Tang Seng sat in the Zen hall of Baolin Temple, reading the "Liang Huang Water Confession" under the lamp for a while, then glanced at the "Peacock True Scripture." He continued sitting until the third watch of the night, just as he was about to pack up the scriptures and go to bed, he suddenly heard a loud "purling" sound outside the door, followed by a gust of fierce wind that swept through.
唐僧坐在宝林寺的禅堂里，在灯下念了一会儿《梁皇水忏》，又看了一会儿《孔雀真经》，一直坐到三更天的时候，这才把经书包好放在行囊里，正打算起身去睡觉，就听到门外“扑剌剌”响亮地响了一声，接着“淅零零”地刮起了一阵狂风。
Tang Seng was worried that the wind would blow out the lamp, so he hurriedly used his monk robe's sleeve to shield it. He noticed that the light flickered on and off, making him feel a bit scared. At this moment, drowsiness hit him, and he leaned over the sutra table, dozing off. Though his eyes were barely closed, he remained mentally alert, still vaguely hearing the eerie wind outside.
唐僧担心风把灯给吹灭了，急忙用僧袍的袖子去遮挡，又看到那灯一会儿亮一会儿暗的，心里就觉得有点害怕。这时候困意也上来了，就趴在经案上打盹儿睡觉，虽然眼睛是闭着模模糊糊的，但心里还是清醒的，耳朵里还能隐隐约约听到窗外那阴森的风声。
The wind was indeed fierce, rustling and swirling. It blew so that the leaves were flying chaotically and lifted the floating clouds into the air. The stars in the sky became dim and indistinct, and dust and sand on the ground were tossed around. Sometimes the wind was strong, and sometimes it calmed down. When it calmed, the pine and bamboo swayed with a crisp sound; when it was strong, the waves in the rivers became murky and turbulent. The birds on the mountain struggled to find perches, crying out mournfully, while the fish in the sea kept jumping. The doors and windows of the buildings on both sides were blown off, startling the spirits and ghosts. The vases in the Buddha hall were knocked to the ground, and the glassware was also shaken down, causing the Buddha lamps to dim. The incense burners and saddles on the horses were overturned, scattering the incense ash, and the candle holders were tilted, making the candle flames flicker wildly. The flags and canopies in the temple were shaken to the brink of collapse, and the foundations of the bell tower and drum tower were shaken.
这风可真是厉害呀，真的是淅淅潇潇、飘飘荡荡的。淅淅潇潇地吹得树叶乱飞，飘飘荡荡地把浮云都卷起来了。满天的星星都变得昏暗不明，地上的尘土沙子到处飞扬。一会儿风势很猛，一会儿又变得缓和。缓和的时候松竹被风吹得发出清脆的声音，风猛的时候江湖里的波浪都变得浑浊汹涌。刮得那山上的鸟儿都难以栖息，叫声凄惨，海里的鱼儿也不停地跳动。东西两边的馆阁门窗都被吹得脱落了，前后的房廊把神鬼都惊到了。佛殿里的花瓶被吹落到地上，琉璃制品也被摇落，使得佛灯都昏暗了。香炉和马背上的鞍鞯都被吹倒了，香灰四处迸溅，烛架也歪斜了，蜡烛的火焰横七竖八的。寺庙里的幢幡、宝盖都被摇得要散架了，钟楼鼓楼的根基都被撼动了。
In his drowsy dreams, Tang Seng heard the wind pass and then faintly heard someone outside the Zen hall call, “Master!” He suddenly lifted his head, looking in the dream, and saw a man standing outside the door, drenched all over, with tears in his eyes, constantly calling out, “Master! Master!”
唐僧在昏昏沉沉的睡梦中听着风声过去了，又听到禅堂外面隐隐约约地叫了一声“师父！”他忽然抬起头在梦里看去，看到门外站着一个汉子，全身都是湿漉漉的，眼里流着泪，嘴里不停地叫着：“师父！师父！”
Tang Seng leaned slightly and said, “You must be a ghost or a monster, coming here in the middle of the night to play tricks on me, right? I’m not the kind of person who is greedy or easily angered. I am a monk who walks the righteous path, sent by the Emperor of the Great Tang to the West to seek the scriptures and pay respects to the Buddha. I have three disciples under me; they are heroes capable of subduing dragons and tigers, strong enough to defeat monsters and demons. If they see you, they will definitely crush you into dust. Out of compassion, I’m giving you a chance to quietly slip away before you come here to cause trouble.”
唐僧欠了欠身子说道：“你不会是鬼怪妖精，到了深夜来这里戏弄我的吧？我可不是那种有贪欲、爱生气的人。我本来就是一个光明正大的和尚，是奉了东土大唐皇帝的旨意，到西天去拜佛求经的。我手下有三个徒弟，他们都是能降龙伏虎的英雄豪杰，是扫除妖怪恶魔的壮士。要是他们看到你了，肯定会把你打得粉碎，让你变成灰尘。这是我出于慈悲的心，给你个机会让你趁早悄悄溜走，别到我的禅堂这儿来捣乱。”
The man leaned against the Zen hall and said, “Master, I am not a demon or a monster.”
那个人靠着禅堂说道：“师父，我不是妖魔鬼怪，也不是什么鬼怪邪神。”
Tang Seng replied, “If you are not one of those things, then why have you come here in the middle of the night?”
唐僧说：“你既然不是这类东西，那为什么深更半夜到这儿来呢？”
The man said, “Master, please take a good look at me.”
那个人说：“师父，你仔细看看我呀。”
Tang Seng indeed looked closely and was astonished! He saw that the man wore a towering crown on his head, a jade belt around his waist, and a long yellow robe embroidered with flying dragons and dancing phoenixes. On his feet were a pair of cloud-patterned, worry-free shoes, and in his hand, he held a white jade tablet that could arrange and intimidate the stars. His demeanor was as dignified as the Eastern Emperor, while his appearance resembled the elegance of the God of Literature.
唐僧果真仔细地定睛看去，哎呀！只见他头上戴着一顶冲天冠，腰上系着一条碧玉带，身上穿着一件绣着飞龙舞凤的赭黄色长袍，脚下踩着一双云头绣口的无忧鞋，手里拿着一柄能罗列、震慑星宿的白玉圭。面容就像东岳大帝那样威严，长相好似文昌帝君那样文雅。
After seeing this, Tang Seng was shocked and quickly bowed, calling out respectfully, “Which emperor is it from which dynasty? Please have a seat.” He hurriedly reached out to assist but ended up grasping at air and then returned to his seat. When he looked again, it was still the same person standing there.
唐僧看到后，大惊失色，急忙弯下身子，大声恭敬地叫道：“是哪一朝的陛下呀？请坐。” 他用手赶忙去搀扶，结果扑了个空，又回身坐定。再看的时候，还是那个人在那儿。
Tang Seng then asked, “Your Majesty, which place are you the emperor of? Which country do you rule? It must be that your country is in turmoil, being bullied and mistreated by treacherous officials, and you escaped here in the middle of the night. If you have anything to say, please tell me.”
唐僧便问道：“陛下，你是哪个地方的皇帝呀？是哪个国家的君主呢？想必是国家不安宁，有奸臣欺负虐待你，你半夜逃到这儿来了吧。有什么话，你就跟我说说吧。”
The man’s tears streamed down his cheeks as he recounted the past, furrowing his brows as he explained the details, saying, “Master, my home is located directly to the west, just forty li away from here. There’s a city over there, which is where I originally established my kingdom.”
这个人眼泪顺着腮边流下来，诉说着过去的事情，皱着眉头讲起前因后果，说道：“师父啊，我家住在正西方，距离这儿只有四十里路远。那边有一座城池，就是我当初建立国家的地方。”
Tang Seng asked, “What is the name of that place?”
The man replied, “To be honest with you, Master, it is the place where I originally founded the country and changed its name to the Kingdom of Wujiguo.”
唐僧问道：“那地方叫什么名字呀？”
那个人说：“不瞒师父您说，就是我当时创建国家，改国号为乌鸡国的地方。”
Tang Seng said, “Your Majesty, why are you in such a panic coming here?”
The man replied, “Master, my Kingdom of Wujiguo suffered a severe drought five years ago; the weather was so dry that not even grass seeds could grow, and many of the common people starved to death. It truly breaks my heart.”
唐僧说：“陛下您这么惊慌，是因为什么事情到这儿来的呀？”
那个人说：“师父啊，我这乌鸡国五年前遭遇大旱，天气干旱得连草籽都长不出来，老百姓都饿死了，实在是让人痛心啊。”
Upon hearing this, Tang Seng nodded and sighed, saying, “Your Majesty, the ancients said that when the government is upright, heaven will respond to the will of the people. It seems that you have not shown compassion for the common folk and have encountered famine. Why did you leave the city? You should have opened the granaries to aid the people, reflected on past mistakes, performed good deeds anew, and pardoned the wrongfully accused. Only then can heaven align with your intentions, and the winds and rains will be favorable.”
唐僧听了这话，点头叹息着说：“陛下啊，古人说过，国家政治清明，上天就会顺应民意。想必是您不体恤百姓，遇到了饥荒，怎么就离开城池呢？应该去打开仓库，救济百姓；反省以前的过错，重新做善事，赦免那些被冤枉的人。这样自然能使上天心意和顺，风调雨顺。”
The man said, “In my Kingdom of Wujiguo, the granaries are empty, and all the money and grain are gone. The civil and military officials have stopped receiving their salaries, and I don't even have any meat for my own meals. I tried to emulate Dayu in controlling the floods, sharing hardships with the people, fasting, and praying day and night. After three years of this, the rivers ran dry, and the wells also dried up. In this desperate situation, suddenly a Taoist priest from Zhongnan Mountain appeared. He could summon winds and rain and even turn stones into gold. He first met with my civil and military officials, and then he met me. I immediately invited him to the altar to pray for rain, and it indeed worked. As soon as the command was given, it started pouring rain. I originally hoped for three feet of rain, but he said that due to the long drought, it was necessary to have an extra two inches. Seeing his spirit of camaraderie, I swore brotherhood with him and called him my brother.”
那个人说：“我乌鸡国里仓库都空了，钱粮全都没了，文武百官都停发了俸禄，我自己吃饭都没有荤菜。我效仿大禹治水，和百姓们同甘共苦，沐浴斋戒，日夜焚香祈祷。这样过了三年，结果弄得河也干了，井也枯了。就在这万分危急的时候，忽然从终南山来了一个全真道士，他能呼风唤雨，还能点石成金。他先见了我手下的文武百官，后来又见到了我，我当即就请他登上祭坛祈祷求雨，果然灵验了，只听令牌一响，转眼间就下起了倾盆大雨。我本来只盼着下三尺雨就够了，他说因为干旱太久了，要多下二寸才行。我见他这么讲义气，就和他结拜为兄弟，以兄弟相称了。”
Tang Seng said, “This is undoubtedly great news for you, Your Majesty.”
The man asked, “What joy can there be?”
Tang Seng replied, “Since that Taoist priest has such abilities, if you need rain, let him bring the rain; if you need gold, let him turn stones to gold. What else could you possibly lack, that you have come here instead of staying in your kingdom?”
唐僧说：“这于陛下来说，无疑是桩大喜之事呀。”
那人问道：“喜从何来？”
唐僧说：“那个全真道士既然有这样的本事，要是需要下雨的时候，就让他下雨；要是需要金子的时候，就让他点金。还有什么不满足的，竟然要离开城池到这儿来呢？”
The man replied, “I only lived with him for two years. During the spring season, when the red apricots and peach blossoms were in full bloom, all the families’ sons and daughters went out to enjoy the flowers. At that time, the civil and military officials returned to their offices, and the concubines were in the courtyards. The Taoist and I held hands and walked slowly into the imperial garden. Suddenly, we came upon an octagonal glazed well. I don’t know what he dropped, but the well shimmered with golden light. He led me to the well to see what treasure was there, but then he suddenly harbored evil intentions, pushed me into the well, covered the opening with a stone slab, and even buried it with dirt, planting a banana tree on top. Alas, I have been dead for three years, becoming a ghost wrongfully killed by falling into the well!”
那人说：“我和他一起生活了只有两年。正值阳春时节，红杏和桃花盛开，家家户户的士女和王孙们都出去游春赏花。那时候，文武百官回衙，嫔妃们也在院子里活动。我和那位全真手牵手慢慢走到御花园，突然走到一个八角琉璃井边，不知道他丢下什么东西，井里闪烁着万道金光。他把我引到井边看什么宝贝，突然心生恶念，把我推下了井，用石板盖住井口，还在上面盖上泥土，移植了一株芭蕉。可怜我啊，我已经死去三年，成了一个因落井而冤屈的鬼魂！”
Hearing him say he was a ghost frightened Tang Seng so much that he felt weak, and his hair stood on end. He had no choice but to continue asking, “Your Majesty, what you say is completely unreasonable. Since you have been dead for three years, how is it that the civil and military officials and the empresses in the three palaces have not noticed your absence during their visits to the court on the third days of the month to look for you?”
唐僧听他说是鬼，吓得筋骨无力，毛发竖起，没办法，只得继续问他：“陛下，你说的这些话完全不合道理。你既然已经死了三年了，那文武百官、三宫的皇后们，每次在逢三的日子上朝拜见皇上的时候，怎么就没有发现你不见了而去寻找你呢？
The man replied, “Master, regarding his abilities, they are truly rare in the world! Ever since he harmed me, he transformed in the garden, taking on my appearance, without a single difference. Now he occupies my kingdom and secretly claims my territory. He has taken all my civil and military officials, four hundred court officials, three palace empresses, and six concubines as his own.”
那人说：“师父啊，提到他的本事，真是世间罕见！自从害了我，他当时在花园里变身，化作我的模样，毫无差别。如今他占了我的江山，暗中侵占了我的国土。他把我的文武百官、四百朝官、三宫皇后和六院嫔妃都归于他名下了。”
Tang Seng said, “Your Majesty, you are too cowardly.”
The man asked, “Why am I cowardly?”
Tang Seng replied, “Your Majesty, that monster indeed possesses some abilities, able to transform into your likeness, occupying your realm, and the civil and military officials cannot recognize him, while the concubines are unaware. Only you know the truth of your death. Why not go to the underworld and report to King Yama, telling him about your grievances?”
三藏说：“陛下，您太懦弱了。”
那人问：“为何懦弱？”
三藏说：“陛下，那妖怪真有些神通，竟能变作您的模样，侵占您的天地，文武百官都无法识别，后妃也不知道，唯有您死得明白。您为何不去阴司阎王那里告状，把您的委屈诉说诉说？”
The man said, “His abilities are vast, and the officials are very familiar with him. The city god often drinks with him, the Dragon King of the sea has a close relationship with him, and the Eastern Mount Tianqi is a good friend of his. The ten Yama Kings are like his brothers.”
那人说：“他的神通广大，官吏对他都很熟悉，城隍常和他饮酒，海龙王与他关系亲密，东岳天齐是他的好朋友，十代阎罗是他的异兄弟。”
Thus, I have no place to complain.”
Tang Seng asked, “Your Majesty, since you have no way to appeal to him in the underworld, what is your purpose in coming to our world?”
The man replied, “Master, I, as a mere soul wronged, do not dare to come to your door. In front of the mountain gate, there are guardian deities, the six Ding and six Jia, the five directional deities, the four guardians, and the eighteen protectors of the teachings, closely followed by them. Just now, I was sent by the night wanderer with a divine wind, who said my three years of calamity from water disasters has come to an end and that I should come to see you. He mentioned that you have a great disciple, the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, who is very capable of subduing demons and driving away evil spirits. Therefore, I sincerely pray today, hoping that you can send your disciple to my country to capture the monster and distinguish between good and evil. I will definitely repay your kindness!”
因此如此，我也无处告状。”
三藏问：“陛下，您在阴司里既然没有本事告他，来我们阳世间有什么目的？”
那人说：“师父啊，我这点冤魂，怎敢上您的门来？山门前有护法诸天、六丁六甲、五方揭谛、四值功曹和十八位护教伽蓝，紧随其后。不过刚才被夜游神送来一阵神风，他说我三年水灾已经到了尽头，要我来拜见师父。他说您手下有一个大徒弟，是齐天大圣，非常能斩妖降魔。所以我今天虔诚地拜求，希望您能让您的徒弟到我国，捉住妖魔，分辨邪正，我一定会结草衔环，以报师恩！”
Tang Seng said, “Your Majesty, are you here to ask me to send my disciple to get rid of that monster?”
The man replied, “Exactly! Exactly!”
Tang Seng continued, “My disciple may not be skilled in other matters, but subduing demons and capturing monsters is indeed within his abilities. However, Your Majesty, although he is to capture the monster, it might be difficult in principle.”
三藏说：“陛下，您来是请我徒弟去除那妖怪吗？”
那人说：“正是！正是！”
三藏说：“我徒弟干别的事不行，但说降妖捉怪，正合他的本事。陛下啊，虽然是让他去捉妖，但恐怕在道理上会有困难。”
The man asked, “What difficulties could there be?”
Tang Seng replied, “Since that monster possesses great abilities and has transformed to look exactly like you, all the officials in the court are completely convinced, and the concubines are also in agreement. Even if my disciple has the abilities, he would not dare to act rashly. If he were caught by the officials, it could be seen as treason, leading to severe consequences, and he would find himself trapped in the city. Wouldn't that be asking for trouble?”
那人问：“怎么会有困难？”
三藏说：“那妖怪既然神通广大，变得和您一模一样，满朝文武，个个都心服口服；三宫妃嫔，个个也都心意相合。我徒弟即便有本事，也不敢轻易动手。如果被众官抓住，说我们欺国灭宗，问罪时又是大逆不道，困在城中，那岂不是自讨苦吃吗？”
The man said, “But I still have people in the court.”
Tang Seng responded, “That’s good! That’s good! Surely it must be a prince who has been assigned to guard a certain place?”
The man said, “No. I have a prince in the palace, my own heir.”
那人说：“我朝中还有人啊。”
三藏说：“那就好！那就好！想必是一位亲王侍长，调往什么地方镇守去了？”
那人说：“不是。我宫中有一个太子，是我亲生的储君。”
Tang Seng asked, “Then the prince must have been deposed by the monster?”
The man replied, “Not at all; he is simply staying in the Golden Luan Hall, in the Five Phoenix Tower, either discussing lessons with scholars or ascending the throne with the Taoist. For these three years, the prince has been forbidden from entering the palace and unable to see his mother.”
三藏问：“那太子想必被妖魔贬了吧？”
那人说：“不曾，他只是待在金銮殿上，五凤楼中，或与学士讲学，或与全真一起登位。自此三年，禁制太子不入皇宫，无法见到他母后。”
Tang Seng asked, “Why is that?”
The man replied, “This is a strategy employed by the monster, fearing that if they meet, during their idle chatter they might reveal some secret, which could jeopardize his existence. Thus, they cannot see each other, allowing him to live forever.”
三藏问：“这是为何？”
那人说：“这是妖怪使的计策，只怕他母子相见，闲谈中说出长短，泄露消息。因此他们两人不能见面，他才能永远存活。”
Tang Seng said, “Your disaster is likely a result of heavenly will, similar to my own situation. My father was once harmed by water bandits, and my mother was bullied by them. Three months later, I was born. I escaped with my life from the water, thanks to the kindness of a master from Jinshan Temple who raised me. I remember my childhood without parents, and that prince is also without his parents; it is truly shameful!” He then asked, “Even if you have a prince in court, how can I meet him?”
三藏说：“您的灾难，想必是天意所致，却与我类似。当时我父亲曾被水贼所伤，我母亲被水贼欺凌，三个月后，生下了我。我在水中逃过一命，幸得金山寺恩师救我长大。我记得我幼年无父无母，而那太子也是失去了双亲，令人惭愧不已！”又问：“即便您有太子在朝，我如何能与他见面？”
The man said, “How could he not be seen?”
Tang Seng replied, “He is bound by the monster and cannot even see his own mother. How could a monk like me meet him?”
The man said, “He will go to court tomorrow morning.”
Tang Seng asked, “What will he do at court?”
The man replied, “During the morning court, he will lead three thousand horses and hunting dogs out of the city. You will surely be able to meet him then. When you meet him, you can tell him my words, and he will believe you.”
那人说：“怎么会不能见呢？”
三藏说：“他被妖魔拘束，连生母都不能见，我一个和尚，怎么能见到他？”
那人说：“他明早会出朝的。”
三藏问：“出朝做什么？”
那人说：“明日早朝，他会带着三千人马，架着鹰犬出城狩猎，师父一定能与他见面。见面时，您能将我的话告诉他，他就会相信了。”
Tang Seng said, “But he is just an ordinary mortal, deceived by the monster in the palace. How will he believe me if I call him ‘father’?”
The man said, “If you’re worried he won’t believe you, I’ll leave you a token.”
Tang Seng asked, “What kind of token?”
The man set down the white jade tablet he was holding and said, “This can serve as a token.”
三藏说：“他本是肉眼凡胎，被妖魔蒙骗在殿上，那一天不叫他几声父王？他怎么会相信我的话？”
那人说：“既然怕他不相信，我留下一件信物给您吧。”
三藏问：“是什么物件？”
那人将手中握着的金厢白玉圭放下说：“此物可以作为信物。”
Tang Seng asked, “What is so special about this token?”
The man replied, “Since the Taoist transformed into my likeness, he has been missing this treasure. When he went to the palace, he claimed that the Taoist who prayed for rain had stolen this tablet, and since then, it has not been seen for three years. If my prince sees it, he will surely remember me and will seek revenge.”
Tang Seng said, “Alright, I will keep it and let my disciple handle it for you. Where will you wait?”
三藏问：“这个物件怎么样呢？”
那人说：“全真自从变成我的模样，只是少了这件宝贝。他到宫中，说那求雨的全真拐走了这个圭，自此三年，始终没有这个物件。我太子若看到，必定会想起我，这仇必定会报。”
三藏说：“那好吧，我留下来，让徒弟帮您处理。您在什么地方等呢？”
The man said, “I cannot wait here. I need to ask the night wanderer to send me a divine wind to take me back to the palace to give my queen a dream so that they may be united in spirit, and you and your disciples will be of one heart.”
Tang Seng nodded in agreement and said, “You may go.”
The soul bowed in farewell. As he took a step to leave, he accidentally stumbled and fell, startling Tang Seng awake. He realized it was all just a fleeting dream. He hurriedly called out to the dim lamp, “Disciple! Disciple!”
那人说：“我也不敢等。我得去请夜游神再送我一阵神风，把我送进皇宫内院，托个梦给我那正宫皇后，让他母子心意相合，你们师徒同心。”
三藏点头答应道：“您去吧。”
那冤魂叩头告别。他刚举步送别，不知怎么踢了脚，跌了个筋斗，把三藏惊醒，原来这只是一场南柯一梦。他慌忙对着那盏昏灯，急忙喊：“徒弟！徒弟！”
Zhu Bajie woke up and asked, “What’s all this fuss? I’m a good man, just trying to enjoy life with some meat and fat; it’s actually quite pleasant. Yet, you became a monk and made us protect you while you run away! I originally just wanted to be a monk, but now I’ve become a servant—carrying bags by day and warming my feet with a urinal at night! Why are you waking us up so late, calling for a disciple?”
Tang Seng replied, “Disciple, I just dozed off at the table and had a strange dream.”
八戒醒来问：“什么土地土地？我本是做好汉，专吃人过日子，享受腥膻，其实快活；偏你出家，让我们来保护你跑路！原本只想做和尚，现在却变成了奴才，白天挑包袱牵马，晚上提尿瓶焐脚！这早晚不睡，又叫徒弟做什么？”
三藏说：“徒弟，我刚才伏在案上打盹，做了一个奇怪的梦。”
The Monkey King immediately jumped up and said, “Master, dreams arise from thoughts. You haven’t been to the mountains yet, first fearing the monster, then worrying about the long road to the Thunder Sound Temple, thinking of Chang'an and not knowing when you can return. That’s why you have a heavy heart and many dreams. But as for me, I truly think of seeing the Buddha in all directions, yet I haven’t even dreamed of myself.”
Tang Seng said, “Disciple, my dream wasn’t a longing for home. As soon as I closed my eyes, I saw a gust of wind, and outside the meditation hall stood an emperor, claiming to be the king of the Wuji Kingdom, drenched and in tears.” He then recounted everything he had heard in the dream to the Monkey King.
行者立刻跳起来说：“师父，梦由想生。您未曾上山，先怕妖怪，又愁雷音路远，无法到达，思念长安，不知何日回程，所以心思重，梦也多。像老孙我一点真心，专门想四方见佛，更没有一个梦到我。”
三藏说：“徒弟，我这个梦，不是思乡之梦。我刚合眼，就见一阵狂风吹过，禅房门外有一位皇帝，自称是乌鸡国王，浑身湿透，满眼泪水。”如此这般，把梦中所说的话一一告诉了行者。
The Monkey King laughed and said, “No need to say more. He comes to you in a dream clearly for my business. The monster must be usurping the throne, and I need to argue with him to determine the truth. Just think, that demon has already established himself in many places.”
Tang Seng said, “Disciple, he said that the monster has great powers.”
The Monkey King replied, “What is there to fear about his powers? If I had known I was coming, he would have nowhere to run!”
Tang Seng recalled, “I remember leaving a treasure as a token.”
Zhu Bajie responded, “Master, don’t be ridiculous. It’s just a dream; why take it so seriously?”
Sha Wujing said, “Don’t disbelieve everything outright; we need to be cautious. Let’s light a fire, open the door, and see what the situation is outside.”
行者笑着说：“不必多说，他来托梦给你，分明是为了老孙的生意。必然是妖怪在篡位谋国，我得去和他辩个真假。想那妖魔，已经在各处立足成功。”
三藏说：“徒弟，他说那妖怪神通广大。”
行者说：“怕他什么广大！早知道老孙来了，教他无处可逃！”
三藏说：“我又记得留下一件宝贝作为信物。”
八戒答道：“师父别胡缠，做个梦就算了，怎么就这么当真？”
沙僧道：“不信直中直，须防仁不仁。我们打起火，打开了门，看看外面到底是什么情况。”
The Monkey King indeed opened the door, and everyone looked outside. To their surprise, they saw a golden jade tablet shining under the light of the stars and moon on the steps.
Zhu Bajie walked over to pick it up and asked, “Brother, what is this thing?”
The Monkey King replied, “This is the treasure held by the king, known as the jade tablet. Master, since we have this item, it seems this matter is true. Tomorrow, capturing the monster will all depend on me, but there are still three conditions we need to fulfill.”
Zhu Bajie said, “Great! Great! Great! It’s just a dream, yet you’re going to tell someone about it? When has he ever not played tricks on people? Now, it’s settled—you're going to face three pieces of bad luck!”
Tang Seng returned inside and asked, “What are those three conditions?”
行者果然开门，大家一齐看去，只见星月光中，阶檐上，真的放着一柄金镶白玉圭。
八戒走近前拿起说：“哥哥，这是什么东西？”
行者说：“这是国王手中握着的宝贝，名叫玉圭。师父啊，既然有这个物件，想这事就是真的。明天捉妖，全都在老孙身上，只是还需要有三桩机缘条件才行呢。”
猪八戒说道：“好哇！好哇！好哇！不就做了个梦嘛，又跑去跟人家说，他什么时候不捉弄人呀？这下可好，就让你摊上三桩运气不好的事儿啦。”
三藏回到里面问：“那是哪三桩？”
Sun Wukong replied, “Tomorrow, Master, you’ll have to take the blame, endure the anger, and also suffer from some misfortune.”
Zhu Bajie laughed and said, “One condition is already tough enough; how can you handle three?”
Tang Seng, being a wise elder, continued to ask, “Disciple, how should these three matters be explained?”
孙悟空说：“明天要让师父您去顶背黑锅，受气，还要遭瘟呢。”
猪八戒笑着说：“一桩事儿就已经够难的了，三桩事儿可怎么受得了呀？”
唐僧是个聪明的长老，便接着问道：“徒弟啊，这三件事该怎么解释呢？”
The Monkey King said, “No need to say much; let me give you two things first.”
With that, Sun Wukong plucked a hair from his body, blew it with some magical air, and shouted, “Transform!” It turned into a red and gold lacquered box, where he placed the white jade tablet inside. He told Tang Seng, “Master, take this. At dawn, wear your brocade cassock and go sit in the main hall to chant scriptures while I go check on that city. If it really is the monster, I’ll kill him; that would be a merit. If it’s not, then don’t stir up trouble.”
Tang Seng agreed, “That sounds right!” The Monkey King said, “If the prince doesn’t leave the city, then fine. But if he really does come out as in the dream, I’ll definitely lead him to meet you.” Tang Seng asked, “What should I do when I see him?”
行者说：“也不必多说，等我先给你两个东西。”
孙悟空拔了一根毫毛，吹了口仙气，喊了一声“变”，变成一个红金漆的匣子，把白玉圭放在里面，告诉唐僧：“师父，你拿着这个，到天亮时穿上锦襽袈裟，去正殿坐着念经，等我去看看那座城池。如果真的是妖怪，我就把他打死，这样也算立个功；如果不是，就别惹麻烦。”
三藏说：“没错，没错！”孙悟空说：“如果太子不出城就算了，若真的应梦出城来，我一定会引他来见你。”唐僧问：“见了我该怎么应对？”
The Monkey King said, “When he comes, I’ll notify you first. You should open the box just a little. I’ll transform into a small monk only two inches tall and hide inside. When the prince comes to the temple, he’ll naturally want to worship the Buddha, and you can just ignore his bowing. When he sees you unresponsive, he will definitely call for someone to arrest you. No matter how he tries to capture you, let him take you away; it won’t matter if you get beaten or tied up.”
Tang Seng said, “Ah! His power is great. What if he really kills me?”
行者说：“等他来了，我先通知你，你把匣子盖打开一点，我就变成一个两寸高的小和尚，钻进匣子里，你就拿着我。太子来到寺庙，自然要拜佛，而你对他下拜的举动只要不理睬他就行了。他看到你不动，肯定会叫人来抓你，任凭他怎么抓，你就让他抓走，打也无妨，绑也无妨。”
三藏说：“啊！他的权力大，要是他真的杀了我，那该怎么办？”
Sun Wukong said, "It's fine, I'm here. If we reach a critical moment, I will protect you. If he asks, just say you are a monk sent by the Emperor of the East from the Tang Dynasty to the Western Paradise to seek scriptures and present treasures. If he asks what treasures, explain the details of the golden robe, and say, 'This golden robe is only a third-tier treasure; there are first and second-tier treasures even better.' If he inquires about the treasures, say there is a treasure in this box that knows the past five hundred years, the future five hundred years, and the middle five hundred years—totalling one thousand five hundred years of all past and future events, all clear and known. Then, just let me out. I will tell the prince what I dreamed. If he believes, he will catch that demon, avenging his father and establishing our reputation; if he does not believe, then show him the white jade ruler. I just fear he might be too young to recognize it."
孙悟空说道：“没事儿，有我在呢。要是到了关键紧要的地方，我自然会保护你。要是他询问起来，你就说自己是从东土大唐奉了皇帝钦差，前往西天拜佛求经、进献宝物的和尚。他要是问有什么宝贝，你就把锦襕袈裟的情况详细说给他听，并且说：‘这锦襕袈裟只是三等宝贝，还有头等的、二等的好宝贝呢。’只要他问到宝贝的事儿，你就说这匣子里有一件宝贝，它能知晓往上五百年、往下五百年，再加上中间的五百年，总共一千五百年的过去和未来发生的所有事情，全都清楚明白，然后就把我老孙从里面放出来。我把梦中的那些话都告诉那太子，如果他肯相信，就去捉拿了那个妖魔，一来能给他的父王报仇，二来我们也能博个好名声；要是他不相信，就再把那白玉圭拿给他看。只是担心他年纪还小，可能还不认得这东西呢。”
Tang Seng was very pleased and said, "Disciple, this plan is truly brilliant! As for the treasures, one is called the golden robe, and the other is called the white jade ruler; what name will you give to the treasure you transform into?" Sun Wukong replied, "Let’s call it 'Li Di Huo.'"
唐僧听了这话后十分高兴，说：“徒弟啊，这个计策真是太妙了！只是说起这些宝贝，一个叫做锦襕袈裟，一个叫做白玉圭，那你变的宝贝又叫作什么名字呢？”孙悟空回答：“就叫作‘立帝货’吧。”
Tang Seng committed these names to memory as instructed.
唐僧依照他说的把这些都记在了心上。
The group couldn't sleep a wink that entire night, eagerly awaiting dawn, wishing they could just nod their heads to summon the sun from the east, or blow a breath to scatter the stars across the sky.
师徒几个人这一整夜哪里能睡得着觉呀。就这么眼巴巴地盼着天亮，那急切的心情简直恨不得自己点一点头就能把东方的太阳给召唤出来，喷一口气就能把满天的星星都给吹散了呢。
Not long after, the eastern sky gradually brightened. Sun Wukong carefully instructed Zhu Bajie and Sha Seng: "Don't disturb the monks, and don't wander around. Wait until I finish my task, then we can travel together."
没过多久，东方渐渐泛起了鱼肚白。孙悟空又对猪八戒、沙僧仔细叮嘱了一番，让他们两个：“可别去打扰那些僧人，也别出来到处乱跑。等我把事情办妥当了，再和你们一块儿赶路。”
After giving his instructions, he bid farewell to Tang Seng, whistled, and leaped into the air. With his fiery eyes, he looked westward and indeed saw a city. You might wonder how he could see it; it was said that the city was only forty miles from the temple, so he could spot it from a height.
交代完后，这才告别了唐僧，打了个唿哨，一个筋斗就跳到了半空中，他睁着那双火眼金睛朝着西边望去，果然看到有一座城池。您要问怎么就能看见呢？之前就说过那座城池距离寺院只有四十里地，所以站在高处一下子就能够望得见了。
Sun Wukong approached to observe carefully and saw that the area was shrouded in demonic fog, thick with gloomy clouds, everywhere eerie and foreboding, with howling winds and rising resentment—an utterly chaotic scene.
孙悟空走上前去，仔仔细细地观看，只见那里妖雾弥漫，愁云密布，到处都是阴森森的，妖风呼啸，怨气升腾，一片混乱的景象。
Seeing such a sight from the sky, Wukong couldn't help but lament: "If a true king were to ascend the noble throne, there would naturally be auspicious light and colorful clouds surrounding him; but because a demon has occupied the dragon seat, thick black mist now locks the golden gates, obscuring any auspicious signs and leaving only a sinister, eerie atmosphere."
孙悟空在空中看到这般情形，不禁发出这样的感慨：要是真正的君王登上那尊贵的宝座，自然会有祥瑞的光芒和五彩的祥云环绕；只因为有妖怪侵占了龙椅之位，所以才会有腾腾的黑色雾气将那金门紧紧锁住，不见祥瑞，只有一片诡异阴森的氛围啊。
As Sun Wukong was lamenting, he suddenly heard a loud cannon fire. Then he saw a troop of soldiers rushing out from the open east gate; indeed, it was a hunting party, displaying an impressive and fierce momentum. They were:
孙悟空正在那里感慨叹息之时，忽然听到响亮的炮声，接着又看见东门打开的地方，一下子涌出一队人马，确实是一支外出打猎的军队，瞧那气势，果真十分勇猛。只见他们：
Setting out in the early morning from the eastern side of the forbidden city, they spread out to hunt in the shallow grass. Colorful flags fluttered in the sunlight, and groups of white horses gathered in the wind. The drums made of toad skin beat loudly, and pairs of spears clashed together. The soldiers with eagles were exceptionally fierce, while the commanders holding hunting dogs were strong and brave. Cannons boomed continuously, shaking the earth and sky, and the sunlight reflected off the red poles. Everyone held crossbows, each carrying a carved bow on their back. They set large nets on the hillside and laid ropes along the narrow paths. A shout rang out like a thunderclap, and thousands of knights gathered together, fiercely like a mighty bear. Cunning rabbits found it hard to escape, and the clever deer were nearing their end. Foxes were doomed, and elk would meet their demise on the spot. Mountain pheasants found it difficult to flee, and how could wild chickens avoid the danger? They all aimed to seize the forest area to capture fierce beasts, destroying trees to shoot down flying insects.
清晨从禁城东边出发，分散开进入浅草从中进行围猎。彩色的旗帜在阳光映照下飘扬展开，成群的白马迎着风聚集在一起。鼍皮制成的鼓咚咚地擂响，一对对标枪相互冲刺。架着鹰的军士十分威猛，牵着猎犬的将领也很骁勇雄壮。火炮接连不断地轰响，震动天地，粘竿在日光映照下一片通红。每个人都手持弩箭，个个都背着雕弓。在山坡下张开大网，在小径中铺设绳索。一声呼喊如同惊天霹雳，上千名骑士簇拥在一起，如同貔熊般勇猛。狡猾的兔子自身难保，乖巧的獐子性命也即将到头。狐狸大限已到，麋鹿也将丧命于当场。山雉难以逃脱，野鸡又怎能躲避这凶险呢？他们都想着占据这山林场地来擒获猛兽，摧毁林木去射杀飞虫。
After the soldiers left the city, they scattered and moved around the eastern suburbs. Soon, they arrived at a higher piece of land twenty miles away.
这些人从城里出来后，在东郊一带分散开来活动。没过多久，来到了二十里开外的一片地势较高的田地之处。
Next, he saw a young general in the military camp. He wore a helmet and armor, with intricate patterns embroidered on his belly wrap, and his armor plates were tightly fitted, totaling eighteen pieces. He held a sharp sword in one hand, rode a yellow steed, and had a full quiver of arrows at his side. He truly looked like this:
接着又看到在军营帐里，有一位年纪轻轻的将军。他头戴头盔，身穿铠甲，那裹肚上绣着精美的花纹，铠甲上的甲片细密有十八札之多。他手中拿着一把青锋宝剑，骑着一匹黄骠马，腰带上还挂着满满弦的弓箭。真真切切是这样的模样：
There was a vague royal demeanor about him, exuding an air of majesty fit for an emperor. His manner and presence were not something an ordinary person could possess; every gesture he made displayed the true bearing of a Long-born sovereign.
隐隐约约有着君王的仪态，气宇轩昂呈现出帝王的仪容。那气度风范绝不是一般小人物能有的，一举一动都彰显出真龙天子的派头。
Sun Wukong was secretly pleased and thought, "Without a doubt, that must be the emperor's prince. I shall have some fun with him." The Great Sage leaped from the cloud and darted into the troop, coming to the prince's horse. With a slight shake of his body, he transformed into a small white rabbit, scurrying back and forth in front of the prince's horse.
孙悟空在半空中暗自高兴地想道：“不用说，那个肯定就是皇帝的太子了。待我去捉弄他一下。”这孙大圣按下云头，一下子就闯进了军队之中，来到太子的马前，身子轻轻一晃，就变成了一只小白兔，只在太子的马前不停地跑来跑去。
The prince, seeing the white rabbit, was delighted and reached for an arrow, pulling the bow back with all his strength. "Whoosh!" The arrow shot straight and hit the rabbit perfectly.
太子看到这只白兔，正合了自己的心意，便伸手拈起一支箭，用力将弓拉满，“嗖”的一下，一箭就正好射中了那只兔儿。
In fact, the Great Sage had deliberately allowed the prince to hit the rabbit. Quick-witted and agile, he swiftly caught the arrowhead in his hand, intentionally leaving the feather in front, and then dashed off, running away.
原来呀，是孙大圣故意让太子射中那白兔的，他呀，眼神机灵，手脚又快，一下子就伸手接住了那射来的箭头，还故意把箭上的翎花留在了前面，然后撒开脚步就跑开了。
The prince, seeing that he had shot the rabbit with an arrow, immediately turned his horse around and rushed ahead on his own.
他看到自己一箭射中了玉兔，立刻兜转马头，独自一个人抢先追赶过去。
He didn't know what was happening, but whenever the horse ran fast, Sun Wukong ran as swiftly as the wind; when the horse slowed down, Sun Wukong also took his time and walked slowly, always staying just ahead of the prince at a reasonable distance.
马跑得快的时候，孙行者就跑得跟风一样快；马跑得慢下来，孙行者也就放慢脚步慢慢走，始终就在太子前面不太远的地方。
In this way, watching the prince chase step by step, he finally led him to the gate of Baolin Temple. At that moment, Sun Wukong revealed his true form; the rabbit had vanished without a trace, and only an arrow was left stuck in the threshold.
就这样，看着太子一程又一程地追，最后把太子哄骗到了宝林寺的山门之下。这时候，孙行者显出了自己的本来面目，那只兔子不见了踪影，只看到有一支箭插在门槛上。
Sun Wukong dashed straight into the temple and, upon seeing Tang Seng, exclaimed, "Master, I've arrived!" After that, he used his transformation skill to change into a tiny monk, only two inches tall, and quickly squeezed into the red box.
孙行者径直就闯进寺里，见到唐僧便说道：“师父，来了，来了。” 说完，又使了个变化的本事，变成了一个只有二寸长短的小和尚模样，一下子就钻进了那个红匣子里面。
Now, as for the prince, he had chased all the way to the gate and discovered that the white rabbit had disappeared, leaving only the arrow stuck in the threshold. The prince was immediately taken aback and said, "How strange! How strange! I clearly shot the rabbit, but where did it go? All that's left is this arrow! It must have turned into a spirit over time."
再来说那太子，一路追赶来到了山门前，却发现那只白兔不见了踪影，只看到门槛上插着一支雕翎箭。太子顿时大惊失色，说道：“奇怪呀！奇怪呀！明明我这一箭射中了玉兔，可玉兔怎么就不见了呢，只看到这支箭在这儿呀！想必是因为年深日久，那玉兔成了精怪了吧。”
After saying this, he pulled out the arrow and looked up to see five large characters on the mountain gate that read "Imperially Established Baolin Temple." The prince said, "I recognize this place. A few years ago, I remember my father sent officials to take some gold and silver to the monks of this temple for them to repair the Buddhist texts and statues. I never expected to come here today. This fits the poem 'While passing the temple, I met a monk and gained half a day's leisure.' I should go in and take a look."
说完，他便拔出了箭，抬起头来观看，只见山门上有五个大字，写着 “敕建宝林寺”。太子说道：“我知道这地方了。前些年我还记得父王在金銮殿上曾差遣官员带着一些金银财物给这寺庙里的和尚，让他们去修缮佛典和佛像，没想到今天我竟来到了这儿。这正应了那句诗‘因过道院逢僧话，又得浮生半日闲’呀，我且进去走一走、看一看吧。”
The prince dismounted and was just about to enter the temple when he happened to see the officials and three thousand soldiers who had been assigned to protect him rushing up together, surrounding him as they entered through the mountain gate.
那太子翻身跳下马来，正准备要走进寺庙里面去，恰好看见那些负责保驾的官员将领以及三千人马也都追赶了上来，众人簇拥着，一起进入了山门里头。
This startled the many monks in the temple, who hurried over to bow and welcome them, leading them into the main hall to pay their respects to the Buddha statue.
这一下子可把本寺的众多僧人给慌坏了，都纷纷跑来，磕头跪拜着迎接，然后将他们接入到正殿的中间，先参拜了佛像。
After they lifted their heads to look around, they thought about visiting the cloisters to enjoy the scenery. Suddenly, they saw a monk sitting in the middle, and the prince became furious, saying, "This monk is too disrespectful! I'm entering this mountain with half the court's entourage; although I didn't notify you in advance, it's understandable if you didn't come to welcome us from afar. But now that my soldiers have arrived at the gate, you should rise to greet us! How can you just sit there without moving?"
太子他们这才抬起头来四处观看打量，接着又想着去游廊那边游玩观赏一番景色。忽然，他们看到正当中坐着一个和尚，太子顿时大怒起来，说道：“这个和尚也太无礼了！如今我带着半朝的銮驾进到这山里来，虽说事先没有下达旨意通知你们，你们不来远处迎接倒也罢了，可现在我的军马都已经到了门前，你也应该起身相迎才对呀，怎么还能坐在那儿一动不动呢？”
Then he shouted, "Arrest him for me!"
接着又喊道：“给我把他拿下！”
As soon as the prince shouted "Arrest him," the guards immediately moved in unison and seized Tang Seng, hurriedly bringing ropes to bind him.
就这一个 “拿” 字喊出口，两边的校尉们立刻一起动手，把唐僧一下子就抓了下来，急忙拿来绳索就要捆绑。
Sun Wukong, quietly chanting a spell inside the box, called out loudly, "Guarding deities and the Six Ding and Six Jia, I am today trying to subdue demons and eliminate evil. Yet this prince, not understanding the situation, wants to bind my master with ropes! You must come quickly to protect him; if he gets tied up, you will all be held responsible!"
孙悟空正在匣子里默默地念着咒语，大声叫道：“护法诸天呀，还有六丁六甲呀，我今天正在想法子降妖除魔呢，可这个太子他不懂情况，竟然要用绳子来捆绑我师父，你们可要尽早来保护扶持呀，如果真的让他给捆上了，你们可都要担罪的呀！”
With Sun Wukong's secret command, who would dare not comply? So they safely protected Tang Seng. Those guards tried to touch Tang Seng’s bald head but found they could not, as if a wall blocked them, making it impossible to approach him.
那孙大圣在暗中这么一吩咐，谁敢不遵照执行呀，于是就把唐僧稳稳地保护住了。那些人想去摸唐僧的光头，却怎么也摸不着，就好像有一堵墙挡在那儿似的，根本没办法靠近唐僧的身子。
Seeing this, the prince said, "Where do you come from, using such an invisibility technique to deceive me?"
那太子见状，说道：“你是从哪一方来的，竟然使出这样的隐身法来欺骗我！”
Tang Seng quickly stepped forward, bowed, and said, "I am a monk from the Tang Dynasty in the east, on my way to the Thunder Sound Temple to pay respects and seek scriptures, bringing treasures for the Buddha."
唐僧赶忙走上前去，施礼说道：“贫僧我可没有什么隐身法呀，我是从东土大唐来的唐僧，是要上雷音寺去拜佛求经、进献宝物的和尚。”
The prince replied, "Though your eastern land is part of the central plains, it is quite poor. What treasures could you possibly have? Tell me."
太子说道：“你们那东土虽说算是中原之地，可穷得很呀，能有什么宝贝呢，你说来让我听听。”
Tang Seng said, "The robe I wear is a third-grade treasure. Besides that, there are first-grade and second-grade even better items!"
唐僧说道：“我身上穿的这件袈裟，就是第三等的宝贝。除此之外，还有第一等、第二等更好的物件呢！”
The prince scoffed, "That robe of yours barely covers half your body and leaves your arm exposed. How much could it be worth to dare to call it a treasure?"
太子不屑地说：“你那衣服，半边遮着身子，半边还露着胳膊，能值多少东西呀，居然还敢称作宝贝！”
Tang Seng replied, "Though this robe doesn't completely cover my body, it is described in a poem. The poem goes like this:
这件袈裟虽说不是完整地遮盖全身，可它有几句诗来描述呢。诗是这样说的：
"It is crafted with countless threads and needles, which has resulted in this embodiment of the ultimate achievement. Furthermore, it is fused with nine pearls and eight treasures, gathering into the primordial spirit.
是用万线千针精心缝制而成，方才成就这正果之象，又有九珠八宝与之相融合，汇聚成了元神。
It was made with respect and devotion by celestial maidens, left as a gift for the Zen monks to purify their bodies from worldly filth.
是由仙娥圣女恭敬虔诚地制作而成，遗留下来赏赐给禅僧，用来清净他们沾染尘垢的身躯。
Seeing that you have come without rising to greet you is one thing, but if you don't avenge your father's grievances, that truly is a disgrace to being human!"
见到您銮驾到来不起身相迎倒也罢了，可要是您父亲的冤屈都不报，那可真枉为做人了呀！”
Upon hearing these words, the prince was extremely angry and said, "This babbling monk! Just because of your half robe, you think you can talk so eloquently and praise it endlessly. Tell me, what grievances of my father have not been avenged? Explain it to me!"
太子听了这些话后，心中十分恼怒，说道：“这个胡言乱语的和尚！就凭你那半片衣服，还靠着你能说会道，一个劲儿地夸赞它好、吹嘘它厉害。你倒说说看，我父亲的冤屈从何说起没报呀，你说来给我听听。”
Tang Seng stepped forward, joined his hands in prayer, and asked, "Your Highness, there are a few kinds of kindness in life that one must repay, correct?"
唐僧向前迈了一步，双手合掌问道：“殿下，人生于天地之间，能有几种恩情需要报答呢？”
The prince replied, "There are four kinds of kindness."
太子回答道：“有四种恩情。”
Tang Seng then asked, "What are those four kinds of kindness?"
唐僧又问道：“是哪四种恩情呢？”
The prince said, "The kindness of the heavens for their coverage, the kindness of the sun and moon for their illumination, the kindness of the king for providing the land to survive, and the kindness of parents for their nurturing."
太子说道：“感恩天地覆载的恩情，感恩日月照耀的恩情，感恩国王给予水土得以生存的恩情，感恩父母养育的恩情。”
Tang Seng smiled and said, "Your Highness, you are mistaken. One is only covered by the heavens, illuminated by the sun and moon, and provided land by the king; how could there be any nurturing from parents?"
唐僧笑着说：“殿下，您这话可说错了。人只有天地的覆载，日月的照临，以及国王给予的水土，哪里有什么父母养育之恩呢？”
The prince, hearing this, became very angry and retorted, "You monk are just a drifter with no profession, shaved your head to become a monk, and defy your ruler! If a person has no nurturing from their parents, where do you think this body comes from?"
太子听了十分生气，怒道：“你这和尚就是那种四处游荡、不务正业、削发为僧、忤逆君主的家伙！人要是没有父母的养育，这身体是从哪里来的呢？”
Tang Seng said, "Your Highness, I truly do not know; however, there is a treasure in this red box called 'Li Di Huo.' It can discern events from five hundred years above, five hundred years in the middle, and five hundred years below, knowing everything that has happened and will happen over a total of one thousand five hundred years. It knows there are no nurturing parents, which is why I have waited here for such a long time."
唐僧说道：“殿下，贫僧我确实不太清楚呀；只是在这红匣子里面有一件宝贝，名叫‘立帝货’，它能知晓往上五百年、中间五百年、往下五百年的事情，总共能知道一千五百年的过去和未来发生的所有事情，它就知道是没有父母养育之恩的，所以才让贫僧我在这里等了这么长时间呢。”
Upon hearing this, the prince shouted, "Bring it here for me to see."
太子听了这话，便喊道：“拿过来给我看看。”
Tang Seng then opened the lid of the box, and Sun Wukong jumped out, bouncing around and walking back and forth.
唐僧于是扯开了匣子的盖子，那孙悟空一下子就跳了出来，在那里蹦呀跳呀的，还在两边来回地走动。
Seeing this, the prince said, "What can such a tiny little person know?"
太子见状说道：“就这么个星星点点般大小的小人儿，能知道什么事儿呀？”
Hearing the prince belittle his size, Sun Wukong immediately performed a spell, stretching himself until he reached a height of over three feet.
孙悟空听太子嫌自己个儿小，立刻就施展了一个神通，把腰使劲儿地伸了一伸，一下子就长到了三尺四五寸高。
The soldiers were astonished, saying, "At this rate, if he keeps growing so quickly, he’ll break through the sky in no time!"
那些军士们看到后都惊讶地说道：“要是照这样快速地长下去，用不了几天，可就要把天给撑破啦。”
Once Sun Wukong reached his original size, he stopped growing.
孙悟空长到原本的大小后，就不再长了。
At this point, the prince asked, "‘Li Di Huo,’ this old monk says you can know the fortunes and misfortunes of the past and future. Do you use a turtle to divine? Or use yarrow stalks for fortune-telling? Or do you judge people's fortunes based on the texts in books?"
这时候太子才问道：“‘立帝货’呀，这个老和尚说你能知晓未来过去的吉凶之事，那你是用乌龟来占卜呢？还是用蓍草来算卦呀？或者是凭借书上的语句来判断人的祸福呢？”
Sun Wukong replied, "I don’t use any of those things; I rely solely on this three-inch unbroken tongue to know all things."
孙悟空回答道：“我一点儿那些东西都不用，只是全靠着这三寸不烂之舌，所有的事情就都能知道啦。”
The prince said, "This fellow is just babbling nonsense. Since ancient times, the 'I Ching' has been extremely profound, able to determine the fortunes and misfortunes of the world, guiding people on what to pursue and what to avoid. Therefore, turtles are used for divination, and yarrow stalks for fortune-telling. What principle do your words rely on to speak of fortunes and misfortunes? Is this not misleading people?"
太子说道：“这家伙又是在胡说八道。自古以来，《周易》这本书，那可是极其玄妙的，能够判断尽天下的吉凶之事，让人们知道应该趋向什么、避开什么，所以才用龟甲来占卜，用蓍草来算卦。听你说的这些话，依据的是什么道理呀，就这么胡乱地说祸福之事，这不是在蛊惑人心嘛！”
Sun Wukong said, "Your Highness, please don’t be anxious; let me explain slowly. You were originally the prince of the Wuji Kingdom. Five years ago, during a drought, countless people suffered. Your king and his ministers sincerely prayed for rain. Just when not a single drop fell, a Taoist from Zhongnan Mountain arrived. He was powerful, able to summon wind and rain, and even turn stones into gold. Your father, seeking small benefits, became sworn brothers with this Taoist. Is that true?"
孙悟空说道：“殿下您先别急，且听我慢慢说给您听。您原本是乌鸡国王的太子呀，在您那儿五年前，赶上了荒年，闹起了旱灾，万千百姓都遭受了苦难。您家的国王和诸位臣子，都诚心诚意地进行祈祷求雨。就在一直都没下一滴雨的时候，从终南山来了一个道士，他很厉害，能够呼风唤雨，还能点石成金呢。您的父王也太贪图小利了，就和这个道士结拜为兄弟了。这件事有吧？”
The prince replied, "Yes, there was indeed a Taoist who became sworn brothers with my father. They ate together and even slept together. Three years ago, while enjoying the scenery in the royal garden, that Taoist used a gust of divine wind to snatch away the golden-jade tablet from my father’s hand, taking it back to Zhongnan Mountain. To this day, my father still misses him. Since he hasn't seen him, he has lost interest in the garden and closed it for three years. Who else could it be but my father?"
太子回答道：“确实是有这么一个全真道士，父王和他结拜成了兄弟，吃饭的时候就一起吃，睡觉的时候也一起睡。三年前，在御花园里游玩观赏景色的时候，被他使了一阵神风，把父王手中那镶金的白玉圭，一下子就卷回到终南山去了，直到现在父王还在思念着他呢。因为见不到他，于是就没心思再去赏玩花园了，把那花园都关闭起来了，到现在已经有三年啦。做皇帝的不是我父王还能是谁呢？”
Hearing this, Sun Wukong could not help but laugh mockingly. The prince asked again, but Sun Wukong only laughed without answering.
孙悟空听了太子的话后，不停地讥笑起来。太子再次询问，他也不回答，只是一个劲儿地讥笑。
The prince, angry, said, "This fellow doesn’t say what he should but keeps laughing nonstop!"
太子生气地说：“这家伙该说的不说，怎么这样讥笑个不停呢？”
Sun Wukong replied, "There’s much more to say! But unfortunately, there are too many people around, and this isn’t the place for talking."
孙悟空又说道：“还有好多话没说呢！只是无奈周围人太多了，不是说话的地方呀。”
Seeing that there seemed to be some reason in his words, the prince waved his sleeve and ordered the soldiers to step back for the time being. The officers and leaders quickly relayed the command for the three thousand troops to leave the mountain gate and stand by.
太子见他这话似乎有缘由，便把袍袖一挥，让军士们暂且退下。那些保驾的官员将领，急忙传令，指挥那三千人马，都走出山门去驻扎。
At this moment, there was no one left in the main hall. The prince sat above, Tang Seng stood in front, and Sun Wukong stood to the left. The monks of the temple had also retreated.
这时，大殿上就没人了，太子坐在上方，唐僧站在前面，左边站着孙悟空，本寺的众僧人也都退下去了。
Only then did Sun Wukong approach earnestly and say, "Your Highness, it was your biological father who was swept away by that divine wind. The one currently sitting on the throne is the Taoist who came to pray for rain."
孙悟空这才一本正经地走上前去说道：“殿下，被那阵神风卷走的才是您的亲生父亲，现在坐在皇位上的，是那个来祈雨的全真道士呀。”
Upon hearing this, the prince shouted, "Nonsense! Nonsense! After my father and that Taoist parted, the country has been prosperous, and the people have lived in peace. According to what you say, that cannot be my father. If my father heard your words, he would surely have you captured and torn to pieces!" With that, he angrily ordered Sun Wukong to step down.
太子听了，大声说道：“胡说！胡说！我父亲和那全真道士分别后，国家一直风调雨顺，百姓安居乐业。照你这么说，那就不是我父王了。也就是我年纪还小，容得下你这般胡言乱语；要是我父王听见你这番话，肯定会把你抓起来，碎尸万段！”说完，便呵斥着把孙悟空赶了下来。
Sun Wukong said to Tang Seng, "What did I tell you? I knew he wouldn't believe it, and sure enough! Now let's take out that treasure and exchange it for the official document so we can head west."
孙悟空对唐僧说：“怎么样？我就说他不会相信，果然如此！现在就把那宝贝拿出来给他看，换了关文，咱们往西方去吧。”
Tang Seng immediately handed the red box to Sun Wukong. After receiving it, Sun Wukong shook his body, and the box instantly vanished. It turned out that the box was transformed from his fine hairs and had now returned to him. He then held up the white jade tablet with both hands and presented it to the prince.
唐僧马上就把那红匣子递给孙悟空。孙悟空接过来后，身子一抖，那匣子一下子就不见了，原来那匣子是他用毫毛变的，这会儿又收回到身上去了。然后他将白玉圭双手捧着，献给了太子。
Seeing the white jade tablet, the prince exclaimed, "You deceitful monk! Five years ago, you were a Taoist who tricked my family out of our treasure, and now you're pretending to be a monk to present this item!" He then shouted, "Seize him!"
太子看到白玉圭后，说道：“好你个和尚！好你个和尚！你五年前本来就是个全真道士，来骗走了我家的宝贝，如今又假扮成和尚来进献这东西！”接着喊道：“给我拿下！”
This command frightened Tang Seng, who hurriedly pointed at Sun Wukong and said, "You troublemaker! You’ve brought this on me!"
这一声传令，可把唐僧吓得够呛，慌忙指着孙悟空说道：“你这弼马温呀！专门惹是生非，连累我啦！”
Sun Wukong quickly stepped forward to block everyone, saying, "Don't shout! Keep it quiet! I’m not just 'Li Di Huo'; I have a real name!"
孙悟空赶忙走上前去，一起把众人拦住，说道：“别嚷嚷！可别走漏了风声！我可不叫‘立帝货’，我还有真实的名字呢！”
The prince, angry, said, "Come here! I want to know your real name so I can have you sent to the authorities!"
太子生气地说：“你过来！我要问清楚你的真实名字，好把你送到司法去定罪！”
Sun Wukong replied, "I am the senior disciple of this elder, named Sun Wukong. I came here last night to find a place to stay because my master and I are headed west to retrieve scriptures. Last night, my master recited scriptures and had a dream around midnight. In the dream, your father said he was bullied and framed by that Taoist, who pushed him into the octagonal glass well in the royal garden. That Taoist transformed into his likeness, and all the officials in the court were unaware. You, being young, don’t understand the situation and have been prevented from entering the palace, and the garden has been closed—likely to keep this news from leaking. Your father came to invite me tonight to subdue the demon, but I was worried it wasn’t just a demon. I checked from the sky and found it was indeed a demon. I was planning to catch him when you came out hunting. The arrow that hit the jade rabbit was me transforming! I led you to this temple, saw my master, and revealed all these truths. Since you recognize this white jade tablet, why don’t you think of your father’s nurturing grace and seek revenge for him?"
孙悟空说道：“我是这位长老的大徒弟，名叫悟空孙行者，因为和我师父要到西天去取经，昨天晚上来到这儿找地方住宿。我师父夜里诵读经卷，到了三更时分做了一个梦，梦见你父王说，他被那个全真道士欺负陷害，被推到了御花园的八角琉璃井内。那全真道士变成了他的模样，满朝的官员都不知道这件事，你年纪小也不明白其中缘由，还禁止你入宫，并且把花园也关闭了，大概就是怕走漏了这个消息。你父王今天夜里特地来请我去降妖除魔，我担心不是真有妖邪，还特地从空中查看了一番，果然是个妖精。正打算动手捉拿他呢，没想到你出城打猎来了。你箭射中的那只玉兔，就是我老孙变的呀。老孙我把你引到这寺庙里，见到师父，就把这些心里话都说了出来，句句都是实情。你既然认得这白玉圭，怎么就不想着你父亲的养育恩情，去替他报仇呢？”
Hearing these words, the prince felt a deep sorrow and sadness, thinking to himself, "If I don't believe him, part of what he says seems true; but if I do believe him, the person sitting on the throne is clearly my father."
那太子听了这些话后，心中十分凄惨悲戚，暗自忧伤愁苦地想道：“要是不相信这些话吧，可他说的又有三分像是真的；要是相信了吧，可现在大殿上坐着的明明就是我父王呀。”
This truly put him in a dilemma, questioning his heart with his mouth; after repeated contemplation, he found his mouth asking his heart.
这可真是：进退两难，心里在问着嘴巴；再三思量忍耐，嘴巴又在问着心里。
Seeing that the prince was still uncertain, Sun Wukong stepped forward and said, "Your Highness, there’s no need for doubt. Please return to the palace and ask your mother about her feelings for your father compared to three years ago. Just this one question can reveal whether the person on the throne is real or fake."
孙悟空见太子还是疑惑不定，便又走上前去说道：“殿下您不必心里疑虑，烦请殿下您先回宫去，问一下您本国的国母娘娘，看看她和国王之间的夫妻恩爱之情，和三年前相比是怎么样的。就只这一个问题，便能知道坐在皇位上的那个人是真是假了。”
Upon hearing this, the prince came to his senses and said, "Exactly! I’ll ask my mother right away."
那太子听了这话，心里回过神来，说道：“正是！那就先让我去问问我母亲再说。”
With that, he jumped up, put away the white jade tablet, and turned to leave.
说完，他一下子跳起身来，把那白玉圭收好，转身就要走。
Sun Wukong quickly grabbed him and said, "You need to send your men back. If the news leaks, it will be difficult for me to subdue the demon successfully. You can go alone and quietly into the city; don’t make a fuss, and enter through the back gate, not the main one. When you see your mother, speak softly; the demon is powerful, and if any news slips out, both you and your mother could be in danger."
孙悟空赶忙扯住他，说道：“您这些人马都得回去，要是走漏了消息，那我可就难以成功降妖了。只需要您单人独马进城就行，可不要张扬显摆，也别从正阳门进去，必须得从后宰门进去。到了宫中见到您母亲后，千万不要大声说话，一定要小声低语。因为那个妖怪神通广大，万一不小心走漏了消息，您和您母亲可就性命难保啦。”
The prince respectfully followed Sun Wukong's instructions, and after exiting the mountain gate, he ordered his officers, "You all stay here and camp securely; don't move around. I have something to attend to and will return after I'm done."
太子恭恭敬敬地遵照孙悟空的吩咐，走出山门后就对那些将领官员下令道：“你们就在这儿稳稳地扎营，不许随便移动。我有一件事情要去办，等我办完了就回来，到时候再一起进城。”
He organized everything meticulously before quickly mounting his horse and galloping toward the city.
只见他有条不紊地指挥着、发号施令安顿好军士，然后飞身上马，迅速朝着城中奔去。
What he might say to the queen remains to be seen. Let's wait for the next installment.
这一去呀，也不知道见到娘娘后会说些什么话，那就且听下回分解吧。
