Chapter forty-seven
The holy monk is blocked at the Heaven-Reaching River.
Wukong and Bajie, together, rescue the children.
shèngsēngyèzǔtōngtiānshuǐ圣僧夜阻通天水jīnmùchuícíjiùxiǎotóng金木垂慈救小童
How to read this chart:
The King Learns of the Daoists' True Nature
Cart-Slow KingdomThe king weeps over the deaths of Daoist masters until Wukong reveals they were demons in disguise. The king accepts this truth, thanks Wukong, and promises a banquet to honor the monks.
Monks Return Thanks to Wukong
Cart-Slow KingdomAfter a banquet, surviving monks return to thank Wukong for saving them. The king escorts Sanzang's group out of the city as Wukong delivers a sermon on Buddhist teachings.
A Perilous Journey by Heaven-Reaching River
Heaven-Reaching RiverAs the group journeys west, they encounter a vast river. Bajie attempts to measure its depth but fails. Wukong's celestial vision cannot see across it, revealing their journey is far more perilous than anticipated.
Arrival at the Village
Chenjia VillageSanzang hears drums and cymbals from a nearby village and leads his disciples toward it. They find a house with a banner and request lodging for the night, asking the old man to host them.
Disciples Disrupt the Village Ritual
Chenjia VillageSanzang calls his disciples into the house, but their frightening appearances terrify the old man and the monks who are reciting sutras. The monks panic, blow out the lamps, and flee in chaos as the disciples laugh at the commotion.
Sanzang Reprimands His Disciples
Chenjia VillageSanzang scolds his disciples for their lack of manners and for ruining the monks' ritual, warning them about virtue and stupidity. The old man is finally convinced the disciples are not monsters when they submit to Sanzang's rebuke.
Houseboys Panic at the Monks
Chenjia VillageHouseboys, sent to bring lights, are terrified by the sight of Bajie and Wujing, drop their torches, and run away shouting about monsters. Wukong relights the lamps and arranges a seat for Sanzang in the hall.
Introductions with a Second Elder
Chenjia VillageA second old man, leaning on a staff, emerges and suspects the disciples are demons. The first old man reassures him that the visitors are monks from Tang seeking scriptures. The second old man greets the group, then both elders take seats and order tea and vegetarian food, though the houseboys are frightened.
Servant Allocation Request
Chenjia VillageBajie jokes about needing many attendants to serve him and his brothers, exaggerating their appetites. The old man responds by summoning thirty servants to serve the guests.
Disciples' Voracious Appetite
Chenjia VillageA meal is served; Sanzang recites a sutra, but Bajie impatiently devours bowl after bowl of rice before the prayer is finished. Houseboys are astonished by Bajie's capacity, joking about his throat, while Wukong tells him not to overeat. The old men explain the food is all they have left from the earlier feast, but offer to steam more if needed.
Dialogue on Religious Service
Chenjia VillageAfter dinner, Sanzang asks the two old men about the religious service held earlier. The old men explain it was a 'preparatory mass for the dead,' performed because their children have been chosen as sacrifices to the Great King of Numinous Power. Bajie jokes about the service, doubting its purpose, while the old men tearfully reveal the village's tragic custom of sacrificing a virgin boy and girl each year to appease the deity.
Revelation of Village Plight
Chenjia VillageThe Chens describe their wealth but lament their lack of children: Chen Cheng has only a daughter, One Load of Gold, and Chen Qing has only a son, Guanbao. They explain the Great King demands true descendants as sacrifices and knows all details about the families, making substitution impossible. Wukong suggests buying substitute children, but the Chens insist the deity would know and refuse the offering.
Wukong's Transformation Test
Chenjia VillageWukong asks to see Chen Qing's son, Guanbao, and then magically transforms himself into an exact copy of the boy. The family is astonished, unable to distinguish between the two children, and Wukong demonstrates his ability by matching even the boy's weight. The old men are awed by Wukong's powers and realize he could serve as a substitute for the sacrifice.
Wukong Volunteers as Sacrifice
Chenjia VillageWukong offers to take the place of Chen Qing's son as the sacrificial victim to the Great King, so the boy can be spared. Chen Qing gratefully promises a thousand ounces of silver for Sanzang's journey, and more if both children are saved. Wukong jokes about whether the Great King will dare to eat him, showing no fear.
Plan to Transform and Save Girl
Chenjia VillageChen Cheng, heartbroken, cannot bear to lose his only daughter, One Load of Gold. Wukong proposes that Bajie transform into the girl, so both he and Wukong can act as substitutes for the real children. Sanzang encourages Bajie to help, citing the virtue of saving lives.
Failed Transformation Attempt
Chenjia VillageBajie tries to transform into One Load of Gold, but only his head changes, leaving his body unchanged. Wukong uses a magic breath to help Bajie fully assume the girl's form.
Sacrifice Preparation and Departure
Chenjia VillageWukong and Bajie, now in the forms of the children, sit on red lacquered trays to be carried as sacrifices to the temple. The real children and their families are kept hidden to avoid confusion. Villagers gather with torches and drums, demanding the sacrificial victims, as the disguised Wukong and Bajie are carried away, leaving their fate uncertain.