Chapter fifty-four
Dharma-nature journeys west to the Kingdom of Women.
Wukong plots to escape the world of pleasures.
fǎxìngxīláiféngnǚguó法性西来逢女国xīnyuándìngjìtuōyānhuā心猿定计脱烟花
How to read this chart:
Arrival at the Kingdom of Women
Western Liang Women KingdomSanzang and his disciples enter the all-female city of Western Liang. The women react with excitement, calling them 'human seeds.' Bajie causes chaos by revealing his pig-like features until Wukong intervenes to clear a path.
Post-House Registration
Western Liang Women KingdomThe group is stopped by a woman official and led to the Male Reception Post-house. Their travel rescript is registered, and the clerk goes to inform the queen of their arrival while they are offered food.
Queen Learns of the Pilgrims and Decides to Propose
Western Liang Women KingdomThe clerk reports to the queen about Sanzang and his disciples. The queen interprets their arrival as a divine omen and decides to propose marriage to Sanzang to secure her dynasty.
Queen Orders the Marriage Proposal
Western Liang Women KingdomThe queen decrees that the Grand Preceptor and clerk serve as marriage go-betweens to propose marriage to Sanzang. They are instructed to visit the post-house first.
Marriage Proposal Delivered and Agreement at the Post-house
Western Liang Women KingdomThe officials arrive to propose marriage on behalf of the queen. Bajie jokes about accepting, Wukong suggests agreeing for safety, and Sanzang reluctantly agrees. The officials promise a banquet as an engagement feast before departing to prepare for the ceremony.
Wukong's Escape Plan
Western Liang Women KingdomWukong devises a plan to escape by pretending Sanzang will marry the queen, using the dragon chariot and magic to facilitate their escape.
Queen Prepares for the Wedding
Western Liang Women KingdomThe queen, informed by the Grand Preceptor that Sanzang has consented to marry her, orders preparations for a grand banquet and procession. Officials rush to ready opulent carriages and celebrations.
Queen Meets Sanzang at the Post-house
Western Liang Women KingdomThe queen arrives in her carriage, invites Sanzang to join her, and he reluctantly agrees under Wukong's encouragement.
The Chariot Procession and the Pretended Union
Western Liang Women KingdomThe queen and Sanzang ride together in the chariot, with her sincere desire for marriage contrasting against Sanzang's pretense. Wukong ensures the plan remains hidden as they return to the capital, maintaining the illusion of a consensual union.
Bajie's Outburst at the Banquet
Western Liang Women KingdomZhu Bajie rushes to the Tower of Five Phoenixes, demanding wedding wine and causing alarm among officials. The queen inquires about his behavior through Sanzang, who explains Bajie’s gluttonous nature.
Procession into the Main Palace
Western Liang Women KingdomThe queen and Sanzang enter the palace with a grand procession. The Grand Preceptor informs them of the prepared banquet and upcoming ceremonies.
Banquet and Certification in the Palace
Western Liang Women KingdomA lavish banquet is held with both meat and vegetarian dishes. Bajie devours food ravenously, and the queen toasts the guests. After the banquet, Sanzang requests immediate certification of the travel rescript, and the queen agrees.
Queen Adds Names and Bestows Gifts
Western Liang Women KingdomThe queen writes the disciples' names on the rescript, stamps it with her imperial seal, and gives them travel money, silk brocade, and imperial rice. Wukong refuses gold and silk, but Bajie accepts the rice.
Departure from the Capital
Western Liang Women KingdomThe queen escorts Sanzang and his disciples to the western gate, where crowds gather with water and incense. As the group prepares to depart, the queen again proposes marriage, but Bajie frightens her and Wujing helps Sanzang mount the horse.
Abduction at the Western Gate
Western Liang Women KingdomA mysterious woman appears, attacks with a cyclone, and takes Sanzang away, leaving the disciples in shock.