第085回 The Leopard Demon of Hidden Mist Mountain Captures Tang Sanzang

第085回Chapter 85

話說那國王早朝文武多官俱執表章啟奏道：「主公，望赦臣等失儀之罪。」國王道：「眾卿禮貌如常，有何失儀？」眾卿道：「主公啊，不知何故，臣等一夜把頭髮都沒了。」國王執了這沒頭髮之表，下龍床對群臣道：「果然不知何故，朕宮中大小人等，一夜也盡沒了頭髮。」君臣們都各汪汪滴淚道：「從此後，再不敢殺戮和尚也。」王復上龍位，眾官各立本班。It is told that at the early court, all the civil and military officials presented memorials and reported, “Your Majesty, we beg forgiveness for our breach of decorum.” The king said, “Your manners are as proper as ever. What breach have you committed?” The officials said, “Your Majesty, we know not why, but in a single night we have all lost our hair.” Taking the memorial concerning their hairlessness, the king descended from the dragon throne and said to his ministers, “Indeed, no one knows why, but every person great and small in our palace has likewise lost all their hair overnight.” King and ministers alike shed streaming tears and said, “Henceforth we shall never again dare slaughter monks.” The king returned to the dragon throne, and the officials resumed their appointed ranks.王又道：「有事出班來奏，無事捲簾散朝。」只見那武班中閃出巡城總兵官，文班中走出東城兵馬使，當階叩頭道：「臣蒙聖旨巡城，夜來獲得賊臟一櫃、白馬一匹。The king said again, “If you have business, step forth and report it; if not, roll up the blinds and dismiss the court.” At once the commander-in-chief of the city patrol stepped from the military ranks, while the commissioner of the Eastern City Constabulary came out from the civil ranks. Kowtowing before the steps, they said, “By imperial command we patrolled the city, and last night we seized a chest of stolen goods and one white horse.微臣不敢擅專，請旨定奪。」國王大喜道：「連櫃取來。」“Your humble servants dared not decide the matter on our own and request Your Majesty’s judgment.” The king was delighted and said, “Bring the chest here at once.”

二臣即退至本衙，點起齊整軍士，將櫃擡出。The two officials withdrew to their offices, mustered a well-ordered company of soldiers, and had the chest carried out.三藏在內，魂不附體道：「徒弟們，這一到國王前，如何理說？」行者笑道：「莫嚷，我已打點停當了，開櫃時，他就拜我們為師哩。Inside it, Sanzang was frightened out of his wits. “Disciples,” he said, “when we are brought before the king, how shall we explain ourselves?” Wukong laughed and said, “Do not make a fuss. I have arranged everything. When they open the chest, he will bow to us and take us for his masters.只教八戒不要爭競長短。」八戒道：「但只免殺，就是無量之福，還敢爭競哩。」說不了，擡至朝外，入五鳳樓，放在丹墀之下。“Only tell Bajie not to quarrel over who is senior and who junior.” Bajie said, “So long as we escape death, that will be immeasurable good fortune. How would I dare quarrel?” Before he had finished speaking, they were carried outside the court, taken through the Five Phoenix Tower, and set down beneath the vermilion steps.

二臣請國王開看，國王即命打開。The two officials asked the king to inspect the chest, and the king at once ordered it opened.方揭了蓋，豬八戒就忍不住往外一跳，諕得那多官膽戰，口不能言。The lid had scarcely been raised when Zhu Bajie could restrain himself no longer and sprang out, terrifying all the officials so badly that their hearts quaked and they could not speak.又見孫行者攙出唐僧，沙和尚搬出行李。Then they saw Sun Wukong help the Tang monk out, while Sha Wujing brought out the luggage.八戒見總兵官牽著馬，走上前，咄的一聲道：「馬是我的，拿過來。」嚇得那官兒翻跟頭，跌倒在地。Seeing the commander-in-chief holding the horse, Bajie strode forward and barked, “That horse is mine! Hand it over.” The officer was so frightened that he turned a somersault and fell to the ground.四眾俱立在階中。All four pilgrims stood before the steps.那國王看見是四個和尚，忙下龍床，宣召三宮妃后，下金鑾寶殿，同群臣拜問道：「長老何來？」三藏道：「是東土大唐駕下差往西方天竺國大雷音寺拜活佛取真經的。」國王道：「老師遠來，為何在這櫃裡安歇？」三藏道：「貧僧知陛下有願心殺和尚，不敢明投上國，扮俗人，夜至寶方飯店裡借宿。When the king saw that they were four monks, he hurried down from the dragon throne and summoned the consorts and queens of the Three Palaces. Descending from the Golden Chimes Hall, he and all his ministers bowed and asked, “From where have you come, elders?” Sanzang replied, “We were sent by the sovereign of the Great Tang in the Eastern Land to the Great Thunderclap Monastery in the Western Kingdom of Tianzhu, there to worship the Living Buddha and fetch the true scriptures.” The king said, “Masters, after coming so far, why did you sleep in this chest?” Sanzang answered, “This poor monk knew that Your Majesty had vowed to kill monks. Not daring to present myself openly in your noble realm, I disguised myself as a layman and sought lodging by night at the Baofang Inn.因怕人識破原身，故此在櫃中安歇。“For fear that someone might discover my true identity, I therefore slept inside the chest.不幸被賊偷出，被總兵捉獲擡來。“Unfortunately, thieves carried it away, and the commander-in-chief caught them and had us borne here.今得見陛下龍顏，所謂撥雲見日。“Now that I behold Your Majesty’s dragon countenance, it is truly as though the clouds had parted to reveal the sun.望陛下赦放貧僧，海深恩便也。」國王道：「老師是天朝上國高僧，朕失迎迓。“I beg Your Majesty to pardon and release this poor monk; your favor would be deep as the sea.” The king said, “Master, you are an eminent monk from the exalted Celestial Court, and We have failed to welcome you properly.朕常年有願殺僧者，曾因僧謗了朕，朕許天願，要殺一萬和尚做圓滿。“For years We have vowed to kill monks because one monk once slandered Us. We made a vow to Heaven that We would kill ten thousand monks to fulfill it.不期今夜歸依，教朕等為僧。“Unexpectedly, tonight We were converted and made to resemble monks ourselves.如今君臣后妃，髮都剃落了，望老師勿吝高賢，願為門下。」八戒聽言，呵呵大笑道：「既要拜為門徒，有何贄見之禮？」國王道：「師若肯從，願將國中財寶獻上。」行者道：「莫說財寶，我和尚是有道之僧。“Now king and ministers, queens and consorts have all had their hair shorn away. We beg you, in your great wisdom, not to disdain us, but accept us beneath your gate.” Hearing this, Bajie laughed aloud. “If you wish to become our disciples, what initiation gift will you offer?” The king said, “If the masters consent, I shall present you with all the treasures of my kingdom.” Wukong said, “Say no more of treasure. We monks are men who possess the Way.你只把關文倒換了，送我們出城，保你皇圖永固，福壽長臻。」那國王聽說，即著光祿寺大排筵宴。“Simply endorse and exchange our travel document, then escort us out of the city, and your imperial dominion shall remain forever secure while blessings and long life come to you without end.” Hearing this, the king at once ordered the Court of Imperial Entertainments to prepare a magnificent banquet.君臣合同，拜歸於一。King and ministers joined together and submitted themselves to the one true faith.即時倒換關文，請師父改號。The travel document was endorsed at once, and the master was asked to give the kingdom a new name.行者道：「陛下『法國』之名甚好，但只『滅』字不通。Wukong said, “Your Majesty, the name ‘Dharma-Destroying Kingdom’ is fine save that the word ‘Destroying’ is improper.自經我過，可改號『欽法國』，管教你海晏河清千代勝，風調雨順萬方安。」國王謝了恩。“Since I have passed through it, change its name to ‘Dharma-Honoring Kingdom.’ I guarantee that for a thousand generations your seas shall be calm and your rivers clear, while seasonable winds and rains bring peace to every land.” The king thanked him for this favor.擺整朝鑾駕，送唐僧四眾出城西去。The full royal procession was arrayed, and the Tang monk and his three disciples were escorted out of the city and sent on their way west.君臣們乘善歸真不題。Of how king and ministers embraced goodness and returned to the truth, we shall speak no more.

卻說長老辭別了欽法國王，在馬上欣然道：「悟空，此一法甚善，大有功也。」沙僧道：「哥啊，是那裡尋這許多整容匠，連夜剃這許多頭？」行者把那施變化弄神通的事說了一遍。Now the elder took leave of the king of the Dharma-Honoring Kingdom and said cheerfully from horseback, “Wukong, that was an excellent stratagem and a deed of great merit.” Sha Wujing said, “Brother, where did you find so many barbers to shave all those heads in a single night?” Wukong told them the whole story of how he had worked his transformations and displayed his divine powers.師徒們都笑不合口。Master and disciples laughed until they could not close their mouths.

正歡喜處，忽見一座高山阻路。In the midst of their delight, they suddenly saw a lofty mountain blocking the road.唐僧勒馬道：「徒弟們，你看這面前山勢崔巍，切須仔細。」行者笑道：「放心，放心，保你無事。」三藏道：「休言無事。The Tang monk reined in his horse and said, “Disciples, look at the towering grandeur of the mountain ahead. We must be most careful.” Wukong laughed and said, “Set your mind at ease. I shall keep you safe.” Sanzang said, “Do not say there is no danger.我看那山峰挺立，遠遠的有些兇氣，暴雲飛出，漸覺驚惶，滿身麻木，神思不安。」行者笑道：「你把烏巢禪師的《多心經》早已忘了？」三藏道：「我記得。」行者道：「你雖記得，這有四句頌子，你卻忘了哩。」三藏道：「那四句？」行者道：“I see those peaks standing sheer, and even from afar they bear an ominous air. Dark clouds billow from them, and I am growing fearful; my whole body is numb, and my mind is ill at ease.” Wukong laughed and said, “Have you already forgotten the Many-Heart Sutra taught by the Chan Master of Crow’s Nest?” Sanzang said, “I remember it.” Wukong said, “Though you remember it, there are four lines of verse that you have forgotten.” Sanzang asked, “Which four?” Wukong said:

三藏道：「徒弟，我豈不知？Sanzang said, “Disciple, how could I not know?若依此四句，千經萬典，也只是修心。」行者道：「不消說了。“According to those four lines, the thousands of sutras and myriad canons amount to nothing more than cultivation of the mind.” Wukong said, “No more need be said.心淨孤明獨照，心存萬境皆清。“When the mind is pure, its solitary light shines alone; when the mind is steadfast, the myriad scenes are clear.差錯些兒成惰懈，千年萬載不成功。“The slightest error leads to indolence, and no success will come in a thousand years or ten thousand.但要一片志誠，雷音只在眼下。“You need only a single heart of sincere resolve, and Thunderclap will be right before your eyes.似你這般恐懼驚惶，神思不安，大道遠矣，雷音亦遠矣。“But with fear and alarm such as yours, and your thoughts so ill at ease, the Great Way is far away, and Thunderclap is far away too.且莫胡疑，隨我去。」那長老聞言，心神頓爽，萬慮皆休。“Do not indulge in foolish doubts; follow me.” Hearing this, the elder’s mind and spirits immediately cleared, and all his anxieties ceased.

四眾一同前進。The four pilgrims advanced together.不幾步到於山上。Within a few steps they reached the mountain.舉目看時：Raising their eyes, they saw:

師徒們怯怯驚驚，正行之時，只聽得呼呼一陣風起。Master and disciples proceeded timidly and fearfully, when suddenly they heard a rushing gust of wind arise.三藏害怕道：「風起了。」行者道：「春有和風，夏有薰風，秋有金風，冬有朔風。Sanzang said in alarm, “The wind is rising.” Wukong replied, “Spring has its gentle wind, summer its warm wind, autumn its golden wind, and winter its north wind.四時皆有風，風起怕怎的？」三藏道：「這風來得甚急，決然不是天風。」行者道：「自古來，風從地起，雲自山出，怎麼得個天風？」“There is wind in every season. Why fear when it rises?” Sanzang said, “This wind has come with such violence that it certainly is not a natural wind.” Wukong replied, “Since ancient times wind has risen from the earth and clouds have issued from the mountains. What ‘heavenly wind’ could there be?”

說不了，又見一陣霧起。Before he had finished speaking, another bank of mist arose.那霧真個是：And this mist was truly:

三藏一發心驚道：「悟空，風還未定，如何又這般霧起？」行者道：「且莫忙，請師父下馬，你兄弟二個在此保守，等我去看看是何吉凶。」Sanzang grew more frightened still and said, “Wukong, the wind has not yet subsided; why has such a mist arisen as well?” Wukong said, “Do not be anxious. Master, please dismount. You two brothers remain here to protect him while I go and see whether this bodes good or ill.”

好大聖，把腰一躬，就到半空。The Great Sage bent at the waist and instantly soared into midair.用手搭在眉上，圓睜火眼，向下觀之，果見那懸巖邊坐著一個妖精。Shading his brows with one hand, he opened his fiery golden eyes wide and looked down. Sure enough, he saw a monster sitting beside a hanging cliff.你看他怎生模樣：Just look at his appearance:

又見那左右手下有三四十個小妖擺列，他在那裡逼法的噴風噯霧。He also saw thirty or forty lesser fiends arrayed to either side of him, while the monster stood there working his spells, puffing out wind and belching mist.行者暗笑道：「我師父也有些兒先兆，他說不是天風，果然此風是個妖精在這裡弄喧兒哩。Wukong laughed to himself. “My master does possess some power of foreknowledge. He said it was no natural wind, and sure enough it is a monster making mischief here.若老孫使鐵棒往下就打，這叫做『搗蒜打』，打便打死了，只是壞了老孫的名頭。」那行者一生豪傑，再不曉得暗算計人。“If old Sun simply brought his iron staff down and struck him, it would be what they call ‘pounding garlic’: one blow would kill him, but it would tarnish old Sun’s reputation.” Wukong was a hero all his life and had never known how to attack a man by stealth.他道：「我且回去，照顧豬八戒照顧，教他來先與這妖精見一仗。He thought, “I shall go back and give Zhu Bajie some special attention, and have him come fight this monster first.若是八戒有本事，打倒這妖，算了造化；“If Bajie has the ability to defeat the monster, it will be his good fortune.若無手段，被這妖拿去，等我再去救他，才好出名。“If he lacks the skill and is captured, I shall go rescue him afterward, and then I shall make a name for myself.他又平日做作，有些躲懶，不肯出頭，卻只是有些口緊，好吃東西。“Besides, he is always putting on airs and shirking work, unwilling to take the lead; he is merely greedy and fond of food.等我哄他一哄，看他怎麼說？」“I shall trick him and see what he says.”

即時落下雲頭，到三藏前。He immediately descended from the clouds and returned to Sanzang.三藏問道：「悟空，風霧處吉凶何如？」行者道：「這會子明淨了，沒甚風霧。」三藏道：「正是，覺到退下些去了。」行者笑道：「師父，我常時間還看得好，這番卻看錯了。Sanzang asked, “Wukong, what good or ill lies amid the wind and mist?” Wukong said, “It is clear now; there is hardly any wind or mist.” Sanzang said, “Indeed, I can feel it receding somewhat.” Wukong laughed and said, “Master, my sight is usually keen, but this time I was mistaken.我只說風霧之中恐有妖怪，原來不是。」三藏道：「是甚麼？」行者道：「前面不遠，乃是一莊村。“I thought there might be monsters in the wind and mist, but it turns out there are none.” Sanzang asked, “Then what is there?” Wukong said, “Not far ahead is a village.村上人家好善，蒸的白米乾飯、白麵饝饝齋僧哩。“The families there delight in good works. They are steaming dry-cooked white rice and white-flour buns as alms for monks.這些霧，想是那些人家蒸籠之氣，也是積善之應。」八戒聽說，認了真實，扯過行者，悄悄的道：「哥哥，你先吃了他的齋來的？」行者道：「吃不多兒，因那菜蔬太鹹了些，不喜多吃。」八戒道：「啐！“I imagine this mist is steam from their cooking baskets and also a sign of the merit they have amassed.” Bajie took this for the truth, pulled Wukong aside, and whispered, “Brother, have you already eaten some of their vegetarian fare?” Wukong said, “Not very much. Their vegetables were a little too salty for my taste, so I did not care to eat more.” Bajie said, “Pah!憑他怎麼鹹，我也盡肚吃他一飽。“However salty it is, I shall fill my belly with it.十分作渴，便回來吃水。」行者道：「你要吃麼？」八戒道：「正是，我肚裡有些饑了，先要去吃些兒，不知如何？」行者道：「兄弟莫題。“If I become terribly thirsty, I can come back and drink water.” Wukong asked, “Do you want to eat?” Bajie replied, “I do. My belly is rather hungry, and I want to go eat something first. What do you think?” Wukong said, “Brother, say no more.古書云：『父在，子不得自專。』師父又在此，誰敢先去？」八戒笑道：「你若不言語，我就去了。」行者道：「我不言語，看你怎麼得去？」那獃子吃嘴的見識偏有，走上前，唱個大喏道：「師父，適才師兄說，前村裡有人家齋僧。“The ancient books declare, ‘While the father is present, the son may not act on his own authority.’ With Master here, who would dare go ahead of him?” Bajie laughed and said, “If you say nothing, I shall go.” Wukong replied, “I shall say nothing and see how you manage it.” The idiot was especially clever where his appetite was concerned. He stepped forward, made a deep bow, and said, “Master, elder brother just said that a family in the village ahead is offering food to monks.你看這馬，有些要打攪人家，便要草要料，卻不費事？“Look at this horse: if we impose upon the family, it will need both grass and fodder, which will only cause them trouble.幸如今風霧明淨，你們且略坐坐，等我去尋些嫩草兒，先喂喂馬，然後再往那家子化齋去罷。」唐僧歡喜道：「好啊，你今日卻怎肯這等勤謹？“Fortunately the wind and mist have cleared. Sit here a while, and let me find some tender grass and feed the horse first; afterward we can go to that household and beg our meal.” The Tang monk said happily, “Excellent! How is it that you are so diligent today?快去快來。」“Go quickly and return quickly.”

那獃子暗暗笑著便走。The idiot chuckled to himself and went off.行者趕上扯住道：「兄弟，他那裡齋僧，只齋俊的，不齋醜的。」八戒道：「這等說，又要變化是。」行者道：「正是，你變變兒去。」好獃子，他也有三十六般變化，走到山凹裡，捻著訣，念動咒語，搖身一變，變做個矮瘦和尚。Wukong caught up, seized him, and said, “Brother, they feed only handsome monks there, not ugly ones.” Bajie said, “Then I must transform myself again.” Wukong said, “Exactly. Transform yourself before you go.” The good idiot also knew the thirty-six transformations. Entering a hollow in the mountain, he formed a spell with his fingers, recited an incantation, shook himself, and changed into a short, thin monk.手裡敲個木魚，口裡哼阿哼的，又不會念經，只哼的是「上大人」。He struck a wooden fish in his hand and hummed away, but since he could not recite sutras, all he hummed was the children’s primer, “The great man above.”

卻說那怪物收風斂霧，號令群妖，在於大路口上，擺開一個圈子陣，專等行客。Meanwhile the monster drew in the wind and gathered up the mist. Ordering his fiends into formation at the main road, he arrayed them in a circular ambush to await travelers.這獃子晦氣，不多時，撞到當中，被群妖圍住，這個扯住衣服，那個扯著絲絛，推推擁擁，一齊下手。The idiot’s luck was ill. Before long he blundered into their midst and was surrounded by the fiends. One seized his robe, another his silken sash, and, shoving and jostling, they all laid hands on him together.八戒道：「不要扯，等我一家家吃將來。」群妖道：「和尚，你要吃甚的？」八戒道：「你們這裡齋僧，我來吃齋的。」群妖道：「你想這裡齋僧，不知我這裡專要吃僧。Bajie said, “Do not pull! Let me eat at each of your houses in turn.” The fiends asked, “Monk, what do you want to eat?” Bajie replied, “You offer meals to monks here, and I have come for the food.” The fiends said, “You think we feed monks here, but you do not know that here we make a specialty of eating monks.我們都是山中得道的妖仙，專要把你們和尚拿到家裡，上蒸籠蒸熟吃哩。“We are all demon immortals who attained the Way in these mountains. We make a practice of taking you monks home, steaming you in a basket, and eating you cooked.你倒還想來吃齋。」八戒聞言，心中害怕，才報怨行者道：「這個弼馬溫，其實憊懶。“Yet you come here expecting a meal!” Hearing this, Bajie was frightened and began cursing Wukong in his heart. “That Protector of the Horses is truly a wretch!他哄我說是這村裡齋僧，這裡那得村莊人家？“He tricked me by saying this village fed monks. Where is there any village or household here?那裡齋甚麼僧？“Who is offering food to any monk?卻原來是此妖精。」那獃子被他扯急了，即便現出原身，腰間掣釘鈀，一頓亂築，築退那些小妖。“It turns out there are only these monsters!” When the idiot could no longer bear their tugging, he resumed his true form, whipped the rake from his waist, and thrust wildly until he drove the lesser fiends back.

小妖急跑去報與老妖道：「大王，禍事了。」老怪道：「有甚禍事？」小妖道：「山前來了一個和尚，且是生得乾淨。The lesser fiends ran to report to the old monster. “Great King, disaster!” they cried. The old monster asked, “What disaster?” The lesser fiends replied, “A monk has come to the foot of the mountain, and a remarkably clean-looking one too.我說拿家來蒸他吃，若吃不了，留些兒防天陰。“We told him we would take him home and steam him to eat, saving some for cloudy weather if we could not finish him.不想他會變化。」老妖道：「變化甚的模樣？」小妖道：「那裡成個人相？“But unexpectedly, he knew how to transform himself.” The old monster asked, “What did he transform into?” The lesser fiends replied, “He hardly looks human at all!長嘴大耳朵，背後又有鬃。“He has a long snout, huge ears, and bristles down his back.雙手掄一根釘鈀，沒頭沒臉的亂築，諕得我們跑回來報大王也。」老怪道：「莫怕，等我去看。」掄著一條鐵杵，走近前看時，見那獃子果然醜惡。“Swinging a nine-pronged rake in both hands, he thrusts blindly at everything. He frightened us so badly that we ran back to report to Your Majesty.” The old monster said, “Do not be afraid. Let me go and see.” Brandishing an iron pestle, he came forward and saw that the idiot was indeed hideous.他生得：He looked like this:

妖精硬著膽喝道：「你是那裡來的？Plucking up his courage, the monster shouted, “Where do you come from?叫甚名字？“What is your name?快早說來，饒你性命。」八戒笑道：「我的兒，你是也不認得你豬祖宗哩。“Tell me quickly and I shall spare your life.” Bajie laughed and said, “My child, you do not even recognize your Ancestor Zhu!上前來，說與你聽：“Come forward, and I shall tell you:

那妖精聞言，喝道：「你原來是唐僧的徒弟。Hearing this, the monster shouted, “So you are a disciple of the Tang monk.我一向聞得唐僧的肉好吃，正要拿你哩，你卻撞得來，我肯饒你？“I have long heard that the Tang monk’s flesh is delicious, and I have been wanting to capture you. Now that you have delivered yourself to me, do you think I shall spare you?不要走，看杵。」八戒道：「孽畜，你原來是個染博士出身。」妖精道：「我怎麼是染博士？」八戒道：「不是染博士，怎麼會使棒槌？」那怪那容分說，近前亂打。“Do not run—take my pestle!” Bajie said, “Evil beast, so you began your career as a master dyer!” The monster asked, “How am I a master dyer?” Bajie replied, “If you are not a master dyer, why do you wield a laundry beater?” The monster would brook no argument and rushed forward, striking wildly.他兩個在山凹裡，這一場好殺：The two fought in the mountain hollow, and a fine battle it was:

八戒長起威風，與妖精廝鬥，那怪喝令小妖把八戒一齊圍住不題。Bajie summoned all his might and fought the monster fiercely. The monster ordered the lesser fiends to surround Bajie on every side, and of that we shall speak no more for the moment.

卻說行者在唐僧背後，忽失聲冷笑。Meanwhile, behind the Tang monk, Wukong suddenly let out a cold laugh.沙僧道：「哥哥冷笑，何也？」行者道：「豬八戒真個獃呀，聽見說齋僧，就被我哄去了。Sha Wujing asked, “Brother, why do you laugh so coldly?” Wukong replied, “Zhu Bajie truly is an idiot. The moment he heard that monks were being fed, he let me trick him into going.這早晚還不見回來：若是一頓鈀打退妖精，你看他得勝而回，爭嚷功果；“He has not returned even after all this time. If he drives the monsters back with a flurry of his rake, just watch him return victorious and loudly claim all the merit;若戰他不過，被他拿去，卻是我的晦氣，背前面後，不知罵了多少弼馬溫哩。“but if he cannot defeat them and is captured, it will be my bad luck, for behind my back and to my face he will have cursed that Protector of the Horses countless times.悟淨，你休言語，等我去看看。」“Wujing, say nothing. Let me go and have a look.”

好大聖，他也不使長老知道，悄悄的腦後拔了一根毫毛，吹口仙氣，叫：「變！」即變做本身模樣，陪著沙僧，隨著長老。The Great Sage did not let the elder know. Secretly plucking a hair from the back of his head, he breathed immortal breath upon it and cried, “Change!” It became his exact likeness and remained with Sha Wujing beside the elder.他的真身出個神，跳在空中觀看，但見那獃子被怪圍繞，釘鈀勢亂，漸漸的難敵。His true body sent forth its spirit and leapt into the air to watch. There he saw the idiot surrounded by monsters, the strokes of his rake falling into disorder as he gradually became unable to hold them off.行者忍不住，按落雲頭，厲聲高叫道：「八戒不要忙，老孫來了。」那獃子聽得是行者聲音，仗著勢，愈長威風，一頓鈀，向前亂築。Unable to restrain himself, Wukong lowered his cloud and shouted sternly, “Bajie, do not panic! Old Sun is here!” Hearing Wukong’s voice, the idiot took heart and grew fiercer than ever, driving forward with a wild flurry of his rake.那妖精抵敵不住，道：「這和尚先前不濟，這會子怎麼又發起狠來？」八戒道：「我的兒，不可欺負我，我家裡人來也。」一發向前，沒頭沒臉築去。The monster could not withstand him and said, “This monk was feeble before; why has he suddenly become so fierce?” Bajie said, “My child, do not bully me—my family has come!” With redoubled fury, he thrust blindly forward.那妖精委架不住，領群妖敗陣去了。The monster truly could not parry his blows and led the fiends away in defeat.行者見妖精敗去，他就不曾近前，撥轉雲頭，徑回本處，把毫毛一抖，收上身來。Seeing the monster flee, Wukong did not go any nearer. He turned his cloud around and returned straight to the others, then shook the hair and took it back onto his body.長老的肉眼凡胎，那裡認得。The elder, with his mortal eyes and fleshly body, could never have detected it.

不一時，獃子得勝，也自轉來，累得那粘涎鼻涕，白沫生生。Before long the victorious idiot returned as well, so exhausted that sticky drool and mucus ran down his face and white foam bubbled at his lips.氣呼呼的走將來，叫聲：「師父。」長老見了，驚訝道：「八戒，你去打馬草的，怎麼這般狼狽回來？He came striding up in a huff and cried, “Master!” Seeing him, the elder exclaimed in surprise, “Bajie, you went to cut grass for the horse. Why have you returned in such a sorry state?想是山上人家有人看護，不容你打草麼？」獃子放下鈀，搥胸跌腳道：「師父，莫要問，說起來就活活羞殺人。」長老道：「為甚麼羞來？」八戒道：「師兄捉弄我。“Were the households on the mountain guarding it and refusing to let you cut their grass?” The idiot set down his rake, beat his chest, and stamped his feet. “Master, do not ask! The telling of it would shame me to death.” The elder asked, “What is there to be ashamed of?” Bajie said, “Elder brother played a trick on me.他先頭說風霧裡不是妖精，沒甚兇兆，是一莊村人家好善，蒸白米乾飯、白麵饝饝齋僧的。“At first he said there were no monsters or evil omens in the wind and mist, but a charitable village where people were steaming dry-cooked white rice and white-flour buns as alms for monks.我就當真，想著肚內饑了，先去乞些兒，假倚打草為名；“I believed him. Since I was hungry, I thought I would go beg some food first, using the cutting of grass as my excuse.豈知若干妖怪，把我圍了，苦戰了這一會，若不是師兄的哭喪棒相助，我也莫想得脫羅網回來也。」行者在傍笑道：「這獃子胡說。“Who could have known there were a host of monsters? They surrounded me, and I fought bitterly all this time. Had elder brother’s mourning staff not come to my aid, I could never have escaped their net and returned.” Wukong laughed beside him and said, “This idiot is talking nonsense.你若做了賊，就攀上一牢人。“Once you become a thief, you implicate everyone in the gaol.是我在這裡看著師父，何曾側離？」長老道：「是啊，悟空不曾離我。」那獃子跳著嚷道：「師父，你不曉得，他有替身。」長老道：「悟空，端的可有怪麼？」“I have stayed here watching over Master and never once left his side.” The elder said, “That is true; Wukong never left me.” The idiot leapt about, shouting, “Master, you do not understand—he has a substitute body!” The elder asked, “Wukong, are there truly monsters?”

行者瞞不過，躬身笑道：「是有個把小妖兒，他不敢惹我們。──八戒，你過來，一發照顧你照顧。Unable to conceal it any longer, Wukong bowed and said with a smile, “There are a handful of lesser fiends, but they dare not trouble us. Bajie, come here, and I shall give you a little more special attention.我們既保師父，走過險峻山路，就似行軍的一般。」八戒道：「行軍便怎的？」行者道：「你做個開路將軍，在前剖路。“Since we are escorting Master over this perilous mountain road, we are like an army on campaign.” Bajie asked, “What follows from our being an army?” Wukong replied, “You shall be the path-clearing general and open the road ahead.那妖精不來便罷，若來時，你與他賭鬥，打倒妖精，算你的功果。」八戒量著那妖精手段與他差不多，卻說：「我就死在他手內也罷，等我先走。」行者笑道：「這獃子先說晦氣話，怎麼得長進？」八戒道：「哥哥，你知道：公子登筵，不醉即飽；“If the monster does not come, well and good; if he does, fight him. Defeat him, and the merit will be yours.” Bajie reckoned that the monster’s abilities were about equal to his own and said, “Even if I die at his hands, so be it. Let me go first.” Wukong laughed and said, “This idiot speaks words of ill omen before he even starts. How will you ever make progress?” Bajie said, “Brother, you know the saying: when a young lord attends a feast, he leaves either drunk or full;壯士臨陣，不死帶傷。“when a brave warrior enters battle, he leaves either dead or wounded.”先說句錯話兒，後便有威風。」行者歡喜，即忙背了馬，請師父騎上，沙僧挑著行李，相隨八戒，一路入山不題。“First say something wrong, and afterward you will command respect.” Delighted, Xingzhe immediately shouldered the horse, invited his master to mount, and, with Shaseng carrying the luggage and Bajie accompanying them, traveled into the mountains—of which no more for now.

卻說那妖精帥幾個敗殘的小妖徑回本洞，高坐在那石崖上，默默無言。Meanwhile, the monster led the few surviving, defeated lesser demons straight back to his cave, where he sat high upon the rocky ledge in brooding silence.洞中還有許多看家的小妖，都上前問道：「大王常時出去，喜喜歡歡回來，今日如何煩惱？」老妖道：「小的們，我往常出洞巡山，不管那裡的人與獸，定撈幾個來家，養贍汝等。Many lesser demons who had stayed behind to guard the cave came forward and asked, “Your Majesty usually returns from your outings in high spirits. Why are you so troubled today?” The old monster said, “Little ones, whenever I used to leave the cave to patrol the mountain, whether I came upon men or beasts, I was sure to snatch a few and bring them home to feed you all.今日造化低，撞見一個對頭。」小妖問：「是那個對頭？」老妖道：「是一個和尚，乃東土唐僧取經的徒弟，名喚豬八戒。But my luck was poor today, and I ran into a formidable foe.” The lesser demons asked, “What foe was that?” The old monster said, “A monk named Zhu Bajie, a disciple of the Tang Monk from the Eastern Land who is journeying to fetch the scriptures.我被他一頓釘鈀，把我築得敗下陣來。He gave me such a bout with his rake that he beat me from the field.好惱啊！How infuriating!我這一向，常聞得人說，唐僧乃十世修行的羅漢，有人吃他一塊肉，可以延壽長生。For some time now I have often heard it said that the Tang Monk is an arhat who has cultivated himself through ten lifetimes, and that whoever eats a piece of his flesh may prolong his years and live forever.不期他今日到我山裡，正好拿住他蒸吃，不知他手下有這等徒弟。」I never expected him to come to my mountain today; it would have been the perfect chance to seize and steam him for eating, but I had no idea he possessed such a disciple.”

說不了，班部叢中閃上一個小妖，對老妖哽哽咽咽哭了三聲，又嘻嘻哈哈的笑了三聲。Before he had finished speaking, a lesser demon stepped out from among the ranks, sobbed three times before the old monster, and then laughed three times, “Hee, hee, ha, ha!”老妖喝道：「你又哭又笑，何也？」小妖跪下道：「大王才說要吃唐僧，唐僧的肉不中吃。」老妖道：「人都說吃他一塊肉可以長生不老，與天同壽，怎麼說他不中吃？」小妖道：「若是中吃，也到不得這裡，別處妖精也都吃了。The old monster shouted, “Why do you both weep and laugh?” The lesser demon knelt and said, “Your Majesty just spoke of eating the Tang Monk, but the Tang Monk’s flesh is not fit to eat.” The old monster said, “Everyone says that eating one piece of him grants eternal youth and a lifespan equal to Heaven’s; how can you say he is not fit to eat?” The lesser demon replied, “If he were fit to eat, he would never have made it here; monsters elsewhere would already have eaten him.他手下有三個徒弟哩。」老妖道：「你知那三個？」小妖道：「他大徒弟是孫行者，三徒弟是沙和尚，這個是他二徒弟豬八戒。」老妖道：「沙和尚比豬八戒如何？」小妖道：「也差不多兒。」「那個孫行者比他如何？」小妖吐舌道：「不敢說。He has three disciples protecting him.” The old monster asked, “Do you know those three?” The lesser demon said, “His eldest disciple is Sun Xingzhe, his third is Monk Sha, and this Zhu Bajie is his second disciple.” The old monster asked, “How does Monk Sha compare with Zhu Bajie?” The lesser demon replied, “They are about evenly matched.” “And how does Sun Xingzhe compare with him?” The lesser demon stuck out his tongue and said, “I dare not say.那孫行者神通廣大，變化多端。That Sun Xingzhe has boundless divine powers and transformations beyond number.他五百年前曾大鬧天宮，上方二十八宿、九曜星官、十二元辰、五卿四相、東西星斗、南北二神、五嶽四瀆、普天神將，也不曾惹得他過，你怎敢要吃唐僧？」老妖道：「你怎麼知得他這等詳細？」小妖道：「我當初在獅駝嶺獅駝洞與那大王居住，那大王不知好歹，要吃唐僧，被孫行者使一條金箍棒，打進門來，可憐就打得犯了骨牌名，都『斷么絕六』。Five hundred years ago he caused havoc in Heaven, and neither the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions above, nor the Nine Luminaries, the Twelve Zodiacal Officers, the Five Ministers and Four Chancellors, the constellations east and west, the two gods of north and south, the Five Sacred Mountains and Four Great Rivers, nor all the divine generals beneath Heaven could overcome him; how dare you think of eating the Tang Monk?” The old monster asked, “How do you know all this in such detail?” The lesser demon said, “I once lived with the king in the Lion-Camel Cave on Lion-Camel Ridge. That king, knowing neither good nor ill, wanted to eat the Tang Monk, but Sun Xingzhe fought his way through the gate with his golden-hooped staff. Alas, he beat us into a domino throw: all ‘broken aces and severed sixes.’還虧我有些見識，從後門走了，來到此處，蒙大王收留。Luckily, I had enough sense to escape through the rear gate; I came here and was graciously taken in by Your Majesty.故此知他手段。」老妖聽言，大驚失色。That is how I know what he can do.” At these words, the old monster turned pale with fright.這正是「大將軍怕讖語」。This was truly a case of “the great general fearing the prophetic word.”他聞得自家人這等說，安得不驚。Hearing one of his own followers speak so, how could he not be alarmed?

正都在悚懼之際，又一個小妖上前道：「大王莫惱，莫怕。Just as they were all trembling with fear, another lesser demon stepped forward and said, “Do not be vexed or afraid, Your Majesty.常言道：『事從緩來。』若是要吃唐僧，等我定個計策拿他。」老妖道：「你有何計？」小妖道：「我有個分瓣梅花計。」老妖道：「怎麼叫做『分瓣梅花計』？」小妖道：「如今把洞口大小群妖點將起來，千中選百，百中選十，十中只選三個。As the saying goes, ‘Matters should be approached without haste.’ If you wish to eat the Tang Monk, let me devise a scheme to capture him.” The old monster asked, “What scheme have you?” The lesser demon said, “I have a plan called ‘Parting the Petals of the Plum Blossom.’” The old monster asked, “What is this ‘Parting the Petals of the Plum Blossom’?” The lesser demon replied, “Call to muster every demon in the cave, great and small; choose a hundred from a thousand, ten from a hundred, and from those ten select only three.須是有能幹，會變化的，都變做大王的模樣，頂大王之盔，貫大王之甲，執大王之杵，三處埋伏。They must be capable fellows skilled in transformation; each is to assume Your Majesty’s appearance, wear Your Majesty’s helmet and armor, wield Your Majesty’s pestle, and lie in ambush at three separate places.先著一個戰豬八戒，再著一個戰孫行者，再著一個戰沙和尚：捨著三個小妖，調開他弟兄三個。First send one to fight Zhu Bajie, another to fight Sun Xingzhe, and a third to fight Monk Sha: sacrifice these three lesser demons to draw the three brothers away.大王卻在半空伸下拿雲手，去捉這唐僧，就如探囊取物，就如魚水盆內捻蒼蠅，有何難哉？」老妖聞此言，滿心歡喜道：「此計絕妙，絕妙！Then Your Majesty can reach down from midair with your cloud-grasping hand and seize the Tang Monk. It will be as easy as taking something from your own pocket, or plucking a fly from a basin of water—what difficulty could there be?” Hearing this, the old monster was overjoyed and said, “A superb plan! Superb!這一去，拿不得唐僧便罷；If we fail to capture the Tang Monk, let the matter rest;若是拿了唐僧，決不輕你，就封你做個前部先鋒。」小妖叩頭謝恩，叫點妖怪。but if we do capture him, I shall reward you handsomely and appoint you vanguard of the forward division.” The lesser demon kowtowed in gratitude and called for the demons to be mustered.即將洞中大小妖精點起，果然選出三個有能的小妖，俱變做老妖，各執鐵杵，埋伏等待唐僧不題。All the demons in the cave, great and small, were immediately assembled, and sure enough three capable lesser demons were chosen. Each transformed himself into the old monster, took up an iron pestle, and lay in ambush to await the Tang Monk—of which no more for now.

卻說這唐長老無慮無憂，相隨八戒上大路。Meanwhile, the venerable Tang, free from worry or care, followed Bajie onto the main road.行夠多時，只見那路傍邊撲落的一聲響喨，跳出一個小妖，奔向前邊，要捉長老。After they had traveled for a good while, there came a sudden crash beside the road, and a lesser demon leaped out and rushed forward to seize the elder.孫行者叫道：「八戒，妖精來了，何不動手？」那獃子不認真假，掣釘鈀趕上亂築。Sun Xingzhe cried, “Bajie, a monster is coming! Why do you not attack?” Unable to tell true from false, the idiot whipped out his rake, charged after it, and struck wildly.那妖精使鐵杵就架相迎。The monster raised its iron pestle to parry and meet him.他兩個一往一來的在山坡下正然賭鬥，又見那草科裡響一聲，又跳出個怪來，就奔唐僧。The two were trading blows in fierce combat beneath the hillside when another noise came from the thick grass; a second monster leaped out and rushed straight at the Tang Monk.行者道：「師父，不好了，八戒的眼拙，放那妖精來拿你，且等老孫打他去。」急掣棒迎上前喝道：「那裡去？Xingzhe said, “Master, this is bad! Bajie’s poor eyes have let that monster through to seize you. Wait here while old Sun goes to strike it down.” He hurriedly drew his staff, went forward to meet it, and shouted, “Where do you think you are going?看棒。」那妖精更不打話，舉杵來迎他。Take this!” Without a word, the monster raised its pestle to meet him.兩個在草坡下一撞一衝，正相持處，又聽得山背後呼的風響，又跳出個妖精來，徑奔唐僧。The two charged and collided beneath the grassy slope and were locked in combat when they heard a whoosh of wind from behind the mountain; yet another monster leaped out and made straight for the Tang Monk.沙僧見了，大驚道：「師父，大哥與二哥的眼都花了，把妖精放將來拿你了。Seeing it, Shaseng cried in alarm, “Master, both Eldest Brother’s and Second Brother’s eyes have failed them—they have let a monster through to seize you.你坐在馬上，等老沙拿他去。」這和尚也不分好歹，即掣杖，對面擋住那妖精鐵杵，恨苦相持，吆吆喝喝，亂嚷亂鬥，漸漸的調遠。Stay mounted while old Sha goes to capture it.” Without pausing to discern good from evil, the monk drew his staff and met the monster head-on, blocking its iron pestle. They struggled bitterly, shouting and yelling as they fought wildly, and were gradually drawn farther away.那老怪在半空中見唐僧獨坐馬上，伸下五爪鋼鉤，把唐僧一把撾住。From midair, the old monster saw the Tang Monk sitting alone upon the horse; he reached down with five claws like steel hooks and snatched him up in one grasp.那師父丟了馬，脫了鐙，被妖精一陣風徑攝去了。The master fell from the horse and slipped free of the stirrups, and the monster swept him straight away in a gust of wind.可憐！Pitiful indeed!這正是：And truly it was:

老妖按下風頭，把唐僧拿到洞裡，叫：「先鋒。」那定計的小妖上前跪倒，口中道：「不敢，不敢。」老妖道：「何出此言？The old monster brought his wind down and carried the Tang Monk into the cave, then called, “Vanguard!” The lesser demon who had devised the plan came forward and knelt, saying, “I dare not accept! I dare not accept!” The old monster asked, “Why do you say that?大將軍一言既出，如白染皂。Once a great general has given his word, it is as indelible as white cloth dyed black.當時說拿不得唐僧便罷，拿了唐僧，封你為前部先鋒。I said then that if we failed to capture the Tang Monk, the matter would end, but if we captured him, I would appoint you vanguard of the forward division.今日你果妙計成功，豈可失信於你？Today your clever plan has indeed succeeded; how could I break faith with you?你可把唐僧拿來，著小的們挑水刷鍋，搬柴燒火，把他蒸一蒸。Bring in the Tang Monk, and have the little ones fetch water and scour the pot, carry in firewood and light the fire, so that we may steam him.我和你都吃他一塊肉，以圖延壽長生也。」先鋒道：「大王，且不可吃。」老怪道：「既拿來，怎麼不可吃？」先鋒道：「大王吃了他不打緊，豬八戒也做得人情，沙和尚也做得人情，但恐孫行者那主子刮毒。You and I shall each eat a piece of his flesh, that we may prolong our lives and live forever.” The vanguard said, “Your Majesty, you must not eat him yet.” The old monster asked, “Now that we have captured him, why may we not eat him?” The vanguard replied, “It would be no great matter for Your Majesty to eat him; Zhu Bajie might let it pass as a favor, and Monk Sha might do the same, but I fear Sun Xingzhe, that vicious master.他若曉得是我們吃了，他也不來和我們廝打，他只把那金箍棒往山腰裡一搠，搠個窟窿，連山都掬倒了，我們安身之處也無之矣。」老怪道：「先鋒，憑你有何高見？」先鋒道：「依著我，把唐僧送在後園，綁在樹上，兩三日不要與他飯吃：一則圖他裡面乾淨；If he learns that we have eaten the Tang Monk, he will not even come to fight us; he will simply thrust his golden-hooped staff into the mountainside, bore a hole through it, and overturn the entire mountain with one heave. Then we shall have no place left to shelter.” The old monster asked, “Vanguard, what wise counsel have you?” The vanguard replied, “If you follow my advice, send the Tang Monk into the rear garden and bind him to a tree. Give him no food for two or three days: first, this will cleanse him inside;二則等他三人不來門前尋找，打聽得他們回去了，我們卻把他拿出來，自自在在的受用，卻不是好？」老怪笑道：「正是，正是，先鋒說得有理。」一聲號令，把唐僧拿入後園，一條繩綁在樹上，眾小妖都去前面聽候。second, we can wait and see whether his three disciples come searching at our gate. Once we learn that they have gone away, we can bring him out and enjoy him at our leisure. Would that not be best?” The old monster laughed and said, “Exactly, exactly! The vanguard speaks wisely.” At his command, the Tang Monk was taken into the rear garden and bound to a tree with a rope, while all the lesser demons returned to the front to await orders.

你看那長老苦捱著繩纏索綁，緊縛牢拴，止不住腮邊流淚，叫道：「徒弟呀，你們在那山中擒怪，甚路裡趕妖？Look at the elder, suffering under coils of rope, bound and fastened tight; unable to stop the tears flowing down his cheeks, he cried, “Disciples! In what part of the mountain are you capturing monsters, and along what road are you chasing demons?我被潑魔捉來，此處受災，何日相會？I have been seized by this vile fiend and suffer calamity here; on what day shall we meet again?痛殺我也！」正自兩淚交流，只見對面樹上有人叫道：「長老，你也進來了？」長老正了性道：「你是何人？」那人道：「我是本山中的樵子，被那山主前日拿來，綁在此間，今已三日，算計要吃我哩。」長老滴淚道：「樵夫啊，你死只是一身，無甚掛礙，我卻死得不甚乾淨。」樵子道：「長老，你是個出家人，上無父母，下無妻子，死便死了，有甚麼不乾淨？」長老道：「我本是東土往西天取經去的，奉唐朝太宗皇帝御旨拜活佛，取真經，要超度那幽冥無主的孤魂。The pain is killing me!” As tears streamed from both his eyes, someone tied to a tree opposite called, “Elder, have you been brought in here too?” Recovering his composure, the elder asked, “Who are you?” The man replied, “I am a woodcutter from this mountain. The lord of the mountain seized me the day before yesterday and tied me here. It has now been three days, and I reckon they mean to eat me.” Weeping, the elder said, “Woodcutter, if you die, only your own person is lost, and you have little else to weigh upon you; but if I die, my death will leave matters far from settled.” The woodcutter said, “Elder, you are a man who has left the household: you have neither parents above nor wife and children below. If you die, you die—what could remain unsettled?” The elder replied, “I am journeying from the Eastern Land to the Western Heaven to fetch scriptures. By imperial decree of Emperor Taizong of the Tang, I am to worship the living Buddha and obtain the true scriptures, so as to deliver the masterless, lonely souls in the netherworld.今若喪了性命，可不盼殺那君王，孤負那臣子？If I should lose my life now, would that not make the sovereign wait in vain and betray all his ministers?那枉死城中，無限的冤魂，卻不大失所望，永世不得超生，一場功果，盡化作風塵，這卻怎麼得乾淨也？」樵子聞言，眼中墮淚道：「長老，你死也只如此，我死又更傷情。Would not the countless wronged souls in the City of the Wrongfully Dead be bitterly disappointed and forever denied rebirth? The merit of the whole undertaking would turn entirely to dust and wind—how then could my death leave matters settled?” Hearing this, the woodcutter shed tears and said, “Elder, your death would mean only that much, but mine would be more grievous still.我自幼失父，與母鰥居，更無家業，止靠著打柴為生。I lost my father when I was young and have lived alone with my widowed mother. We possess no property and depend entirely on my cutting firewood for our livelihood.老母今年八十三歲，只我一人奉養。My aged mother is eighty-three this year, and I alone support her.倘若身喪，誰與他埋屍送老？If I should die, who will bury her body and see her through her final years?苦哉，苦哉！Bitter indeed! Bitter indeed!痛殺我也。」長老聞言，放聲大哭道：「可憐，可憐！The pain is killing me!” Hearing this, the elder burst into loud sobs and cried, “Pitiful, pitiful!山人尚有思親意，空教貧僧會念經。Even a mountain woodcutter cherishes thoughts of his parent, while this poor monk has learned only to recite scriptures in vain.事君事親，皆同一理；Serving one’s sovereign and serving one’s parents follow the selfsame principle;你為親恩，我為君恩。」正是那：you are bound by a parent’s grace, and I by a sovereign’s grace.” And truly it was:

且不言三藏身遭困苦。For now, let us say no more of Sanzang’s grievous plight.卻說孫行者在草坡下戰退小妖，急回來路傍邊，不見了師父，止存白馬、行囊。Meanwhile, Sun Xingzhe fought off the lesser demon beneath the grassy slope and hurried back to the roadside. His master was gone; only the white horse and the baggage remained.慌得他牽馬挑擔，向山頭找尋。In his panic, he led the horse, shouldered the luggage, and searched toward the mountaintop.咦！Ah!正是那：And truly it was:

畢竟不知尋找師父下落如何，且聽下回分解。What became of his search for his master will be revealed in the next chapter.

Loading the interactive reader…

What it’s about

On Hidden-Mist Mountain, a leopard spirit called the Great King of the Southern Mountain learns that Sanzang is approaching. His demons use a divided attack and a counterfeit human head to confuse the disciples. While Wukong and Bajie pursue decoys, the monster seizes Sanzang and takes him to Linked-Ring Cave. The carefully staged raid succeeds because the defenders react to what appears most urgent rather than protecting the vulnerable traveler at the center.

The disciples search the mountain and clash with the leopard's forces, but the false head convinces them for a time that their master has been killed. Bajie and Sha Wujing grieve, while Wukong tests the evidence and refuses to let appearances close the investigation. He infiltrates the cave and learns that Sanzang remains alive, hidden so the demon can manage the attackers before eating him. The chapter ends with knowledge restored but rescue and vengeance still unfinished.

When it was written 背景

This episode makes misinformation a weapon. A fabricated head can wound the pilgrim band by producing grief, disorder and premature certainty even when Sanzang's body is untouched. Wukong's characteristic suspicion, often painful in social encounters, becomes essential forensic discipline here. Learners should follow 假人頭, 哭, 探 and 洞府 as sight yields to verification. The leopard's grand title, 南山大王, contrasts with his reliance on stagecraft and subordinates, distinguishing a locally ambitious predator from the cosmically connected adversaries nearby in the novel.

Words in this chapter 生词

僧sēng僧sēng — (bound form) Buddhist monk (abbr. for 僧伽 (sēng qié))
妖yāo妖yāo — goblin · witch · devil · bewitching · enchanting · monster · phantom · demon
鈀bǎ鈀bǎ — palladium (chemistry) · Taiwan pr. (bā)
獃dāiHSK 5獃dāi — foolish; stupid (variant of 呆 (dāi)) · expressionless; blank (variant of 呆 (dāi)) (HSK 5)
戒jièHSK 5戒jiè — to guard against · to exhort · to admonish or warn · to give up or stop doing sth · Buddhist monastic discipline · ring (for a finger) (HSK 5)
杵chǔ杵chǔ — pestle · to poke
朕zhèn朕zhèn — (used by an emperor or king) I; me; we (royal "we") · (literary) omen
饝mó饝mó — variant of 饃 (mó)
鋒fēng鋒fēng — point of a spear · edge of a tool · vanguard · forward (in sports team)
築zhùHSK 7-9築zhù — to build · to construct · to ram · to hit · Taiwan pr. (zhú) (HSK 7-9)
裡lǐHSK 1裡lǐ — lining · interior · inside · internal · also written 裏 (lǐ) (HSK 1)
陛bì陛bì — the steps to the throne