OriginChapter 94
Now the story tells that Sun Wukong and his two companions, following the Herald, arrived outside the Meridian Gate. The Yellow-Gate Officer immediately announced their presence and bade them enter. The three stood squarely together and did not make the slightest obeisance. The king asked, "Which three are the eminent disciples of the holy monk and imperial son-in-law? What are their surnames and given names? From what place do they hail? For what reason did they leave the household to become monks? And what scriptures do they seek?"
Wukong stepped forward, intending to mount the hall. Beside him, a bodyguard shouted, "Do not advance! Whatever you have to say, state it from below." Wukong laughed and said, "We who have left the household gain one step whenever we can." Then Bajie and Sha Seng also drew near. The elder, fearing that their rustic rudeness might startle the throne, rose and called out, "Disciples, His Majesty asks the reason for your coming—you should reply." Wukong, seeing his master standing in attendance, could not restrain himself and cried out loudly, "Your Majesty belittles others and belittles yourself. Since you have taken my master as your son-in-law, why do you make him stand in attendance? In this world, a daughter's husband is called an honored person—how can an honored person not be seated?" Hearing this, the king turned pale with fright and wished to withdraw from the hall, but feared losing face. So he mustered his courage and ordered his attendants to bring an embroidered stool and invite Tang Sanzang to be seated. Only then did Wukong present his account:
"Old Sun's ancestral home is the Water-Curtain Cave on the Mountain of Flowers and Fruit, in the Aolai Country of the Eastern Victory Divine Continent. His father was Heaven, his mother Earth; from a shattered stone I was born. Once I paid homage to a perfected being and mastered the Great Way. Then I returned to my immortal homeland and gathered my followers in that cave-grotto paradise. I descended to the seas to subdue dragons and climbed the mountains to capture beasts. I erased my name from death's register and entered it among the living, receiving the office of Great Sage Equal to Heaven. I delighted in jade towers and loved to roam in precious pavilions. I feasted with celestial immortals, daily singing in joy; I dwelt in holy realms, ever happy and at ease. But because I disrupted the Peach Banquet and rebelled greatly against the Heavenly Palace, I was subdued by the Buddha. I was trapped and pressed under the Five Elements Mountain, eating iron pellets when hungry and drinking molten copper when thirsty—for five hundred years I never tasted tea or rice. Fortunately, my master came from the East and journeyed toward the West; Guanyin ordered that I be freed from heavenly calamity and great distress, and I returned to the right faith under the Yoga teaching. My former taboo name is Wukong, and I am called Pilgrim."
When the king heard of such great renown, he hurriedly descended from his dragon couch, came forward, and with his imperial hand took the elder by the arm, saying, "My son-in-law, this too is Heaven's fate for me, to encounter such an immortal match and immortal kin." Sanzang thanked him profusely for the grace and begged the king to resume his throne.
He then asked, "And who is the second eminent disciple?" Bajie curled his snout and put on a fearsome air, saying:
"Old Pig in a former life was a man, fond of pleasure and sloth. All his life he was muddled, his nature disordered and his mind confused. He knew not the height of Heaven nor the depth of Earth, nor could he fathom the breadth of seas or the distance of mountains. While at leisure, he suddenly met a true immortal. With half a sentence, the net of karma was untied; with two or three words, the gate of calamity was broken. At once he awakened and straightway became a disciple, carefully cultivating the labors of two times eight and diligently refining the past and future of three times three. When his practice was complete, he ascended and gained entry to the Heavenly Realms. By the great kindness of the Jade Emperor, he was appointed Marshal of the Heavenly Reeds, in charge of the River Soldiers, at ease in the Han阙. But because he became drunk at the Peach Banquet and teased Chang'e, he was demoted and banished to the mortal world; by error of rebirth, he took on a pig's form. He dwelt at Fúlíng Mountain, committing countless evils. Then he met Guanyin, who pointed out the good path. He turned to the Buddhist faith and undertook to protect Tang Sanzang, going straight to the Western Heavens to seek the wondrous scriptures. His Dharma-name is Wuneng, and he is called Eight Rules."
When the king heard this, his heart trembled and his spirit quaked; he dared not look directly at him. The fool only put on more bravado, shaking his head, curling his snout, pricking up his ears, and laughing heartily. Sanzang, fearing again that he might startle the throne, at once scolded, "Bajie, restrain yourself!" Only then did he fold his hands and stand at attention, feigning civility.
He then asked, "And by what cause did the third eminent disciple take refuge?" Sha Heshang pressed his palms together and said:
"Old Sha was originally a mortal, who, fearing the round of rebirth, sought the Way. He wandered to the ends of the seas and roamed to the farthest shores. He always kept his robe and bowl with him and constantly refined his mind and spirit within. Because of this devotion, he met an immortal companion. He nurtured the boy within and matched it with the maiden of elixir lore. His labors fulfilled three thousand, and he harmonized the four aspects. He rose beyond the heavens, paid homage to the azure vault, and was appointed Curtain-Raising General, attending the phoenix chariot and dragon carriage, with the title of General. But also at the Peach Banquet, he accidentally dropped and broke the crystal glass, and was banished to the Flowing Sands River, where he changed his appearance and committed harmful deeds. Fortunately, the Bodhisattva, traveling far to the Eastern Lands, persuaded him to take refuge and wait for the Buddha's disciple of the Tang Dynasty, who would go to the Western Heavens to seek the true scriptures. From then on he renewed himself and again cultivated the Great Awakening. He took the river as his surname, and his Dharma-name is Wujing; he is called Monk."
When the king heard these accounts, he was both astonished and overjoyed: pleased that his daughter had wed a living Buddha, and alarmed that the three were truly monstrous spirits. While he was between surprise and delight, the yin-yang officer of the central terrace suddenly submitted a report: "The wedding date has been fixed for the twelfth day of this month, the zi day with chen hour—an auspicious time; the weekly cycle is favorable and fitting for matrimony." The king asked, "What is today's date and hour?" The yin-yang officer replied, "Today is the eighth, a wushen day—the Monkey offers fruit, fitting for advancing the worthy and receiving good fortune." The king was greatly pleased and ordered the carriage attendants to sweep clean the pavilions, lodges, and towers in the imperial garden, and to invite the son-in-law and his three eminent disciples to rest there, while later they would arrange the nuptial feast and match the princess. All obeyed. The king withdrew from court, and the many officials dispersed—no more of that.
Now the master and disciples all entered the imperial garden. As dusk fell, vegetarian fare was laid out. Bajie was delighted and said, "After this whole day, it's about time to eat." The stewards then brought vegetarian rice, wheat-flour foods, and the like, carried in whole loads. Bajie ate and added more, added and ate again, until his belly was stuffed and his guts full, and only then did he stop. After a little while, lamps were lit, bedding was arranged, and each retired to rest.
When the elder saw that no one was nearby, he angrily reproached Wukong, shouting, "Wukong, you wretched ape, time and again you bring harm upon me. I told you we should only exchange the customs clearance, and not go near the colored pavilion—why did you insist on leading me there for a look? And now, have you seen enough? You have stirred up such a business—what are we to do?" Wukong smiled and said, "Master, you said, 'My late mother also cast the embroidered ball and met an old fate, becoming husband and wife'—seeming to show a longing for the past, so old Sun led you there. I also recalled what the elder of the Jetavana Monastery had said, and took the chance to examine the truth or falsehood. Just now I saw the emperor's face bore a slightly clouded and gloomy look, but I have not yet seen the princess herself." The elder said, "And what if you see the princess?" Wukong replied, "Old Sun's fiery golden eyes—once I see a face, I can recognize truth and falsehood, good and evil, wealth and poverty, and then I can act and distinguish right from wrong." Sha Seng and Bajie laughed and said, "Brother, lately you have learned physiognomy as well." Wukong said, "As for physiognomists, they might as well be my grandsons." Sanzang scolded, "Stop your idle chatter! But now that he is determined to wed me, how are we to deal with it?" Wukong said, "Let us wait until the twelfth day, when the joy is celebrated; surely the princess will come out to pay respects to her parents. Old Sun will observe from the side. If she is truly a woman, then you may become the son-in-law and enjoy the glory of the kingdom—that would be fine." When Sanzang heard this, his anger flared up and he cursed, "You villainous ape! You still seek to harm me! It is exactly as Wuneng said—we are nine and a half out of ten steps along, and yet you still tease me with your hot tongue. Keep your mouth shut at once; do not open that stinking mouth again. If you are still impertinent, I shall recite the Curse and make you wish you were dead." When Wukong heard mention of the Curse, he fell to his knees in fright and said, "Do not recite, do not recite! If she is truly a woman, when the time of bowing comes, we shall all create a great uproar in the royal palace and carry you off."
As master and disciples talked, before they knew it the first watch had arrived. It was then:
Deep the palace water-clock drips,
thick the fragrance of flowers.
Embroidered doors hang beaded blinds;
quiet courts are void of firelight.
The swing ropes hang cold, their shadows left in vain;
the Qiang flute's notes die, stillness fills all sides.
Around the house, blossoms veil the moon's bright gleam;
across the void, no trees show starry light.
The cuckoo's cry has ceased;
the butterfly's dream is long.
The Silver River spans the sky;
white clouds return to their native home.
It is where the parting lover's feeling cuts most deep—
the wind sways the tender willows, yet more desolate.
Bajie said, "Master, it is late. If there is business, let us discuss it tomorrow morning. Let us sleep, let us sleep." The master and disciples indeed rested for the night.
Again the golden rooster crowed the dawn. The king at once ascended the throne and held court. One could see:
The palace opened its pavilions, purple vapors rising high;
The wind bore imperial music through the azure sky.
Clouds parted, leopard-tail banners stirred;
Sunlight struck the dragon-head jade pendants, swaying.
Fragrant mist gently added green to the palace willows;
Dewdrops lightly moistened the garden flowers' beauty.
A thousand officials bowed, dancing in homage;
Seas calm, rivers clear—one unified dynasty.
After all the civil and military officials had paid their respects, the king further decreed: "Let the Court of Imperial Feasts arrange a twelve-day wedding feast of joy. For today, prepare the spring wine vessels and invite the Imperial Son-in-law to be entertained in the imperial garden." He also ordered the Office of Rites to escort the three worthy relatives to the Guesthouse for a short rest, and commanded the Court of Imperial Feasts to prepare three vegetarian banquets to be sent there in attendance. At both places the Imperial Music Bureau was to perform music, to serve and attend the viewing of spring scenery and while away the long day. When Bajie heard this, he called out in reply: "Your Majesty, since we master and disciples met, we have never been apart for a single moment. Today, since there is to be a feast in the imperial garden, take us along to amuse ourselves for a couple of days—then it will be easier for our master to be your son-in-law. Otherwise, this business deal won't work out." The king, seeing how ugly he was and how coarse his speech, and noticing how he twisted his neck, craned his head, pouted his mouth, and waggled his ears—as if somewhat deranged—feared he might disrupt the marriage arrangements, and so had no choice but to comply. He then ordered: "Set two places in the Pavilion of Eternal Pacification of Hua and Yi—I shall sit with the Imperial Son-in-law. Set three places in the Pavilion of Retained Spring—invite the three others to sit separately, lest there be inconvenience in seating with his master and disciples." Only then did that idiot step forward, make a bow, and call out: "Many thanks." Each then withdrew. He further transmitted an edict ordering the inner-palace officials to arrange a feast, and commanded the consorts of the three palaces and six courts to dress the princess's hair, which would serve as her bridal adornment and wedding gift, in anticipation of the auspicious match twelve days hence.
Around the hour of Si, the king prepared his imperial carriage and invited Tang Monk and his disciples to come view the imperial garden. What a fine place:
The path was paved with colored stones, the balustrades carved with ornate rails. The path paved with colored stones, beside them grew rare blossoms; the balustrades carved with ornate rails, beyond them flourished exotic plants. Peach blossoms enchanting the kingfishers, tender willows flashing with orioles. Stepping, one felt the sleeves fill with subtle fragrance; walking, one's clothes gathered pure scents. Phoenix terraces and dragon pools, bamboo pavilions and pine studios. Upon the Phoenix Terrace, playing the flute summoned the phoenix to alight; within the Dragon Pool, raising fish caused them to transform into dragons and depart. The Bamboo Pavilion held poems, with all the labor of polishing like carved snow; the Pine Studio collected essays, refined into gems and pearls and annotated in azure volumes. Rockeries of fist-sized jade-green stones, winding streams of deep blue waves. Peony pavilions, rose trellises, layered brocades and piled velvets; jasmine rails, begonia beds, heaped rosy clouds and inlaid jade. Peonies with exotic fragrance, hollyhocks with strange brilliance. White pears and red apricots vied in fragrant beauty; purple orchids and golden daylilies contended in luxuriant splendor. Regal lilies, magnolias, azaleas—radiant and blooming; smiling flowers, balsams, plantain lilies—trembling and swaying. Everywhere crimson seeped through with moist rouge, clusters of rich fragrance surrounded by brocade. And more—the east wind brought back the warm sun, and the whole garden's charm displayed its brilliance.
The party of monarch and companions viewed it for a long while. Presently the officers of the Office of Rites invited the three pilgrims to enter the Pavilion of Retained Spring, while the king led Tang Monk up to the Pavilion of Eternal Pacification of Hua and Yi, where each drank and feasted. The singing, dancing, piping, and strumming, the spread and furnishings—truly:
The towering gate shone with dawn's first light,
Phoenix towers and dragon pavilions crossed with auspicious mist.
Spring hues finely embroidered flowers and grasses,
Heaven's light cast far upon brocaded robes bright.
Flute songs and melodies wreathed like immortal feasts,
Cups and goblets flew with jade-clear wine.
The sovereign pleased and ministers joyous together in delight,
Pacifying Hua and Yi forever in peaceful might.
At this time the elder, seeing how the king honored him, could find no way out and could only force himself to join the festivities—truly outwardly joyful but inwardly troubled. While seated, he noticed four golden screens hanging on the wall, each painted with scenes of the four seasons—spring, summer, autumn, winter—each with inscriptions, all poems by renowned Hanlin scholars:
The Spring Scene Poem said:
The cosmic cycle turns the mighty pivot,
All earth in warmth, all things renewed.
Peach and plum contend in brilliant bloom,
Swallows come to painted beams, bearing fragrant dust.
The Summer Scene Poem said:
The balmy breeze blows gently, thoughts lingering slow,
Palace pomegranates and mallows glow in sunlight bright.
Jade flute's tune startles the noonday dream,
Lotus fragrance wafts to the courtyard's screen.
The Autumn Scene Poem said:
By the golden well, one parasol leaf turns yellow,
The pearl-decked curtain hangs unrolled through night's frost.
Swallows, knowing the festival, leave their nests,
Wild geese break reed-flowers, passing other lands.
The Winter Scene Poem said:
Heaven's rain flies in clouds, cold and dim,
The north wind blows snow, piling on a thousand hills.
Deep in the palace, warm red stoves burn,
News comes that plum blossoms open, jade filling the rails.
When the king saw Tang Monk absorbed in reading the poems, he said: "The Imperial Son-in-law delights in savoring the flavor of poetry—he must surely excel in chanting and composing. If you would not hoard your pearls and jades, would you be willing to match the rhymes with one response each?" The elder, being one who forgot worldly cares in the face of scenery and understood the true mind and saw his own nature, seeing the king's reverence and the command to match the previous rhymes, could not help but chant a line: "Warm sun melts ice—the earth's great pivot turns." The king was overjoyed and immediately summoned an attendant officer: "Bring out the four treasures of the study, and ask the Imperial Son-in-law to complete his responses and write them down, that We may slowly savor them." The elder, pleased, did not decline and raised his brush to compose:
Matching the Spring Scene Poem:
Warm sun melts ice—the earth's great pivot turns,
The imperial garden's flowers and trees again renew.
Gentle winds and timely rain bring grace to the people,
Seas calm, rivers clear—far from worldly dust.
Matching the Summer Scene Poem:
The Dipper points south—the daylight lingers,
Locust clouds and pomegranate fires vie in brilliance.
Golden orioles and purple swallows sing by palace willows,
Their deftly turning double notes enter the crimson curtains.
Matching the Autumn Scene Poem:
Fragrance wafts from green tangerines and yellow oranges,
Pines and cypresses, green and fair, rejoice in frost.
Hedge chrysanthemums half-open, heaped like brocade,
Pipe songs and melodies resound through watery cloudlands.
Matching the Winter Scene Poem:
First clearing after auspicious snow—the air is cold,
Strange peaks and artful rocks like jade-mound mountains.
By the stove, burning beast-shaped charcoal warms the curds,
Sleeves tucked, I sing aloud, leaning by the emerald rail.
The king, seeing the responses, was greatly pleased and sang out: "Well said: 'Sleeves tucked, I sing aloud, leaning by the emerald rail'!" He then ordered the Imperial Music Bureau to set the new poems to music, and they passed the day in festivity.
The three pilgrims in the Pavilion of Retained Spring also enjoyed themselves thoroughly, each drinking several cups, and all somewhat tipsy. They were just about to go find the elder when they saw that he had already gone with the king into a pavilion. Bajie, his idiotic nature breaking forth, called out in reply: "What joy, what ease! Today we've had our fill of pleasure. Now it's time to sleep off this meal." Sha Monk laughed and said: "Second Brother, you have no discipline at all. With such a full stomach, how can you sleep?" Bajie said: "What do you know? As the saying goes: 'If after eating you don't stretch out stiff, there's no lard in your belly.'"
Tang Monk took leave of the king and came into the pavilion, where he scolded Bajie: "You lout, you're getting more boorish by the minute. What place do you think this is, that you keep shouting and bellowing? If you anger the king, won't he harm our lives?" Bajie said: "No harm, no harm. We're his in-laws now, so he won't take offense. As the saying goes: 'Kinship cannot be broken, nor can neighborhood be cursed.' Let's all have fun—why fear him?" The elder rebuked him and ordered them to seize the idiot and give him twenty blows with the staff. Wukong indeed grabbed him and threw him down, and the elder raised his staff to strike. The idiot shouted: "Imperial Son-in-law, Grandfather, spare me, spare me!" The attending banquet officials nearby interceded and stopped them. The idiot got up, grumbling and muttering: "Fine nobleman, fine Imperial Son-in-law—before the marriage is even settled, he starts laying down the king's law!" Wukong covered his mouth and said: "Don't talk nonsense, don't talk nonsense—hurry up and get to sleep."
They stayed another night in the Pavilion of Retained Spring. The next morning, the feasting and music resumed as before.
Without realizing it, they enjoyed themselves for three or four days, and it happened to be the auspicious day of the twelfth. The officials of the three departments of the Court of Imperial Entertainments all returned to memorialize: "Your subjects, since receiving the decree on the eighth, have completed the repair of the prince consort's residence, and it awaits only the furnishings of the dowry. The nuptial banquet has also been prepared, with over five hundred tables of both meat and vegetarian dishes." The king was delighted and wished to invite the prince consort to the feast, when suddenly an inner court eunuch came before the throne and reported: "Your Majesty, the Empress of the Main Palace requests your presence." The king then withdrew into the inner palace, where he saw the three palace empresses and the six院的 concubines, leading the princess, all laughing and chatting in the Zhaoyang Palace. Truly it was a mass of flowers and brocade; that richness and enchanting beauty surpassed even the Moon Palace of Heaven and was no less than the Jasper Pool of the immortals. There are four new verses on the joyous meeting and fine marriage as proof.
The "Joy" verse says:
Joy, joy, joy—how delighted and pleased!
To form a marriage, with love and beauty so fine.
With skillful palace attire, how could Chang'e compare?
Dragon hairpins and phoenix hairpins, brilliant, fluttering with golden threads.
Cherry lips, white teeth, and rosy cheeks, graceful as flowers, light of body.
Layer upon layer of brocade, amid a multitude of five colors;
Fragrance wafting, among a throng of a thousand gold pieces.
The "Meeting" verse says:
Meeting, meeting, meeting—enchanting and alluring.
Outshining Mao Qiang, surpassing the beauties of Chu.
Toppling kingdoms and cities, matching flowers and jade.
Adornments more fresh and lovely, hair ornaments many and brilliant.
With an orchid heart and wisdom, pure and lofty; with powdered face and icy skin, noble and honored.
Eyebrows like a thin line, distant mountains faint; graceful and charming, they gather in brocaded ranks.
The "Fine" verse says:
Fine, fine, fine—jade maiden and fairy child.
Deeply lovable, truly praiseworthy.
Exotic fragrance dense, powder and rouge intermingling.
Far off is the blessed land of Tiantai—how could it compare with the king's home?
Laughter and chatter in delicate postures, pipes and songs winding and clamorous.
Piles of flowers and embroidered heaps, a thousand kinds of beauty—look all over the human world, none is like this.
The "Marriage" verse says:
Marriage, marriage, marriage—orchid and musk scent spray.
A host of immortals, a crowd of beauties.
Concubines exchange their colored robes, the princess dons new adornments.
Cloud-like tresses piled in raven buns, rainbow garments over phoenix skirts.
One strain of immortal music resounds clearly; two rows of crimson and purple gleam in profusion.
Long ago they pledged faith with the phoenix-riding token; today, joyfully, they celebrate this fine marriage.
Now, as the king arrived, the empresses and concubines, leading the princess, along with the palace ladies and maids, all came to welcome him. The king, beaming with delight, entered the Zhaoyang Palace and sat down. After the empresses and others had paid their respects, the king said: "My worthy daughter the princess, since you cast the embroidered ball on the eighth and encountered the holy monk, I think your heart's wish has been fulfilled. The officials of the various offices have also been able to carry out my will, and all matters are now ready. Today is precisely the auspicious day; we should go early to the nuptial banquet and not miss the hour." The princess drew near, prostrated herself, and memorialized: "Father King, I beg you to pardon your daughter's ten thousand faults. I have one word to say: these past few days I have heard the palace eunuchs say that the holy Tang monk has three disciples, and they are extremely ugly in appearance. Your daughter dares not see them, for fear that if she does, she will surely be terrified. I earnestly beg Your Majesty to have them sent out of the city—that would be best, so that they do not alarm and injure my weak person, and instead bring harm." The king said: "My child, had you not spoken, I had almost forgotten. Indeed, they are somewhat ugly. These past days I have had them entertained in the Spring-Retaining Pavilion in the imperial garden. Today we shall summon them to the throne, give them their travel documents, and send them out of the city, and then we may hold the feast." The princess kowtowed and thanked him. The king then went out to the throne and issued a decree to invite the prince consort and his three companions.
Now, the Tang monk had been counting the days on his fingers, enduring until the twelfth. Before dawn, he discussed with his three companions: "Today is the twelfth—how are we to handle this matter?" Wukong said: "I have already perceived that this king has some ill fortune about him, but it has not yet touched him, so it is not a great harm. The only problem is that we cannot get the princess to appear. If she would come out, this old grandson would take one look and know whether she is real or false, and then act. You just rest assured. He will certainly invite us now and send us out of the city. You should agree and not be afraid—I will slip away and come right back, keeping close guard over you."
As the master and disciples were talking, indeed the attendant officer and the ceremonial director came to invite them. Wukong laughed and said: "Let us go, let us go. They must be seeing us off so they can keep the master for the union feast." Bajie said: "A send-off must come with a thousand taels of gold and silver—we can buy some gifts to take back. When we get to my father-in-law's house, we can have another reunion and enjoy ourselves." Sha Seng said: "Second Brother, hold your tongue and don't talk nonsense—just follow Elder Brother's lead."
So they took the luggage and the horse and followed the officials to the steps of the red terrace. When the king saw them, he bade Wukong and the other two to approach and said: "Bring up your travel documents—I will affix the seal and my signature and hand them to you. In addition, I have prepared travel expenses and will send the three of you off early to see the Buddha on Spirit Mountain. When you return with the scriptures, there will be further rewards. Leave the prince consort here—do not be anxious." Wukong expressed his thanks and told Sha Seng to take out the travel documents and hand them over. The king looked them over, then affixed the seal and signed them; he also took out ten ingots of gold and twenty of silver as a modest bridal gift. Bajie, whose heart was always heavy with greed for wealth and beauty, went and took them. Wukong faced the throne, made a bow, and said: "Sorry for the disturbance, sorry for the disturbance." Then he turned to leave. The flustered Tripitaka scrambled up, grabbed Wukong, and grinding his teeth said: "Are you all just going to leave me behind?" Wukong squeezed Tripitaka's palm and gave him a wink, saying: "You stay here and enjoy the celebration with ease—we will come back to see you after we have obtained the scriptures." The elder seemed half-believing, half-doubting, and would not let go. The many officials all saw this and took it as a real parting. Soon the king again invited the prince consort to the throne and ordered the officials to see the three out of the city. The elder had no choice but to release his hand and go up to the throne.
Wukong and the other two, along with the crowd, left the palace gate and took their leave of each other. Bajie said: "Are we really leaving?" Wukong did not reply but kept walking until they reached the post-house. The post-house master welcomed them in, served tea, and laid out a meal. Wukong said to Bajie and Sha Seng: "You two stay right here and on no account show yourselves. If the post-house master asks anything, answer vaguely, and do not speak to me. I am going to protect the master."
Great Sage, the excellent one, plucked a single hair, blew on it with immortal breath, and said: "Change!" It transformed into an exact replica of himself, staying with Bajie and Sha Seng inside the post-house. His true body, however, shot up into the air and changed into a little honeybee. Look at him:
Wings yellow, mouth sweet, tail sharp,
Dancing wildly, drifting with the wind.
Best at plucking pistils and stealing fragrance,
Skimming willows, threading flowers, swaying to and fro.
After much toil and dyeing,
Flying here and there in vain.
The rich sweetness brewed—who ever tastes it?
Only a name remains recorded.
See how he lightly flew into the court. From afar he saw the Tang monk sitting on an embroidered stool to the king's left, his brows knit in worry and his heart full of anxiety. He flew straight to the monk's Vairocana crown, crept quietly to his ear, and called: "Master, I am here—do not worry." These words were heard only by Tang Seng; none of the mortals were aware. When Tang Seng heard them, he began to feel at ease. Before long, a palace eunuch came to invite: "Your Majesty, the nuptial feast has been laid out in the Zhiqiao Palace. The empress and the princess are both waiting in the palace, specially for Your Majesty and the honored guest to join the family gathering." The king was overjoyed and went with the prince consort into the palace. Thus it was:
The evil ruler loved beauty, and beauty brought calamity;
The meditative mind stirred, and thoughts gave rise to sorrow.
After all, we do not know how Tang Seng was delivered from the inner palace—hear the next chapter for its explanation.