第048回 The Fish Demon Freezes the River and Captures Tang Sanzang

第048回Chapter 48

話說陳家莊眾信人等，將豬羊牲醴與行者、八戒，喧喧嚷嚷，直擡至靈感廟裡排下；The tale tells how the faithful of Chen Family Village, hauling pig, sheep, and sacrificial wine along with Wukong and Bajie, amid much noisy clamor, carried everything straight to the Numinous Response Temple and laid it all out;將童男女設在上首。they set the boy and girl in the seat of honor.行者回頭看見那供桌上香花蠟燭，正面一個金字牌位，上寫「靈感大王之神」，更無別的神像。Turning his head, Wukong saw on the offering table incense, flowers, and candles, and directly opposite a spirit tablet in gold characters reading "The Deity Great King of Numinous Response," with no other image of a god present.眾信擺列停當，一齊朝上叩頭道：「大王爺爺，今年今月今日今時，陳家莊祭主陳澄等眾信，年甲不齊，謹遵年例，供獻童男一名陳關保、童女一名陳一秤金，豬羊牲醴如數，奉上大王享用。When the faithful had arranged everything properly, they all bowed their heads toward it together and said, "Great King, grandfather, on this very year, this very month, this very day, this very hour, the sacrificial hosts of Chen Family Village, Chen Cheng and the rest of the faithful, being of unequal age, reverently follow the yearly custom and offer up a boy, Chen Guanbao, and a girl, Chen Yichengjin, along with the pig and sheep and sacrificial wine in full measure, for the Great King's enjoyment.保佑風調雨順，五穀豐登。」祝罷，燒了紙馬，各回本宅不題。May you grant favorable wind and rain, and a bountiful harvest of the five grains." When the prayer was finished, they burned the paper horses and each returned to their own home, and we need say no more of that.

话说陈家庄众信人等，将猪羊牲醴与行者、八戒，喧喧嚷嚷，直抬至灵感庙里排下；将童男女设在上首。行者回头看见那供桌上香花蜡烛，正面一个金字牌位，上写「灵感大王之神」，更无别的神像。众信摆列停当，一齐朝上叩头道：「大王爷爷，今年今月今日今时，陈家庄祭主陈澄等众信，年甲不齐，谨遵年例，供献童男一名陈关保、童女一名陈一秤金，猪羊牲醴如数，奉上大王享用。保佑风调雨顺，五谷丰登。」祝罢，烧了纸马，各回本宅不题。

那八戒見人散了，對行者道：「我們家去罷。」行者道：「你家在那裡？」八戒道：「往老陳家睡覺去。」行者道：「獃子又亂談了。When Bajie saw the people had scattered, he said to Wukong, "Let's go home." Wukong said, "Where is your home?" Bajie said, "Off to old Chen's place to sleep." Wukong said, "Fool, you're talking nonsense again.既允了他，須與他了這願心才是哩。」八戒道：「你倒不是獃子，反說我是獃子。Since we've agreed to it, we ought to see the vow through to the end." Bajie said, "You're the one who's not a fool, yet you call me one.只哄他耍耍便罷，怎麼就與他祭賽，當起真來？」行者道：「為人為徹。We only meant to fool him for a bit of fun and be done with it—how can we take part in the sacrifice for real and treat it seriously?" Wukong said, "If a man does a thing, let him see it through.一定等那大王來吃了，才是個全始全終；We must wait until that Great King comes to eat, so that it is complete from start to finish;不然，又教他降災貽害，反為不美。」otherwise, he'll bring down disaster and calamity on them, and that would be no good thing."

那八戒见人散了，对行者道：「我们家去罢。」行者道：「你家在那里？」八戒道：「往老陈家睡觉去。」行者道：「呆子又乱谈了。既允了他，须与他了这愿心才是哩。」八戒道：「你倒不是呆子，反说我是呆子。只哄他耍耍便罢，怎么就与他祭赛，当起真来？」行者道：「为人为彻。一定等那大王来吃了，才是个全始全终；不然，又教他降灾贻害，反为不美。」

正說間，只聽得呼呼風響。Just as they were speaking, they heard the whoosh of wind.八戒道：「不好了，風響是那話兒來了。」行者只叫：「莫言語，等我答應。」頃刻間，廟門外來了一個妖邪。Bajie said, "This is bad—that whooshing wind means the thing is coming." Wukong only said, "Not a word—let me answer him." In a moment a demon-spirit arrived outside the temple gate.你看他怎生模樣：Now see what manner of creature it was:

正说间，只听得呼呼风响。八戒道：「不好了，风响是那话儿来了。」行者只叫：「莫言语，等我答应。」顷刻间，庙门外来了一个妖邪。你看他怎生模样：

那怪物攔住廟門問道：「今年祭祀的是那家？」行者笑吟吟的答道：「承下問，莊頭是陳澄、陳清家。」那怪聞答，心中疑似道：「這童男膽大，言談伶俐。The monster blocked the temple gate and asked, "Whose turn is it for the sacrifice this year?" Wukong answered with a smiling laugh, "Since you ask, the village heads are the families of Chen Cheng and Chen Qing." Hearing this reply, the monster grew suspicious, thinking, "This boy is bold, and speaks with a clever tongue.常來供養受用的，問一聲不言語；Every year when I come to receive the offering, if I ask once, they say nothing;再問聲，諕了魂；ask a second time, and they're frightened out of their wits;用手去捉，已是死人。reach out a hand to grab them, and they're already dead.怎麼今日這童男善能應對？」怪物不敢來拿，又問：「童男女叫甚名字？」行者笑道：「童男陳關保，童女一秤金。」怪物道：「這祭賽乃上年舊規，如今供獻我，當吃你。」行者道：「不敢抗拒，請自在受用。」怪物聽說，又不敢動手，攔住門喝道：「你莫頂嘴。How is it that this boy today can answer so well?" The monster did not dare to seize him, and asked again, "What are the boy and girl called by name?" Wukong said with a laugh, "The boy is Chen Guanbao, the girl Yichengjin." The monster said, "This sacrifice is the old rule from years past; now that it's offered to me, I shall eat you." Wukong said, "We dare not resist—please help yourself at your ease." Hearing this, the monster again did not dare move, and blocking the doorway shouted, "Don't talk back to me.我常年先吃童男，今年倒要先吃童女。」八戒慌了道：「大王還照舊罷，不要吃壞例子。」Every year I eat the boy first, but this year I think I'll eat the girl first instead." Bajie panicked and said, "Great King, better stick to the old custom—don't spoil the precedent."

那怪物拦住庙门问道：「今年祭祀的是那家？」行者笑吟吟的答道：「承下问，庄头是陈澄、陈清家。」那怪闻答，心中疑似道：「这童男胆大，言谈伶俐。常来供养受用的，问一声不言语；再问声，諕了魂；用手去捉，已是死人。怎么今日这童男善能应对？」怪物不敢来拿，又问：「童男女叫甚名字？」行者笑道：「童男陈关保，童女一秤金。」怪物道：「这祭赛乃上年旧规，如今供献我，当吃你。」行者道：「不敢抗拒，请自在受用。」怪物听说，又不敢动手，拦住门喝道：「你莫顶嘴。我常年先吃童男，今年倒要先吃童女。」八戒慌了道：「大王还照旧罢，不要吃坏例子。」

那怪不容分說，放開手，就捉八戒。The monster, brooking no argument, let go and reached to seize Bajie.獃子撲的跳下來，現了本相，掣釘鈀，劈手一築，那怪物縮了手，往前就走，只聽得噹的一聲響。The fool leapt down with a thump, revealed his true form, drew out his rake, and swung it at him with a full-handed blow; the monster pulled back its hand and made to flee forward, and there was a loud clang.八戒道：「築破甲了。」行者也現本相看處，原來是冰盤大小兩個魚鱗。Bajie said, "I've cracked his armor." Wukong too revealed his true form and, looking, saw that it was two fish scales, each about the size of an ice-plate.喝聲：「趕上。」二人跳到空中。He shouted, "After him!" and the two of them leapt into the air.那怪物因來赴會，不曾帶得兵器，空手在雲端裡問道：「你是那方和尚，到此欺人，破了我的香火，壞了我的名聲？」行者道：「這潑物原來不知。The monster, having come only for the feast, had brought no weapon, and empty-handed in the clouds it demanded, "What monk are you, from what region, coming here to bully people, wrecking my incense offerings and ruining my reputation?" Wukong said, "This vile creature truly doesn't know.我等乃東土大唐聖僧三藏奉欽差西天取經之徒弟。We are disciples of the sagely monk of Great Tang in the Land of the East, sent by imperial decree to fetch scriptures from the Western Heaven.昨因夜寓陳家，聞有邪魔，假號靈感，年年要童男女祭賽。Last night, lodging at the Chen house, we heard that an evil demon, falsely claiming the title, demanded a boy and girl for sacrifice every year.是我等慈悲，拯救生靈，捉你這潑物。It was out of our mercy, to save living beings, that we came to capture you, vile creature.趁早實實供來：一年吃兩個童男女，你在這裡稱了幾年大王？Confess honestly and at once: eating two children a year, how many years have you styled yourself Great King here?吃了多少男女？How many boys and girls have you eaten in all?一個個算還我，饒你死罪。」那怪聞言就走，被八戒又一釘鈀，未曾打著，他化一陣狂風，鑽入通天河內。Reckon them up one by one and pay me back, and I shall spare you the death penalty." On hearing this the monster fled; Bajie struck at it once more with the rake but failed to hit it, and it transformed into a gust of wild wind and plunged into the Tongtian River.

那怪不容分说，放开手，就捉八戒。呆子扑的跳下来，现了本相，掣钉钯，劈手一筑，那怪物缩了手，往前就走，只听得当的一声响。八戒道：「筑破甲了。」行者也现本相看处，原来是冰盘大小两个鱼鳞。喝声：「赶上。」二人跳到空中。那怪物因来赴会，不曾带得兵器，空手在云端里问道：「你是那方和尚，到此欺人，破了我的香火，坏了我的名声？」行者道：「这泼物原来不知。我等乃东土大唐圣僧三藏奉钦差西天取经之徒弟。昨因夜寓陈家，闻有邪魔，假号灵感，年年要童男女祭赛。是我等慈悲，拯救生灵，捉你这泼物。趁早实实供来：一年吃两个童男女，你在这里称了几年大王？吃了多少男女？一个个算还我，饶你死罪。」那怪闻言就走，被八戒又一钉钯，未曾打著，他化一阵狂风，钻入通天河内。

行者道：「不消趕他了，這怪想是河中之物。Wukong said, "No need to chase him further—this monster must be a creature of the river.且待明日設法拿他，送我師父過河。」八戒依言，徑回廟裡，把那豬羊祭醴，連桌面一齊搬到陳家。Let's wait until tomorrow to devise a plan to catch him and get our master across the river." Bajie agreed, and the two went straight back to the temple, moving the pig, sheep, and sacrificial offerings, table and all, over to the Chen house.此時唐長老、沙和尚，共陳家兄弟，正在廳中候信，忽見他二人將豬羊等物都丟在天井裡。By this time Tang the Elder and Sha Monk, together with the two Chen brothers, were sitting in the hall awaiting news, when suddenly they saw the two returning and dumping the pig, sheep, and the rest of it in the courtyard.三藏迎來問道：「悟空，祭賽之事何如？」行者將那稱名趕怪鑽入河中之事，說了一遍。Sanzang came forward to meet them and asked, "Wukong, how did the sacrifice affair turn out?" Wukong told the whole story of naming himself, chasing the monster, and its plunging into the river.二老十分歡喜，即命打掃廂房，安排床鋪，請他師徒就寢不題。The two old men were overjoyed, and at once ordered the side chambers swept and beds made ready, inviting master and disciples to retire for the night; no more of that for now.

行者道：「不消赶他了，这怪想是河中之物。且待明日设法拿他，送我师父过河。」八戒依言，径回庙里，把那猪羊祭醴，连桌面一齐搬到陈家。此时唐长老、沙和尚，共陈家兄弟，正在厅中候信，忽见他二人将猪羊等物都丢在天井里。三藏迎来问道：「悟空，祭赛之事何如？」行者将那称名赶怪钻入河中之事，说了一遍。二老十分欢喜，即命打扫厢房，安排床铺，请他师徒就寝不题。

卻說那怪得命，回歸水內，坐在宮中，默默無言。Now to tell of the monster: having escaped with its life, it returned to the water, sat in its palace, and remained silent, saying nothing.水中大小眷族問道：「大王每年享祭，回來歡喜，怎麼今日煩惱？」那怪道：「常年享畢，還帶些餘物與汝等受用，今日連我也不曾吃得。The water clan, young and old, asked, "Great King, every year after enjoying the sacrifice you come back delighted—why are you so troubled today?" The monster said, "In ordinary years, after I finish the feast, I still bring back some leftovers for you all to enjoy, but today I didn't even get to eat myself.造化低，撞著一個對頭，幾乎傷了性命。」眾水族問：「大王，是那個？」那怪道：「是一個東土大唐聖僧的徒弟，往西天拜佛求經者，假變男女，坐在廟裡。My luck was poor—I ran into an adversary and very nearly lost my life." The water tribe asked, "Great King, who was it?" The monster said, "It was a disciple of a sagely monk of Great Tang in the Land of the East, one traveling to the Western Heaven to worship Buddha and seek scriptures, who transformed himself falsely into the boy, sitting there in the temple.我被他現出本相，險些兒傷了性命。I was made to reveal my true form by him, and very nearly lost my life over it.一向聞得人講：唐三藏乃十世修行好人，但得吃他一塊肉，延壽長生。I've long heard people say: Tang Sanzang is a good man who has cultivated through ten lifetimes, and that eating just one piece of his flesh will extend one's life and grant longevity.不期他手下有這般徒弟。I never expected he would have such a disciple under him.我被他壞了名聲，破了香火，有心要捉唐僧，只怕不得能夠。」He has ruined my reputation and wrecked my incense offerings; I am set on capturing Tang Monk, only I fear I may not be able to manage it."

却说那怪得命，回归水内，坐在宫中，默默无言。水中大小眷族问道：「大王每年享祭，回来欢喜，怎么今日烦恼？」那怪道：「常年享毕，还带些余物与汝等受用，今日连我也不曾吃得。造化低，撞著一个对头，几乎伤了性命。」众水族问：「大王，是那个？」那怪道：「是一个东土大唐圣僧的徒弟，往西天拜佛求经者，假变男女，坐在庙里。我被他现出本相，险些儿伤了性命。一向闻得人讲：唐三藏乃十世修行好人，但得吃他一块肉，延寿长生。不期他手下有这般徒弟。我被他坏了名声，破了香火，有心要捉唐僧，只怕不得能够。」

那水族中閃上一個斑衣鱖婆，對怪物跬跬拜拜，笑道：「大王要捉唐僧，有何難處？From among the water tribe there stepped forward a mottled-robed mandarin-fish granny, who bowed repeatedly to the monster and said with a smile, "If the Great King wishes to capture Tang Monk, what difficulty is there in that?但不知捉住他，可賞我些酒肉？」那怪道：「你若有謀，合同用力，捉了唐僧，與你拜為兄妹，共席享之。」鱖婆拜謝了道：「久知大王有呼風喚雨之神通，攪海翻江之勢力，不知可會降雪？」那怪道：「會降。」又道：「既會降雪，不知可會作冷結冰？」那怪道：「更會。」鱖婆鼓掌笑道：「如此，極易，極易。」那怪道：「你且將極易之功，講來我聽。」鱖婆道：「今夜有三更天氣，大王不必遲疑，趁早作法，起一陣寒風，下一陣大雪，把通天河盡皆凍結。Only I don't know—if I help catch him, will you reward me with some wine and meat?" The monster said, "If you have a scheme, and we join forces, and we catch Tang Monk, I will bow to you as sworn sister, and we shall share the feast together at one table." The mandarin-fish granny bowed in thanks and said, "I have long known that the Great King possesses the divine power to summon wind and call rain, the might to stir up seas and overturn rivers—I wonder, can you also bring down snow?" The monster said, "I can." She continued, "Since you can bring down snow, I wonder, can you also make it cold enough to freeze into ice?" The monster said, "Even more so." The mandarin-fish granny clapped her hands and laughed, "In that case, it's very easy, very easy." The monster said, "Tell me of this very easy plan of yours, and let me hear it." The granny said, "Tonight, in the third watch, Great King, you need not hesitate—act your magic early: raise a spell of cold wind, send down a heavy snow, and freeze the entire Tongtian River solid.著我等善變化者，變作幾個人形，在於路口，背包持傘，擔擔推車，不住的在冰上行走。Have those of us skilled at transformation change into several human shapes, to be at the crossroads, carrying packs and umbrellas on our backs, bearing loads and pushing carts, walking ceaselessly across the ice.那唐僧取經之心甚急，看見如此人行，斷然踏冰而渡。Tang Monk, being so anxious in his heart to fetch the scriptures, on seeing people traveling like this, will surely resolve to cross by treading the ice.大王悄坐河心，待他腳蹤響處，迸裂寒冰，連他那徒弟們一齊墜落水中，一鼓可得也。」那怪聞言，滿心歡喜道：「甚妙，甚妙。」即出水府，踏長空，興風作雪，結冷凝凍成冰不題。Great King, sit quietly at the heart of the river, and wait until the sound of his footsteps is heard—then burst the cold ice apart, and his disciples along with him will all fall together into the water, and with one stroke you shall have your prize." On hearing this the monster was filled with joy and said, "Excellent, excellent." It at once left its water palace, trod the vast sky, stirred up wind and raised snow, and froze the cold into solid ice; no more of that for now.

那水族中闪上一个斑衣鳜婆，对怪物跬跬拜拜，笑道：「大王要捉唐僧，有何难处？但不知捉住他，可赏我些酒肉？」那怪道：「你若有谋，合同用力，捉了唐僧，与你拜为兄妹，共席享之。」鳜婆拜谢了道：「久知大王有呼风唤雨之神通，搅海翻江之势力，不知可会降雪？」那怪道：「会降。」又道：「既会降雪，不知可会作冷结冰？」那怪道：「更会。」鳜婆鼓掌笑道：「如此，极易，极易。」那怪道：「你且将极易之功，讲来我听。」鳜婆道：「今夜有三更天气，大王不必迟疑，趁早作法，起一阵寒风，下一阵大雪，把通天河尽皆冻结。著我等善变化者，变作几个人形，在于路口，背包持伞，担担推车，不住的在冰上行走。那唐僧取经之心甚急，看见如此人行，断然踏冰而渡。大王悄坐河心，待他脚踪响处，迸裂寒冰，连他那徒弟们一齐坠落水中，一鼓可得也。」那怪闻言，满心欢喜道：「甚妙，甚妙。」即出水府，踏长空，兴风作雪，结冷凝冻成冰不题。

卻說唐長老師徒四人歇在陳家，將近天曉，師徒們衾寒枕冷。Now to tell of Tang the Elder and his three disciples resting at the Chen house: as dawn drew near, master and disciples all felt their quilts cold and their pillows chill.八戒咳歌打戰睡不得，叫道：「師兄，冷啊。」行者道：「你這獃子，忒不長俊。Bajie, chattering and shivering, could not sleep, and cried out, "Elder Brother, it's cold." Wukong said, "You fool, you're really no good at enduring hardship.出家人寒暑不侵，怎麼怕冷？」三藏道：「徒弟，果然冷。One who has left the household should be untouched by cold or heat—how can you be afraid of the cold?" Sanzang said, "Disciple, it really is cold.你看，就是那：Look, it is just like this:

却说唐长老师徒四人歇在陈家，将近天晓，师徒们衾寒枕冷。八戒咳歌打战睡不得，叫道：「师兄，冷啊。」行者道：「你这呆子，忒不长俊。出家人寒暑不侵，怎么怕冷？」三藏道：「徒弟，果然冷。你看，就是那：

師徒們都睡不得，爬起來穿了衣服。Master and disciples could none of them sleep, so they got up and dressed.開門看處，呀！They opened the door to look, and—ah!外面白茫茫的，原來下雪哩。outside everything was a vast white expanse—it turned out it was snowing.行者道：「怪道你們害冷哩，卻是這般大雪。」四人眼同觀看，好雪！Wukong said, "No wonder you all felt the cold—it's this heavy snow." The four of them looked together—what splendid snow!但見那：Behold:

师徒们都睡不得，爬起来穿了衣服。开门看处，呀！外面白茫茫的，原来下雪哩。行者道：「怪道你们害冷哩，却是这般大雪。」四人眼同观看，好雪！但见那：

那場雪，紛紛灑灑，果如剪玉飛綿。That fall of snow, drifting and swirling down, truly seemed like scissored jade and flying floss.

那场雪，纷纷洒洒，果如剪玉飞绵。

師徒們嘆玩多時，只見陳家老者，著兩個僮僕掃開道路，又兩個送出熱湯洗面。Master and disciples marveled at it for a long while, when they saw old man Chen send two servant boys to sweep a path clear, and then two more bring out hot water for washing their faces.須臾，又送滾茶、乳餅，又擡出炭火。Presently, more brought boiling tea and milk cakes, and also carried out braziers of charcoal.俱到廂房，與師徒們敘坐。All were brought to the side chamber, and they sat and talked with master and disciples.長老問道：「老施主，貴處時令，不知可分春夏秋冬？」陳老笑道：「此間雖是僻地，但只風俗人物，與上國不同；The elder asked, "Venerable benefactor, in these parts do the seasons here divide into spring, summer, autumn, and winter?" Old Chen said with a laugh, "Though this place is a remote region, its customs and people differ from those of the Middle Kingdom;至於諸凡穀苗牲畜，都是同天共日，豈有不分四時之理？」三藏道：「既分四時，怎麼如今就有這般大雪，這般寒冷？」陳老道：「此時雖是七月，昨日已交白露，就是八月節了。but as for all the grain sprouts and livestock, they share the same sky and sun as elsewhere—how could there fail to be a distinction of the four seasons?" Sanzang said, "If the four seasons are distinguished, how is it that just now there is such heavy snow and such bitter cold?" Old Chen said, "Although it is now the seventh month, yesterday already marked the arrival of White Dew, which is the solar term of the eighth month.我這裡常年八月間就有霜雪。」三藏道：「甚比我東土不同，我那裡交冬節方有之。」Here in our region, every year around the eighth month there is already frost and snow." Sanzang said, "That is quite different from our Land of the East, where it is not until the Winter Solstice term that such things come."

师徒们叹玩多时，只见陈家老者，著两个僮仆扫开道路，又两个送出热汤洗面。须臾，又送滚茶、乳饼，又抬出炭火。俱到厢房，与师徒们叙坐。长老问道：「老施主，贵处时令，不知可分春夏秋冬？」陈老笑道：「此间虽是僻地，但只风俗人物，与上国不同；至于诸凡谷苗牲畜，都是同天共日，岂有不分四时之理？」三藏道：「既分四时，怎么如今就有这般大雪，这般寒冷？」陈老道：「此时虽是七月，昨日已交白露，就是八月节了。我这里常年八月间就有霜雪。」三藏道：「甚比我东土不同，我那里交冬节方有之。」

正話間，又見僮僕來安桌子，請吃粥。Just as they were speaking, they again saw the servant boys come to set up the table and invite them to eat porridge.粥罷之後，雪比早間又大，須臾，平地有二尺來深。After the porridge, the snow grew even heavier than in the morning, and in a short while it lay two feet deep on level ground.三藏心焦垂淚。Sanzang's heart grew anxious and tears fell.陳老道：「老爺放心，莫見雪深憂慮。Old Chen said, "Venerable sir, set your mind at ease—do not be troubled by the depth of the snow.我舍下頗有幾石糧食，供養得老爺們半生。」三藏道：「老施主不知貧僧之苦。My humble household has a fair store of grain, enough to sustain you gentlemen for half a lifetime." Sanzang said, "Venerable benefactor, you do not know this poor monk's hardship.我當年蒙聖恩賜了旨意，擺大駕親送出關，唐王御手擎杯奉餞，問道：『幾時可回？』貧僧不知有山川之險，順口回奏：『只消三年，可取經回國。』自別後，今已七八個年頭，還未見佛面，恐違了欽限；In that year I was graced with the sage emperor's decree, and he had his grand carriage arrayed to see me personally out of the pass; the Tang emperor with his own royal hand raised a cup to see me off, and asked, 'When shall you return?' Not knowing then the perils of mountains and rivers, I answered on impulse, 'In no more than three years I shall fetch the scriptures and return to the kingdom.' Since parting from him, it has now been seven or eight years, and I have yet to behold the Buddha's face; I fear I shall violate the time limit set by imperial decree;又怕的是妖魔兇狠：所以焦慮。and besides that I fear the ferocity of demons and monsters—that is why I am so anxious.今日有緣得寓潭府，昨夜愚徒們略施小惠報答，實指望求一船隻渡河。Today it was our good fortune to find lodging in your honored manor, and last night my foolish disciples did a small good deed in return, in the sincere hope of obtaining a boat to cross the river.不期天降大雪，道路迷漫，不知幾時才得功成回故土也。」陳老道：「老爺放心，正是多的日子過了，那裡在這幾日？Never did I expect Heaven would send down such heavy snow, the roads all lost in a blur—I know not when we shall ever accomplish our task and return to our homeland." Old Chen said, "Venerable sir, set your mind at ease—indeed you have already spent so many more days than this on your journey; what does a few more days matter?且待天晴，化了冰，老拙傾家費產，必處置送老爺過河。」Just wait until the sky clears and the ice melts, and I, old fool, will spend my whole family's fortune if need be to see that you are sent across the river."

正话间，又见僮仆来安桌子，请吃粥。粥罢之后，雪比早间又大，须臾，平地有二尺来深。三藏心焦垂泪。陈老道：「老爷放心，莫见雪深忧虑。我舍下颇有几石粮食，供养得老爷们半生。」三藏道：「老施主不知贫僧之苦。我当年蒙圣恩赐了旨意，摆大驾亲送出关，唐王御手擎杯奉饯，问道：『几时可回？』贫僧不知有山川之险，顺口回奏：『只消三年，可取经回国。』自别后，今已七八个年头，还未见佛面，恐违了钦限；又怕的是妖魔凶狠：所以焦虑。今日有缘得寓潭府，昨夜愚徒们略施小惠报答，实指望求一船只渡河。不期天降大雪，道路迷漫，不知几时才得功成回故土也。」陈老道：「老爷放心，正是多的日子过了，那里在这几日？且待天晴，化了冰，老拙倾家费产，必处置送老爷过河。」

只見一僮又請進早齋。Just then a servant boy came again to invite them in to the morning vegetarian meal.到廳上吃畢。They went to the hall and finished eating.敘不多時，又午齋相繼而進。Before long, the midday vegetarian meal followed in succession.三藏見品物豐盛，再四不安道：「既蒙見留，只可以家常相待。」陳老道：「老爺，感蒙替祭救命之恩，雖逐日設筵奉款，也難酬難謝。」Seeing the dishes so lavish, Sanzang again and again expressed his unease, saying, "Since you have kindly detained us, plain home fare would suffice." Old Chen said, "Venerable sir, we are grateful for the great kindness of your standing in for the sacrifice and saving lives—even were we to hold a banquet for you every single day, it would be hard to repay, hard to thank you enough."

只见一僮又请进早斋。到厅上吃毕。叙不多时，又午斋相继而进。三藏见品物丰盛，再四不安道：「既蒙见留，只可以家常相待。」陈老道：「老爷，感蒙替祭救命之恩，虽逐日设筵奉款，也难酬难谢。」

此後大雪方住就有人行走。After this the heavy snow finally stopped, and there began to be people out walking.陳老見三藏不快，又打掃花園，大盆架火，請去雪洞裡閑耍散悶。Seeing Sanzang so unhappy, old Chen had the garden swept clear and had a large brazier of charcoal set up, and invited them to the snow grotto to while away their gloom.八戒笑道：「那老兒忒沒算計。Bajie laughed and said, "That old fellow really has no sense of planning.春二三月好賞花園，這等大雪，又冷，賞玩何物？」行者道：「獃子不知事。The second or third month of spring is the time to enjoy a garden—with such heavy snow and cold as this, what is there to admire?" Wukong said, "Fool, you don't understand these things.雪景自然幽靜：一則遊賞，二來與師父寬懷。」陳老道：「正是，正是。」遂此邀請到園。A snow scene has its own quiet charm: first, it's something to enjoy and roam in, and second, it will ease our master's worried heart." Old Chen said, "Just so, just so." And with that he invited them to the garden.但見：Behold:

此后大雪方住就有人行走。陈老见三藏不快，又打扫花园，大盆架火，请去雪洞里闲耍散闷。八戒笑道：「那老儿忒没算计。春二三月好赏花园，这等大雪，又冷，赏玩何物？」行者道：「呆子不知事。雪景自然幽静：一则游赏，二来与师父宽怀。」陈老道：「正是，正是。」遂此邀请到园。但见：

四壁上掛幾軸名公古畫，卻是那：On the four walls hung several scrolls of ancient paintings by famous masters, which showed:

四壁上挂几轴名公古画，却是那：

眾人觀玩良久，就於雪洞裡坐下，對鄰叟道取經之事，又捧香茶飲畢。The company admired them for a good while, then sat down in the snow grotto, and talked with the two neighboring elders of the matter of fetching scriptures, after which they drank fragrant tea.陳老問：「列位老爺，可飲酒麼？」三藏道：「貧僧不飲，小徒略飲幾杯素酒。」陳老大喜，即命：「取素果品，燉暖酒，與列位湯寒。」那僮僕即擡桌圍爐，與兩個鄰叟，各飲了幾杯，收了家火。Old Chen asked, "Gentlemen, do you drink wine?" Sanzang said, "This poor monk does not drink, but my disciples may take a few cups of plain wine." Old Chen was greatly pleased and at once ordered, "Bring plain fruit and delicacies, and warm the wine, to ward off the cold for our guests." The servant boys at once set up a table around the brazier, and together with the two neighboring elders they each drank several cups, then cleared away the things.

众人观玩良久，就于雪洞里坐下，对邻叟道取经之事，又捧香茶饮毕。陈老问：「列位老爷，可饮酒么？」三藏道：「贫僧不饮，小徒略饮几杯素酒。」陈老大喜，即命：「取素果品，炖暖酒，与列位汤寒。」那僮仆即抬桌围炉，与两个邻叟，各饮了几杯，收了家火。

不覺天色將晚，又仍請到廳上晚齋。Before they knew it, evening was drawing on, and once again they were invited to the hall for the evening vegetarian meal.只聽得街上行人都說：「好冷天啊，把通天河凍住了。」三藏聞言道：「悟空，凍住河，我們怎生是好？」陳老道：「乍寒乍冷，想是近河邊淺水處凍結。」那行人道：「把八百里都凍的似鏡面一般，路口上有人走哩。」三藏聽說有人走，就要去看。Just then they heard passersby on the street all saying, "What bitter cold weather—it's frozen the Tongtian River solid." Hearing this, Sanzang said, "Wukong, the river has frozen—what shall we do?" Old Chen said, "With such sudden bitter cold, it's probably just the shallow water near the bank that has frozen." The passerby said, "It's frozen the whole eight hundred li as smooth as a mirror—there are people walking right at the crossing." Hearing that there were people walking on it, Sanzang wanted at once to go and see.陳老道：「老爺莫忙，今日晚了，明日去看。」遂此別卻鄰叟。Old Chen said, "Venerable sir, don't be in such a hurry—it's late today; go and look tomorrow." With that they took leave of the neighboring elders.又晚齋畢，依然歇在廂房。After the evening meal was finished, they retired once more to the side chamber to rest.

不觉天色将晚，又仍请到厅上晚斋。只听得街上行人都说：「好冷天啊，把通天河冻住了。」三藏闻言道：「悟空，冻住河，我们怎生是好？」陈老道：「乍寒乍冷，想是近河边浅水处冻结。」那行人道：「把八百里都冻的似镜面一般，路口上有人走哩。」三藏听说有人走，就要去看。陈老道：「老爷莫忙，今日晚了，明日去看。」遂此别却邻叟。又晚斋毕，依然歇在厢房。

及次日天曉，八戒起來道：「師兄，今夜更冷，想必河凍住也。」三藏迎著門，朝天禮拜道：「眾位護教大神，弟子一向西來，虔心拜佛，苦歷山川，更無一聲報怨。When dawn came the next day, Bajie got up and said, "Elder Brother, it was even colder last night—the river must surely be frozen solid." Sanzang went to face the door, and bowing toward Heaven, said, "All you spirits who guard and protect the Faith, ever since this disciple set out westward, I have worshipped the Buddha with a devout heart, enduring the hardships of mountains and rivers, without once uttering a word of complaint.今至於此，感得皇天佑助，結凍河水。Now, arriving here, I have received the blessing and aid of August Heaven, which has frozen the river's waters solid.弟子空心權謝，待得經回，奏上唐皇，竭誠酬答。」禮拜畢，遂教悟淨背馬，趁冰過河。This disciple, with empty hands, offers his humble thanks for now; when I return with the scriptures, I shall report this to the Tang Emperor and repay it with utmost sincerity." When the prayer of thanks was finished, he had Wujing saddle the horse, so as to cross the river while the ice held.陳老又道：「莫忙，待幾日雪融冰解，老拙這裡辦船相送。」沙僧道：「就行也不是話，再住也不是話。Old Chen again said, "Don't be in such a hurry—wait a few more days until the snow melts and the ice thaws, and I, old fool, will arrange a boat here to see you across." Sha Monk said, "To set off now is no good, but to stay longer is no good either.口說無憑，耳聞不如眼見。Words alone are no proof—hearing of it is not as good as seeing it with one's own eyes.我背了馬，且請師父親去看看。」陳老道：「言之有理。」教：「小的們，快去背我們六匹馬來。Let me carry the master on my back, and please let the master go and see for himself." Old Chen said, "Well reasoned." And he ordered, "You lads, go quickly and saddle six of our horses.且莫背唐僧老爺馬。」Do not saddle the venerable Tang Master's horse."

及次日天晓，八戒起来道：「师兄，今夜更冷，想必河冻住也。」三藏迎著门，朝天礼拜道：「众位护教大神，弟子一向西来，虔心拜佛，苦历山川，更无一声报怨。今至于此，感得皇天佑助，结冻河水。弟子空心权谢，待得经回，奏上唐皇，竭诚酬答。」礼拜毕，遂教悟净背马，趁冰过河。陈老又道：「莫忙，待几日雪融冰解，老拙这里办船相送。」沙僧道：「就行也不是话，再住也不是话。口说无凭，耳闻不如眼见。我背了马，且请师父亲去看看。」陈老道：「言之有理。」教：「小的们，快去背我们六匹马来。且莫背唐僧老爷马。」

就有六個小价跟隨。Then six young servants followed along.一行人徑往河邊來看，真個是：The whole party went straight to the riverbank to look, and indeed it was thus:

就有六个小价跟随。一行人径往河边来看，真个是：

三藏與一行人到了河邊，勒馬觀看，真個那路口上有人行走。Sanzang and the party reached the riverbank, reined in their horses, and looked—and sure enough, at the crossing point there were people walking about.三藏問道：「施主，那些人上冰往那裡去？」陳老道：「河那邊乃西梁女國。Sanzang asked, "Benefactor, where are those people going, up on the ice?" Old Chen said, "On the far side of the river lies the Western Liang Women's Kingdom.這起人都是做買賣的。All these people are merchants doing business.我這邊百錢之物，到那邊可值萬錢；Goods worth a hundred cash on this side may be worth ten thousand cash on that side;那邊百錢之物，到這邊亦可值萬錢。and goods worth a hundred cash on that side may likewise be worth ten thousand cash on this side.利重本輕，所以人不顧死生而去。The profit is great and the capital small, so people give no thought to life or death and go over regardless.常年家有五七人一船，或十數人一船，飄洋而過。In ordinary years there would be five or seven, or even a dozen or more, to a boat, drifting across the water.見如今河道凍住，故捨命而步行也。」三藏道：「世間事惟名利最重。Now, seeing the river channel frozen solid, they are risking their lives to cross on foot instead." Sanzang said, "In this world, nothing is weighed so heavily as fame and profit.似他為利的，捨死忘生；If men like these, for the sake of profit, will risk death and forget life,我弟子奉旨全忠，也只是為名，與他能差幾何？」教：「悟空，快回施主家收拾行囊，叩背馬匹，趁此層冰，早奔西方去也。」行者笑吟吟答應。then I, this disciple, who serve the throne with utmost loyalty by imperial decree, do so likewise for the sake of my name and duty—how much different am I, really, from them?" He said, "Wukong, go quickly back to the benefactor's house and pack up our bags, and saddle up the horse—while this layer of ice holds, let us hurry on toward the West." Wukong answered with a smiling laugh.

三藏与一行人到了河边，勒马观看，真个那路口上有人行走。三藏问道：「施主，那些人上冰往那里去？」陈老道：「河那边乃西梁女国。这起人都是做买卖的。我这边百钱之物，到那边可值万钱；那边百钱之物，到这边亦可值万钱。利重本轻，所以人不顾死生而去。常年家有五七人一船，或十数人一船，飘洋而过。见如今河道冻住，故舍命而步行也。」三藏道：「世间事惟名利最重。似他为利的，舍死忘生；我弟子奉旨全忠，也只是为名，与他能差几何？」教：「悟空，快回施主家收拾行囊，叩背马匹，趁此层冰，早奔西方去也。」行者笑吟吟答应。

沙僧道：「師父啊，常言道：『千日吃了千升米。』今已託賴陳府上，且再住幾日，待天晴化凍，辦船而過，忙中恐有錯也。」三藏道：「悟淨，怎麼這等愚見？Sha Monk said, "Master, as the old saying goes, 'A thousand days spent are worth a thousand pecks of rice eaten.' Now that we have relied on the Chen household's hospitality, let us stay a few more days yet, and wait for the sky to clear and the ice to thaw, and arrange a boat to cross—haste may well lead to error." Sanzang said, "Wujing, why do you take such a foolish view?若是正二月，一日暖似一日，可以待得凍解；If this were the first or second month, each day growing warmer than the last, we might well wait for the ice to melt;此時乃八月，一日冷似一日，如何可便望解凍？but this is now the eighth month, each day growing colder than the last—how can we hope for the ice to thaw any time soon?卻不又誤了半載行程？」Would that not delay our journey by another half year?"

沙僧道：「师父啊，常言道：『千日吃了千升米。』今已托赖陈府上，且再住几日，待天晴化冻，办船而过，忙中恐有错也。」三藏道：「悟净，怎么这等愚见？若是正二月，一日暖似一日，可以待得冻解；此时乃八月，一日冷似一日，如何可便望解冻？却不又误了半载行程？」

八戒跳下馬來：「你們且休講閑口，等老豬試看有多少厚薄。」行者道：「獃子，前夜試水，能去拋石；Bajie jumped down from his horse. "You needn't argue idly—let old Pig test how thick it is." Wukong said, "Fool, the other night when you tested the water, you could throw a stone in;如今冰凍重漫，怎生試得？」八戒道：「師兄不知。but now that it's frozen thick and solid, how can you possibly test it?" Bajie said, "Elder Brother, you don't understand.等我舉釘鈀鈀他一下。Let me raise my rake and give it a strike.假若築破，就是冰薄，且不敢行；If it breaks through, then the ice is thin, and we dare not go that way;若築不動，便是冰厚，如何不行？」三藏道：「正是，說得有理。」那獃子撩衣拽步，走上河邊，雙手舉鈀，盡力一築，只聽撲的一聲，築了九個白跡，手也振得生疼。but if it doesn't budge, then the ice is thick, and why should we not go?" Sanzang said, "Just so, that's well reasoned." The fool hitched up his robe and strode to the riverbank, raised the rake in both hands, and struck down with all his might; there came only a thudding sound, leaving nine white marks, and his hands were jarred so hard they ached.獃子笑道：「去得，去得，連底都錮住了。」The fool laughed and said, "We can go, we can go—it's frozen solid clean down to the bottom."

八戒跳下马来：「你们且休讲闲口，等老猪试看有多少厚薄。」行者道：「呆子，前夜试水，能去抛石；如今冰冻重漫，怎生试得？」八戒道：「师兄不知。等我举钉钯钯他一下。假若筑破，就是冰薄，且不敢行；若筑不动，便是冰厚，如何不行？」三藏道：「正是，说得有理。」那呆子撩衣拽步，走上河边，双手举钯，尽力一筑，只听扑的一声，筑了九个白迹，手也振得生疼。呆子笑道：「去得，去得，连底都锢住了。」

三藏聞言，十分歡喜，與眾同回陳家，只教收拾走路。Hearing this, Sanzang was overjoyed, and returned with the others to the Chen household, telling them only to pack up and set out on their way.那兩個老者苦留不住，只得安排些乾糧、烘炒，做些燒餅、饝饝相送。The two old men could not persuade them to stay, and so had no choice but to prepare some dry provisions and parched grain, making a few sesame cakes and steamed buns to see them off.一家子磕頭禮拜，又捧出一盤子散碎金銀，跪在面前道：「多蒙老爺活子之恩，聊表途中一飯之敬。」三藏擺手搖頭，只是不受道：「貧僧出家人，財帛何用？The whole family kowtowed in reverence, and then held up a tray of loose gold and silver, kneeling before them and saying, "We are deeply grateful for the master's life-saving kindness — please accept this as a small token of respect for your meal on the road." Sanzang waved his hand and shook his head, refusing to accept it, saying, "I am a monk who has left the household — what use have I for money and wealth?就途中也不敢取出，只是以化齋度日為正事。Even on the road I dare not take such things out; living by begging for alms is my proper course.收了乾糧足矣。」二老又再三央求，行者用指尖兒捻了一小塊，約有四五錢重，遞與唐僧道：「師父，也只當些襯錢，莫教空負二老之意。」Receiving the dry provisions is enough." The two old men pleaded again and again, and Wukong pinched off a small piece with his fingertips, weighing about four or five qian, and handed it to Tang Seng, saying, "Master, take this too, just as a token payment, so as not to leave the two old men's good intentions unfulfilled."

三藏闻言，十分欢喜，与众同回陈家，只教收拾走路。那两个老者苦留不住，只得安排些干粮、烘炒，做些烧饼、饝饝相送。一家子磕头礼拜，又捧出一盘子散碎金银，跪在面前道：「多蒙老爷活子之恩，聊表途中一饭之敬。」三藏摆手摇头，只是不受道：「贫僧出家人，财帛何用？就途中也不敢取出，只是以化斋度日为正事。收了干粮足矣。」二老又再三央求，行者用指尖儿捻了一小块，约有四五钱重，递与唐僧道：「师父，也只当些衬钱，莫教空负二老之意。」

遂此相向而別，徑至河邊冰上，那馬蹄滑了一滑，險些兒把三藏跌下馬來。With that they took leave of one another and went straight to the riverbank onto the ice, where the horse's hoof slipped, nearly throwing Sanzang from its back.沙僧道：「師父，難行。」八戒道：「且住，問陳老官討個稻草來我用。」行者道：「要稻草何用？」八戒道：「你那裡得知？Sha Seng said, "Master, this is hard going." Bajie said, "Wait a moment — let me ask old Master Chen for some rice straw to use." Wukong said, "What use is rice straw?" Bajie said, "How would you know?要稻草包著馬蹄方才不滑，免教跌下師父來也。」陳老在岸上聽言，急命人家中取一束稻草，卻請唐僧上岸下馬。Wrapping the horse's hooves in straw will keep them from slipping, so as to spare the master a fall." Old Chen, listening from the bank, hastily sent someone home to fetch a bundle of rice straw, and asked Tang Seng to go ashore and dismount.八戒將草包裹馬足，然後踏冰而行。Bajie wrapped the horse's hooves in the straw, and only then did they set out across the ice.

遂此相向而别，径至河边冰上，那马蹄滑了一滑，险些儿把三藏跌下马来。沙僧道：「师父，难行。」八戒道：「且住，问陈老官讨个稻草来我用。」行者道：「要稻草何用？」八戒道：「你那里得知？要稻草包著马蹄方才不滑，免教跌下师父来也。」陈老在岸上听言，急命人家中取一束稻草，却请唐僧上岸下马。八戒将草包裹马足，然后踏冰而行。

別陳老離河邊，行有三四里遠近，八戒把九環錫杖遞與唐僧道：「師父，你橫此在馬上。」行者道：「這獃子奸詐。Taking leave of old Chen and departing from the riverbank, they had gone some three or four li when Bajie handed the nine-ringed monk's staff to Tang Seng, saying, "Master, hold this crosswise on your horse." Wukong said, "This idiot is being crafty.錫杖原是你挑的，如何又叫師父拿著？」八戒道：「你不曾走過冰凌，不曉得。The staff was originally yours to carry — why now ask the master to hold it?" Bajie said, "You have never walked on river ice before, so you wouldn't know.凡是冰凍之上，必有凌眼；Wherever there is ice frozen over, there are bound to be thin spots — ice-eyes, as they're called;倘或屣著凌眼，脫將下去，若沒橫擔之物，骨都的落水，就如一個大鍋蓋蓋住，如何鑽得上來？and should one step on such an ice-eye and fall through, if there is nothing held crosswise, one will plunge straight down into the water, and it will be just like a great pot lid clamped shut overhead — how then could one climb back up?須是如此架住方可。」行者暗笑道：「這獃子倒是個積年走冰的。」果然都依了他：長老橫擔著錫杖，行者橫擔著鐵棒，沙僧橫擔著降妖寶杖，八戒肩挑著行李，腰橫著釘鈀，師徒們放心前進。One must brace oneself this way to be safe." Wukong laughed inwardly, thinking, "This idiot turns out to be quite the seasoned ice-walker." Sure enough, they all did as he said: the elder held the monk's staff crosswise, Wukong held his iron rod crosswise, Sha Seng held his demon-quelling staff crosswise, Bajie carried the luggage on his shoulder with his rake slung crosswise at his waist, and master and disciples advanced with their minds at ease.這一直行到天晚，吃了些乾糧。They went on straight until nightfall, and ate some of the dry provisions.卻又不敢久停，對著星月光華，觀的冰凍上亮灼灼，白茫茫，只情奔走，果然是馬不停蹄。Yet they dared not linger long, and by the light of the stars and moon, seeing the ice gleaming bright and white all around, they simply pressed on with all their strength, so that truly the horse never once paused its hooves.師徒們莫能合眼，走了一夜。Master and disciples could not close their eyes, and walked the whole night through.天明又吃些乾糧，望西又進。At dawn they ate a little more of the dry provisions, and pressed on westward again.

别陈老离河边，行有三四里远近，八戒把九环锡杖递与唐僧道：「师父，你横此在马上。」行者道：「这呆子奸诈。锡杖原是你挑的，如何又叫师父拿著？」八戒道：「你不曾走过冰凌，不晓得。凡是冰冻之上，必有凌眼；倘或屣著凌眼，脱将下去，若没横担之物，骨都的落水，就如一个大锅盖盖住，如何钻得上来？须是如此架住方可。」行者暗笑道：「这呆子倒是个积年走冰的。」果然都依了他：长老横担著锡杖，行者横担著铁棒，沙僧横担著降妖宝杖，八戒肩挑著行李，腰横著钉钯，师徒们放心前进。这一直行到天晚，吃了些干粮。却又不敢久停，对著星月光华，观的冰冻上亮灼灼，白茫茫，只情奔走，果然是马不停蹄。师徒们莫能合眼，走了一夜。天明又吃些干粮，望西又进。

正行時，只聽得冰底下撲喇喇一聲響喨，險些兒諕倒了白馬。Just as they were traveling on, they suddenly heard a loud crashing boom beneath the ice, which nearly startled the white horse into collapse.三藏大驚道：「徒弟呀！Sanzang, greatly alarmed, said, "Disciples!怎麼這般響喨？」八戒道：「這河忒也凍得結實，地凌響了。Why is there such a loud noise?" Bajie said, "This river is frozen much too solid, and the ice beneath the ground is cracking.或者這半中間連底通錮住了也。」三藏聞言，又驚又喜，策馬前進，趲行不題。Or perhaps it has frozen clear through to the bottom in the middle stretch." Hearing this, Sanzang was both alarmed and pleased, and urged his horse onward, hurrying along without further remark for now.

正行时，只听得冰底下扑喇喇一声响喨，险些儿諕倒了白马。三藏大惊道：「徒弟呀！怎么这般响喨？」八戒道：「这河忒也冻得结实，地凌响了。或者这半中间连底通锢住了也。」三藏闻言，又惊又喜，策马前进，趱行不题。

卻說那妖邪自從回歸水府，引眾精在於冰下。Now to speak of that evil spirit — ever since returning to his watery palace, he had led his band of spirits to lie beneath the ice.等候多時，只聽得馬蹄響處，他在底下弄個神通，滑喇的迸開冰凍。After waiting a long while, as soon as he heard the sound of horse hooves overhead, he worked a bit of magic down below, and with a cracking burst split open the frozen ice.慌得孫大聖跳上空中；In alarm the Great Sage Sun leapt up into the air;早把那白馬落於水內，三人盡皆脫下。but already the white horse had fallen into the water, and all three of the others were thrown off as well.

却说那妖邪自从回归水府，引众精在于冰下。等候多时，只听得马蹄响处，他在底下弄个神通，滑喇的迸开冰冻。慌得孙大圣跳上空中；早把那白马落于水内，三人尽皆脱下。

那妖邪將三藏捉住，引群精徑回水府，厲聲高叫：「鱖妹何在？」老鱖婆迎門施禮道：「大王，不敢，不敢。」妖邪道：「賢妹何出此言？『一言既出，駟馬難追。』原說聽從汝計，捉了唐僧，與你拜為兄妹。The evil spirit seized Sanzang and led his host of spirits straight back to his watery palace, calling out loudly, "Sister Gui, where are you?" Old Granny Gui came out to greet him with a bow, saying, "Great King, I dare not, I dare not." The evil spirit said, "Worthy sister, why do you say such a thing? 'Once a word is spoken, four horses cannot overtake it.' I did say I would follow your plan, capture Tang Seng, and become sworn siblings with you.今日果成妙計，捉了唐僧，就好昧了前言？」教：「小的們，擡過案桌，磨快刀來，把這和尚剖腹剜心，剝皮剮肉；Now that the fine plan has indeed succeeded and Tang Seng is captured, would it be right to go back on my earlier word?" He then ordered, "Underlings, bring out the table, and sharpen the knives well — cut open this monk's belly and dig out his heart, strip off his skin and slice his flesh;一壁廂響動樂器：與賢妹共而食之，延壽長生也。」鱖婆道：「大王，且休吃他，恐他徒弟們尋來吵鬧。on one side let the music sound: I shall share him with my worthy sister, that we may prolong our lives and gain long life." Granny Gui said, "Great King, do not eat him just yet — I fear his disciples will come searching and stir up trouble.且寧耐兩日，讓那廝不來尋，然後剖開，請大王上坐，眾眷族環列，吹彈歌舞，奉上大王，從容自在享用，卻不好也？」那怪依言，把唐僧藏於宮後，使一個六尺長的石匣蓋在中間不題。Better to bear with patience for a couple of days; once that fellow gives up searching and does not come, then cut him open, invite the Great King to the seat of honor, with all the kinsfolk arrayed around, playing music, singing and dancing, and present him to the Great King, so that he may enjoy him at leisure and in comfort — would that not be better?" The demon agreed to this, and hid Tang Seng behind the palace, covering him in the middle with a stone coffin six feet long, and we shall speak no more of that for now.

那妖邪将三藏捉住，引群精径回水府，厉声高叫：「鳜妹何在？」老鳜婆迎门施礼道：「大王，不敢，不敢。」妖邪道：「贤妹何出此言？『一言既出，驷马难追。』原说听从汝计，捉了唐僧，与你拜为兄妹。今日果成妙计，捉了唐僧，就好昧了前言？」教：「小的们，抬过案桌，磨快刀来，把这和尚剖腹剜心，剥皮剐肉；一壁厢响动乐器：与贤妹共而食之，延寿长生也。」鳜婆道：「大王，且休吃他，恐他徒弟们寻来吵闹。且宁耐两日，让那厮不来寻，然后剖开，请大王上坐，众眷族环列，吹弹歌舞，奉上大王，从容自在享用，却不好也？」那怪依言，把唐僧藏于宫后，使一个六尺长的石匣盖在中间不题。

卻說八戒、沙僧在水裡撈著行囊，放在白馬身上馱了，分開水路，湧浪翻波，負水而出。Now to speak of Bajie and Sha Seng, who fished the luggage out of the water and loaded it onto the white horse's back, then parted the waterway, riding the surging waves, and bore themselves up out of the water on the current.只見行者在半空中看見，問道：「師父何在？」八戒道：「師父姓陳，名到底了。Wukong, watching from midair, asked, "Where is the master?" Bajie said, "Master's surname is now Chen, given name 'Gone-for-Good.'如今沒處找尋，且上岸再作區處。」原來八戒本是天蓬元帥臨凡，他當年掌管天河八萬水兵大眾；There's nowhere to search for him now — let's get to the shore first and think of another plan." It so happened that Bajie had originally been Marshal Tianpeng come down to the mortal world, and in his time he had commanded eighty thousand naval troops of the Heavenly River;沙和尚是流沙河內出身；Sha Monk had originally come from the Flowing-Sand River;白馬本是西海龍孫：故此能知水性。and the white horse had originally been a grandson of the Dragon King of the Western Sea — and so all three of them understood the ways of water.大聖在空中指引，須臾，回轉東崖，晒刷了馬匹，紾掠了衣裳。The Great Sage guided them from midair, and in a moment they turned back to the eastern bank, where they dried and brushed down the horse, and wrung out their clothes.大聖雲頭按落，一同到於陳家莊上。The Great Sage lowered his cloud, and together they went to the Chen family village.早有人報與二老道：「四個取經的老爺，如今只剩了三個來也。」兄弟即忙接出門外，果見衣裳還濕，道：「老爺們，我等那般苦留，卻不肯住，只要這樣方休。Already someone had reported to the two old men, "Of the four elders going for the scriptures, now only three have come back." The two brothers hurried out to meet them, and indeed saw their clothes still wet, saying, "Venerable sirs, we begged you so earnestly to stay, and you would not, insisting on going only to end up like this.怎麼不見三藏老爺？」八戒道：「不叫做三藏了，改名叫做陳到底也。」二老垂淚道：「可憐！How is it that Elder Sanzang is nowhere to be seen?" Bajie said, "He's not called Sanzang anymore — his name has been changed to Chen Gone-for-Good." The two old men wept, saying, "How pitiful!可憐！How pitiful!我說等雪融備船相送，堅執不從，致令喪了性命。」行者道：「老兒，莫替古人耽憂。I said we should wait for the snow to melt and prepare a boat to see you across, but you insisted so stubbornly and would not listen, and now it has cost him his life." Wukong said, "Old sirs, do not go worrying on behalf of the departed.我師父管他不死長命。My master is fated not to die — his life span is a long one.老孫知道，決然是那靈感大王弄法算計去了。I, old Sun, know full well that this must be the doing of that Great King of Divine Might, working his schemes.你且放心，與我們漿漿衣服，晒晒關文，取草料喂著白馬。Just set your minds at ease, and help us wash our clothes, dry out our travel permit, and fetch fodder to feed the white horse.等我弟兄尋著那廝，救出師父，索性剪草除根，替你一莊人除了後患，庶幾永遠得安生也。」陳老聞言，滿心歡喜，即命安排齋供。Wait until my brothers and I find that fiend, rescue our master, and while we're at it cut the weeds and pull out the roots for good, ridding your whole village of this future menace, so that you may live in peace forever after." Hearing this, old Chen was filled with joy, and at once ordered a vegetarian meal to be prepared.

却说八戒、沙僧在水里捞著行囊，放在白马身上驮了，分开水路，涌浪翻波，负水而出。只见行者在半空中看见，问道：「师父何在？」八戒道：「师父姓陈，名到底了。如今没处找寻，且上岸再作区处。」原来八戒本是天蓬元帅临凡，他当年掌管天河八万水兵大众；沙和尚是流沙河内出身；白马本是西海龙孙：故此能知水性。大圣在空中指引，须臾，回转东崖，晒刷了马匹，紾掠了衣裳。大圣云头按落，一同到于陈家庄上。早有人报与二老道：「四个取经的老爷，如今只剩了三个来也。」兄弟即忙接出门外，果见衣裳还湿，道：「老爷们，我等那般苦留，却不肯住，只要这样方休。怎么不见三藏老爷？」八戒道：「不叫做三藏了，改名叫做陈到底也。」二老垂泪道：「可怜！可怜！我说等雪融备船相送，坚执不从，致令丧了性命。」行者道：「老儿，莫替古人耽忧。我师父管他不死长命。老孙知道，决然是那灵感大王弄法算计去了。你且放心，与我们浆浆衣服，晒晒关文，取草料喂著白马。等我弟兄寻著那厮，救出师父，索性剪草除根，替你一庄人除了后患，庶几永远得安生也。」陈老闻言，满心欢喜，即命安排斋供。

兄弟三人飽餐一頓，將馬匹、行囊交與陳家看守。The three brothers ate their fill, and left the horse and luggage in the care of the Chen family to watch over.各整兵器，徑赴河邊尋師擒怪。Each then made ready his weapon, and went straight to the riverbank to search for their master and capture the fiend.正是：Truly it is as the saying goes:

兄弟三人饱餐一顿，将马匹、行囊交与陈家看守。各整兵器，径赴河边寻师擒怪。正是：

畢竟不知怎麼救得唐僧，且聽下回分解。In the end, we do not know how Tang Seng was to be rescued; hear the next chapter for the explanation.

毕竟不知怎么救得唐僧，且听下回分解。