This is a fresh, complete English translation of Wu Cheng’en’s public-domain one-hundred-chapter novel, produced with GPT-5.3-Codex-Spark assistance. It is an AI-assisted first edition, not a reproduction of an existing translation.

By the law, setting out westward, I came late on the road; the autumn wind whispers, and frost-flowers fall. The wayward monkey is bound with cord—do not unfasten it; the poor horse, though straining, need not be goaded with more lashings. Mother Wood and Lord Gold are one by original union; the Yellow Crone and the Red Child are not truly different. Gnaw open the iron pellet to learn the true report; Prajnaparamita will come to that house.

This account says that the way of going west to fetch the Sutras is none other than the task of returning to one’s own nature. It says that Tripitaka and his three disciples, having awakened to true suchness, at once broke the shackles of dust, leapt out of the quicksand sea of nature itself, utterly without obstruction, and straightaway came marching west on the main road. They passed through green hills and blue waters, and saw wild grasses and idle flowers without end. Time itself went swiftly, and nine autumns had passed; they had only seen such scenes:

Maple leaves red over all the hills, yellow flowers enduring the late wind. The old cicadas’ singing grew ever more languid; the crickets of sorrowed longing had endless thought. The lotus rends the green silk fans; clusters of orange-scented golden blossoms. Pity, the few lines of geese, tiny specks spread across the distant sky.

Just then, while walking, they did not notice it was late. Tripitaka said: "Disciple, it is getting dark again. Where should we rest tonight?" Sun Wukong said: "Master, those words are mistaken. A monk eats wind and drinks water, sleeps by moonlight and on frost; every place is home. To ask where to rest—why so?" Zhu Bajie said: "Brother, you can walk so lightly; what care if others are worn out? Ever since we crossed the River of Flowing Sand, we have been climbing hills and crossing ridges all this way, with this heavy load on our shoulders. It is hard for an old pig to bear. We need a household: first to brew tea and make a meal, second to restore our spirits. That is only sensible." Sun Wukong said: "Bodhisattva-badger, your words sound as if resentment lurks in them. It is like the ease of idling in some high-lier’s manor, never seeking blessings. Since you are a true monk, you must endure hardship and hardship; only then do you deserve to be a disciple." Zhu Bajie said: "Brother, do you know how much this load weighs?" Sun Wukong said: "Brother, ever since I got you and Sha Wujing, I have not once shouldered it. How would I know how heavy?" Zhu Bajie said: "Brother, count it with me:

Four squares of yellow vine and hemp, eight ropes, long and short. Then to guard against drizzle, three or four layers of felt padding. Even the carrying pole worries us about slipping, nails are set into both ends. A copper-inlaid iron nine-ringed staff, and a great cloak-wrapped bundle bound with rattan vine."

With so much baggage, it is hard for old Zhu Bajie to carry every day; yet you, becoming a disciple of Tripitaka, use me as your day laborer. Sun Wukong laughed: "Blockhead, to whom did you speak this?" Zhu Bajie said: "Brother, I was speaking to you." Sun Wukong said: "Then say it to me instead? No—just to Sun Wukong I only mind the Master’s welfare. You and Sha Wujing should take charge of the baggage and the horse. If you are even a little negligent, I will put down the first hard cudgel on your backside." Zhu Bajie said: "Brother, do not speak of beating; beating means using force to bully someone. I know your lofty pride, you will not agree to carry. But Tripitaka’s horse is so tall and broad, and it bears only the old monk. Ask him to carry a few things too—this is how brothers show feeling."

Sun Wukong said: "You call him a horse, but he is no ordinary horse. He is in truth Dragon Horse, the Third Prince, son of Ao-run, the Dragon King of the Western Sea. Once he set fire to the bright pearl in the hall and was accused by his father as disobedient. He transgressed the Heavenly Law, and only Guanyin saved his life. He long waited for Tripitaka at Eagle-Grief Cliff. Later, by chance the Bodhisattva came in person, took away his scales and horns, removed the pearl from his throat, and made him into this horse so he might bear Tripitaka on the journey to the Western Heaven to worship Buddha. This is all each person’s karmic retribution; do not look down on him." Sha Wujing said: "Brother, is he truly a dragon?" Sun Wukong said: "Yes." Zhu Bajie said: "Brother, I have heard the ancients say: a dragon can breathe out cloud-mist and fog, and spread dust and sand; it has powers to hew mountain ridges and to turn and churn rivers and seas. How is it then that he walks so slowly today?" Sun Wukong said: "If you want him to run quickly, have me do it and you will see."

Sun Wukong made the Golden-Hooped Staff click once in his hands, and ten thousand streams of colored clouds sprang up. The horse, seeing him raise the staff and fearing a blow, panicked: its four hooves flashed like lightning as it tore away at once. Tripitaka’s hands weakened and could not hold the reins; yielding to its poor nature it dashed up the cliff-slope, and only after that did the Master manage to stumble along after it. When his breath finally steadied, Tripitaka raised his head and at a distance saw a grove of pines in shade. Within it there were a few buildings, stately indeed; he saw:

The gate hangs with emerald cypresses, the manor near the blue hills. A few pines rise, one after another; several stalks of bamboo are mottled and brown. By the hedge, wild chrysanthemums with frost-red bloom; by the bridge, hidden orchids mirror crimson on the water. Walls of powdery clay, brickwork forming an enclosed ring. The great hall is splendid in many ways; the mansion is very serene. No cattle or sheep in sight and no dogs or chickens, so perhaps autumn harvest work is done.

While Tripitaka was softly watching while holding the reins, he saw Sun Wukong and the others just arriving. Sha Wujing said: "Master, did you not already dismount?" Tripitaka scolded: "Sun Wukong, this wild monkey, he frightened the horse; if so, I could still have stayed in the saddle." Sun Wukong, with a half-smile, said: "Please do not blame me, Master. It was Zhu Bajie who said the horse was walking too slowly, so I told him to make it go faster." Since Zhu Bajie had hurried the horse, he was breathless and panting, making a sputtering fuss:

Enough, enough—mind your own belly, do not loosen your belt. The load is so heavy I cannot shoulder it up, and he has made me run back and forth driving the horse. Tripitaka said: "Disciple, look over there by that wall—there is an estate. We may take lodging there." Hearing this, Sun Wukong raised his head quickly and looked up. Truly in midair he saw auspicious cloud layers and radiant halos of good omens; he knew it was surely a place touched by Buddha and immortals. He did not dare to reveal divine signs, and merely replied, "Very well, very well. We shall sleep there."

Tripitaka hastily dismounted. They saw a gate tower, with drooping-lotus elephant-trunk forms, painted beams and carved rafters. Sha Wujing set down the pannier; Zhu Bajie led the horse and said: "This household is more than prosperous. It is truly a wealthy and substantial house." Sun Wukong moved to enter, but Tripitaka said: "No. We are monks and must avoid suspicion; do not wander in on our own. Let us wait until someone comes out, and then ask for lodging with courtesy." Zhu Bajie tied the horse and leaned it obliquely under the wall root. Tripitaka sat on a stone drum. Sun Wukong and Sha Wujing sat at the edge of the platform foundation. None came out for a long time; Sun Wukong, impatient, leapt up and entered to look. Inside was a three-room hall facing south with tall-lifting curtains. On the screen door hung a horizontal painting of "Longevity Mountain and Sea of Blessings". On the two gilt columns were pasted two great red-paper couplets reading: "Silken threads drift in the weak willow at dusk beneath the level bridge; snow-dusted fragrant plums make spring in the small courtyard." In the center stood a dull-gloss black-lacquer incense stand, with an ancient bronze beast-urn upon it. Above were six cane-back chairs and hanging screens at both ends, one for each of the four seasons.

As Sun Wukong was still peering about, there came the sound of footsteps from the back gate. A woman of neither old nor young age came out and, in a coquettish voice, asked: "Who are you to enter uninvited through a widow’s gate?" Startled, Sun Wukong kept bowing and answering: "I am a novice monk from the Great Tang of the Eastern Land, ordered to go west to worship Buddha and seek the Sutras. Our party of four disciples is passing Baofang, and night has already fallen, so we hasten to Old Bodhisattva Tan’s residence to beg for one night’s lodging." The woman smiled and invited them in: "Venerable, where are the other three? Please come." Sun Wukong called out loudly: "Master, come in." Tripitaka entered with Zhu Bajie and Sha Wujing, leading horse and baggage, and the woman came out of the hall to receive them. Zhu Bajie stared sidelong in secret and asked yourself how she was dressed:

She wore a fine robe of woven brocade in official green wool-silk, over it a light red padded coat; she bound a bright-yellow woven silk skirt with knotted bands, beneath it, shoes with tall, decorated soles. Her head was dressed in oiled gauze, floating in place, setting off two-tone dragon-coiled hair. A palace-style ivory comb flashed with vermilion and green, and at an angle she wore two twined gold hairpins. Cloudlike side locks were half-gray, like wings of a flying phoenix; her ears carried double dangling rows of pearl pendants. She wore no powder or rouge and was still beautiful; her beauty and charm were still like those of a young girl in her prime.

Seeing the three of Tripitaka’s party, the woman grew even more pleased and invited them with proper courtesy into the hall and rooms. After each made his greetings and all courtesy was exchanged, she told them all to sit and drink tea. Behind the screen curtain, a maid with hanging braids came forth, carrying a tray of gold and a white-jade cup. Fragrant tea steamed warmly, and strange fruit spread a subtle perfume. The maid had lively sleeves, legs slender as spring shoots; holding up the jade cup, she served tea to each in turn. She offered her salutations to all of them. After tea, she also ordered that a vegetarian meal be prepared. Tripitaka then spoke: "Venerable, what is your surname, and what is the name of this place?" The woman said: "This is the land of Xiniu Hezhou. This poor widow was born a Jia; her husband’s family name was Mo. In childhood she was unfortunate—her father and mother-in-law died early—and with her husband she kept the ancestral estate. There was family wealth of ten thousand strings and fields of a thousand qing. In her husband’s destiny there were no sons, only three daughters. Last year, great misfortune struck again and she lost her husband. As a widow this year she has now completed her mourning period. She has only this land and household remaining, with no clan kin left, only her daughters to carry it on. To marry one of them off to another household is hard if one must give up the estate. Now that the venerable Tripitaka has arrived, I thought perhaps this is the ordained hour: with your four-person pilgrimage and my four maidens, perhaps they may all find husbands among one another; the four of you seem exactly right. I know not whether your honored intention is willing." Tripitaka, hearing this, feigned deaf and dumb, closed his eyes and steadied his heart, and remained silent.

That woman said, "In this homestead there are over three hundred mu of irrigated fields, over three hundred mu of dry fields, and over three hundred mu of orchards and mountain plots. There are more than a thousand yellow water buffaloes, herds of mules and horses, and untold pigs and sheep. To the southeast, southwest, northwest, and northeast, we have sixty to seventy pasture enclosures in fenced farms. At home there is grain enough to last eight or nine years, ten or more years’ worth of silk and brocade robes we need never wear, and gold and silver enough for a lifetime. It is far richer than those hidden-spring brocade canopies, so what is all this talk of two rows of golden hairpins? If you and your disciples would only change your minds, accept me into your family as groomsmen, then stay in my house at your ease and enjoy wealth and honor instead of laboring for the west.” Tripitaka simply sat there as if stupefied, with no words at all.

That woman said, "I was born at the hour of the Rooster on the third day of the third month in the Dinghai year, so my late husband was three years older than I; I am now forty-five. My eldest daughter is named Zhenzhen and is twenty this year. My second daughter is named Aiai and is eighteen. My youngest daughter is named Lianlian and is sixteen. None of them has ever been betrothed. Though I am a poor, homely woman, by luck the youngest daughters all have some beauty, and each is skilled with needle and thread at everything. Because my former husband had no sons, I raised them as sons. When they were small I even had them learn some Confucian texts, and they all know a little of composing poems and antithetical verse. Though we live in a manor, we are not of the most vulgar sort; one can well imagine they would suit elders of your rank. If you are willing to open your hearts, keep your hair on your head and stay, and make a household with my home, then you could wear brocade and silk and be far better off than a ragged man in a black robe with hemp sandals and a reed hat." Tripitaka sat there like a child startled by thunder and a rain-soaked toad: only dumbfounded, he squirmed, rolled his eyes upward, and sighed.

When Zhu Bajie heard of such riches and such beauty, his heart itched and he could not bear it. Sitting on that stool, he looked as if pricked on the bottom by a needle, twisting left and right, unable to endure it. He came forward, pulled at the Master’s sleeve and said, "Master, this lady has told you so many things. Why do you pretend to ignore them? You should at least take some notice." The Master lifted his head at once, snapped, and sent him away: "You wayward beast! We are ordained people. How could wealth move the mind, or beauty hold our attention, and still be called the Way?"

The woman laughed and said, "Alas, alas. What advantage do monks have?" Tripitaka said, "Lady Bodhisattva, you are a householder. What good has this life given you?" The woman said, "Great Elder, please sit; let me tell you the benefits of household life. Look, there is a verse to prove it."

In spring, fashioning new silks is finest for the season; In summer, changing to light gauze, one delights in green lotus; In autumn there is fresh, sweet glutinous wine with fragrant grain; In winter one comes to warm halls and turns cheeks red with wine. Through all four seasons every comfort is available, and at all eight seasonal festivals there are precious dishes in abundance. Brocade curtains and silk spreads with candlelit nights surpass the merit of roaming in pilgrimage to greet Amitabha.

Tripitaka said, "Lady Bodhisattva, as one in family life you enjoy splendor and wealth, fine things to wear, fine things to eat, sons and daughters together in harmony—indeed that is good. But you do not know that those of us who have left home also have a good side. Look if this is true: there is a verse to prove it."

Taking ordination and setting one’s vow is no ordinary affair; It overturns beforehand the hall of bonds and love. When external things do not provoke idle talk, one’s body contains balanced yin and yang. If merit is fulfilled and conduct completed, one goes on toward the golden gate of morning; seeing one’s nature, enlightening the mind, one returns to one’s original home. Better than a layman in want of blood and flesh, rotting in an old foul-skin body.

When the woman heard this, she grew furious: "This unrestrained monk is impolite! If I had not looked on you with true kindness, men from the far Eastern Lands, I should have driven you out. I came with genuine heart and intention to recruit you disciples into household ties, and you have answered with words that wound me. You have taken vows and made intentions never to return to lay life, and yet you, who are in your charge, insist on such strictness and force this upon me." Tripitaka, seeing her anger, could only mutter repeatedly in deference and call out, "Sun Wukong, stay here." Sun Wukong said, "I never in childhood knew how to handle such matters; ask Zhu Bajie to stay here." Zhu Bajie said, "Brother, let us not make a scandal of others; we should consider this longer term." Tripitaka said, "Since you two will not, then tell Sha Wujing to stay here." Sha Wujing said, "Listen to what Master says. This disciple was encouraged by the bodhisattva and took the precepts and vows. Since Master received me and taught me, and though I have followed him for not even two months, I have not gained even a trace of merit. How could I dare to seek this wealth? I would rather die than do this deceitful-minded deed. I must go westward to the Buddha."

Seeing that they all refused, the woman suddenly rose and retreated behind the screen, and with a thud shut the side gate. The Master and disciples were left outside; there was no tea and no meal at all, and nobody came out. Zhu Bajie, anxious inside, complained to Tripitaka: "Master, you are terribly inept at getting things done; you should have pressed your point and settled it with words and made him offer us some proper food tonight so we could spend a pleasant night. Tomorrow, whether he says yes or no, it will be up to us. Now that the door is shut and no one comes out, how are we to pass one night, with the hearth cold and the stove full of ashes?"

Sha Wujing said, "Second Brother, why don’t you become a son-in-law in that house?" Zhu Bajie said, "Brother, don’t set a snare for people; let us consider this in due time." Sun Wukong said, "What is so hard to consider? If you are willing, then make the Master related to this lady’s family, and become a son-in-law entering at her gate. Her house has such wealth and treasure; she will certainly bring out the bridal treasures, set a feast for a relation visit, and all of us will taste good things. If you renounce it here and return to lay life, is that not beneficial on both sides?" Zhu Bajie said, "It sounds as if that is so, but it would mean I leave the order and then take a wife after wife." Sha Wujing said, "Brother, did he really have a sister-in-law before?" Sun Wukong said, "You still do not understand him. He once was the son-in-law of the old Mr. Gao of Wusang. Because old Sun subdued him, he had at one time received the bodhisattva precepts, yet could not bear it. I captured him and made him a monk, so he abandoned his previous wife and followed Master west to worship the Buddha. He has been separated for so long and then remembered that matter; now, on hearing of this other matter, that old longing has resurfaced at once. Zhu Bajie, then, become a son-in-law in this household. Just bow to old Sun a few more times and, if I do not report you, that is all." Zhu Bajie said, "Nonsense, nonsense. Everyone here has this very thought, and only old pig makes himself the one to be mocked. There is a saying: ‘Monks are lust-hungry ghosts.’ Why must this be so? All the twisting and wriggling, playing at deference, has made everything go to ruin, so now even tea and water cannot even be seen together, and no one attends to the lamps. If we get through this one night, then tomorrow we must carry people on the horse and then walk on. If we are hungry again this night, we may as well be skinned. You both stay. I will go and tend to the horse."

Zhu Bajie hastily untied the reins and pulled the horse out. Sun Wukong said, "Sha Wujing, stay here and keep company with the Master; let me follow him and see where he leads the horse." Tripitaka said, "Sun Wukong, you may go and see, but do not only mock him." Sun Wukong said, "I understand." The Great Sage stepped out of the hall, instantly changed form, became a red dragonfly, flew out through the front gate, and caught up with Zhu Bajie.

Zhu Bajie, pulling the horse, did not allow it to eat grass where there was grass, and with a quick tap-tap he drove it to the back gate. He saw the woman with three daughters waiting outside the back gate, idly standing there playing with chrysanthemums. The women saw Zhu Bajie coming and the three daughters slipped inside in an instant. The woman stood at the gate and asked, "Little Elder, where are you going?" Zhu Bajie dropped the reins and stepped forward, bowing: "Mother, I came to let out the horse." The woman said, "Your Master is too refined and difficult. He has taken a son-in-law into my house yet does not value it, preferring to be a hanging monk and go on the road west?" Zhu Bajie laughed, "They are all following Tang King’s decree and do not dare disobey the kingly order, so they refuse this matter. Just now, in the front hall, they pushed me in front of everyone. Then I had some complaints of my own, only fearing Mother might dislike my long mouth and large ears." The woman said, "I do not mind that. It is only that there is no head of house there; one son-in-law would be enough for me, only I fear the younger girls may be some to dislike ugliness." Zhu Bajie said, "Mother, do not be so picky with this matter. Think of that Tang Monk. Though he is gifted in appearance, he is really of no use. I am ugly, yes, but I have a few lines of boastful strength." The woman said, "What is it that you say?" Zhu Bajie said,

Though ugly in appearance, I am diligent and not without skill. If one says a thousand mu of fields, they need not be ploughed by oxen. With one meal and one spade, sowing can take place in good time. If there is no rain, I can petition for rain; if there is no wind, I can summon wind. If a dwelling seems too low, I can raise it two or three stories. If the ground is not swept, I can sweep it; if the drain in shade is blocked, I can clear it through. All household and neighborhood matters of a household—kicking heaven, handling wells—I can do them all." The woman said, "If you can manage household affairs like this, then go and consult your Master once more; if there is no awkwardness, I shall accept you." Zhu Bajie said, "No need to consult. He is not my natural father and mother; to do or not to do is in my own hand." The woman said, "All right, all right. I will speak with the younger girls." She glancing at it, then swiftly shut the back gate behind her.

Zhu Bajie did not even release the horse; he pulled it forward. Who could know Sun Wukong did not know everything already? He spread his wings and came flying, showing himself in his true form, and first greeted Tripitaka: 「Master, Wuneng has led the horse in.」 Tripitaka said, 「If the horse is not led, it may run off in sheer joy.」 Sun Wukong stood up laughing, and from beginning to end repeated the whole intrigue the woman and Bajie had been talking about; Tripitaka seemed half believing, half not believing it.

After a short while, they saw the clumsy fellow drag the horse up and tie it down. Tripitaka said, 「Is the horse untethered?」 Bajie said, 「There is no good grass, nowhere to let the horse graze.」 Sun Wukong said, 「If there is nowhere to turn it out, is there nowhere to lead it then?」 On hearing this, Bajie knew the message had gotten through; he hung his head, twisted his neck, pursed his lips, frowned, and stood silent for some time. Then came a sudden "yaa!" from within, a gate opened at the waist-level, two pairs of red lanterns, a portable brazier, sandalwood clouds, and tinkling belts and ornaments emerged. The woman came out with her three daughters and called, 「Zhenzhen, Aiai, Lianlian,}」 to bow before the pilgrim company. The three women stood in line in the hall and bent in homage toward the Master. Indeed they were beautiful, and as to them:

One by one their brows arched like moth wings, and their faces bloomed with spring. Their bewitching beauty could stir the heart and shake kingdoms; their supple forms were heartbreakingly alluring. Painted powder and blossoming rouge made every mood an elegant art; embroidered ribbons fluttered, far above the dust of this world. A half-hidden smile opened like budding cherries; with each paced step they exhaled the scent of orchids and musk. Their heads were crowned with pearls and green stones, and countless jewel-pins trembled in their hair; all over their limbs lay a faint fragrance, each strand delicate with gold-threaded floral embroidery. To what words can one say they rival the beauties Chu Wa and the charm of Xi Zi? They were truly nine-heaven maidens descending from above, like Chang’e of the moon stepping forth from the Radiant Hall.

Tripitaka joined his palms and lowered his head. Sun Wukong feigned as if he did not notice, while Sha Wujing turned and faced away. See how Zhu Bajie could not take his eyes off them; his lustful mind was in disarray, his desire shameless and bold. He squirmed forward and murmured softly, 「Thank you, heavenly nun, for descending. Mother, send the elder sisters away.」 The three women went behind a screen, leaving only a pair of gauze lanterns. The woman said, 「Could the four elders take thought to choose one for my young daughter?」 Sha Wujing said, 「We have already discussed it; we will take the man with the pig surname as a son-in-law.」 Bajie said, 「Brother, don't put this on me—don't haggle over it among the elders.」 Sun Wukong said, 「What further haggling? you already agreed at the rear gate, clearly and solemnly; mother has already called. What remains? Tripitaka may stand as the male in-law, the bride’s family become the bride’s side, and let me be the guarantor and Sha Wujing the matchmaker. No need to examine marriage books. Today is an exalted day of heaven’s blessing: you just bow before the Master now and enter as a true son-in-law.」 Bajie said, 「It won’t work, it won’t work—how could we do such a thing?」 Sun Wukong said, 「Bajie, do not bellow on it. From that mouth of yours, mother has been called so many times; what is impossible now? Quickly consent, take us inside and let us share wedding wine. That is best.」 With one hand he hauled Bajie, with the other he drew the woman aside: 「Mother-in-law, bring your son-in-law inside.」 Bajie’s feet shuffled and wobbled as he tried to go. The woman called to the servants: 「Set out chairs and tables, prepare the evening meal, and treat these three in-laws. I will lead the son-in-law to the chamber.」 In another hall she also ordered the cook to lay out the banquet and set tomorrow’s marriage feast. The servants accepted her command and obeyed. After they had eaten their light fare, they quickly spread bedding and all of the three party lay down to rest in the guest seats; no further details need be recorded.

Now it is said that Zhu Bajie followed the mother-in-law inside. Through layer upon layer of rooms—he could not tell how many—he bumped and knocked, tripping over thresholds at every turn. Bajie said, 「Mother, walk a little slower. My footing is poor; you lead me.」 The woman said, 「These are all storehouses, granaries, mills, and room after room of goods—we have not even reached the edge of the kitchen.」 Bajie said, 「A grand house indeed.」 Bumping and clattering, turning and winding, after another interval they finally reached the inner hall rooms. The woman said, 「Son-in-law, your elder brother said today was an especially lucky heavenly day and has invited you to come in. Only in this rush we did not invite an almanac master to arrange the ceremonial tablets or hang the marriage canopies. You may simply kneel and offer your eight bows.」 Bajie said, 「Mother, that is right. Seat yourself; let me bow a few times and that will be counted as the bride’s ceremony and a proper thanks to the in-laws—saving everyone trouble.」 The mother-in-law laughed, 「All right, all right. Truly you are a practical, efficient household son-in-law. I sit; now you bow。」

Ah! The whole hall shone with silver-candle brilliance, and the fool knelt and offered his respect upward. After finishing he said, 「Mother, which sister will you pair with me?」 She said, 「That is exactly the uncertainty: if I give the eldest daughter to you, I fear the second may object; if I give the second, I fear the third may object; if I give the third, I fear the eldest may object. So I have not finally decided.」 Bajie said, 「Mother, since you fear rivalry, give them all to me; then there will be no noisy quarrels, no disorder in household order.」 She said, 「How can this be? Would one man possess my three daughters?」 Bajie said, 「Looking at your words, Mother—doesn’t there exist three wives and four concubines? If needed, add more and this son-in-law will accept them all with a laugh. In my youth I even learned methods of conquest; surely each one would attend and satisfy you all.」 The woman said, 「No, no, no. Here I have a handkerchief. Put it on your head and cover your face, and perform a "heavenly blind wedding." Have my daughters pass by you one by one; when you reach out your hand and seize one, that is the one you marry.」 Bajie followed her instruction and took the cloth, setting it on his head. There is a poem as witness:

Foolish and dim of sense, he knows not the cause beneath, the sword of desire strikes the body—withdraw in secret. Since time immemorial one has trusted in Duke Zhou’s marriage rites, today the groom enters veiled at the brow.

Bajie, with the head covering in place, said, 「Mother, ask your daughters to come out.」 She called, 「Zhenzhen, Aiai, Lianlian, come for this blind heavenly match and pair with your son-in-law.」 One heard only the bright ringing of ornamental belts, and the scent of orchid and musk, as if fair maidens were passing by and among them. Bajie truly reached out to catch someone. He floundered wildly, missing on both sides. Again and again he lunged—left no contact, right no contact. Women moved in and out again and again; who knows how many came and went, but he could not catch a single one. He grabbed a pillar, then the other moment touched a wall board. Running in circles, he became dizzy and unsteady, could no longer stand. Instead of finding balance, he only staggered and fell. He kicked at a door panel, was blocked by a brick wall behind him, crashed and banged; with face swollen and skin blue-black on the head from the blows, he sat upon the ground. Panting and gasping, he said, 「Mother! Your daughters are so slippery and coy—they cannot be caught. I cannot catch even one. What am I to do, what am I to do?」

The woman pulled the covering from his head and said, 「Son-in-law, it is not that my daughters are too slippery. They all showed deference and courtesy and would not invite you forward.」 Bajie said, 「Mother, if they all do not want to take me, then marry me yourself.」 She said, 「Good son-in-law, quiet fool! Is this proper? You are so immodest that you would even take what your own mother-in-law invites? My three daughters are of the craftiest nature. Let each daughter wear one pearl-bowed brocade undershirt. If you can put on whichever one’s, then I will let that one receive you.」 Bajie said, 「Fine, fine, fine—bring all three and I will try them. If I can wear all three, then let me accept all three.」 The woman went into the inner room and brought out only one garment, and handed it to Bajie. Bajie took off his blue brocade straight robe, took the shirt and put it on. Before he had even fastened his belt, there was a sudden heavy thud and he fell flat. In truth, a few cords had been drawn tight. In sharp pain beyond bearing, those people had already disappeared.

Tripitaka, Sun Wukong, and Sha Wujing woke from one sleep and did not realize the eastern sky had turned pale. As soon as Tripitaka opened his eyes and looked up, there was no grand mansion there, no carved beams and painted rafters; instead each of them found himself sleeping in a stand of pines. Startled, the Master hurriedly called to Wukong. Sha Wujing said, 「Brother, enough, enough—we have encountered ghosts.」 Sun Wukong, understanding in his heart, smiled faintly and said, 「What do you mean?」 Tripitaka asked, 「Look where we are sleeping.」 Sun Wukong said, 「This under the pine forest is no bad place to lie. But I do not know where Bajie is and what suffering he endures.」 Tripitaka asked, 「What suffering?」 Sun Wukong laughed, 「Yesterday the mother and daughters of that household—who knows from which bodhisattvas they came—manifested here, descending in such guise to enchant us. They probably left at midnight; only Zhu Bajie bore the suffering.」 On hearing this, Tripitaka joined his palms and bowed. Then from behind, on an old cypress tree, a scrap of paper fluttered and hung. Sha Wujing rushed to fetch it for the Master, and found this eight-line verse:

Mother Lei Mountain once forgot the mundane world; the Bodhisattva of the South Sea summoned us down from the mountain. Puxian and Wenshu were guests there as well, transformed into maidens roaming the woods. The holy monk has virtue and is not yet stained by common ways; Zhu Bajie has no true Chan, and yet remains all worldly. From this on, calm your heart and amend your ways; if negligence returns, the road ahead will be hard.

At that moment the Elder, Sun Wukong, and Sha Wujing were still chanting this verse together when they heard a loud cry from deep in the forest: “Master, he’s killing me—save me! I won’t dare to do it again.” Tripitaka said, “Sun Wukong, is the one shouting that Zhu Bajie?” Sha Wujing said, “It is indeed.” Sun Wukong replied, “Brother, ignore him. Let’s go.” Tripitaka said, “Though that fool is dull and stubborn in nature, he is still only stubbornly direct, and he does have some strength—he can carry the baggage. Remembering what the Bodhisattva intended that day, let us save him and let him go with us; he will surely not dare again.” So Sha Wujing rolled up his blanket and packed the shoulder pole. Sun Wukong unfastened the reins and led the horse, and they entered the forest with Tripitaka to search. Ah! this was exactly:

From upright cultivation one must be diligent; sweep away lust and desire and return to the True.

In the end, it is still not known whether that fool’s fate will be fortunate or otherwise; listen, and let the next chapter explain it.