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31 The Kingdom of Biqiu

The Tang Monk and his disciples were on their way west to fetch the scriptures. On and on they went, and winter came round again before they knew it. They braved the bitter cold, eating in the wind and sleeping in the open. One day, as they walked, they saw a walled city ahead of them. They passed through the gate and saw an old soldier dozing against the wall. Wukong stepped up, shook him, and called, "Good sir!" The old soldier opened his drowsy eyes, caught sight of Wukong, and fell to his knees in terror, shouting, "Lord of Thunder, spare me!" Wukong said, "I am no fierce god, only a monk passing through. I do not know what place this is, and I have come to ask you." At that the old soldier's fear left him. He climbed to his feet, yawned and stretched. "This is the kingdom of Biqiu," he said, "though men now call it the City of Boys." The Tang Monk was puzzled. Bajie said with a laugh, "The old king must be dead, and a mere boy sits on the throne, so they call it the City of Boys." Still talking, master and disciples went into the city. Out in the street they found a goose cage hanging at every door, each one hidden under coloured silk.

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