Chapter 97: Golden Reward for Outside Protection Encounters Demon Sting Holy Manifestation of Ghost Rescues the Origin

Meanwhile, Tang Sanzang and his disciples endured the night rain, sheltering in the dilapidated Huaguang Abbey.

In Diling County, within Tongtai Prefecture, a group of criminals had squandered their fortunes on prostitution, drinking, and gambling. With no means to survive, they banded together, numbering over a dozen. They assessed the wealthiest families in the city, planning to rob them for gold and silver. One among them suggested: “There’s no need to search or scheme. The Kou Yuanwai family, who sent off the Tang Dynasty monk today, is exceptionally wealthy. We can act under the cover of this night rain, when the streets are empty and the patrols are not out. We’ll seize some capital, and then we can return to our gambling and revelry! Wouldn't that be splendid?”

The robbers rejoiced. Unanimously agreed, they armed themselves with short knives, caltrops, clubs, bludgeons, hemp ropes, and torches. Braving the rain, they arrived at the Kou family mansion, forced open the main gate, and rushed in with shouts. The entire family, young and old, male and female, scattered and hid. The mother hid under the bed, the old father slipped behind a door, while Kou Liang, Kou Dong, and their close relatives trembled, fleeing in all directions to save their lives.

The gang of thieves, holding knives and torches, broke open the family’s chests and boxes, ransacking them thoroughly for gold, silver, treasures, jewelry, clothes, and household items. The elder, unable to bear the loss, risked his life and rushed out to plead with the strongmen: “My lords, please take what you need, but leave a few garments for this old man’s burial!” The strongmen allowed no argument; they lunged forward, kicked Kou Yuanwai in the groin, and he fell to the ground. Alas, his three souls drifted to the underworld, and his seven corporeal spirits departed from the world of men. Having succeeded, the robbers exited the Kou residence, used a makeshift rope ladder along the city wall to climb out, and, braving the rain, fled west through the night. It was only when Kou’s servants saw the thieves retreat that they dared to emerge. Upon finding the old elder dead on the ground, they cried out, “Oh Heavens! Our master has been killed!” All knelt by his body, weeping in sorrow.

Around four in the morning, the mother, resentful that Tang Sanzang’s group had not accepted her offerings and believing that the lavish send-off had brought this calamity, conceived a malicious plan. She sought to frame the four pilgrims. Supporting Kou Liang, she said, “Son, there’s no need to cry. Your father invited monks yesterday and today. Who knew that today’s final feast would host those monks of death!” Her brother asked, “Mother, what do you mean, ‘monks of death’?” The mother replied, “The robbers were ferocious; they burst into the room. I hid under the bed, trembling, but I carefully watched by the torchlight and saw clearly: Tang Sanzang lit the fire, Zhu Bajie held the knife, Sha Wujing moved the gold and silver, and Sun Wukong killed your father.” Hearing this, the two sons believed it to be true: “Mother, since you saw it clearly, it must be so. They stayed in our house for half a month, becoming familiar with our gates, walls, windows, and alleys. Wealth corrupts the heart, so they took advantage of this night rain to return. They not only stole our property but also harmed our father. How venomous is this deed! At dawn, we’ll go to the prefecture to file a complaint naming them.” Kou Dong asked, “How should we write the complaint?” Kou Liang replied, “Just follow Mother’s words.” They wrote: “Tang Sanzang lit the fire, Bajie ordered the killing. Sha Wujing stole the gold and silver, Sun Wukong killed my father.” The family continued their clamor until dawn. While some family members arranged for relatives and a coffin, Kou Liang and his brother went to the prefecture to file their petition.

Now, the Prefect of Tongtai Prefecture was a man of integrity.He was upright by nature and virtuous throughout his life.In his youth, he diligently studied, and in his early years, he excelled in imperial examinations.He always harbored a loyal heart and constantly sought to act with benevolence.His name was celebrated in history for a thousand years, a true second coming of Gong and Huang;His reputation echoed through the halls for eternity, like Zhuo and Lu reborn.

At that moment, the Prefect was seated in court. After dispatching all pending affairs, he ordered the complaint board to be brought out. Kou Liang and his brother entered, carrying the petition, and knelt, shouting, “Your Excellency, we accuse thieves of gaining wealth and committing murder, a grave offense!” The Prefect took the petition, read its contents, and immediately asked, “Yesterday, there were rumors that your family held a grand feast for monks, hosting four eminent Tang Dynasty monks, a lavish send-off with drums and music filling the streets. How then did such a thing occur?” Kou Liang and the others kowtowed: “Your Excellency, our father, Kou Hong, had hosted monks for twenty-four years. Because these four monks came from afar, completing the count of ten thousand monks, he held this final feast and invited them to stay for half a month. They became familiar with our roads, gates, and windows. The day they were sent off, they returned that very night. Under the cover of darkness and storm, they brazenly lit torches, forced their way in, stole our gold, silver, and treasures, our clothes and jewelry, and then beat our father to death on the ground. We beg Your Excellency to grant us justice!”

Upon hearing this, the Prefect immediately summoned one hundred and fifty foot and mounted constables, along with militiamen, all armed with sharp weapons. They set off from the West Gate and pursued the four Tang monks.

Meanwhile, the master and disciples, having waited in the dilapidated Huaguang Abbey until dawn, finally set out on their journey west. Coincidentally, the robbers who had plundered the Kou family that night, after climbing out of the city, were also heading west on the main road. As dawn broke, they passed twenty *li* west of Huaguang Abbey and hid in a mountain hollow, dividing their gold and silver. Before they had finished, they suddenly saw the four Tang monks approaching along the road. The robbers, still insatiably greedy, pointed at Tang Sanzang and said, “Aren’t those the monks from yesterday’s send-off?” The robbers chuckled, “Good timing, good timing! We are also in this unprincipled business. These monks have traveled a long way and stayed at Kou’s house for so long; who knows how much they have on them? Let’s just intercept them, seize their travel funds, and divide the white horse among us. Wouldn’t that be perfectly satisfactory?” The robbers then grabbed their weapons, let out a shout, and rushed onto the road, forming a line. They cried, “Monks, don’t move! Quickly leave your road toll, and we’ll spare your lives! Utter a single ‘no,’ and we’ll kill you instantly!” Tang Sanzang was so frightened he trembled violently on his horse. Sha Wujing and Zhu Bajie grew anxious, saying to Sun Wukong, “What’s happening, what’s happening! After suffering through a rainy midnight, we now encounter brigands blocking our path. Truly, misfortunes never come singly!” Sun Wukong laughed, “Master, don’t be afraid; brothers, don’t worry. Let Old Monkey go and ask them.”

The Great Sage, tightening his tiger-skin skirt and shaking out his brocade robe, walked forward and clasped his hands across his chest: “What business are you gentlemen engaged in?” The bandits shouted, “This fellow doesn’t know what’s good for him, daring to question us! Are there no eyes under your brow? Do you not recognize us, your King Grandpas! Quickly hand over your road toll, and we’ll let you pass!” Hearing this, Sun Wukong smiled, his face beaming: “So you are highwaymen!” The bandits fiercely roared, “Kill him!” Sun Wukong feigned alarm: “My Lords, my Lords! I am a monk from the countryside, I don’t speak well, please forgive my offense! If you want a road toll, don’t ask those three; just ask me. I am the accountant. All the scripture money and alms, everything from begging and donations, is in my bag. I manage all the comings and goings. The one riding the horse, though my master, only knows how to chant scriptures and pays no mind to worldly affairs; he has no attachment to wealth or beauty, not a single penny. The dark-faced one is a young man I picked up along the way; he only knows how to tend to the horse. The long-snouted one is a hired laborer; he only knows how to carry luggage. If you let those three pass, I’ll give you all our travel funds and alms-bowl. Every last bit.” The robbers heard this and thought, “This monk seems honest. If that’s the case, we’ll spare your life. Tell those three to drop their luggage and let them pass.” Sun Wukong turned his head and winked. Sha Wujing immediately dropped his luggage pole and, holding the master’s horse, walked west with Zhu Bajie. Sun Wukong then bent down, opened his bag, grabbed a handful of dust from the ground, sprinkled it upwards, and chanted a spell—a body-fixing incantation. He shouted, “Stop!” The group of about thirty robbers froze, each with gnashing teeth, wide eyes, and outstretched hands, standing rigid, unable to speak or move. Sun Wukong leaped to the roadside and called, “Master, come back, come back!” Zhu Bajie panicked, “Oh no, oh no! Senior Brother betrayed us! He has no money on him, and there’s no gold or silver in the bag; he must be calling Master back for the horse, and us to strip our clothes!” Sha Wujing chuckled, “Second Brother, don’t talk nonsense! Eldest Brother is capable; he can subdue even the most venomous demons and ruthless monsters. Why would he fear these petty thieves? He must have something to say; let’s go back and see.” Hearing this, the elder gladly turned his horse back to the roadside and called, “Wukong, why did you call us back?” Sun Wukong said, “Look at these thieves, what do you say?” Zhu Bajie approached and pushed one, asking, “Robber, why aren’t you moving?” The robber remained utterly still, not speaking. Zhu Bajie exclaimed, “He’s become a good mute!” Sun Wukong laughed, “Old Monkey used a body-fixing spell to freeze them.” Zhu Bajie asked, “If their bodies are fixed, why aren’t their mouths also fixed? How is it they make no sound?” Sun Wukong said, “Master, please dismount and sit. As the saying goes, ‘only wrong arrests, never wrong releases.’ Brothers, knock down all the thieves and tie them up. Make them confess whether they are amateur robbers or seasoned professionals.” Sha Wujing said, “We don’t have ropes.” Sun Wukong immediately pulled out some hairs, blew on them, transforming them into thirty ropes. They all set to work, knocking down the thieves, binding them tightly, hand and foot. Then, Wukong recited a counter-spell, and the robbers gradually regained consciousness.

Sun Wukong invited Tang Sanzang to sit in the seat of honor. The three disciples, each holding a weapon, sternly asked, “Petty thieves, how many of you are there? How many years have you been in this business? How much have you stolen? Have you killed anyone? Is this your first offense, or second, or third?” The robbers opened their mouths and cried, “Mercy, Your Excellency!” Sun Wukong said, “Stop wailing! Confess truthfully!” The robbers replied, “Your Honor, we are not habitual thieves; we are all from decent families. It’s just that we were unworthy, spending our ancestral fortunes on drinking, gambling, and prostitution. For a long time, we’ve been idle and without money. We learned that Kou Yuanwai in Tongtai Prefecture was exceedingly wealthy. So yesterday, we banded together, and last night, under the cover of the dark rain, we went to rob him. We took some gold, silver, and clothing. We were dividing the spoils in the mountain hollow north of this road when we suddenly saw you, sirs, approaching. Some of us recognized you from Kou Yuanwai’s send-off, assuming you must have valuables. Seeing your heavy luggage and the swift white horse, our greed got the better of us, so we came to intercept you. Who knew Your Honor possessed such great divine power and magic, trapping us? We humbly beg for your compassion; please take the stolen property, and spare our lives!”

Tang Sanzang was startled to hear that the stolen goods were from the Kou family. He quickly stood up and exclaimed, “Wukong, Elder Kou Yuanwai is such a benevolent man. How could he suffer such a calamity?” Sun Wukong laughed, “It was precisely because of the lavish send-off with colorful banners, flowery canopies, and resounding drums and music, which attracted people’s attention, that this group of ruffians targeted his home. Now, fortunately, we encountered them and recovered all this gold, silver, and clothing.” Tang Sanzang said, “We burdened him for half a month, grateful for his great kindness, with no way to repay him. Why not escort these valuables back to his home? Wouldn’t that be a good deed?” Sun Wukong agreed. He immediately went with Zhu Bajie and Sha Wujing to the mountain hollow to retrieve the stolen goods. After gathering them, they loaded them onto the horse. He also had Zhu Bajie carry a load of gold and silver, and Sha Wujing carry his own luggage. Sun Wukong considered striking all the robbers dead with his staff but feared Tang Sanzang would blame him for taking lives. He simply shook himself, recalling his hairs. The robbers, their limbs now loose, crawled up and scattered, fleeing for their lives.

Tang Sanzang’s group turned back to return the valuables to the elder’s home. This act, however, was like a moth flying into a flame, bringing them unforeseen disaster. A poem bears witness:Rarely is kindness repaid with kindness in the human world;Instead, benevolence is often turned into enmity.To save someone from drowning may lead to one’s own downfall;But if you think thrice before acting, you will have no worries.

As Tang Sanzang’s group walked back, carrying the gold, silver, and clothing, they suddenly saw a cluster of spears and blades approaching. Tang Sanzang exclaimed in great alarm, “Disciples, look at those weapons gathering! What trouble is this?” Zhu Bajie cried, “Disaster has come, disaster has come! Those are the robbers we released; they’ve fetched their weapons, gathered more men, and returned to fight us!” Sha Wujing said, “Second Brother, that’s not a band of thieves. Eldest Brother, look closely.” Sun Wukong quietly said to Sha Wujing, “Master’s misfortune has arrived again; this must be government soldiers pursuing robbers.” Before he finished speaking, the soldiers reached them, spreading out in a circle and surrounding the master and disciples. They shouted, “Good monks, you robbed someone and are still swaggering about here!” They swarmed forward, first pulling Tang Sanzang from his horse and binding him with ropes. Then they tied up Sun Wukong and the other two. They placed them in wooden stocks, two men carrying each, drove the horse, seized the luggage, and headed straight back to the prefectural city.

There they were—Tang Sanzang, trembling with fear, unable to speak through his tears.Zhu Bajie, grumbling incessantly, filled with resentment.Sha Wujing, his satchel bulging, lost in indecision.Sun Wukong, smiling broadly, ready to display his powers.

The soldiers, swarming around, carried them quickly to the city and directly presented them at the Prefect’s court. “Your Excellency,” they reported, “your constables have captured the robbers!” The Prefect, seated majestically, rewarded the constables, inspected the stolen goods, and ordered the Kou family to claim them. Then, he had Tang Sanzang and the others brought before the hall and questioned them: “You monks claim to be from the Eastern Land, traveling west to seek Buddhist scriptures, but it turns out you are merely cunning thieves, scouting out homes to rob and pillage!”

Tang Sanzang replied, “Your Excellency, permit me to explain: this humble monk is truly not a thief; I would never dare to feign it. I carry my travel credentials with me for verification. It is only because Kou Yuanwai hosted us for half a month, showing us profound kindness, that when we encountered highwaymen and recovered the valuables they stole from Kou’s family, we intended to return them as an act of gratitude. We did not expect to be apprehended by your constables and mistaken for thieves. We are truly not thieves. We beg Your Excellency for a thorough investigation.”

The Prefect said, “You rascal! Now that you’re caught by the authorities, you cleverly claim it was an act of gratitude. If you truly encountered highwaymen, why did you not capture them as well and report them to the authorities to claim your gratitude? Why is it just you four? Look! Kou Liang submitted a complaint, naming you directly! Do you still dare to struggle?” Hearing this, Tang Sanzang felt as if a boat were being boiled in the ocean; his soul scattered, and his spirit fled. He cried, “Wukong, why don’t you come forward and argue our case!” Sun Wukong said, “With the stolen goods as evidence, what is there to argue?” The Prefect said, “Precisely! With the evidence present, do you still dare to deny it?” He ordered his subordinates, “Bring the head-clamp! Put it on this bald monk’s head, then beat him!”

Sun Wukong panicked. He thought to himself, “Although my master is destined for this suffering, I cannot let him suffer too much.” Seeing the bailiffs preparing the ropes to make a head-clamp, he immediately spoke up: “Your Excellency, do not clamp that monk. I was the one who lit the fire, held the knife, stole the money, and killed the man during last night’s robbery at the Kou family. I am the ringleader. If you must beat someone, beat only me. They are innocent. Just don’t release me.” Hearing this, the Prefect ordered, “Clamp this one first!” The bailiffs all came forward and put the head-clamp on Sun Wukong. They tightened it with a pull, and *snap*! The rope broke. They tied another, clamped it, and *snap*! It broke again. This happened three or four times; his scalp didn’t even wrinkle a bit. As they prepared to tie a new rope, someone came to report, “Your Excellency, Grand Protector Chen Shao Bao from the capital has arrived! Please go outside the city to receive him.” The Prefect immediately ordered the刑房吏 (judicial clerk), “Imprison the thieves. Guard them well. Once I have received my superior, I will resume the interrogation.” The judicial clerk then pushed the four Tang monks into the prison gate. Zhu Bajie and Sha Wujing carried their luggage with them.

Tang Sanzang asked, “Disciples, how did this happen?” Sun Wukong laughed, “Master, go on, go on! There are no dogs barking in here; it’ll be fun!” Alas, the four pilgrims were led inside. They were each pushed onto a prison bed, their bodies secured with restraints around their stomachs, heads, and chests. Then the jailers began beating them. Tang Sanzang endured the pain with difficulty, crying out, “Wukong! What shall we do, what shall we do!” Sun Wukong said, “They’re beating us for money. As the saying goes, comfort comes from a good place, but money is for when you’re in a difficult place. If we give them some money now, they’ll stop.” Tang Sanzang asked, “Where would I get money?” Sun Wukong said, “If not money, then clothes. Give them that cassock.” Hearing this, Tang Sanzang felt as if a knife had pierced his heart. For a moment, he could not bear the beating, so he reluctantly said, “Wukong, do as you wish.” Sun Wukong then called out, “Gentlemen, no need to beat us anymore. In those two bundles we brought in, there is a brocade cassock worth a thousand pieces of gold. You may untie them and take it.”

The jailers eagerly listened and, together, untied the two bundles. Although there were a few cloth robes and a travel wallet, none were valuable. However, they found an object wrapped in several layers of oiled paper, glowing with a fiery, shimmering light, clearly a precious item. When they unfolded it, they saw:Adorned with ingenious, bright pearls,Embellished with rare Buddhist treasures.Dragons coil upon embroidered patterns,Phoenixes soar along the brocade edges.

Everyone vied to see it. This commotion even alerted the Chief Jailer, who rushed over and shouted, “What are you all clamoring about?” The jailers knelt and explained, “Sir, the Prefect just sent down four monks, who are supposedly a band of robbers. When they saw us beat them a few times, they gave us these two bundles. When we opened them, we found this item, and we don’t know how to handle it. If we tear it apart and divide it among ourselves, it would be a pity; if one person takes it, the others will get nothing. Fortunately, you’ve arrived, Sir; please decide what to do.” The Chief Jailer saw that it was a cassock. He also inspected the other clothes and the travel wallet, then opened the wallet and examined the travel pass. Seeing the official seals and signatures of various kingdoms, he said, “It’s a good thing I came to look! Otherwise, you all would have caused serious trouble. This monk is not a robber; do not touch his belongings. Wait until the Prefect re-examines the case tomorrow, then you will know the truth.” Hearing this, the jailers returned the bundles to the monks, wrapped them as before, and handed them over to the Chief Jailer for safekeeping.

As night deepened, the drums from the watchtower began to sound, and the fire patrols made their rounds. Around 3:45 AM, Sun Wukong saw that all the jailers had stopped groaning and were fast asleep. He thought to himself, “My master is destined for this night of imprisonment, and Old Monkey did not speak up or use his magic for this very reason. Now, the fourth watch is almost over, and the calamity will end. I must prepare for our release at dawn.” Watch as he demonstrated his power: he made himself tiny, slipped out of the stocks, transformed into a tiny gnat, and flew out through a crack in the roof tiles. He saw the stars and moon shining brightly—a clear and tranquil night. He identified the direction and flew straight to the entrance of the Kou family home. He saw a house down the street to the west with bright lights. He flew closer to the doorway and saw it was a tofu maker’s shop. An old man was stoking a fire, and a woman was pressing soybean milk. Suddenly, the old man called out, “Wife, Kou Daguan certainly had sons and wealth, but he lacked longevity. He and I were classmates in childhood; I was five years older than him. His father, Kou Ming, didn’t even own a thousand *mu* of land at the time, and only made a little from rent; he couldn’t even afford to take a concubine. When Kou Daguan turned twenty, old Kou Ming died, and he took over the household. It was truly his stroke of good fortune. He married Zhang Wang’s daughter, whose childhood name was Zhen-er (Needle), and she truly brought prosperity to her husband. From the moment she entered his home, his crops yielded abundant harvests, his accounts grew, whatever he bought was profitable, whatever he did earned money, and now he has amassed one hundred thousand pieces of property. When he reached forty, he turned to good deeds and hosted ten thousand monks. Unexpectedly, he was kicked to death by robbers last night. How pitiful! He was only sixty-four this year, just the age to enjoy life, yet he, who was so benevolent, received no good reward and died a violent death? Alas, alas!”

Sun Wukong listened to all this, and it was now just past 5 AM. He flew into the Kou family home and saw a coffin already placed in the main hall. A lamp burned by its head, surrounded by incense, candles, flowers, and fruit. The mother was weeping beside it. He also saw her two sons bowing and weeping, and their two wives offering two bowls of rice. Sun Wukong perched on the head of the coffin and coughed. The two wives shrieked and ran out frantically. Kou Liang and his brother prostrated themselves on the ground, not daring to move, only crying, “Father! My poor father! My poor father!” The mother, bolder, patted the coffin and asked, “Old Yuanwai, are you alive?” Sun Wukong mimicked the elder’s voice: “I am not alive.” The two sons panicked even more, continuously kowtowing and shedding tears, crying, “Father! My poor father! My poor father!” The mother, emboldened, asked again, “Yuanwai, if you’re not alive, how are you speaking?” Sun Wukong said, “The King of Hell sent a ghost messenger to bring me home to speak with you all.” He continued, “That Zhang Shi Zhen-er has spoken falsely and slandered the innocent.” The mother, hearing her childhood name, quickly knelt and kowtowed: “Oh, old man! At such a great age, you still call me by my childhood name! What false accusations and slander have I made to harm the innocent?” Sun Wukong shouted, “Where did you get the idea that Tang Sanzang lit the fire, Bajie ordered the killing, Sha Wujing stole the gold and silver, and Wukong killed your father? Because of your lies, good people are suffering! Those four venerable monks from Tang encountered highwaymen, recovered your property, and returned it to you out of goodwill! How benevolent! Yet you forged a complaint and had your sons report it to the officials, who, without proper investigation, have now imprisoned them. The Prison God, Earth God, and City God are all alarmed and restless, and have reported this to the King of Hell. The King of Hell then sent a ghost messenger to bring me home to tell you to release them quickly; otherwise, I will cause trouble here for a month, and not a single elder, child, chicken, or dog in this entire household will survive!” Kou Liang and his brother kowtowed and pleaded, “Father, please return! Do not harm our elders and young. At dawn, we will go to the prefecture to submit a withdrawal petition, willing to admit our error, only begging that both the living and the deceased may find peace.” Hearing this, Sun Wukong immediately said, “Burn paper money! I am leaving!” The entire family proceeded to burn paper money.

Sun Wukong flew up and directly to the Prefect’s residence. He looked down and saw a light inside the Prefect’s room, indicating he was already awake. He flew into the central hall and saw a painting hanging on the back wall: an official riding a spotted horse, with several attendants, one holding a green umbrella, another carrying a folding chair. He didn’t know the story depicted, so Sun Wukong perched in the center of the painting. Suddenly, the Prefect came out of his room, bending over to wash. Sun Wukong suddenly coughed loudly, startling the Prefect, who hastily returned to his room, finished washing, put on his great robe, and then came out to face the painting, burning incense and praying: “To the divine spirit of my late Uncle Jiang Gong Qian Yi, your filial nephew Jiang Kun San, thanks to the virtue of our ancestors, has passed the imperial examinations and now holds the post of Prefect of Tongtai Prefecture. I serve you with incense morning and night without fail. Why did you speak tonight? Please do not act maliciously or cause fright to my household.” Sun Wukong secretly chuckled, “This is his grand-uncle’s divine spirit!” He then imitated a sutra-chanting voice and called out, “Nephew Kun San, though your official post is inherited from ancestral virtue, and you have always been honest, why were you so ignorant yesterday as to mistake four holy monks for thieves, imprisoning them without proper investigation? The Prison God, Earth God, and City God are disturbed, and have reported this to the King of Hell. The King of Hell sent a ghost messenger to bring me here to tell you to discern the truth and release them quickly; otherwise, he will summon you to the underworld for questioning.” Hearing this, the Prefect was terrified. “Uncle, please return,” he said, “your humble nephew will ascend the court and release them immediately.” Sun Wukong said, “Since that is the case, burn paper money; I will go and report back to the King of Hell.” The Prefect again added incense and burned paper money in gratitude.

Sun Wukong flew out again and saw that the east was already turning white. When he arrived at Diling County, he saw all the county officials already in the hall. He thought, “If a gnat speaks, someone might see me and expose my true form, which would be bad.” So, from mid-air, he transformed into a colossal form, extended one foot from the sky, filling the entire county hall, and shouted, “Officials, listen! I am a wandering deity sent by the Jade Emperor. He says your prefecture jail has unjustly imprisoned the Buddhist pilgrims who are seeking scriptures, alarming all gods of the three realms. He commands me to tell you to release them quickly! If there is any mistake, I will return with another foot, first kicking all officials in this prefecture and county to death, then crushing all residents within the four borders, and trampling the city into dust!” All the county officials and people knelt in fright, kowtowing and bowing: “Holy One, please return. We will now proceed to the prefecture, report to the Prefect, and ensure their immediate release. Please, by no means move your foot; you will scare us officials to death!” Only then did Sun Wukong retract his colossal form, transform back into a gnat, fly into the prison cell through a crack in the roof tiles, and crawl back into the stocks, pretending to be asleep.

Now, when the Prefect ascended the court and had the complaint board brought out, Kou Liang and his brother were already kneeling at the gate, shouting with their withdrawal petition. The Prefect ordered them to enter. The two presented their petition. Seeing it, the Prefect grew angry: “Yesterday you submitted a complaint, and I immediately apprehended the thieves for you, and you took back the stolen goods. Why are you submitting a withdrawal petition today?” The two tearfully explained, “Your Excellency, last night our father’s spirit manifested and said: ‘The Tang Dynasty holy monks originally caught the robbers, recovered the property, and then released the robbers. They kindly returned the valuables to my family as an act of gratitude. How could you then mistake them for thieves and imprison them to suffer! The Prison God, Earth God, and City God are all disturbed and have reported this to the King of Hell, who sent a ghost messenger to bring me here to tell you to go to the prefecture and file another complaint, releasing Tang Sanzang, so as to avoid calamity; otherwise, all our elders and young will perish.’ Therefore, we specifically came to submit this withdrawal petition. We beg Your Excellency for your understanding!”

The Prefect heard their words and secretly thought, “His father, a fresh ghost, could manifest and bring retribution, which is plausible. But how could my uncle, who died five or six years ago, also manifest last night and tell me to release them? It seems there must truly be an injustice.” While he was pondering, the Magistrate of Diling County and other officials rushed into the hall, shouting in disarray, “Your Excellency, this is terrible, terrible! Just now, the Jade Emperor sent a wandering deity to the mortal realm, telling you to quickly release the innocent people in jail. Those monks caught yesterday are not robbers; they are Buddhist pilgrims on a mission to obtain scriptures! If there is any delay, he will kick us officials to death and even trample the city and its people into dust!” The Prefect was again greatly shocked and immediately ordered the judicial clerk to quickly issue the release order.

Immediately, the prison gates were opened, and the monks were brought out. Zhu Bajie worried, “I wonder how they’ll beat us today.” Sun Wukong laughed, “I guarantee they won’t dare touch you even once! Old Monkey has arranged everything. When we enter the court, you absolutely must not kneel. They will come down to invite us to sit. Wait for me to demand our luggage and horse. If anything is missing, I’ll beat them for you to see!” Before he finished speaking, they had reached the court entrance. The Prefect, Magistrate, and all the officials, both high and low, immediately came down to greet them, saying, “When the holy monks arrived yesterday, we were preoccupied with receiving our superior, and also saw the seized goods, so we did not have time to inquire into the details.” Tang Sanzang clasped his hands and bowed, then recounted the entire situation in detail once more. The officials all acknowledged their mistake, saying, “We were wrong, we were wrong! Please forgive us, please forgive us!” They then asked if there had been any neglect or mistreatment in prison. Sun Wukong stepped forward, glaring fiercely, and loudly declared, “My white horse was taken by someone in this hall, and my luggage by someone in the prison! Quickly return them to me! Today, it is I who should interrogate you! You wrongly arrested innocent people as thieves; what crime do you deserve?” The officials, seeing his ferocity, were all terrified. They immediately ordered the one who took the horse to bring it back and the one who took the luggage to retrieve it, and everything was returned intact. The three disciples acted assertively, while the officials simply used the Kou family as an excuse. Tang Sanzang intervened, saying, “Disciples, it’s not yet fully clear. Let us go to the Kou family. First, to express our condolences, and second, to confront them and see who claims to have seen us as thieves.” Sun Wukong said, “That’s right! Let Old Monkey raise the dead man, and we’ll see who he says killed him, and shame them!” The officials thought Sun Wukong was joking. Sun Wukong said, “Your Excellencies, please accompany my master for a moment. Bajie, Sha Wujing, guard him well. I will go and return shortly.” The Great Sage leaped out the door and ascended into the sky. Colorful clouds enveloped the Kou family home, and auspicious energy protected his divine spirit. Only then did the assembled officials realize he was an immortal who could soar through clouds and revive the dead. They all burned incense and prostrated themselves in reverence, a scene not to be detailed further. The Great Sage, on his somersault cloud, went directly to the Underworld and burst into the Palace of Darkness.

Thereupon—The Ten Kings of Hell bowed in welcome,The Five-Directional Ghost Judges kowtowed in greeting.A thousand sword-trees all straightened,Ten thousand knife-mountains entirely flattened.Demons in the City of the Wrongfully Dead transformed,Ghosts under the Naihe Bridge gained new life.Indeed, where divine light shines, it is like a heavenly pardon;The dark Underworld is illuminated everywhere.

The Ten Kings received the Great Sage, met with him, and asked his purpose. Sun Wukong said, “Which of you collected the ghost of Kou Hong of Diling County, Tongtai Prefecture, who hosted monks? Quickly check and bring him to me.” The Ten Kings replied, “Kou Hong was a virtuous man; no ghost messenger ever summoned him. He arrived here on his own and met the Golden-Robed Boy of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, who introduced him to Ksitigarbha.” Sun Wukong immediately took his leave and went directly to the Palace of Emerald Clouds, where he met Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. After they exchanged greetings, Sun Wukong explained the previous events in detail. Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva was pleased: “Kou Hong’s lifespan was destined by fate to end. He died without lingering on his sickbed and left the world. Because he hosted monks and was a benevolent man, I accepted him to serve as the chief registrar of the Scroll of Good Deeds. Since the Great Sage has come for him, I will extend his life by another twelve years and let him accompany the Great Sage. After twelve years, he shall return.” The Golden-Robed Boy then brought Kou Hong out. Kou Hong saw Sun Wukong and cried out repeatedly, “Venerable Master, Venerable Master! Save me!” Sun Wukong said, “You were kicked to death by robbers. This is the realm of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva in the Underworld. Old Monkey specifically came to bring you back to the mortal world to clarify this matter. Since the Bodhisattva has graciously allowed your return and extended your life by another twelve years, you shall return after that time.” The elder bowed in endless gratitude. Sun Wukong thanked the Bodhisattva, then transformed Kou Hong into a breath of air and put him into his sleeve. Together, they left the Underworld and returned to the mortal realm. Arriving by cloud at the Kou family home, he immediately told Zhu Bajie to open the coffin and pushed Kou Hong’s spirit back into his body.

In a short while, he gasped and came back to life. The elder crawled out of the coffin and kowtowed to Tang Sanzang and his three disciples: “Masters, Masters! Kou Hong died a violent death, and I am indebted to you, Masters, for rescuing me from the Underworld and restoring me to life! This is an act of recreation!” He expressed endless gratitude. Turning his head, he saw the officials arranged around him and again kowtowed: “Your Excellencies, why are you all here in my humble home?” The Prefect said, “Initially, your sons submitted a complaint, naming the holy monks, and I immediately sent people to apprehend them. Unexpectedly, the holy monks had encountered the thieves who robbed your home, recovered the valuables, and were returning them to your family. My subordinates mistakenly arrested them and, without thorough investigation, had them imprisoned. Tonight, your spirit manifested, and my own late uncle also came to my home to appeal for them. Furthermore, a wandering deity descended in the county at the same time. With all these manifestations, I released the holy monks, and the holy monks in turn saved your life.” The elder knelt and said, “Your Excellencies, these four holy monks were indeed wronged! That night, there were over thirty robbers, boldly wielding torches, who stole my family’s property. Unable to bear it, I reasoned with the thieves, but unexpectedly, I was kicked to death by one of them. What has this to do with these four holy monks!” He called his wife over: “Who kicked me to death? How dare you make false accusations? Please, Your Excellencies, mete out justice!” At that moment, the entire family, old and young, simply kowtowed. The Prefect, in his generosity, pardoned their offense. Kou Hong ordered a banquet to be prepared to thank the Prefect and county officials, but they did not stay, returning to their offices. The next day, Kou again hung the “Monk-Hosting” sign and tried to persuade Tang Sanzang to stay, but Tang Sanzang firmly refused. Kou then invited relatives, prepared banners and canopies, and sent them off as before. Alas! This truly illustrates:The earth, though vast, can harbor evil deeds,But Heaven, though high, never betrays the good-hearted.Calmly and steadily, they walked the Tathagata’s path,Until they reached the Gate of Ultimate Bliss on Spirit Mountain.

To know what happened when they met the Buddha, please listen to the next chapter.