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36 The Rake Feast

Wukong thanked the god and rode his cloud to the Miaoyan Palace at the Eastern Gate of Heaven. Seeing him come, the Heavenly Worthy of Great Salvation rose from his seat to greet him. "I hear you guard the Tang Monk on his way to the Western Heaven," he said. "Why do you idle here? Can your great task be accomplished already?" Wukong shook his head again and again, then told how the nine-headed lion had wrought havoc and carried off his master and the rest, and begged the Heavenly Worthy to save them. When he had heard, the Heavenly Worthy bade a boy go to the lions' quarters and call the lion keeper. The boy went, and found the keeper fast asleep and snoring, while the nine-headed lion was nowhere to be seen. The boy shook him awake and brought him before the Heavenly Worthy. The keeper wept for fright and knelt, knocking his head on the floor. "The day before yesterday I drank a flask of wine in the Hall of Sweet Dew, and before I knew it I was dead drunk and forgot to tether the nine-headed lion. He must have gone down to the world of men." "The earth god says the nine-headed lion has held that mountain for two years," said Wukong. The Heavenly Worthy smiled. "A day in heaven is a year on earth. Beyond doubt it is this wretched beast." He set out at once with Wukong to subdue it. The two rode their clouds to Bamboo-Knot Mountain. The Heavenly Worthy stood upon a cliff while Wukong went to draw the lion out. Rod in hand, Wukong ran to the cave mouth and shouted abuse: "Old demon, your Grandfather Sun is here again!" The nine-headed lion had just woken. Hearing the curses he stalked out of the cave, shook himself, and opened his jaws to seize Wukong. Wukong leapt up onto the cliff with the lion after him. Then the Heavenly Worthy spoke a spell of binding and cried, "My Yuan Sheng, I am come!" The nine-headed lion knew his master and dared not struggle. At once he resumed his true shape, dropped on all fours, and knocked his head upon the ground without ceasing. The Heavenly Worthy mounted upon the lion's back and said, "Go!" The nine-headed lion rose upon a many-coloured cloud and returned to the Miaoyan Palace. Wukong went back into the cave, loosed everyone's bonds, and by his magic sent them all back to Yuhua. The princess and the officers came out to welcome them, spread a feast, and rejoiced greatly. The smiths brought the three newly forged weapons, and the Tang Monk told Wukong and his brothers to teach their art quickly, lest the journey be delayed. From then on the three taught with all care, and the young princes' skill in arms grew apace. That day the prince laid on another great banquet and set out a great plate of gold and silver as a reward. Wukong refused it with a laugh, but Bajie said, "The lion demon tore my coat. Let me have a new one instead." The prince at once sent for tailors, and robes of fine brocade were made for each of the three brothers. They accepted the gifts gladly and put them on. The Tang Monk and his disciples packed their baggage, took leave of the prince and his sons, and set out once more upon the road to the Western Heaven. The whole city was loath to part with them, and all praised them as arhats come down to earth, living Buddhas among men.

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