Chapter thirty-eight
The child questions his mother to discern right from wrong.
Wukong and Bajie, probing the mystery, see the false and the real.
yīngérwènmǔzhīxiézhèng婴儿问母知邪正jīnmùcānxuánjiànjiǎzhēn金木参玄见假真
How to read this chart:
Prince Questions Queen About King's Identity
Black Rooster KingdomThe prince secretly returns to the palace and confronts his mother, the queen, about her husband's authenticity. Through a tense dialogue, he uncovers her suspicions that an imposter (a Daoist) has replaced the true king three years ago. The prince reveals a jade token from the Sanzang's group as proof of the king's death, corroborating the queen's fragmented dream about her deceased husband.
Prince Returns to Monastery for Aid
Precious Forest TempleAfter confirming his mother's account, the prince departs the palace and returns alone to the Precious Grove Monastery. As sunset approaches, he seeks assistance from the Sanzang and Wukong, preparing them for a confrontation with the imposter king.
Wukong's Plan to Provide Game for the Prince
Precious Forest TempleWukong meets with a prince who returned from hunting. He uses magic to summon wild game, instructing the mountain god and local spirits to leave it along the road for the prince's soldiers. The prince returns to the city successfully with the game.
Discussion of Plans Between Sanzang and Wukong
Precious Forest TempleAfter the prince departs, Wukong discusses their mission with Sanzang. He expresses concerns about confronting the demon-spirit king without evidence and proposes a plan to retrieve the true king's corpse for proof.
Wukong Confronts Bajie About Leaving
Precious Forest TempleWukong attempts to wake a sleeping Bajie to discuss their plan. He confidently asserts his ability to persuade Bajie despite the latter's fatigue, demonstrating determination for their mission.
Planning to Steal the Treasure
Precious Forest TempleWukong convinces Bajie to steal a powerful treasure from a demon-spirit in the city. They plan to avoid confrontation by preemptively taking the treasure, with Bajie insisting he will keep it for practical use. The two leave Sanzang behind and travel under cover of night.
Exploring the Imperial Garden
Black Rooster KingdomWukong and Bajie sneak into the city via the Rear Gate of the Servants, destroy a sealed gate to enter the desolate imperial garden. Wukong laments its ruin but they locate a plantain tree marked by Sanzang’s dream as the treasure site. After digging beneath it, they discover a stone slab concealing an apparent well.
Discovering the Water Crystal Palace
Black Rooster KingdomBajie is lowered into a deep well using Wukong’s golden staff. He discovers an underwater palace labeled 'Water Crystal Palace,' realizing he has fallen into the domain of the Well Dragon King rather than finding treasure.
Bajie Meets Dragon King in Water Crystal Palace
Black Rooster KingdomThe dragon king prepares to welcome them, mistaking them for divine messengers. Bajie confronts the Dragon King about a treasure. The Dragon King claims to have only one 'treasure'.
Discovery of the Corpse as Treasure
Black Rooster KingdomThe Dragon King reveals a six-foot-long embalmed corpse. Bajie refuses to carry it for free, leading to conflict and his expulsion from the palace.
Struggle in the Well
Black Rooster KingdomBajie is trapped underwater after being thrown out of the palace. Wukong rescues him using his golden-hooped rod, but insists Bajie carry the corpse back. Bajie reluctantly carries the corpse while grumbling about the stench and discomfort. Wukong threatens him with violence if he refuses.
Departure to the Monastery
Black Rooster KingdomThe two leave in a whirlwind, Bajie plotting revenge against Wukong.
Discovery of the Corpse at the Monastery
Precious Forest TempleThe group arrives at a monastery where Bajie carries a corpse into the Chan hall. Sanzang, unable to sleep, discusses Wukong's disappearance with Wujing before examining the unaltered king’s body and expressing sorrow over his untimely death.
Debate Over Reviving the Deceased King
Precious Forest TempleSanzang mourns the king, while Bajie questions Wukong’s claim to have a grandparent among the dead. Wukong refutes this and explains that reviving someone who died three years ago is impossible, leading Sanzang to accept his words.
Insistence on Revival Attempts
Precious Forest TempleBajie remains skeptical and urges Sanzang to test Wukong’s abilities. Despite Wukong’s reasoning, Bajie insists on using a spell. Sanzang begins reciting the Tight-Fillet Spell as they await its effects.