian?" Tripiṭaka said: "Your poor monk eats vegetarian, but I have not yet abstained from wine. I must have a few cups of plain wine for my second disciple to drink." Before he finished, the Grand Minister announced: "Pray proceed to the Eastern Pavilion for the banquet. Tonight is an auspicious day and favorable hour; you may complete the marriage with the Imperial Younger Brother. Tomorrow, when the Yellow Path of Heaven opens, pray that the Imperial Younger Brother ascend the precious hall, face south, and change the reign title to assume the throne." The Queen was greatly delighted, and then took the elder by the hand, assisted him, and descended from the dragon chariot, together entering the main gate. There one could see: The wind carried immortal music down from the terraced towers; Amid the Gate of Heaven the emerald chariot came. The phoenix palace opened wide with radiant glow; The imperial court stood unclosed, with brocade arrayed. Within the Qilin Hall, incense smoke curled faint; By the peacock screen, the shadows of chambers swayed. The pavilions rose lofty as in a supreme realm; The jade halls and golden steeds were yet more wondrous. When they arrived below the Eastern Pavilion, they again heard strains of pipes and songs of exquisite beauty, and again saw two rows of rosy-faced maids with charming looks. In the central hall were set out two grand banquets: on the left at the head was the vegetarian feast; on the right at the head was the meat feast. Below, on both sides, were all single seats. The Queen gathered her robe sleeves and with ten slender fingers held up a jade goblet, then came to arrange the seats. Pilgrim stepped forward and said: "We master and disciples all eat vegetarian. First invite my master to sit at the left vegetarian seat; then set three seats in turn, left and right, so that we brothers may sit properly." The Grand Minister said happily: "Exactly, exactly. Master and disciples are like father and son; they should not sit shoulder to shoulder." The female officials quickly adjusted the seating. The Queen offered cups one by one and settled the three brothers in their places. Pilgrim then gave Tang Monk a wink, signaling the master to return the courtesy. Tripiṭaka came down, also raised a jade goblet, and arranged seats for the Queen. The civil and military officials all faced upward and thanked the imperial grace, then each took his place according to rank, sitting on both sides. Only then did the music stop and the wine serving begin. When Bajie could not care less about manners, he opened his belly and ate to his heart's content. He paid no heed to jade屑, rice, steamed cakes, sugar cakes, mushrooms, fragrant fungi, bamboo shoots, wood ear, daylily, rock seaweed, seaweed, turnips, taro, radishes, Chinese yam, or sealwort—he gulped down everything in one go. He also drank five or seven cups of wine. He shouted, "Bring more dishes! Bring the big goblets! Let me have a few more goblets, then each of us will get to his business." Sha Seng asked, "With such a fine feast laid out, why are you in such a hurry to do other things?" The Idiot laughed and said, "The ancients say: 'He who makes bows makes bows; he who makes arrows makes arrows.' Now among us, some are to be recruited, some are to be married, those on the scripture quest will continue the quest, and those who travel will continue their journey. We must not be so greedy for wine that we delay our affairs. Quickly have the travel documents processed. As the saying goes: 'A general does not dismount his horse; each gallops toward his own future.'" When the Queen heard this, she ordered large goblets brought forth. The attendants immediately fetched several parrot cups, cormorant ladles, golden polos, silver chiselled cups, glass goblets, crystal basins, Penglai bowls, and amber beakers, and filled them to the brim with jade nectar and poured in ambrosial wine. Indeed each of them drank a round. Sanzang rose from his seat, made a palms-together gesture to the Queen, and said, "Your Majesty, thank you for this bounteous feast; we have had enough wine. Please ascend the treasure hall, have the travel documents exchanged, and while the day is still early, send the three of them out of the city." The Queen complied, took the elder by the hand, and dismissed the banquet. She ascended the golden throne hall and immediately offered the throne to Sanzang. Sanzang said, "No, no. As the Grand Tutor just said, it is only when tomorrow brings the Yellow Path of Heaven that I, a humble monk, dare to take the throne and call myself ruler. Today, let us merely stamp the travel documents and send them on their way." The Queen agreed, still sat upon the dragon couch, and ordered a golden armchair placed on the left of the dragon couch, inviting Tang Sanzang to sit. She then bade his disciples bring forth the imperial travel pass. The Great Sage ordered Sha Seng to open the bundle and take out the document. The Great Sage presented the document with both hands. The Queen examined it carefully. On it were nine seals of the Great Tang Emperor, and below them the seals of the Kingdom of Precious Elephants, the Kingdom of Black Rooster, and the Kingdom of Chechi. After reading, the Queen said with a delicate, charming laugh, "Elder Brother Imperial Kinsman, your surname is Chen?" Sanzang said, "My lay surname is Chen, my Dharma name is Xuanzang. Because His Majesty the Tang King, in his holy favor, recognized me as his imperial kinsman, he bestowed upon me the surname Tang." The Queen said, "Why are your worthy disciples' names not on the document?" Sanzang said, "My three reckless disciples are not subjects of the Tang." The Queen said, "If they are not Tang subjects, why are they willing to follow you?" Sanzang said, "My eldest disciple is a native of the Aolai Kingdom in the Eastern Continent of Superior Body; the second is from Wusi Village in the Western Continent of Ox-goad; the third is from the Flowing Sands River. All three had violated heavenly decrees and were delivered from their suffering by the Bodhisattva Guanyin of the Southern Sea. They turned to goodness and took refuge, using their merits to atone for their crimes, and willingly pledged to protect me on my journey to the Western Heavens for the scriptures. They were all taken in along the way, hence their Dharma names were not recorded on the pass." The Queen said, "Shall I add their Dharma names for you?" Sanzang said, "As Your Majesty pleases." The Queen ordered ink and brush brought forth, ground the fragrant ink thickly, moistened the fine brush fully, and after the main text of the pass wrote the names Sun Wukong, Zhu Wuneng, and Sha Wujing. Only then did she take out the imperial seal and affix it squarely and properly; she also drew her personal signature and cipher. She handed it down. The Great Sage Sun took it and told Sha Seng to wrap it up securely. The Queen then presented a tray of broken gold and broken silver, descended from the dragon couch, and handed it to the Pilgrim, saying, "You three may take this as travel expenses for the time being. Set out early for the Western Heavens; when you return with the scriptures, I will give you ample further reward." The Pilgrim said, "We who have left home do not accept gold or silver; along the way we have our means of begging." Seeing he would not accept, the Queen then brought out ten bolts of fine brocade and said to the Pilgrim, "Since you are in haste and have no time to have clothes made, take these to make garments against the cold on the road." The Pilgrim said, "Those who have left home cannot wear brocade; we have our own coarse cloth robes to cover our bodies." Seeing he still would not accept, she ordered, "Take three pints of imperial rice to serve as a meal along the way." When Bajie heard the word "rice," he took it at once and stowed it in the bundle. The Pilgrim said, "Brother, the luggage is already heavy enough—do you have the strength to carry rice as well?" Bajie laughed and said, "You don't understand—rice is a daily consumable; just one meal and it's done." Thereupon they joined their palms and gave thanks for the favor. Sanzang said, "May I trouble Your Majesty to accompany me in seeing the three of them out of the city? I will then give them a few words of instruction and bid them proceed well westward. Then I shall return and enjoy eternal glory with Your Majesty, without any care or concern, so that we may fittingly unite as phoenix and dragon." The Queen, unaware of the ruse, ordered the imperial carriage prepared and, leaning her fragrant body against Sanzang, mounted the phoenix carriage with him and rode out of the western city. Throughout the city, every household added pure water to their vessels and burned true incense: partly to view the Queen's royal procession, and partly to see the Imperial Kinsman in his male form. Young and old, all were fair-faced, delicate beauties with dark tresses and cloudlike coiffures. Before long, the grand procession left the city and arrived outside the western gate. The Pilgrim, Bajie, and Sha Seng, of one mind, adjusted their attire and strode straight toward the imperial carriage, shouting in loud voices, "Queen, you need not see us further; we take our leave here." The elder slowly descended from the dragon carriage, made a bow to the Queen, and said, "Your Majesty, please return. Let me, a humble monk, go to fetch the scriptures." When the Queen heard this, she was greatly startled, and clutching Sanzang she said, "Elder Brother Imperial Kinsman, I was willing to offer the wealth of my entire kingdom to take you as my husband. Tomorrow you will ascend the precious throne and be proclaimed ruler, and I will be your queen. The wedding feast has all been eaten—how can you change your mind now?" When Bajie heard this, he flew into a rage, twisted his mouth wildly, flapped his ears, and charged up to the carriage, shouting, "We monks will have no husband-and-wife business with a skeleton of powder like you! Let my master go." When the Queen saw him carrying on so wildly and making ugly faces, she was so terrified that her soul fled and her spirit scattered, and she fell back into her carriage. Sha Seng then snatched Sanzang out of the crowd and helped him mount his horse. Suddenly, a woman flashed out from the roadside and cried, "Tang Imperial Kinsman, where are you going? Come and have some romantic sport with me." Sha Seng cursed, "Ignorant wretch!" and swung his treasure staff to strike at her head. The woman stirred up a whirlwind, and with a whoosh, she snatched Tang Sanzang away, leaving not a trace, and no one knew where he had gone. Alas! It was: Just escaped the net of carnal pleasures, Yet meets again the demon of wind and moon. We do not know whether that woman was human or fiend, or whether the old master would live or die—listen to the next chapter for the explanation.