Chapter 93

When thoughts arise, love is surely there; if you linger in affection, calamity will surely be born. Why should the luminous spirit discern the Three Terraces? When your practice is complete, you naturally return to the Ocean of Origin. Whether you become an immortal or a Buddha, you must arrange it from within. Pure and clean, utterly free from dust; when the fruit is true, you ascend to the upper realm. Now it is said that when the monks of the temple at dawn did not see Sanzang and his disciples, they all said, “We did not detain them, we did not bid them farewell, we did not even ask them; we have let a living Bodhisattva go away cleanly.” While they were speaking, they saw several great households from the southern suburb come to invite them. The monks clapped their hands and said, “Last night we did not guard against it, and tonight they have all gone off on clouds.” The crowd all looked to the sky and bowed in thanks. Once this was said, all the officials and people in the city knew of it. They told these great households to prepare the five kinds of livestock, flowers, and fruits, and go to the life-shrine to offer sacrifices and repay kindness—but we shall not dwell on that. Now it is said that the four pilgrims of Tang Sanzang, feeding on the wind and lodging on the water, traveled peacefully all the way for more than half a month. Suddenly one day they saw a high mountain. Tang Sanzang again trembled with fear and said, “Disciples, the ridges ahead are steep and perilous—you must be very careful.” Wukong laughed and said, “Master, on this road we are nearing the Buddha-land, so there is certainly no great demonic evil. Rest your heart and have no worry.” Tang Sanzang said, “Disciples, though the Buddha-land is not far, the monks of that temple the other day said that it is two thousand li to the capital of the Heavenly Kingdom; I still do not know how much more road there is.” Wukong said, “Master, you have again forgotten the Heart Sutra taught by Zen Master Wuchao, have you not?” Sanzang said, “The Prajna Heart Sutra is my personal robe and bowl—since that Zen Master Wuchao taught it to me, what day have I not recited it? What moment have I forgotten it? I can recite it even upside down—how could I forget it?” Wukong said, “Master only recites it; you have never asked that master to explain it.” Sanzang said, “Monkey, why do you say again that I have not understood it? Do you understand it?” Wukong said, “I understand it, I understand it.” From then on, Sanzang and Wukong said no more. Nearby, Bajie was doubled over with laughter, and Sha Seng was overjoyed, saying, “You mouth—you were born as a monster just like me; you have never been a meditating monk who has heard lectures on the scriptures, nor have you ever been a Buddhist monk who has seen dharma talks. Putting up a false front and propping up a show, you say things like ‘I know’ and ‘I understand’—why don’t you speak up now? Let us hear your lecture, pray explain.” Sha Seng said, “Second Brother, do you believe him? Elder Brother is spinning a long yarn to coax Master along the road. He only knows how to brandish his staff—how could he understand the scriptures?” Sanzang said, “Wuneng, Wujing, do not talk nonsense. Wukong’s understanding is beyond words and letters—that is true understanding.” While the master and disciples were still talking, they had already covered much distance, passed several ridges, and soon saw a large temple by the roadside. Sanzang said, “Wukong, ahead is a temple. Look at that temple—it is: Neither small nor large, yet its tiles are of glazed jade-green; half new and half old, yet its walls are of the red character form. Dimly one sees aged pines with spreading canopies, one knows not how many thousands of years old they are to this day; murmuring one hears flowing water like plucked strings, one cannot tell from which dynasty its founding was left behind. On the main gate is inscribed in large characters ‘The Golden Cloth Meditation Temple’; on the hanging plaque is left the inscription ‘Ancient Relic.’” Wukong saw that it was “The Golden Cloth Meditation Temple,” and Bajie also said it was “The Golden Cloth Meditation Temple.” Sanzang, pondering on horseback, said, “‘Golden Cloth’… ‘Golden Cloth’… could this be the border of the kingdom of Shravasti?” Bajie said, “Master, how strange! I have followed you for years and never recognized a road before, yet today you recognize a road?” Sanzang said, “No. I have often read the scriptures and recited the canon, which say that the Buddha was in the Jetavana Park in the city of Shravasti. That park is said to have been bought by the Elder Anathapindika from the crown prince to invite the Buddha to preach. The crown prince said, ‘This garden of mine is not for sale; if he wants to buy it, unless he covers the ground with gold.’ When the Elder Anathapindika heard this, he forthwith used gold as bricks and covered the entire ground—only then did he buy the prince’s garden, and only then did he invite the World-Honored One to preach. I think this Golden Cloth Temple—could it be that very story?” Bajie laughed and said, “What luck! If it is that story, let us also go and pick a couple of those bricks to give away.” They all laughed for a while longer, and only then did Sanzang dismount. Entering the main gate, they saw under the gate people carrying shoulder-poles, people with backpacks, people pushing carts, all sitting down in rows—some went off to sleep, some to talk. Suddenly they saw the four master and disciples—the handsome ones very handsome, the ugly ones very ugly—and everyone was somewhat afraid, yet they made way a little. Sanzang, deeply afraid of causing trouble, kept calling out, “Cultured! Cultured!” At that moment, everyone did restrain themselves. Turning past the Hall of the Four Heavenly Kings, soon a meditative monk came out, whose bearing was indeed not ordinary. Truly: His face was like the full moon’s light, his body like the Bodhi tree. He carried his staff, his sleeves fluttering in the wind; his straw sandals trod the stone-paved road. When Sanzang saw him, he made the greeting gesture. The monk immediately returned the courtesy and said, “Master, from where do you come?” Sanzang said, “This disciple, Chen Xuanzang, by order of the Great Tang emperor of the Eastern Land, has been dispatched to the Western Heavens to worship the Buddha and seek scriptures. Passing by your precious region, I have presumed to pay my respects; I beg to lodge here for one night, and tomorrow we shall proceed.” The monk said, “This humble mountain is a monastery for all directions—all are welcome to visit; moreover, Elder, you are a holy monk from the East—to be able to offer you sustenance is a great fortune.” Sanzang thanked him and immediately called his three companions to come along. Passing through the corridor and the kitchen, they went straight to the abbot’s quarters. After exchanging courtesies, they took their seats as host and guest. Wukong and the other two also stood with hands hanging down and sat down. Now it is said that at this time, when the temple heard that a scripture-seeking monk from the Great Tang of the Eastern Land had arrived, everyone in the temple, great and small, whether permanent residents, visiting lodgers, elders, or lay attendants, all came to pay respects. After tea, vegetarian offerings were laid out. At that time the elder was just beginning his meal and reciting the gatha, but Bajie was already in a hurry—steamed buns, vegetarian dishes, noodle soup—all went down in one gulp. At this time there were many people in the abbot’s quarters—the learned praised Sanzang’s dignity, and the playful ones all watched Bajie eat. Now Sha Seng, with quick eyes, saw what was happening and secretly pinched Bajie, saying, “Cultured!” Bajie, flustered, immediately cried out, “Cultured, cultured—but my belly is empty!” Sha Seng laughed and said, “Second Brother, you don’t understand. How many cultured men are there in the world? If we speak of what is in their bellies, they are just the same as you and me.” Only then did Bajie stop. Sanzang recited the closing meal verses, the attendants cleared the table, and Sanzang expressed his thanks. The monastery monks asked about the cause of his coming from the Eastern Land. Sanzang spoke of historical sites, and then asked about the origin of the name of Bujin Temple. That monk replied: "This temple was originally the Jetavana Vihara in the kingdom of Shravasti, also called the Jetavana Garden. Because the Elder Anathapindika invited the Buddha to preach the sutras, and covered the ground with gold bricks, the name was changed to the present one. In front of this temple, looking out, is the kingdom of Shravasti. At that time, the Elder Anathapindika lived in Shravasti, and this humble mountain was originally the elder's Jetavana Garden, hence it is named the Jetavana Bujin Temple. Behind the temple there are still the foundations of the Jetavana Garden. In recent years, when seasonal rains pour down, gold and silver pearls are sometimes washed out. Those with good fortune often pick them up." Sanzang said: "Indeed, the saying is not false; it is truly so." He then asked: "Just as we entered this precious mountain, I saw under the corridors at the gate many traveling merchants with mules, horses, carts, and loads. Why are they lodging here?" The monks said: "This mountain is called Centipede Mountain. In former years it was very peaceful, but recently, due to the cycle of weather, somehow several centipede spirits have appeared, often injuring people along the road. Though they do not cause death, people dare not walk there. Below the mountain there is a pass called Cockcrow Pass. Only when the cock crows do they dare to pass. Those travelers, having arrived late, feared inconvenience, so they temporarily lodge on this humble mountain and will leave after the cockcrow." Sanzang said: "We too shall wait until after the cockcrow to leave." While the master and disciples were speaking, they saw vegetarian fare brought in, and they ate with Tang Seng and the others. At this time the first-quarter moon was bright. Sanzang and Wukong strolled leisurely in the moonlight. Then they saw a Daoist come to report: "Our elder master wishes to see a person from the Central Land." Sanzang turned quickly and saw an old monk, holding a bamboo staff, who came forward and made a bow, saying: "Is this the master who came from the Central Land?" Sanzang returned the bow and said: "I dare not." The old monk praised him without ceasing, then asked: "What is your venerable age, master?" Sanzang said: "I have passed forty-five years in vain. May I ask your venerable age, abbot?" The old monk laughed and said: "I am one full cycle of sixty years older than you." Wukong said: "This year he is one hundred and five years old. Look at me—how old do you think I am?" The old monk said: "Your appearance is ancient and your spirit clear, but with my eyes dim in the moonlight, I cannot readily tell." After chatting for a while, they looked toward the back corridor. Sanzang said: "You just mentioned the foundations of the Jetavana Garden—where exactly are they?" The old monk said: "They are just outside the back gate—quickly, have the gate opened." There they saw an open space, with some wall foundations of piled rubble. Sanzang put his palms together and sighed, reciting: "Recalling in former days the elder Sudatta, Who once used gold and jewels to relieve the poor and sick. The Jetavana Garden has left its name for a thousand ages— Where is the elder now, accompanying the Enlightened Ones?" They enjoyed the moon and walked slowly. As they approached the back gate, they came to a terrace and sat for a while, when suddenly they heard the sound of weeping. Sanzang listened carefully; the weeping was about parents who knew not of suffering and pain. He was moved and felt sad, his tears falling involuntarily. He turned and asked the monks: "Who is that weeping somewhere?" When the old monk heard the question, he ordered the monks to go back first and brew tea. When they were alone, he then prostrated himself before Tang Seng and Wukong. Sanzang helped him up and asked: "Why do you perform such a ceremony, old abbot?" The old monk said: "I am over a hundred years old and have some understanding of human affairs. Often in the stillness of meditation I have seen various scenes. As for your master and disciples, I know a little about you, different from others. As for the matter of weeping, without this master's keen discrimination it cannot be clarified." Wukong said: "Tell us, what is the matter?" The old monk said: "On this day last year, at the time when I was enlightening my nature under the moon, I suddenly heard a gust of wind and then a voice of grief and resentment. I got up from my couch and went to the Jetavana foundations to look, and there I saw a beautiful and upright young woman. I asked her: 'Whose daughter are you, and why have you come to this place?' The woman said: 'I am the princess of the king of the Kingdom of Tianzhu. While viewing flowers under the moon, I was blown here by the wind.' I locked her in a dilapidated empty room, built up to look like a prison, leaving only a small hole in the door, just large enough to pass a bowl through. At that time I told the monks: 'She is a demon, and I have tied her up.' But we monks are compassionate and would not harm her life. Every day we give her two simple meals of coarse tea and rice to sustain her life. The young woman is also clever and understood my intent. Fearing that the monks might defile her, she pretended to be crazy and deranged, sleeping in urine and lying in excrement. During the day she talks nonsense, staring blankly; but in the quiet of the night, she misses her parents and weeps. I have gone into the city several times to inquire about the princess, but nothing has been amiss. Therefore I have kept her tightly locked and never let her out. Now fortunately you, master, have come to this kingdom. I earnestly hope that when you reach the capital, you will exercise your mighty spiritual powers to clear up this matter: on one hand to rescue the virtuous, on the other to manifest your supernatural abilities." Sanzang and Wukong listened, taking it deeply to heart. While they were speaking, two little monks came to invite them to have tea and settle in, and they returned. Bajie and Sha Seng were in the abbot's quarters, grumbling: "We have to set off at cockcrow tomorrow, and they still haven't come to sleep." Wukong said: "What are you saying, you glutton?" Bajie said: "Let's go to bed—it's so late, what scenery are you still looking at?" So the old monk departed, and Tang Seng went to sleep. It was thus: People quiet, the moon sinks, flower dreams are still; Warm breezes faintly penetrate the window gauze. The clepsydra drips, marking the third watch; The Milky Way shines bright, illuminating the ninefold heavens. That night they had not slept long when they heard the cockcrow. The traveling merchants in front all rose with a bustle, lit lamps, and prepared their meals. This elder also woke Bajie and Sha Seng, tightened the horse's girth, and packed up. Wukong called for a lamp to be lit. The temple monks had already risen, prepared tea, soup, and snacks, and were waiting respectfully behind. Bajie was delighted and ate a plate of steamed buns, then led out the luggage and horses. Sanzang and Wukong took their leave and thanked the monks. The old monk said again to Wukong: "Keep that matter of sorrow in mind, in mind." Wukong laughed and said: "Duly noted, duly noted. When I reach the city, I will naturally be able to discern voices and investigate principles, and by seeing appearances distinguish their colors." That group of merchants, all in a hubbub, also set out on the main road together. It was about the hour of Yin (3–5 a.m.) when they passed Cockcrow Pass. By the hour of Si (9–11 a.m.) they saw the city walls. It was truly an iron-walled, golden city, a heavenly prefecture of the divine continent. The city: Like a tiger crouching, a dragon coiling, its terrain is high; Phoenix towers and unicorn pavilions gleam with shifting colors. The royal moat flows like a girdling belt; The blessed land leans on the mountains, with banners planted high. At dawn the sunlit pennants brighten the imperial way; Spring breezes carry flutes and drums across the bridges and streams. The king is virtuous, and the attire and cap ranks are splendid; The five grains abound, and heroes and worthies shine forth. That day they entered East Market Street, and the merchants each went to their inns. As the master and disciples entered the city, they came upon a courier hostel. Sanzang and the others went straight inside. The attendant in charge inside reported to the hostel overseer: "Outside there are four unusual monks leading a white horse in." When the overseer heard there was a horse, he knew they were on official business, and he came out from the hall to welcome them. Sanzang made a bow and said: "I am a poor monk, an imperial envoy from the Tang dynasty in the East, sent to the Great Thunderclap Monastery on Mount Lingshan to see the Buddha and seek scriptures. I have with me the official documents, which I will present at court for verification. May I borrow your honored office for a short rest, and I will leave as soon as my business is done." The overseer returned the bow and said: "This office was originally established to receive envoys and guests; it is fitting that we welcome you. Please enter, please enter." Sanzang was pleased and told his disciples to come and pay their respects. When the overseer saw their ugly faces, he was secretly startled, not knowing if they were humans or ghosts. Trembling with fear, he could only serve tea and prepare a vegetarian meal. Seeing his fright, Sanzang said: "Do not be alarmed, sir. Though my three disciples have ugly features, their hearts are all good. As the saying goes, 'An ugly face may hide a kind heart'—why should you be afraid?" When the post-station official heard this, he finally settled his mind and asked, "National Teacher, in which direction lies the Tang lands?" Sanzang said, "In the South Jambudvīpa, the land of China." He further asked, "When did you leave home?" Sanzang said, "In the thirteenth year of Zhenguan, now already fourteen years have passed; I have bitterly endured many thousands of rivers and mountains before arriving at this place." The post-station official said, "Holy monk, holy monk!" Sanzang asked, "How many years has your august nation enjoyed?" The post-station official said, "This humble place is the Great Tianzhu Kingdom. From the founding emperor and the太宗 (Taizong) down to the present, it has been over five hundred years. The present reigning sovereign, who loves mountains, waters, flowers, and plants, is titled Emperor Yizong, and changed the reign title to Jingyan; now it is already the twenty-eighth year." Sanzang said, "Today your humble monk wishes to see the throne to exchange the travel document; I wonder if I may chance upon the court?" The post-station official said, "Good, good, just right. Recently, because the king's princess has reached the age of twenty in her youth, she has built a colorful pavilion at the crossroads and is tossing an embroidered ball to make a heaven-ordained marriage and choose a consort. Today is precisely the height of the festivities; I think our king has not yet withdrawn from court. If you wish to exchange the travel document, it is a good time to go." Sanzang gladly was about to go, but then vegetarian food was laid out, so he ate with the post-station official and Wukong and the others. The time had already passed noon. Sanzang said, "I shall go now." Wukong said, "I will escort the Master." Bajie said, "I'll go." Sha Seng said, "Second Brother, stop that; your face is not much to look at, do not go to the palace gate to show off. Better let Elder Brother go." Sanzang said, "Wujing speaks well; the idiot is coarse and clumsy, but Wukong has some finesse." That idiot pouted his mouth and said, "Apart from the Master, the three of us have faces much alike." Sanzang then put on his cassock, and Wukong took the travel document bag and went with him. They saw that in the streets, scholars, farmers, artisans, merchants, literati, artists, common fools, and ordinary folk all crowded together, saying, "Let us go see the embroidered ball toss." Sanzang stood by the roadside and said to Wukong, "Here the people's dress and headgear, palaces and vessels, speech and conversation are all the same as in our Great Tang. I recall that my own late mother in her lay days also tossed an embroidered ball, met with an old fate, and was joined in marriage. This place has the same custom." Wukong said, "Shall we also go and have a look?" Sanzang said, "No, no. Our attire is unsuitable; there may be suspicion." Wukong said, "Master, have you forgotten the words of the old monk at Jetavana Monastery? First, to see the colorful pavilion, second, to distinguish truth from falsehood. In such bustle, the emperor will certainly attend to the joyful news of the princess; how could he hold court and manage affairs? Let us go." Sanzang, hearing this, indeed followed Wukong; they saw all sorts of people there watching the embroidered ball toss. Ah! Little did they know that this trip would be: The fisherman casts his hook and line; From now on he will fish out trouble. Now, that King of Tianzhu, because he loved mountains, waters, flowers, and plants, two years before had taken the empress, consorts, and princess to the imperial garden to enjoy the moonlight at night. This stirred up an evil spirit, who carried off the real princess, while he himself transformed into a false princess. Knowing that Tripitaka would arrive this year, this month, this day, and this hour, he borrowed the nation's wealth to raise a colorful pavilion, intending to take Tripitaka as a mate, to extract his primal yang true energy and become a Supreme Immortal of the Great Unity. At the third quarter of the noon hour, Sanzang and Wukong mingled into the crowd and drew near the pavilion. The princess then took incense, lit it, and prayed to heaven and earth. On her left and right were some seventy or eighty painted beauties and embroidered maidens, with attendants holding the embroidered ball. The pavilion had eight windows, all bright and transparent. The princess turned her eyes to look, and seeing Tripitaka come very close, she took the embroidered ball and with her own hands tossed it onto Tripitaka's head. Tripitaka was startled; the ball knocked his Vairocana cap askew, and he quickly supported the ball with both hands. The ball rolled into his sleeve. From the pavilion came a chorus of shouts: "It hit a monk! It hit a monk!" Alas! At the crossroads, the merchants, travelers, and all the crowd jostled and surged forward to seize the ball. But Wukong gave a shout, gnashed his teeth, bent his back, and grew to a height of some ten zhang with a show of divine might, putting on his ugly face. He frightened the people so that they fell and stumbled, not daring to come near; in an instant the crowd dispersed. Wukong then returned to his original appearance. The embroidered maidens, palace maids, and eunuchs, great and small, all came and bowed to Tripitaka, saying, "Noble one, noble one, please enter the court to offer congratulations." Tripitaka hastily returned the salute, helped them up, and turned to reproach Wukong, "You monkey, you are tricking me again." Wukong laughed, "The ball hit your head and rolled into your sleeve—what has that to do with me? Why do you complain?" Sanzang said, "In such a case, what is to be done?" Wukong said, "Master, set your mind at ease. Go into court to see the king; I will return to the post station and tell Bajie and Sha Seng to wait. If the princess does not insist on taking you, then it is well—exchange the travel document and go. But if she insists on taking you, then say to the king: 'Summon my disciples, for I must give them instructions.' Then when the three of us are summoned to court, I will be able to distinguish truth from falsehood. This is a plan to subdue the monster by relying on the marriage." Tripitaka had no choice but to follow his words, and Wukong turned and went back to the post station. That elder was then urged and supported by the crowd of palace maids to the front of the pavilion. The princess descended from the pavilion, took his hand with her jade-like hand, and together they mounted the precious carriage. The ceremonial retinue was arrayed, and they returned to the palace gate. Already the Yellow Gate officer first reported: "Long live, the princess has brought a monk by the hand; it seems the embroidered ball hit him, and they are now awaiting the decree outside the Meridian Gate." When the king heard this, he was greatly displeased and wished to drive them away, but he did not know what the princess's intent might be, so he could only restrain his feelings and order them to enter. The princess and Tripitaka then came to the Golden Bell Hall. It was truly: A pair of husband and wife called out "Long live"; two gates, one of evil and one of righteousness, bowed in reverence. After the ceremonies, they were summoned to the hall, and the king opened his mouth and asked, "Monk, whence have you come, that you encountered my daughter's tossing of the ball and were chosen?" Tripitaka prostrated himself and reported: "Your humble monk is from the Great Tang of the South Jambudvīpa, sent by the emperor to go westward to the Great Thunderclap Monastery of the Western Heaven to worship the Buddha and seek scriptures. Because I have the long-distance travel document, I have specially come to pay respects to Your Majesty and have it exchanged. Passing below the colorful pavilion at the crossroads, it chanced that the princess tossed the embroidered ball and it hit your humble monk's head. Your humble monk is a member of the monastic order, a man of a different faith—how dare I be joined with a royal leaf and golden branch? I beg Your Majesty to pardon your humble monk's capital offense, exchange the travel document, and send me off quickly to reach the Spirit Mountain, see the Buddha, obtain the scriptures, and return to my homeland, eternally indebted to Your Majesty's heavenly grace." The king said, "You are a holy monk from the Eastern Land—indeed 'a thousand li of fate are drawn by a single thread.' My princess has reached the age of twenty and is still unmarried. Because today's year, month, day, and hour are all propitious, I had this colorful pavilion built to toss the ball and seek a good match. By chance you came and were hit. Although I am not pleased, I do not yet know my daughter's intention." The princess kowtowed and said, "Father King, as the saying goes, 'marry a rooster and follow the rooster, marry a dog and follow the dog.' Your daughter made a vow beforehand: upon tying this ball, she announced it to heaven and earth and the gods, making a heaven-ordained marriage by tossing. Today she has hit the holy monk—that is the fate of a former life, giving rise to this meeting in the present; how dare she change it? I wish to take him as consort." The king was then pleased, and immediately ordered the Imperial Astronomer to select an auspicious date. On one side, they prepared the dowry, and also issued a decree to announce it to the realm. Tripitaka, on hearing this, did not even thank the emperor for his favor, but only cried, "Grant pardon! Grant pardon!" The king said, "This monk is most unreasonable. I, with the wealth of an entire kingdom, offer you the position of imperial son-in-law. Why do you not wish to enjoy it here, but keep thinking only of fetching scriptures? If you refuse again, I shall order the brocade-robed officers to take you out and behead you." The elder was so terrified that his soul left his body; he could only kneel trembling and kowtow, then memorialized: "I am deeply moved by Your Majesty's heavenly grace. But I, a humble monk, have three disciples outside. Now that I am about to accept your offer, I have not yet given them a single word of instruction. I beg you to summon them here, so that I may exchange the travel document and bid them depart early, so that they may not delay the purpose of coming west." The king then granted his request, asking, "Where are your disciples?" Tripitaka said, "They are all at the Hall of Assembled Guests." Thereupon the king dispatched an official to summon the holy monk's disciples to receive the travel document and proceed west, while the holy monk himself was to remain as the imperial son-in-law. The elder had no choice but to rise and stand in attendance. There is a poem to witness: For the great elixir to not leak, the three perfections must be complete; Bitterness in practice is hard to achieve—one regrets evil karmic ties. The Way is transmitted by sages, but cultivation lies in oneself; Goodness is accumulated by men, blessings come from Heaven. Do not indulge the six senses in greed and desire; Suddenly open the one true nature, return to the original source. Without love, without thought, one is naturally pure and clear; This will surely bring liberation and transcendental freedom. At that time, the dispatched official arrived at the Hall of Assembled Guests to summon Tripitaka's disciples—but we shall not dwell on that. Now, after parting from Tripitaka beneath the colored pavilion, the Great Sage Sun took a few steps, laughed a couple of times, and returned to the hostel cheerfully. Eight Rules and Sha Monk greeted him, saying, "Brother, why are you so joyful? How is it that Master is not with you?" Great Sage said, "Master is overjoyed." Eight Rules said, "We have not yet reached our destination, nor have we seen the Buddha and obtained the scriptures—what joy can there be?" Great Sage laughed, saying, "Master and I had only gone as far as the cross-street beneath the colored pavilion, when it so happened that the princess of this dynasty threw her embroidered ball and hit Master. Master was then pushed and pulled by palace maids, young ladies, and eunuchs to the front of the pavilion, and together with the princess, rode in the imperial carriage into court, where he was made imperial son-in-law. Is this not joy?" Hearing this, Eight Rules stamped his feet and beat his chest, saying, "If only I had known, I would have gone instead. It is all because that Sha Monk is so lazy. If you had not stopped me, I would have dashed straight under the colored pavilion, the embroidered ball would have hit old Pig, and the princess would have chosen me—would that not have been splendid and wonderful? Handsome, beautiful, proper—we'd all have had a fine frolic, how amusing!" Sha Monk stepped forward and wiped his face, saying, "Shame, shame! What a jawbone you have! Three coppers to buy an old donkey—and you boast of its riding! If that embroidered ball had hit you, even burning paper to send away bad luck that very night would be too late—would you dare to bring such ill-omened luck into the door?" Eight Rules said, "You black fellow, you have no taste. Ugly as I am, I still have some flavor. As the old saying goes, 'Rough skin and coarse flesh, yet strong bones—each has something to be valued.'" Great Sage said, "Idiot, stop your nonsense and pack our luggage. I fear Master may be anxious and send for us, so we can go to court and protect him." Eight Rules said, "Brother, you are wrong again. Master has become the imperial son-in-law and will go into the palace to dally with the emperor's daughter—this is not like climbing mountains, treading rough roads, or meeting demons and monsters. Why should you protect him? At his age, surely he knows what goes on under the bedcovers—do you need to help him?" Great Sage grabbed him by the ear and raised his fist, cursing, "You lecherous lout! What drivel are you spouting?" While they were still bickering, the hostel keeper came in to report: "His Majesty has issued a decree, sending an official to invite the three divine monks." Eight Rules said, "And why exactly are we invited?" The keeper said, "The elder holy monk has had the good fortune to be hit by the princess's embroidered ball and has been made the imperial son-in-law; hence an official has been sent to invite you." Great Sage said, "Where is this official? Have him enter." That official, when he saw Great Sage, made his bows, and after the rites, dared not look up, but kept muttering to himself, "Is it a ghost? A monster? The Thunder God? A yaksha?" Great Sage said, "You there, official, you have something to say—why do you hesitate?" The official, trembling with fear, raised the imperial decree with both hands and blurted out, "My princess invites you for a family meeting, my lord invites you for a family meeting." Eight Rules said, "We have no torture instruments here, we won't beat you. Speak slowly, don't be afraid." Great Sage said, "Don't say he's afraid of being beaten—he's afraid of your face! Quick, pack the loads, lead the horse, and enter court to see Master and discuss matters." This is exactly: When the road narrows, one cannot avoid it; Surely love and favor shall turn into enmity. But as to what they said when they saw the king, we shall not know until the next chapter.