Volume 3: A Long Journey, Chapter 325: The Pipa Spirit

Back at Yingyang Inn, Tang Seng had just gotten up. The female officials there already knew that Tang Seng had agreed to the queen’s marriage proposal. If this succeeded, Tang Seng would become the future king. A few astute ones had stayed up all night, hoping that this future monarch would call for them, believing it might bring them good fortune and great benefits. When Tang Seng opened the door, the female officials rushed over to offer comfort—some wanted to change his clothes, others to apply makeup to his face. Tang Seng was at a loss for words; fortunately, Wu Ping came and drove the women away.
At that moment, Wukong entered the courtyard and asked, “Has Master slept well?”
Tang Seng sighed, “I haven’t slept soundly all night.”
Wukong laughed, “With such good news coming your way, it’s normal you can’t sleep.”
Seeing many eyes around, Tang Seng didn’t dare scold Wukong and merely glared at him.
After having breakfast, Zhu Rong entered the inn cheerfully and said, “Elder Holy Monk, it’s time to go to court to meet the queen.”
Tang Seng was uneasy, but since things had come this far, he had no choice but to follow the plan. He glanced at Wukong.
Wukong said, “Grand Preceptor, my master is a true Arhat who has practiced diligently. Since it’s the queen of your country who is proposing marriage, it should be she who comes here to welcome my master. How can we disrupt proper etiquette?”
Zhu Rong retorted, “Only men can welcome women; there’s no such thing as women welcoming men.”
Wukong laughed, “Isn’t this the Western Liang Women’s Kingdom? It’s fitting for women to welcome men.”
Zhu Rong chuckled and said, “The young elder is right. I’ll convey your words to the queen and see if she comes to welcome the Holy Monk.”
Zhu Rong left the Yingyang Inn surrounded by female officials. Tang Seng pulled Wukong aside and said, “Wukong, what if we anger the queen by seeming disrespectful?”
Wukong replied, “Don’t worry, Master. Since she’s proposing marriage, she must show sincerity.”
Tang Seng said, “I’m afraid she might not like us and disrupt our mission to obtain the scriptures.”
Wukong said, “Once I get the pass documents, I’ll rescue Master. Everyone in this country is just an ordinary person, with no demons causing trouble. What’s there to worry about?”
Meanwhile, Zhu Rong returned to the palace and reported before the white jade steps, “Your Majesty, the elder has gotten up.”
Hearing news of the Tang emperor’s younger brother, the queen rolled back the curtain, stepped down from the dragon bed, smiled, showed her silver teeth, and asked in a sweet voice, “What did your brother say?”
Zhu Rong replied, “I went to the inn to bring the Tang elder here. The elder didn’t say much, but his disciple said that since it’s the queen who’s proposing marriage, there should be a distinction between host and guest—it should be the queen who comes to welcome the elder.”
The queen giggled and said, “His disciple does make a point. Issue an order to go to Yingyang Inn!”

Zhu Rong found it amusing. This queen must have been possessed by some madness—she had already taken a liking to someone before even meeting Tang Seng, thinking she already belonged to him. So Zhu Rong arranged everything, ordering a banquet to be prepared here and a carriage to be ready there.

Although the Western Liang Women’s Kingdom was a small state, its royal carriage was no less magnificent than that of the Great Tang Dynasty—adorned with golden dragons and jade phoenixes. Behind it, people held fans to shield the carriage, while emerald curtains jingled softly. The sounds of flutes and songs were beautiful, creating a festive atmosphere that spread all the way to the Yingyang Inn.

Before long, the queen arrived at the Yingyang Inn. Someone went to inform Tang Seng and his disciples, “The queen has arrived.”

Hearing this, Tang Seng straightened his clothes and stepped out of the inn to greet her at the door.

The queen, preoccupied with her own thoughts, could hardly sit still. She got down from her carriage and asked, “Who is the imperial brother from the Tang Dynasty?”

Zhu Rong pointed at Tang Seng and said, “That one wearing the Pilu hat and robes is him.”

The queen raised her eyebrows and looked closely. Indeed, Tang Seng was tall, handsome, and imposing, even more striking than the men depicted in the palace paintings.

Delighted, the queen felt a surge of affection and called out, “Imperial brother of the Tang Dynasty, since our marriage has been arranged, why don’t you come and ride in my dragon carriage?”

Wukong, who had already observed the queen carefully, realized she was just an ordinary mortal—beautiful but with a boldness reminiscent of the women of Xiliang. Yet he couldn’t detect the sinister charm mentioned by Laojun.

Hearing the queen’s provocative words, Tang Seng blushed and dared not respond. The queen, unbothered, stepped forward and said, “Brother imperial brother, come with me back to the Golden Throne Hall and enjoy intimate moments together!”

Tang Seng stepped back, while Wukong wondered why Tang Seng, who was said by Laojun to be of pure yang energy and the queen of pure yin energy, showed no reaction at all upon seeing her. Although Tang Seng was the reincarnation of Jinchanzi and had a mortal body in this life with no magical powers, how could he resist such seductive charm? It seemed he had indeed underestimated Tang Seng’s devotion to Buddhism.

The more Tang Seng backed away, the more anxious the queen became. Wukong pulled Tang Seng aside and said, “Master, look at the beautiful spring weather—it’s a perfect day. This isn’t the time to be shy.”

With no choice, Tang Seng agreed and took the queen’s hand to board the dragon carriage. Wukong shouted from below, “Queen, since my master is staying, please first issue me a pass so that I and the others can continue our quest!”

Delighted to have Tang Seng, the queen replied, “Right away!”

Soon they arrived at the Eastern Pavilion, where a banquet was set up along the road. Everyone knew the queen was celebrating a great joyous day, and the entire capital was filled with beautiful music and songs. Later, in the court, the queen took Tang Seng and asked him to take his seat on the throne.

Tang Seng hurriedly said, “No, no! The matters today are not yet settled; I dare not take my seat yet.”

The queen smiled and said, “People of the Great Tang are truly courteous. It doesn’t matter if we wait another day.” She remained seated on the dragon throne and brought over a golden chair, placing it to the left of the throne for Tang Seng to sit on. Wukong asked, “Congratulations, Your Majesty. May I now receive the pass document?” The queen instructed Wukong to bring it over, glanced at it, and said, “So your secular surname is Chen.” Tang Seng did not reply. The queen took the imperial seal, stamped it properly, and handed the document back to Wukong. Wukong accepted the document, thanked the queen, and said, “We won’t accept any meals. It’s still early, so we’ll set off westward to obtain the scriptures. I hope Your Majesty will treat my master well and not indulge in pleasure at the expense of his health.” The queen happily said to Tang Seng, “Your young disciple really knows how to care for others. If it weren’t for his thunderous appearance, I might have allowed him to settle in my country.” Zhu Rong tried hard to suppress a smile and said, “Your Majesty, these three elders want to leave.” The queen replied, “Hmm, since they’re in such a hurry, let’s give them some gold and silver for their journey.” Wukong said, “Monks live by begging and don’t need gold or silver.” Tang Seng urged, “Your Majesty, they’ve escorted me all the way with great loyalty. Let me see them off first, then I’ll return to enjoy your prosperity forever, free from any worries.” The queen said, “That’s only natural. Then I’ll go with you.” Wukong, Wu Ping, and Wu Hui left the throne hall first. Zhu Rong saw them off and arranged carriages outside the hall. The dragon and phoenix carriage had been used to welcome Tang Seng, but it was not suitable for seeing him off. Wukong joked, “There are so many rules in the palace!” Just then, a cry of shock came from inside the hall, and the queen called out, “My brother!” Everyone was alarmed and rushed into the throne hall. Wukong led the way and saw that nothing had changed in the hall, except that Tang Seng was no longer on the golden chair. Wukong demanded, “Where is my master?” Tears streamed down the queen’s face as she said, “Just as you left, a strange palace maid came from behind the hall and kidnapped your brother—” “Which way did she go?” “I, I didn’t see clearly.” Wukong looked at Zhu Rong, who also appeared puzzled. With her abilities, she would surely notice any demons or monsters approaching within hundreds of feet. Wukong asked again, “Are there any monsters near this country?” Zhu Rong shook her head but transmitted a message, “There are many monster caves within a thousand miles, mostly in the southwest. But I’ve checked them all carefully, and there are no powerful monsters.” Wukong said to Wu Hui and Wu Ping, “You two go search the east and north of this country. If you find any monster caves, don’t act rashly—just note them down. We’ll discuss a plan together when we return. I’ll search the west and south myself.”

The three of them left the court on clouds, leaving everyone there in astonishment. It turned out that these seemingly unremarkable monks were actually immortals descended from heaven. Wukong headed straight for the southwest. Having once established his own cave dwelling, he knew well the strategic locations and quickly found several demon caves. He concealed himself and investigated inside, but found no trace of Tang Seng, which made him feel deeply reproachful. He clearly remembered that the lute demon had struck during everyone’s departure from the city. Had he been influenced by his memories? Little did he know that everything could change unexpectedly, and Tang Seng had been kidnapped right in the court. Who had taken Tang Seng away—was it the lute demon or someone else? Wukong couldn’t be sure at that moment. After circling the southwest area without finding any demon caves, he headed northwest. Not long after, he saw a tall mountain. After circling it once, he indeed found a cave dwelling with the inscription “Lute Cave of Poisonous Enemy Mountain” on it. He was overjoyed—it was indeed the lute demon. Since the cave was here, it was highly likely that she had kidnapped Tang Seng. Seeing a crack in the cave door, Wukong transformed into an insect and flew in. Inside, there was another world—female demons were seen coming and going, all smiling sweetly. The cave was decorated with lights and looked quite beautiful. Wukong passed through the second door and entered the back room, where he indeed saw Tang Seng lying on a bed, looking terrified. Next to him stood a charming woman who was speaking to him gently, saying, “Dear brother, please calm down. Although this place isn’t the palace of the Western Liang Women’s Kingdom and lacks its wealth and glory, it is peaceful and comfortable. I can also obtain immortal pills to prolong your life—this is better than enjoying pleasure for a few decades only to end up as dust.” Tang Seng, having seen this woman’s tactics, knew she was no good and simply gritted his teeth and refused to speak. The woman continued, “Dear brother, the queen is determined to marry you, but you don’t realize she has a pure yin constitution. If you really marry her, within a year or two, your life will likely be in danger.” Wukong was intrigued—so the lute demon knew about this too. From her tone, it seemed she and the queen were not on the same side. The lute demon added, “You haven’t eaten much since arriving in the country. Shall I bring you some vegetarian food?” Tang Seng remained silent, silently praying, “Wukong, please come and save me!” The lute demon said, “Dear brother, I’m wearing a rare treasure. Even if your disciples are capable, they’ll never be able to find this place.” Wukong saw that the lute demon was wearing a purple gauze dress. Though he was close to her, he couldn’t detect any magical aura. He thought to himself, “This is truly a precious item—I wonder where she got it.”