Home > Journey to the West > 31-kingdom-of-biqiu

31 The Kingdom of Biqiu

Sandy said, "Do not grieve, Master. When we go to court tomorrow we can persuade the king to withdraw his decree." Wukong said, though not without some concern, "But what if this foolish king will not listen to us?" Wukong said with a laugh, "That is easily done." He went outside, leapt up into mid-air and spoke the true words. Before long the city god and the local earth god came hurrying up and bowed. "Great Sage, you call us at dead of night. What is your command?" Wukong said, "I must trouble you. Carry the goose cages out of the city, and feed the children well. When I have won the king over, bring them back to me." The gods obeyed and each showed his power. At once a dark wind rolled and a dreary mist spread over the whole city. Before long, every cage had been carried away. The next day the Tang Monk dressed himself and went to court to see the king. Wukong, uneasy, turned himself into a tiny insect and perched on his master's hat to go with him. Hearing that a monk had come from the Great Tang in the east, the king was pleased. "A monk from so far away," he said, "must be a man of great power." He called the Tang Monk into the hall and gave him a seat. The Tang Monk thanked him and sat down. He saw at once that the king was listless and spoke in short, gasping breaths. The Tang Monk presented his passport. The king's eyes were clouded; he looked and looked again before he took up the seal and signed his name, then handed it back. Just then the officer of the day announced, "The State Preceptor is come." The king struggled down from his dragon couch and, held up by his attendants, bowed to welcome the newcomer. In swaggered an old Taoist, as bold as you please. The State Preceptor did not bow to the king, but sat in the hall with his head held high. The Tang Monk rose and saluted him. The Preceptor sat stiffly on and gave him no greeting back. The Preceptor turned to the king. "Where does this monk come from?" The king said, "From the Great Tang in the east. He is bound for the Western Heaven to fetch the scriptures, and passes through our land." The Preceptor gave a scornful laugh. "Monks sit and drone at their meditation; it is all blind and useless toil. As the saying goes: sit, sit, sit, until your backside splits. Have you not heard that among the three teachings there is nothing of the highest grade, and only the way of the Taoists is supreme?" At these words the king was delighted, and all the court cried out in praise. The Tang Monk burned with shame. Then Wukong flew down from his hat and whispered in his ear, "Master, this State Preceptor is a demon. Go back to the post house first; old Sun will stay and listen." The Tang Monk understood, took his leave and went down from the hall. Wukong flew to the jade screen and kept watch on the Preceptor. Suddenly an officer came in to report, "Your Majesty, a wind blew in the night and carried off every cage and every child!" The king was aghast. "My medicine is gone," he wailed. "Does Heaven mean to destroy me?"

 3/7   Home Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 Next Last