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22 The Kingdom of Western Liang

The Tang Monk and his disciples journeyed westward to fetch the scriptures, and before they knew it early spring had arrived. One day as they traveled on, their path was blocked by a small river. Wukong pointed toward a thatched cottage on the far bank and said, "There are people there — there must be a ferry." Bajie called out loudly, "Ferryman, bring your boat over!" After several calls, a boat emerged from the depths of the willow shade. When the boat reached the shore, Wukong saw that the ferry was a woman and could not help asking, "Where is the ferryman? Why is it you, a woman, who poles the boat?" The woman smiled but did not answer. The Tang Monk and his disciples all boarded the boat, and the woman pushed off and rowed. Seeing how clear the water was, the Tang Monk told Bajie to scoop up a bowlful of water; he drank just over half of it himself. Bajie drained the rest in one gulp. Soon they had crossed the river. Once ashore, the Tang Monk told Sandy to open the pack and give the woman a few coins. She did not haggle over the amount but went back to her cottage with a smile. The master and disciples found the road and continued westward. Before half a watch had passed, the Tang Monk groaned from his horse, "My stomach hurts!" Bajie echoed him, "Mine hurts too!" The Tang Monk cried out again, "It hurts badly!" and Bajie said, "Mine hurts badly too!" The two of them could hardly bear the pain; their bellies gradually swelled, and when they felt them with their hands it seemed there were lumps of blood churning inside. Wukong said, "Master, there are dwellings ahead. Let us go and beg for some hot water." They came to a village cottage where an old woman happened to be sitting outside the gate. Wukong stepped forward and said, "Granny, we are monks come from Great Tang to fetch the scriptures. My master drank cold water when we crossed the river, and now his stomach aches. May we beg some hot water from you?"

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