Chapter thirty-seven
The ghost king visits Tang Sanzang at night.
Wukong, through divine transformation, leads the child.
guǐwángyèyètángsānzàng鬼王夜谒唐三藏wùkōngshénhuàyǐnyīngér悟空神化引婴儿
How to read this chart:
Stormy Night Meditation
Precious Forest TempleSanzang meditates and reads sutras in the Chan hall as a fierce storm shakes the monastery. He dozes off at his desk, hearing a faint voice calling 'Master!' outside. In his half-conscious state, he encounters a soaked figure who claims not to be a demon.
The Ghost's Lament
Precious Forest TempleA soaked figure reveals himself as the former king of a distant kingdom and his tragic story.
Drought and Betrayal
Black Rooster KingdomThe king explains a five-year drought led to famine. A Daoist initially saved the kingdom by summoning rain but later murdered him, took over his empire for three years, and remains undiscovered as he impersonates the king.
Sanzang Wakes from the Dream
Precious Forest TempleThe king's spirit disappears and Sanzang wakes his disciples. Sanzang and his disciples find a white jade token inlaid with gold on the monastery steps. Wukong identifies it as a royal treasure, confirming Sanzang's dream.
Wukong's Plan and Preparations
Precious Forest TempleWukong explains his strategy: Sanzang will face blame, abuse, and the plague. He creates a red lacquered box to hold the jade token and instructs Sanzang on how to interact with the prince using the brocade cassock and transformed 'treasure'.
Wukong Observes the City
Black Rooster KingdomAs dawn approaches, Wukong departs to scout the city 40 miles away. Sanzang remains awake, preparing for the prince's arrival and Wukong's plan to expose him as the demon. From the air, Wukong notes the city's eerie mists and demonic winds. He reflects on the corruption of leadership, comparing a true king to the current demon ruling.
Luring the Prince
Black Rooster KingdomWukong transforms into a white rabbit to lure the prince's hunting party toward the monastery. He arranges for the prince to chase him, leading directly to the Precious Grove Monastery.
The Prince's Arrival
Precious Forest TempleThe prince arrives at the monastery, finding only an arrow on the doorpost where he shot Wukong's rabbit. He is unnerved by the supernatural events and the monastery's imperial inscriptions.
Prince's Encounter
Precious Forest TempleA prince and his entourage arrive at a monastery. The resident monks receive them into the main hall, where they encounter Sanzang sitting in the middle of the hall. The prince becomes enraged and orders guards to seize him. As guards attempt to bind Sanzang, Wukong secretly recites a spell to protect him. The deities prevent the guards from touching Sanzang's bald head.
Treasure Discussion
Precious Forest TempleSanzang claims to carry treasures and recites a poem about his cassock's significance. The prince questions its value, leading to a philosophical debate on parental favor.
King-Making Thing
Precious Forest TempleSanzang introduces Wukong as the King-Making Thing with knowledge of past/future. Wukong grows in size to prove his abilities but is questioned about divination methods.
Reveals the Truth to the Prince
Precious Forest TempleAfter clearing the hall, Wukong explains that the current king is an impostor who killed the prince's true father and disguised himself. He urges the prince to consult his mother for confirmation, causing internal conflict in the prince.
Prince Departs for the Palace
Black Rooster KingdomThe prince leaves alone under Wukong's instructions to avoid detection, ordering his troops to remain. He journeys to the palace via a secret route to confront his mother discreetly.