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36 The Rake Feast

The Tang Monk and his disciples left the prefecture of Fengxian and journeyed on westward. It was late autumn; red leaves went whirling by, the ripening grain breathed out its fragrance, and the land had a beauty all its own. After many days on the road a city appeared before them. Riding his horse, the Tang Monk raised his whip and pointed into the distance. "Wukong, look, there is a city ahead. I wonder what place it is." Even as he spoke, an old man came out of the trees by the roadside, a bamboo staff in his hand and straw sandals on his feet. At the sight of him the Tang Monk slid from the saddle, stepped forward and bowed to ask the way. "This is a dependency of the Kingdom of Tianzhu, and its name is Yuhua County," said the old man. "The lord of the city is Prince Yuhua, of the emperor's own house. He honours monks and Taoists and cares for his people. Go, Master, and he will surely treat you well." The Tang Monk thanked the old man, and the four of them entered the city and followed the street along. Markets were prosperous, trade was brisk, people came and went; a lively place it was. The Tang Monk warned his disciples to be careful in their bearing and not to run wild. Sandy covered his face with his hand and Bajie hung his head; neither dared to cast a sideways glance. Outside the palace of Prince Yuhua, the Tang Monk told Wukong and the others to rest in the guest house, while he himself went in to pay his respects to the prince and have his travel pass exchanged.

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