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Welcome to the Chinese Lore Podcast, where I retell classic Chinese stories in English. This is episode 46 of Journey to the West. Last time the pilgrims hit another snag when, while trying to cross a river of black water, San Zang and Zhu Bajie were abducted by a river demon who fancied a little human flesh with a side of immortality. After one unsuccessful attempt to rescue their companions, Sun Wukong and Shazeng learned from the local river spirit that the demon was actually the nephew of the Dragon King of the West Sea. Sun Wukong was no stranger to the Dragon Kings of the seas, so he decided to go pay this particular Dragon King a little visit. Wukong flew to the West Sea, cast a water repelling spell and dived in. As he was traveling underwater, he ran into a black fish demon lackey who was carrying a gold invitation box, shooting from upstream like an arrow. But this demon came face to face with Sun Wukong, who promptly delivered a killing blow to the lackey's head, spilling his springs and cracking his skull. While the dead lackey's body floated up to the surface, Wukong picked up the invitation box and read its content. The invitation said, greetings Second uncle, from your nephew, Tuo Jie. Thank you for your kind regards. I captured two people today. They are monks from the east and are true rarities. I dare not eat them alone. I remember that your birthday is coming up soon, so I am setting up a feast to wish you long life. I hope you will attend. Wukong chuckled. Well, this scoundrel delivered this right into my hands. He stashed away the invitation and continued on his way. Soon he was spotted by a Yaksha spirit that served the Dragon King of the West Sea. That spirit rushed back to the palace to report that the Great Sage was coming. The Dragon King, whose name was Ao Shun, went out with his clan to welcome Wukong and invited him in for tea. But Wukong said, I haven't tasted your tea yet. But you have already tasted my wine. Ao Shen laughed. Great Sage, you haven't touched wine since joining the Buddhist school, so when would you have invited me to wine? Heh, you may not have been over for drinks, but you're already in trouble for it. Ao Xun was taken aback and asked what offense he had given. Wukong now showed him the invite from his nephew. Ao Shun was scared out of his mind. He hurriedly kneeled, kowtowed, and said, great Sage, please pardon me. That scoundrel is my younger sister's ninth son. Her husband delivered less rain than Heaven had commanded. So he was executed by the mortal Prime Minister, Wei Zheng. So if you had listened to supplemental episodes one through three, you will recognize that this unfortunate brother in law of Ao Shen's was none other than the Dragon King whose execution led to the Tang Emperor's trip through the underworld, which in turn led to the commissioning of San Zang's pilgrimage. My sister had nowhere to go, so I brought her son here and raised him to adulthood. The year before last, my sister unfortunately passed away. Seeing that my nephew had nowhere to go, I set him up at the Blackwater river so he could work on his cultivation. Who knew that he would commit such evil? Let me send someone to capture him and bring him here. Wukong asked, how many sons did your sister have? Where are the rest of them causing trouble? She had nine sons. The other eight are all good. The eldest is the Little Yellow Dragon and he lives in the Huai River. The second is the Little Black Dragon who lives in the River Ji. The third is the Black Backed Dragon who occupies the Yangzi River. The Red Whiskered Dragon is the fourth son and and he holds the Yellow River. The fifth is the Vain Effort Dragon who looks after the bell for the Buddha. Guardian Dragon is the sixth and he sits guarding the roof of the Heavenly Palace. Respectful Dragon is the seventh. He holds up the winged column at the Jade Emperor's court. The eighth is Clam Dragon who lives with my eldest brother on Mount Tai. The youngest Alligator Dragon has had no particular duties since he is still young. He was only sent to the Blackwater river to nourish his nature last year. He hasn't yet won himself any fame or been transferred to another job. But I never expected that he would disobey me by offending you. Great Sage Wu Kong chuckled. How many husbands did your sister have? Just the one. The Dragon King of the Jing River. He was executed years ago, so my sister came to stay with me and she died the year before last. How can one couple produce such a grab bag of seeds? Well, as the saying goes, if a dragon sires nine children, each will be different. Alright, alright. I was really annoyed just now and was going to file a petition in Heaven to accuse you of collaborating with demons and abducting people. But according to what you just told me, it's that scoundrel who refuses to listen to you. So I'll spare you this time partly on account of your noble family and partly because that scoundrel is young and ignorant and you weren't aware of his actions. But send Somebody to go arrest him at once and save my master, and then we'll talk about this. Ao Xue now summoned his Crown Prince, Mo Ang and told him, mobilize 500 Quaddock soldiers and bring that little alligator here to answer for his crime. Meanwhile, I will arrange a banquet to apologize to the Great Sage. But Wukong said, no need to worry so much. I've already said I'll spare you, so what need is there for a banquet? I must go back with your son. Right now my master's in trouble and my fellow disciples is eagerly waiting for me. Ao Shen tried to keep him but couldn't. So he told his daughter to present tea to Wukong. Wukong drank a cup, told, took his leave and departed with Mo Ang and the troops. When they arrived back at Blackwater River, Wukong said to Mo Crown Prince, go get that demon. I'll be waiting on the bank. Great Sage, don't worry. Mo Ang said, I will go capture him and present him to you first. Only when I have returned your master safely will I dare to go home to see my father. So Wukong took his leave and leaped out of the river. He headed back to the eastern bank where Shazong and the River Spirit met him. He recounted his visit and they eagerly awaited the return of their master. Meanwhile, Mo Ang went to the palace of his cousin Tuo Jie and told the lackeys at the gate to announce him. Tuo Jie was wondering what was taking his Blackfish demon lackey so long to return from delivering the invitation to his uncle. And he grew even more suspicious when he heard that his cousin had come and instead of his uncle. And just then, a lackey who was on patrol came to report that there was an army of aquatic soldiers in the river, holding position to the west of his palace and carrying banners that bore the name of his cousin. This cousin has gone too far. Tuo Jie said, my uncle must not have been able to come, so he sent his son. But why would my cousin be bringing troops to a banquet? Something must be up. Little ones, prepare my weapon. Just in case things go south, I will go see him and see what's up. So Tuo Jie headed out and saw a stout army in his waters. He approached their camp gate and shouted, cousin, my respects. Welcome. The guards went into camp to report this, and soon Mo Ang came out, donning a golden helmet and carrying a triple edged short staff. Why are you here? Mo Ang said Tuo Jie replied, I had sent an invitation to my uncle this morning. I figured that he must be busy, and so he sent you. But why did you bring an army to attend the banquet? And why do you refuse to come into my palace and instead are garrisoned here? And why are you dressed in armor and leading troops? Why did you invite my father? Mo Ang asked. I have received much kindness from him, but I haven't seen him in a while and haven't had the chance to repay him. Yesterday, I captured a monk from the East. I heard that he has cultivated his dao for 10 lifetimes, so whoever eats him would gain immortality. So I wanted to invite my uncle to come have a look. And then I was going to cook that monk and share him with my uncle. Mo Wang shouted, you. You are an idiot. Do you know who that monk is? He's a monk from the Tang Kingdom, heading west to fetch scriptures. But do you know the skills of his disciples? He had a long snout monk with him called Zhu Bajie. I captured him too, and was going to eat them together. He had another disciple named Sha Zeng, a tall, dark fellow with a sullen face, and he wields a Buddhist staff. Yesterday he came to demand his master back, but I went outside and sent him scurrying. He didn't seem like much, so you don't know he also has a senior disciple. It's the Great Sage who turned heaven upside down 500 years ago. He is protecting the Tang monk on his pilgrimage. The Bodhisattva Guanyin guided him toward this path. He is called Sun Wukong. How can you poke that hornet's nest? He ran into your messenger in our sea and took the invitation. He then stormed into our palace and accosted my father and me, accusing us of being in cahoots with demons and abducting people. Hurry up and deliver the Tang monk and Zhu Bajie to the riverbank and give them back to the Great Sage. And then I will apologize to him on your behalf, and you might yet live. If you dare to utter half a no, you can give up any thought of staying here. Tuo Jie, however, flew into a rage. We are cousins, and yet you are defending somebody else. You think you can just come here and demand that I send the Tang monk out? It's not that easy. You may be afraid of Sun Wukong, but I am not. If he's got skills, then tell him to come to my palace and trade three blows with me, and then I will return his master. But if he can't beat me, then I will capture him too and cook them all together. And then I won't bother inviting any relatives. I'll just shut my door and make merry with my little ones while we feast. Mo Ang was enraged at that insolence. You scoundrel. You really are disobedient. Never mind the Great Sage. Do you dare to face off against me? A hero's not afraid of a face off. Tor Jie shot back. He gave a shout and his lackeys rushed forward and helped him put on his armor and handed him his own steel staff. The two now squared off in the bottom of the river. After a few fierce exchanges, Mo Ang feigned an opening, luring Toujie into attacking. But Mo Ang quickly smacked Torjie's right arm with his staff and then knocked him to the ground. Mo Ang then stepped on his foe to keep him down. While his soldiers surged forward to tie up TOU Jie. They pierced his shoulder blades with a steel wire to keep him from using his magic. Then they dragged him out of the river and threw him in front of Sun Wukong. Great Sage, I have captured the demon Alligator. Please decide his fate. Mo Ang said. Hukong lectured too. Jie, you disobedient scoundrel. Your uncle set you up here so you can cultivate your ways and make something of yourself one day in another post. Why did you occupy the River Spirit's palace and commit evil? And you dare to deceive my master and fellow disciple? I was going to smack you with my pole, but it would kill you with one graze. Where did you stash my master? Tor Jie kowtowed non stop and said, great Sage, I did not know your reputation. That's why I disobeyed my cousin and acted against reason. But my cousin has captured me. Thank you for sparing my life. Your master is still tied up in my palace. You. If you will undo my chains, I will go in the river and bring him back. But Mo cautioned, Great Sage, this scoundrel is a wicked demon and is very crafty. If you release him, he might get ideas. So Sha Zeng said, I know where he lives. Let me go search for Master. So Sha Zeng and the River Spirit leaped in and made their way to the palace. The doors were wide open and and there was not a single demon lackey in sight. They went straight in and found San Zang and Zhu Bajie stripped naked and tied up. Sha Zeng and the River Spirit hurriedly released them and carried them back up to the riverbank. Once there, Zhu Bajie saw the demon chained up so he grabbed his rake and stomped toward him, cursing. Damn beast, are you going to eat me now? But Wukong pulled him back and said, brother, spare his life on account of the Dragon King and his son Mo Ang. Now, said great Sage, I dare not linger. Since you have rescued your master, I will take this scoundrel home to see my father. Even though you spared his life, my father will not allow him to escape punishment. He'll get his. My apologies again. Alright, in that case, take him and go. Wukong said, and please send my regards to your father. I will thank him in person another day. So Mo Ang took his prisoner and his troops and returned to the West Sea. Meanwhile, the River Spirit thanked Sun Wukong for restoring control of the river and the palace to him. San Zang, however, asked, we are still on the east bank. How will we get across this river? The River Spirit said, sir, don't worry. Please mount your horse. I will lead the way and take you across. So San Zang hopped on his horse. Ba Jie took the reins. Sha Tsung carried the luggage, and Wukong followed right beside him. The River Spirit now worked his magic and literally parted the water, opening up a wide path through. The pilgrims made their way over to the west bank, thanked the River Spirit and continued on their journey. The traveling party weathered snow and wind for a good while on the road. And then it was spring once more. Life was returning to the land, and the weather was gentle and warm. One day, as they were traveling and taking in the scenery, they suddenly heard a shout that sounded like the roar of 10,000 men. It struck fear into Shenzang's heart. He reined in his horse and asked Sun Wukong, what was that? It sounded like the earth opening up and a mountain collapsing. Zhu Bajie said. And sounded like thunder. Sha Zeng added, and I heard people shouting and horses neighing. Sanzang chimed in, but Wukong chuckled. You're all wrong. How about I go take a look? So he flew into the sky and looked in the direction of the noise. He saw a city in the distance. Upon closer inspection, however, he noticed an evil miasma emanating from it. Hmm, where's that noise coming from? Wukong thought to himself. That city doesn't seem to be at war, so why the sound of people and horses? Just then, he noticed a beach outside the city gates. Many monks were gathered there, pulling and pushing carts. As they strained together to move the carts, they. They were shouting the name of a bodhisattva, hence the noise that startled San Zang. Wukong now descended from the clouds to have a closer look. He saw that the carts were filled with bricks, tiles and wood beams. The beach was a steep uphill climb, and there was only one narrow path winding its way up the steep cliffside. There was no way a cart would make its way up that path. And even though the weather was warm, the the monks were clad in tattered rags, looking quite destitute. They must be building a monastery, Wukong thought to himself. But this looks like a prosperous place, so they must not be able to find any laborers for hire. So that's why the monks are having to do this themselves. But just then he saw two young Daoist priests swagger out from the city gates. They were dressed in finery and looked quite well taken care of. When the monks saw these two coming, they all panicked and pushed the carts even harder. Ah, these monks are afraid of those Taoist priests. Hukong thought, otherwise why would they be pushing so hard? I once heard people say that on the way west, there is a place that pays homage to Taoism while spiting Buddhism. That must be this place. I need to report back to Master. But if I don't get a clear picture of the situation, you can. He might fault me. I'm smart enough to go down there and find out the truth. Let me go get to the bottom of this so I can answer any questions that Master might have. So he flew down and turned into a traveling Taoist priest. He carried a basket in one hand and a fish drum in the other. Singing a Taoist tune, he made his way over to the city gates and greeted the two Taoist priests. The priests asked him where he was from and. And Wukong said, oh, I travel all over the land today. I have come here to beg for some food. Can you tell me which street in the city is good for begging? The priest laughed. Listen to you. How can you say such a thing? You're such a downer. Well, what do you mean? You're talking about begging for food. But we men of religion get by on begging. We don't have money, so how will we get food if not by begging? You are from afar and don't understand how things are in this city. The priests laughed. Not only do the court officials here respect Taoism, but so do all the wealthy and respected citizens. Men and women of all ages will offer us food whenever they see us. We don't have to say a word. And the king is the most devout follower of the Dao. Oh, I'm young and from far away. Wukong said, so, so I really didn't know. Can you tell me about this place and why the king is so devoted to Taoism? This is called the Chi Kingdom, the priest said, and Chi, by the way, literally translates to slow cart. And the king is our relative. The priest continued, now that prompted a chuckle. From what did a Taoist priest become king? No, but 20 years ago there was a huge drought and nothing would grow. The king, his court and the people all offered penance and prayers, but they were in dire straits. Suddenly, three Taoist immortals descended from heaven and saved them. Who were the three immortals? They are our school's masters. What are their names? Our senior master is named the Tiger Power Great Immortal. Our second master is the Deer Power Great Immortal. And our third master is the Goat Power Great Immortal. And how much power do your three masters have? They can summon wind and rain in the blink of an eye. They can turn water into oil and turn stone into gold as easily as turning around. They have the power to seize the creative forces of heaven and earth and alter the mysterious workings of the stars. The king and his officials are all revere our masters. So they claimed us as family. Hukong now said, well, that king is certainly lucky. As the saying goes, skills can move dukes and ministers with their powers. Your masters make good relatives for him. Alas, I wonder if poor old me would ever be lucky enough to meet your masters just once. The priests laughed and said, that's not so hard. We two are their closest disciples. And our masters are always happy to meet fellow Daoists. Whenever they hear that one is passing through, they go out of their way to greet them. And with the two of us introducing you, it'll be a cinch. Wukong bowed deeply and thanked them. The priests told him, just wait here for a few. Have a seat. And once we take care of our official business, we'll come take you to see our masters. But men of religion have no burdens. What official business do ya'll have? Wukong asked. The priests pointed at the monks on the beach and said, those are our laborers. We need to go make sure they're not slacking off and then we'll be right back. Elders, you must be mistaken. Wukong laughed. Buddhists and Taoists are all men of religion. How can they be our laborers? Oh, you don't understand. But back during the drought, Buddhist monks and Taoist priests were both praying for rain while being fed by the court. But the monks prayers were ineffective. Then our masters arrived and summoned the rain and wind to relieve the people's suffering. So the court got angry at the monks for being useless. So the king had their monastery demolished, their idols destroyed, and their ordination certificates revoked. He also refused to let them go back to their homes. Instead, he gave the monks to us as our laborers. They're responsible for all our chores. We still need to finish building our quarters. So these monks came to transport building material. We're worried that they'll slack off, so we came to conduct an inspection. But now Wukong started weeping and said, I'm so unlucky. I won't be able to meet your masters. Why not? The priests asked. I have been wandering all over in part to scrounge a living, but also in part to find family. What relatives are you looking for? I have an uncle who became a monk in his youth. Some years back because of a famine, he left to beg for food. He hasn't been home in years, so I went to look for him. He must have gotten stuck here and couldn't leave. But I don't know that for sure. I must find him before I can go into the city with you. Oh, that's easy enough. How about we take a seat here and you can go to the beach to conduct the inspection for us. There are 500 some monks there. See if your uncle is among them. If he is, we'll put in a good word and have him released and then you can enter the city with us. Wukong thanked them non stop and then took his leave and headed to the beach while beating his fish drum. When the monks saw him, they they all kowtowed and said, sir, we haven't been slacking off. All 500 of us are present and pulling the cards. Hukong mused to himself. These monks must be afraid of getting a beating from Taoist priests. For them to be so afraid of a fake priest like me, they might just drop dead if I were a real priest. He waved his hands and said, don't kneel and don't be afraid. I'm not the foreman. I'm just here to find my relative. As soon as they heard that, all the monks crowded around and stuck their faces out, each one hoping that Wukong would pick him and save him from this life of toil. Wu Kong looked around for a bit and then started laughing. Sir, why are you laughing instead of looking for your relative? The monks asked, oh, I'm laughing at you. Your parents must have abandoned you to a life of religion due to unfortunate circumstances. Why do you all then not obey the rules of Buddhism instead of reading scriptures? Why are you here Laboring for Taoist priests, being ordered around like slaves. Sir, you're here to make fun of us. The monks lamented, you are from afar and don't understand our plight. I am from afar and I really don't know your plight. Our king is biased and unjust. He only likes Taoists like you. He hates us Buddhists. How come? Because three Taoist immortals showed up and summoned rain and wind. They pulled a veil over the King's eyes and convinced him to tear down our monastery, revoke our ordination certificates, and keep us here as laborers. For the Taoists, this suffering is too much. And while any wandering Daoist priests passing through would receive rewards from the King, traveling Buddhist monks are seized and forced to work as laborers for the Daoists. Do those priests have some special magic to trick the King? Wukong asked. If it's just summoning rain, that's child's play. How can that move the King's heart? They can mold sand, refine mercury, sit in meditation to preserve the spirit, turn water into oil and turn stone into gold. The monks told them. Right now they're building a Taoist temple to the three Pure Ones, where the Taoists will chant scriptures day and night before heaven and earth, and pray for immortality for the King. That's how they won him over. Ah, so that's how it is. Well, why don't ya'll just leave? We can't. Those Taoist immortals convinced the King to have likenesses of all of us painted and hung up everywhere. This slow card kingdom's territories are vast, and there's a painting of us hanging in every county, town and village center. And they carry the King's personal decree. Any official who captures a monk gets promoted three levels. Civilians who catch a monk get 50 taels of silver. And not only us, but anyone who's bald or just have very few hairs can't run away either. And there are guards everywhere, so we have no choice but to suffer here. So this is sounding more and more like a case right up Sun Wukong's alley. To see what he'll do about it, tune in to the next episode of the Chinese Lore Podcast. Thanks for listening, Sa.