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22 The Kingdom of Western Liang

The commander added, "Though the Imperial Brother is handsome, his three disciples are exceedingly ugly." The Queen replied, "Then send the three disciples on to continue fetching the scriptures — keep only the Imperial Brother." She immediately ordered the Grand Tutor to act as matchmaker and go with the commander to propose marriage. The two female officials arrived at the guest hostel and said to the Tang Monk, "Imperial Brother, great joy is upon you!" The Tang Monk wondered, "I am a monk — what cause for joy?" The Grand Tutor said, "Her Majesty the Queen wishes to offer the wealth of a whole kingdom and take the Imperial Brother as her husband. We have come specially to propose marriage!" At these words the Tang Monk lowered his head and said nothing. Bajie could not hold his tongue; thrusting out his big mouth he said, "Grand Tutor, go back and tell the Queen: my master is an Arhat who cultivates the Dao — he cares neither for riches nor for beauties. Better to send him westward and leave me here as a son-in-law. How about that?" The Grand Tutor was terrified and dared not reply. The commander smoothed things over, saying, "Though you are a man, your appearance is ugly and does not suit Her Majesty's taste." Bajie laughed, "Why fuss over whether a man is handsome or ugly!" Wukong scolded, "Fool, hold your tongue — you are wasting the matchmaker's time." The Tang Monk asked, "Wukong, what do you think should be done?" Wukong said, "As the old saying goes: marriages a thousand li apart are joined by a single thread. In old Sun's opinion, Master, it would be fine for you to stay here." The Tang Monk said sternly, "If we linger here coveting riches, who will go to the Western Heaven to fetch the scriptures?" The Grand Tutor said, "No matter — such is Her Majesty's decree: only the Imperial Brother shall remain to wed. Let the three disciples receive travel money, have their travel documents endorsed, and continue westward to fetch the scriptures." Wukong laughed, "That makes sense — we agree to it all." The Grand Tutor was delighted and bowed to Wukong, saying, "Many thanks for your help!" Bajie broke in, "Now that the happy matter is settled, why not lay out a banquet to entertain us at once?" The Grand Tutor said, "Yes, yes! I will arrange a feast right away!" And he went off to report to the Queen in high spirits. After the Grand Tutor and the others had left, the Tang Monk grabbed Wukong and scolded, "You monkey — how can you tell me to marry here while you lot go fetch the scriptures? I would rather die!" Wukong said, "Rest easy, Master. Does old Sun not know your temper? It is simply that matters have come to this, and we must turn the enemy's plan against him —" "If we refuse the marriage proposal, fighting may break out. These are all ordinary people, not demons — why harm their lives? Better to pretend to agree. Once the travel documents are endorsed and we ride out of the city westward, we will naturally bring Master along." Hearing this, the Tang Monk's worry turned to joy. Meanwhile the Grand Tutor returned to court and informed the Queen that the Tang Monk had accepted the proposal. Overjoyed beyond measure, she ordered a banquet prepared, mounted her phoenix carriage in person, and rode out of the city to welcome her bridegroom. When the Tang Monk and his disciples heard the news, they came out of the hall to receive her. The Queen rolled back the curtain, stepped down from her carriage, and seeing the Tang Monk's extraordinary bearing, her heart was filled with love. Parting her cherry lips she called, "Imperial Brother of Great Tang — why do you not come closer?" The Tang Monk flushed red and dared not lift his head. The Queen drew near, took the Tang Monk's hand, and said in a tender voice, "Brother Imperial, please mount the phoenix carriage with me. Let us go together to the Golden Throne Hall and become husband and wife." The Tang Monk trembled as if drunk or dazed. Wukong said beside him, "Master, there is no need for false modesty — go quickly with Her Majesty into the palace, and let us depart through the gate as soon as may be." The Tang Monk had no choice but to force a smiling face. Hand in hand with the Queen he mounted the phoenix carriage and sat side by side. The civil and military officials saw this and every one of them beamed with delight. Once at court the Grand Tutor reported, "Two banquets have been prepared, one meat and one vegetarian. Please attend the feast in the Eastern Pavilion. Today is an auspicious day — the Imperial Brother may wed at once. Tomorrow when the Yellow Way opens, the Imperial Brother will ascend the throne." The Queen was overjoyed. Arm in arm with the Tang Monk she stepped down from the phoenix carriage and they entered the Eastern Pavilion together. When the banquet began, the Queen held her jade cup, came to the vegetarian table, and offered wine to Wukong and his two brothers. Bajie was so delighted that he danced with glee and drained three large cups in succession.

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