As dawn broke, the monks in the temple noticed that Master Tang and his disciples were missing, and everyone panicked. "This is truly strange; even a living Bodhisattva has been let go without a word!" While they were discussing this, several wealthy families from the south gate arrived, inviting them for a meal. The monks clapped their hands and exclaimed, "We were caught off guard last night; tonight, they must have taken to the clouds!" They all looked up at the sky and thanked it. Upon hearing this, the city officials quickly understood and called for the wealthy families to prepare offerings of five sacrificial animals, flowers, and fruits to express their gratitude.
Meanwhile, Tang Seng and his disciples were traveling along the road, enjoying the fresh air and water. After more than half a month of steady travel, one day they came across a tall mountain. Tang Seng trembled in fear and said, "Disciples, that mountain ahead is so treacherous; we must be careful!" But the Monkey King chuckled, "We're almost at the Buddha's land; there’s definitely no demons or evil spirits here, so relax, Master!" Tang Seng replied stubbornly, "Although the Buddha's land is not far, that monk from the temple said it’s still two thousand miles to Tianzhu; we don’t know how long the road is!"
The Monkey King teased, "Master, you didn't forget the Heart Sutra from Master Wucao, did you?" Tang Seng got angry, "I always carry the Heart Sutra with me! Since Master Wucao taught me, I recite it every day. How could I forget?" The Monkey King continued to joke, "Master, you only recite it; you don’t seek understanding!" Tang Seng retorted, "You monkey, how can you say I lack understanding? Can you understand it?" The Monkey King confidently replied, "I can understand! I can understand!"
At this moment, Pigsy couldn’t help but laugh, and Sandy joined in, "This monkey really knows how to talk! Just like me, born a demon, how can he understand the scriptures? It's hilarious!" Sandy added, "Second brother, don’t believe him; Big Brother just talks nonsense to make Master walk!" Tang Seng said sternly, "Wuneng and Wujing, don’t talk nonsense; Wukong’s understanding is real."
While they were arguing, they had walked quite a distance and soon came upon a large temple. Tang Seng remarked, "Wukong, there’s a temple ahead; it’s just the right size, with glazed green tiles; it looks half new and half old, with red walls and a distinct style. I can vaguely see ancient pines hiding it, who knows how many years it has stood; the sound of flowing water is also a mystery from which dynasty it remains." The mountain gate had the words "Bujin Zen Temple" written on it, and a horizontal plaque read "Ancient Relics." The Monkey King recognized it immediately, and Pigsy chimed in, "Yes, it’s Bujin Zen Temple!" Tang Seng pondered on horseback, "Bujin, Bujin, could this be the boundary of Shewei Country?"
Pigsy exclaimed, "Master, this is amazing! After following you for years, I finally recognize the road today!" Tang Seng continued, "I often read scriptures and heard that the Buddha preached in the Jizhu Garden of Shewei City. That garden was bought by the Elder of Solitude, who refused to sell it. After hearing this, the Elder paved the garden with gold to buy it, and thus invited the Buddha to preach. I wonder if this Bujin Temple is related to that story?" Pigsy laughed, "What a coincidence! If it’s really that story, we should go and touch a brick to offer as a gift!" They all laughed for a while before Tang Seng dismounted.
As the group entered the mountain gate, they were greeted by a lively scene: some people were carrying loads, some had backpacks, and others were pushing carts; it was bustling with activity. Some were napping while others chatted. Upon seeing Tang Seng and his disciples, everyone—both good-looking and not—felt a bit scared and quickly made way. Tang Seng felt nervous and kept calling out, "Be polite! Be polite!" As soon as he said this, the people around became much more restrained.
Turning past the Vajra Hall, a Zen monk suddenly appeared, exuding an extraordinary presence, truly "with a face like the full moon and a body like a Bodhi tree." Tang Seng hurriedly greeted him, and the monk quickly returned the greeting, "Where do you come from?" Tang Seng replied, "I am Chen Xuanzang, sent by the Emperor of the Eastern Tang to travel to the West to worship the Buddha and seek scriptures. I passed by here and would like to stay overnight before continuing my journey tomorrow." The monk smiled and said, "This wild mountain is always open; you are especially welcome, revered monk from the East. It is our honor to host you." Tang Seng thanked him repeatedly and called for his three disciples to join him as they walked through the fragrant corridor directly into the abbot's chamber.
At this moment, upon hearing that a monk from the Eastern Tang had arrived to seek scriptures, everyone in the temple was incredibly excited, and monks of all sizes came to pay their respects. After finishing their tea, they set up a vegetarian feast. Just as the elder began to recite the meal sutra, Pigsy could hardly wait any longer; he mixed the steamed buns, vegetarian dishes, and soup at an astonishing speed! The abbot watched the crowd, and some knowledgeable monks admired Tang Seng's demeanor, while those who loved to joke focused on Pigsy's eating.
Seeing this, Sandy secretly pinched Pigsy and teased, "Be polite!" Pigsy, feeling anxious, immediately shouted, "Polite! Polite! My stomach is empty!" Sandy laughed and said, "Second brother, you don’t know; when it comes to politeness, our bellies are the same!" Only then did Pigsy quiet down.
Once Tang Seng finished reciting the meal sutra, he tidied up the dining area and expressed his gratitude. The temple monks asked about matters in the Eastern lands, and when Tang Seng mentioned ancient relics, he inquired about the origin of the name "Bujin Temple."
The monk replied, "This temple was originally the Garden of Solitude in Shewei Country, also known as Jiyuan. It was named after the Elder of Solitude invited the Buddha to preach, and the ground was paved with gold bricks. Looking ahead, that is Shewei Country, where the Elder lived back in the day. This wild mountain is the Elder's Jiyuan, hence the name Bujin Temple. Behind the temple, there are remnants of Jiyuan; in recent years, if there’s heavy rain, one can still find gold, silver, and jewels." Tang Seng sighed, "Indeed, it’s not false!" He then asked, "When we entered the treasure mountain, we saw many mule and horse carts; why are they resting here?" The monks explained, "This mountain is called Baijiao Mountain. It used to be peaceful, but recently the weather has changed, and a few centipede spirits have appeared, often harming travelers. Although it’s not fatal, everyone is afraid to pass. There’s a Chicken Crowing Pass at the foot of the mountain, which can only be crossed at dawn. Those guests who arrive late have no choice but to stay here until they can leave after the crowing."
Tang Seng said, "Then let’s wait until dawn to set off." Just as they were speaking, the vegetarian meal was served, and Tang Seng and his disciples enjoyed it heartily. At that moment, the moon hung high, and Tang Seng and the Monkey King took a stroll under the moonlight when they suddenly encountered a Taoist priest who reported, "Our master wishes to meet distinguished figures from China." Tang Seng turned around to see an old monk holding a bamboo staff, who bowed and said, "Is this the master from China?" Tang Seng humbly replied, "I dare not claim that." The old monk praised him repeatedly and then asked, "How old are you, master?" Tang Seng said, "I have wasted forty-five years; may I ask the esteemed age of the old abbot?" The old monk smiled and said, "I am sixty years older than you."
The Monkey King interjected, "I am one hundred and five years old this year; how old do I look?" The old monk replied, "You have an ancient appearance and a clear spirit; under the moonlight, it’s hard for me to tell your age." After chatting for a while, Tang Seng asked, "Earlier, you mentioned the site of the Garden of Solitude; where exactly is it?" The old monk said, "It’s just outside the back door." They hurried to open the door, only to find an empty space with some scattered stones forming a wall base.
Tang Seng clasped his hands and sighed, "In those days, Tana Shidatu used gold and treasures to help the poor and relieve suffering; he was truly a good person! The fame of Jiyuan has lasted through the ages; where are you now, Elder?" While lamenting, he slowly walked outside the back door and sat on the platform for a while.
Suddenly, he heard cries and weeping nearby. Tang Seng calmed himself to listen carefully and realized it was parents expressing their pain. His heart ached, and tears streamed down his face as he hurriedly asked the surrounding monks, "Who is grieving here?" Upon hearing this, the old monk immediately instructed the other monks to brew tea first, and once they were alone, he bowed to Tang Seng and the Monkey King. Tang Seng quickly helped him up, saying, "Old abbot, why do you bow to us?" The old monk replied, "As a disciple over a hundred years old, I have a little understanding of human affairs. Whenever I meditate, I have seen some strange occurrences. If you and your disciples have any sorrow, I can discern it."
The Monkey King, curious, said, "Then please tell us!" The old monk replied, "Last year on this day, during the Mingxing month, I suddenly heard a gust of wind accompanied by sorrowful cries. I quickly got up and went to the site of Jiyuan, where I saw a beautiful girl. I asked her, 'Which family do you belong to? Why have you come here?' She said, 'I am a princess from the land of Tianzhu. I was swept here by the wind while admiring the flowers under the moonlight.' I locked her in a dilapidated house and provided her with meals, but as monks, we have compassionate hearts and couldn't bear to harm her. She was very clever; knowing we were good people, she pretended to be mad, babbling during the day but longing for her parents at night. I went into the city several times to inquire about the princess's whereabouts, but found nothing, so I dared not let her go. Fortunately, the master has come to the kingdom; I hope you can use your powers to save her, which would save a person and also demonstrate your divine abilities."
Tang Seng and the Monkey King were both deeply moved upon hearing this. Just then, two young monks brought tea, and the master and disciples returned.
At this moment, Pigsy and Sandy were whispering in the abbot's room, "We need to leave at dawn tomorrow; why aren't we going to sleep now?" The Monkey King overheard and teased, "You fool, what are you talking about?" Pigsy impatiently replied, "Let’s sleep! It’s so late; what’s there to see?" So, the old monk dispersed, and Tang Seng went to bed. That night, it was just like the saying: "In the stillness of the night, the moon sinks, and dreams of flowers quietly come; a warm breeze gently penetrates the wall and the gauze."
Unfortunately, the good times didn’t last long. Not long after, they heard the crowing of roosters, and the traveling merchants in front began to wake up, lighting lamps and preparing breakfast. Tang Seng also woke up Pigsy and Sandy, while the Monkey King instructed to light the lamps. The temple monks had already risen and prepared tea and snacks for them. Pigsy happily ate a plate of buns and brought out the luggage and horses. Tang Seng and the Monkey King thanked everyone, and the old monk reminded the Monkey King, "Keep the sorrowful matters in your heart!" The Monkey King smiled and said, "I will remember! Once we reach the city, I will naturally listen and discern."
The group of merchants set off together, chatting and laughing. After passing through the Chicken Crowing Pass, they finally saw the city walls by the time it was the hour of the snake. It was truly a fortified city, a heavenly land!
That day, as Tang Seng and his disciples entered the Eastern Market Street, many merchants were searching for inns to stay. As they walked, they saw a guesthouse called Huohenguan and went straight inside. Upon hearing that four monks were leading a white horse in, the steward immediately reported to the innkeeper, "Four strange monks have arrived outside!"
Upon hearing there was a horse, the innkeeper understood that these must be official envoys, so he quickly went out to welcome them. Tang Seng bowed and said, "I am an envoy from the Eastern Tang Dynasty, here to seek scriptures at the Great Thunder Sound Temple in Ling Mountain. I carry relevant documents and would like to rest here before continuing my journey." The innkeeper hurriedly returned the greeting, "This is exactly the place for official guests; welcome, please come in!" Hearing this, Tang Seng was overjoyed and called his disciples to join him.
However, as soon as the innkeeper saw Pigsy and Sandy's ugly faces, he couldn’t help but shiver, unsure whether they were human or ghost. He hurriedly busied himself with brewing tea and preparing a meal. Seeing his panic, Tang Seng smiled and said, "Don’t be afraid, my three disciples may not look good, but they all have kind hearts. As the saying goes, 'the mountains may be evil, but the waters are kind'; there’s no need to fear!" Upon hearing this, the innkeeper felt somewhat reassured and asked, "Master, where is the Tang Dynasty?" Tang Seng replied, "It is in the land of China, in the Southern Zhanbu continent."
Then the innkeeper asked, "When did you leave home?" Tang Seng said, "I set out in the thirteenth year of the Zhenguan era; it has been fourteen years, and I have faced many difficulties and dangers to arrive here." The innkeeper exclaimed, "A divine monk! A divine monk!" Tang Seng then asked, "How many years of history does your country have?" The innkeeper replied, "We are in the great land of Tianzhu. From the time of our founding emperors, it has been over five hundred years. The current emperor, Emperor Yizong, has reigned for twenty-eight years."
Tang Seng thought about going to meet the emperor for the document exchange and asked, "Will I be able to see the emperor?" The innkeeper excitedly replied, "That’s great! Today is perfect! The princess is turning twenty and is throwing embroidered balls at the crossroads to find a husband. It’s a lively occasion, so it’s just the right time for you to go for the document exchange!"
As soon as Tang Seng heard this, he wanted to set off immediately, but he saw that the innkeeper had already set up a vegetarian meal, and everyone began to eat together. After the meal, Tang Seng said, "I should be on my way." The Monkey King immediately said, "I’ll accompany you, Master!" Pigsy also chimed in, "I’ll go too!" But Sandy teased, "Second Brother, you should sit this one out. Don’t go outside the palace gate acting like a fool; let Big Brother go!" Tang Seng said, "Wujing is right; you’re too rough, Pigsy. Wukong is more refined."
Pigsy pouted, "Aside from the Master, the three of us look pretty much the same." Tang Seng put on his cassock, and the Monkey King took the lead with the guide bag. As they walked down the street, they saw people coming and going—scholars, farmers, merchants—and everyone was saying, "Quick, go watch the embroidered ball!" Tang Seng said to the Monkey King, "The clothing, furnishings, and manner of speaking of the people here are quite similar to ours in the Tang Dynasty. It reminds me of how my mother also encountered an old connection through throwing embroidered balls; this custom exists here as well."
The Monkey King replied, "Master, let’s go take a look!" Tang Seng shook his head, "No, no! Our attire isn’t appropriate; it might raise suspicion." The Monkey King countered, "Master, have you forgotten what the old monk at Bujin Temple said? First, we should check out the colorful pavilion, and second, discern the truth. It’s so lively now that the emperor surely doesn’t have time for court matters; we can just take a quick look!"
After hearing this, Tang Seng found it reasonable and followed the Monkey King to see the commotion. However, this visit ended up like a fisherman casting a line and hooking a lot of trouble!
Now, the king of Tianzhu particularly loved landscapes and flowers. The year before last, he had taken his concubines and princesses to enjoy the moon in the royal flower garden, but he got entangled with a demon who abducted the real princess and replaced her with a fake one. Now that he learned that the esteemed monk Tang Seng was coming, he took advantage of the royal treasury's wealth to build a colorful pavilion, hoping to invite Tang Seng as an idol to absorb his vital energy and achieve the status of a celestial being. He was indeed a meticulous schemer.
At precisely a quarter past noon, as Tang Seng and the Monkey King mingled with the crowd and reached the base of the pavilion, the princess was lighting incense and paying respects to heaven and earth. Around her were fifty to seventy embroiderers, each holding an embroidered ball, making the scene quite lively. The princess noticed Tang Seng approaching through the eight exquisite windows and immediately threw an embroidered ball, which hit Tang Seng right on the head! Startled, Tang Seng’s Pi Lu hat tilted, and he hurriedly caught the ball, which rolled into his sleeve.
At that moment, the people above exclaimed in unison, "We hit a monk! We hit a monk!" Everyone at the crossroads was drawn over, scrambling for the embroidered ball. Seeing this, the Monkey King shouted, causing the crowd to scatter in fear, not daring to come close. Before long, the crowd dispersed, and the Monkey King resumed his original form. The embroiderers, palace maids, and eunuchs on the upper floor bowed to Tang Seng, saying, "Noble one! Noble one! Please enter the court to celebrate." Tang Seng hurriedly returned the greeting, helping everyone up, and then turned to scold the Monkey King, "You mischievous monkey, causing trouble again!"
The Monkey King laughed, "The ball hit your head and rolled into your sleeve; what does that have to do with me? Why are you blaming me?" Tang Seng sighed, "What should I do then?" The Monkey King reassured him, "Master, don’t worry. Go meet the king. I’ll wait at the inn for Pigsy and Sandy. If the princess doesn’t invite you, that’s fine; you can still exchange the document. If she insists on inviting you, tell the king to call for my disciple; I have something to say. I will help you discern the truth; it’s a clever plan." Although Tang Seng felt uneasy, he had no choice but to let the Monkey King return to the inn first.
Tang Seng was surrounded by a group of palace maids, excitedly led to the front of the pavilion. As soon as the princess saw him, she hurried down the stairs, taking his hand with her jade-like fingers, and together they climbed onto the royal carriage. The procession unfolded as they made their way toward the palace gate. An official was already nearby announcing, "Long live! The princess is bringing a monk, it seems the embroidered ball hit him, and they are waiting for the emperor's decree outside the midday gate." Upon hearing this, the king felt displeased and wanted to send them away, but not knowing the princess's intentions, he could only let them in with a reluctant expression.
The princess and Tang Seng finally arrived at the Golden Luan Hall, where the atmosphere was lively, and everyone was shouting "Long live!" After the formalities, the king asked, "Monk, why have you come, and how did you happen to be hit by my daughter’s ball?" Tang Seng quickly bowed and replied, "I am a monk sent by the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty from the Southern Zhanbu continent to the Great Thunder Sound Temple in the West to seek scriptures. While passing by the colorful pavilion at the crossroads, I was accidentally hit by the princess’s embroidered ball. As a monk, how could I dare to become a match for one of noble birth! I hope Your Majesty can forgive me and grant me the document exchange, so I can go to Ling Mountain to see the Buddha and return home to repay your kindness!"
Hearing this, the king began to feel pleased: "You are the holy monk from the Eastern land; this is a fateful encounter! My daughter is twenty years old and unmarried. Today she is throwing embroidered balls to seek a mate, and unexpectedly, you have arrived. Although I am not particularly fond of this, I cannot ignore my daughter’s wishes." The princess immediately knelt and said, "Father, one follows the chicken when marrying a chicken, and follows the dog when marrying a dog. I have vowed that hitting this ball is a connection from a past life and an opportunity in this life; how could I dare to change it! I wish to invite him to be my husband!"
The king, upon hearing this, was overjoyed and immediately ordered the astrologers to choose an auspicious date while preparing the wedding gifts and issuing a decree to the world. Upon hearing this, Tang Seng became even more flustered and quickly said, "Please forgive me! Please forgive me!" The king replied, "This monk truly does not understand. I am using the wealth of the nation to invite you as a husband; why do you not stay here properly and instead think about going to seek scriptures? If you refuse again, I will have the officials in fine clothing take you out and execute you!" Tang Seng was so frightened that he nearly lost his senses and had no choice but to tremble and bow, saying, "Thank you for Your Majesty’s grace, but I have three disciples outside. I would like to ask you to summon them so I can exchange the documents and let them leave early, so it won’t delay my journey to the West."
The king then asked, "Where are your disciples?" Tang Seng replied, "They are all at the Huaitong Inn." The king immediately dispatched officials to summon Tang Seng's disciples, leaving Tang Seng to stand there as the prince. With no other option, Tang Seng had to stand by and wait. At this moment, a poem was recited as proof: "The great elixir requires completeness, asceticism is hard and filled with resentment. The Dao is transmitted through the sacred, cultivated by oneself; goodness is accumulated by man, blessings come from heaven. Do not flaunt your senses with greed; awaken to your true nature. Without love and thought, one remains pure; learn to let go and achieve transcendence." At this moment, the officials had already arrived at the Huaitong Inn to summon Tang Seng's disciples.
After parting ways with Tang Seng at the colorful pavilion, Sun Wukong was overjoyed and began to laugh heartily as he walked back to the inn. Just then, he ran into Pigsy and Sandy. Pigsy curiously asked, "Brother, what's going on? Why are you so happy? Why didn't the Master come with you?" Wukong, with a proud expression, replied, "The Master is thrilled!" Upon hearing this, Pigsy immediately frowned, "We haven't even reached the West yet, and the Master hasn't seen the Buddha. Why is he so happy?"
Wukong couldn't help but laugh, "As soon as we reached the crossroads, we were hit by the embroidered ball of the current princess! As a result, the Master was pushed into the pavilion by the palace maids and eunuchs, and he got into the royal carriage, preparing to become a prince. How could he not be happy?" Pigsy, upon hearing this, jumped up in excitement, "If I had known, I should have gone! It's all because of you, lazy Sandy! If you hadn't stopped me, I would have gone to the pavilion already. If that princess had chosen me, it would have been wonderful, and everyone would envy me!"
Sandy interjected, "You, shameless guy! With your appearance, if you got hit by the ball, you'd probably be too late to even burn paper offerings at night!" Pigsy retorted, "You're blind, you blacksmith! Even though I'm not handsome, I have my own charm. The ancients said, 'Rough skin and strong bones, each has its own advantages!'" Wukong shook his head, "Stop talking nonsense and hurry up and pack your things. If the Master gets anxious and calls us, we need to rush to protect him."
Pigsy scoffed, "That's not right. If the Master becomes a prince and is with the emperor's daughter, why would he need you to protect him? At his age, he surely knows what goes on in the bedroom!" Wukong, infuriated, grabbed his ear and scolded, "You little rascal, you're such a lecher! What nonsense are you talking about!"
Just then, the innkeeper arrived in a hurry, reporting, "Your Majesty has issued a decree, sending officials to invite the three holy monks." Upon hearing this, Pigsy immediately asked, "What do they want us for?" The innkeeper replied, "The old holy monk hit the princess's embroidered ball and has been invited to be the prince, so they are here to summon you." Wukong quickly asked, "Where is the official? Hurry and bring him in!"
When the official entered and saw Wukong, he was so frightened that he didn't dare to look up, thinking to himself, "Is this a ghost? A monster? Or the thunder god or a yaksha?" Seeing him silent, Wukong asked, "Why aren't you speaking?" The official trembled, holding the imperial edict in both hands, stammering, "The princess requests your presence; my lord requests your presence!"
Pigsy found this amusing and said, "I don't have any torture instruments here, so I won't hit you. Take your time." Wukong, however, was impatient, "Don't be afraid of me hitting you! Hurry up and pack your things, bring the horse, and let's go see the Master to discuss matters!" This was indeed a situation where "narrow paths are hard to avoid, and love may turn into enmity." What exactly the king had to say will be revealed next time!
