第088回 At Jade-Flower County Three Princes Take the Pilgrims as Masters

第088回Chapter 88

話說唐僧喜喜歡歡別了郡侯，在馬上向行者道：「賢徒，這一場善果，真勝似比丘國搭救兒童，皆爾之功也。」沙僧道：「比丘國只救得一千一百一十一個小兒，怎似這場大雨，滂沱浸潤，活夠者萬萬千千性命？It is told that Tang Seng took cheerful leave of the prefect, and from horseback said to Xingzhe, “Worthy disciple, the good deed done here truly surpasses even the rescue of the children in the Kingdom of Bhikshus, and it is all thanks to you.” Shaseng said, “In the Kingdom of Bhikshus we saved only one thousand one hundred and eleven children; how can that compare with this great downpour, whose soaking abundance has preserved countless thousands upon thousands of lives?弟子也暗自稱讚大師兄的法力通天，慈恩蓋地也。」八戒笑道：「哥的恩也有，善也有，卻只是外施仁義，內包禍心。Even I secretly admire Eldest Brother’s magic powers, which reach through Heaven, and his compassionate grace, which covers the earth.” Bajie laughed and said, “Brother has indeed shown grace and goodness, but outwardly he dispenses benevolence and righteousness while inwardly harboring a cruel heart.但與老豬走，就要作踐人。」行者道：「我在那裡作踐你？」八戒道：「也夠了，也夠了。Whenever Old Zhu travels with him, he is forever tormenting me.” Xingzhe said, “When have I ever tormented you?” Bajie replied, “More than enough, more than enough!常照顧我綑，照顧我吊，照顧我煮，照顧我蒸。You are always ‘looking after’ me by having me bound, ‘looking after’ me by having me hung up, ‘looking after’ me by having me boiled, and ‘looking after’ me by having me steamed.今在鳳仙郡施了恩惠與萬萬之人，就該住上半年，帶挈我吃幾頓自在飽飯，卻只管催促行路。」長老聞言，喝道：「這個獃子，怎麼只思量擄嘴？Now that you have bestowed favors upon the countless people of Fengxian Prefecture, we ought to stay for half a year and let me enjoy a few hearty meals in peace; instead, you do nothing but hurry us onward.” Hearing this, the elder scolded him: “You idiot! Why do you think of nothing but stuffing your mouth?快走路，再莫鬥口。」八戒不敢言，掬掬嘴，挑著行囊，打著哈哈，師徒們奔上大路。Walk faster, and no more bickering.” Bajie dared say no more; he pursed his lips, shouldered the baggage, and yawned as master and disciples set out upon the highway.此時光景如梭，又值深秋之候，但見：By now time had flown like a shuttle, and it was once more late autumn. And this was what they saw:

四眾行夠多時，又見城垣影影。After the four travelers had journeyed a long while, the dim outline of city walls again appeared.長老舉鞭遙指叫：「悟空，你看那裡又有一座城池，卻不知是甚去處？」行者道：「你我俱未曾到，何以知之？The elder raised his whip, pointed into the distance, and called, “Wukong, look! There is another walled city over there, but what place can it be?” Xingzhe replied, “Neither you nor I have ever been here, so how should we know?且行至邊前問人。」說不了，忽見樹叢裡走出一個老者，手持竹杖，身著輕衣，足踏一對棕鞋，腰束一條扁帶。Let us go to the outskirts and ask someone.” Before he had finished speaking, an old man suddenly emerged from a grove, holding a bamboo staff, dressed in light garments, wearing a pair of palm-fiber sandals, and girded with a flat sash.慌得唐僧滾鞍下馬，上前道個問訊。Tang Seng hastily rolled out of the saddle, went forward, and offered a greeting.那老者扶杖還禮道：「長老那方來的？」唐僧合掌道：「貧僧東土唐朝差往雷音拜佛求經者。Leaning on his staff, the old man returned the courtesy and asked, “From where have you come, elder?” Tang Seng joined his palms and said, “This poor monk was sent from the Tang realm in the Eastern Land to worship the Buddha at Leiyin Monastery and seek the scriptures.今至寶方，遙望城垣，不知是甚去處，特問老施主指教。」那老者聞言，口稱：「有道禪師，我這敝處乃天竺國下郡，地名玉華縣。Having now reached your honored region, I see city walls in the distance but do not know what place this is, and have especially come to ask your guidance, venerable benefactor.” Hearing this, the old man exclaimed, “A true monk of the Way! This humble place of ours is a subordinate prefecture of the Kingdom of Tianzhu, and is called Yuhua County.縣中城主，就是天竺皇帝之宗室，封為玉華王。The lord of the city is a member of the imperial clan of Tianzhu and bears the title Prince of Yuhua.此王甚賢，專敬僧道，重愛黎民。This prince is most worthy: he reveres Buddhist and Daoist clergy and cherishes the common people.老禪師若去相見，必有重敬。」三藏謝了，那老者徑穿樹林而去。If the venerable Chan master goes to see him, he will certainly treat you with great respect.” Sanzang thanked him, and the old man went straight back through the grove.

三藏才轉身對徒弟備言前事。Only then did Sanzang turn and recount the whole exchange to his disciples.他三人欣喜，扶師父上馬。The three were delighted and helped their master onto his horse.三藏道：「沒多路，不須乘馬。」四眾遂步至城邊街道觀看。Sanzang said, “It is not far; there is no need to ride.” The four travelers therefore walked to the streets outside the city and looked about.原來那關廂人家，做買做賣的，人煙湊集，生意亦甚茂盛。The suburbs proved to be full of households engaged in buying and selling; the population was dense, and trade exceedingly prosperous.觀其聲音相貌，與中華無異。Judging by the people’s speech, features, and appearance, they differed in no way from those of China.三藏吩咐：「徒弟們謹慎，切不可放肆。」那八戒低了頭，沙僧掩著臉，惟孫行者攙著師父。Sanzang instructed them, “Disciples, be careful and on no account behave wantonly.” Bajie lowered his head, Shaseng covered his face, and only Sun Xingzhe supported his master by the arm.兩邊人都來爭看，齊聲叫道：「我這裡只有降龍伏虎的高僧，不曾見降豬伏猴的和尚。」八戒忍不住，把嘴一掬道：「你們可曾看見降豬王的和尚？」諕得滿街上人跌跌��，都往兩邊閃過。People on both sides crowded forward to stare, all crying, “We have monks here who subdue dragons and tame tigers, but never have we seen monks who subdue pigs and tame monkeys!” Unable to restrain himself, Bajie thrust out his snout and said, “Have you ever seen a monk who subdues the Pig King?” He frightened everyone in the street into stumbling and staggering as they scattered to either side.行者笑道：「獃子，快藏了嘴，莫裝扮，仔細腳下過橋。」那獃子低著頭，只是笑。Xingzhe laughed and said, “Idiot, put that snout away and stop showing off. Mind your feet as you cross the bridge.” The idiot lowered his head and merely chuckled.過了吊橋，入城門內，又見那大街上酒樓歌館，熱鬧繁華，果然是神州都邑。After crossing the drawbridge and entering the city gate, they saw wine houses and singing halls lining the main street, all bustle, splendor, and prosperity; it was truly a metropolis of the divine continent.有詩為證。A poem bears witness to this.詩曰：The poem says:

三藏心中暗喜道：「人言西域諸番，更不曾到此。Sanzang rejoiced inwardly and thought, “People speak of the various foreign lands of the Western Regions, yet I have never before reached a place like this.細觀此景，與我大唐何異？Looking closely at this scene, how does it differ from our great Tang?所謂極樂世界，誠此之謂也。」又聽得人說白米四錢一石，麻油八釐一斤，真是五穀豐登之處。What is called the World of Supreme Bliss must surely mean a place such as this.” He also heard people say that a dan of white rice cost four qian and a jin of sesame oil only eight li; it was truly a land blessed with abundant harvests of every grain.

行夠多時，方到玉華王府。Only after walking a long while did they reach the residence of the Prince of Yuhua.府門左右有長史府、審理廳、典膳所、待客館。To either side of the palace gate stood the Chief Secretary’s Office, the Judicial Hall, the Office of Provisions, and the Guest Lodge.三藏道：「徒弟，此間是府，等我進去朝王，驗牒而行。」八戒道：「師父進去，我們可好在衙門前站立？」三藏道：「你不看這門上是『待客館』三字？！Sanzang said, “Disciples, this is the prince’s residence. Wait while I go in to pay court to him and have our travel document examined.” Bajie asked, “While Master goes in, are we supposed to stand here in front of the offices?” Sanzang replied, “Do you not see the three characters over that doorway: ‘Guest Lodge’?你們都去那裡坐下，看有草料，買些喂馬。All of you go and sit there, and see whether you can buy some fodder for the horse.我見了王，倘或賜齋，便來喚你等同享。」行者道：「師父放心前去，老孫自當理會。」那沙僧把行李挑至館中。Once I have seen the prince, if he should grant us a vegetarian meal, I shall come and summon you to share it.” Xingzhe said, “Go without concern, Master; Old Sun will see to everything.” Shaseng carried the baggage into the lodge.館中有看館的人役，見他們面貌醜陋，也不敢問他，也不敢教他出去，只得讓他坐下不題。The attendants in the lodge saw their ugly appearances and dared neither question them nor order them out, so they could only let them sit there; of them we speak no more for now.

卻說老師父換了衣帽，拿了關文，徑至王府前。We tell instead how the old master changed his robe and cap, took up the travel document, and went straight to the gates of the prince’s residence.早見引禮官迎著問道：「長老何來？」三藏道：「東土大唐差來大雷音拜佛祖求經之僧，今到貴地，欲倒換關文，特來朝參千歲。」引禮官即為傳奏。An ushering officer soon came forward and asked, “From where have you come, elder?” Sanzang replied, “I am a monk sent by the Great Tang in the Eastern Land to worship the Buddha at Great Leiyin Monastery and seek the scriptures. Having now reached your honored domain, I wish to have my travel document endorsed and have therefore come especially to pay court to His Highness.” The ushering officer at once reported his arrival.那王子果然賢達，即傳旨召進。The prince was indeed worthy and enlightened, and immediately issued an order that the monk be admitted.三藏至殿下施禮，王子即請上殿賜坐。Sanzang reached the foot of the hall and bowed; the prince invited him up into the hall and gave him a seat.三藏將關文獻上，王子看了，見有各國印信手押，也就欣然將寶印了，押了花字，收摺在案。Sanzang presented the travel document. The prince examined it and, seeing the seals and signatures of many kingdoms, gladly stamped it with his precious seal, added his flourish, folded it, and placed it upon the desk.問道：「國師長老，自你那大唐至此，歷遍諸邦，共有幾多路程？」三藏道：「貧僧也未記程途，但先年蒙觀音菩薩在我王御前顯身，曾留了頌子，言西方十萬八千里。He asked, “Venerable Imperial Preceptor, in traveling from your Great Tang to this place and passing through all these countries, how great a distance have you covered?” Sanzang replied, “This poor monk has not kept account of the distance. But years ago the Bodhisattva Guanyin manifested herself before my sovereign and left a verse saying that the West lay one hundred and eight thousand li away.貧僧在路，已經過一十四遍寒暑矣。」王子笑道：「十四遍寒暑，即十四年了。This poor monk has already passed through fourteen cycles of heat and cold upon the road.” The prince laughed and said, “Fourteen cycles of heat and cold make fourteen years.想是途中有甚耽擱？」三藏道：「一言難盡。I suppose you have met with delays along the way?” Sanzang replied, “It is impossible to tell in a few words.萬蟄千魔，也不知受了多少苦楚，才到得寶方。」那王子十分歡喜，即著典膳官備素齋管待。Amid ten thousand venomous creatures and a thousand demons, I cannot say how much suffering we endured before reaching your honored domain.” The prince was greatly pleased and immediately ordered the officer of provisions to prepare a vegetarian feast for him.三藏：「啟上殿下：貧僧有三個小徒在外等候，不敢領齋，但恐遲誤行程。」王子教：「當殿官，快去請長老三位徒弟，進府同齋。」Sanzang said, “Your Highness, this poor monk has three humble disciples waiting outside. I dare not accept the meal alone, though I fear delaying our journey.” The prince ordered, “Officer in attendance, quickly invite the elder’s three disciples into the residence to share the vegetarian meal.”

當殿官隨出外相請，都道：「未曾見，未曾見。」有跟隨的人道：「待客館中坐著三個醜貌和尚，想必是也。」當殿官同眾至館中，即問看館的道：「那個是大唐取經僧的高徒？The attending officer went out with his men to invite them, but they all said, “We have seen no such men, none at all.” One of the followers said, “There are three ugly monks sitting in the Guest Lodge; they must be the ones.” The officer and his company went to the lodge and asked its keeper, “Which of these is the eminent disciple of the scripture-seeking monk from the Great Tang?我主有旨，請吃齋也。」八戒正坐打盹，聽見一個「齋」字，忍不住跳起身來答道：「我們是，我們是。」當殿官一見了，魂飛魄喪，都戰戰的道：「是個豬魈，豬魈。」行者聽見，一把扯住八戒道：「兄弟，放斯文些，莫撒村野。」那眾官見了行者，又道：「是個猴精，猴精。」沙僧拱手道：「列位休得驚恐。Our lord has decreed that they be invited to a vegetarian meal.” Bajie was sitting there dozing, but when he heard the word “meal,” he could not help leaping to his feet and answering, “We are! We are!” At the sight of him, the officer nearly lost his soul and cried tremblingly, “A pig demon! A pig demon!” Hearing this, Xingzhe seized Bajie and said, “Brother, show a little refinement and do not act like a rustic.” When the officials saw Xingzhe, they cried again, “A monkey spirit! A monkey spirit!” Shaseng saluted with clasped hands and said, “Gentlemen, do not be alarmed.我三人都是唐僧的徒弟。」眾官見了，又道：「灶君，灶君。」孫行者即教八戒牽馬，沙僧挑擔，同眾入玉華王府。All three of us are Tang Seng’s disciples.” On seeing him, the officials cried, “The Lord of the Stove! The Lord of the Stove!” Sun Xingzhe then told Bajie to lead the horse and Shaseng to shoulder the baggage, and they entered the Prince of Yuhua’s residence with the others.當殿官先入啟知。The attending officer went in first to report.

那王子舉目見那等醜惡，卻也心中害怕。When the prince raised his eyes and saw such hideous figures, even he felt afraid.三藏合掌道：「千歲放心。Sanzang joined his palms and said, “Be at ease, Your Highness.頑徒雖是貌醜，卻都心良。」八戒朝上唱個喏道：「貧僧問訊了。」王子愈覺心驚。Though my unruly disciples are ugly in appearance, their hearts are good.” Facing the throne, Bajie bellowed a salute: “This poor monk offers his greetings!” The prince grew still more alarmed.三藏道：「頑徒都是山野中收來的，不會行禮，萬望赦罪。」王子奈著驚恐，教典膳官請眾僧去暴紗亭吃齋。Sanzang said, “My unruly disciples were all taken in from the wilds and know nothing of courtly manners. I earnestly beg Your Highness to pardon them.” Suppressing his fear, the prince ordered the officer of provisions to conduct the monks to the Baosha Pavilion for their meal.三藏謝了恩，辭王下殿，同至亭內，埋怨八戒道：「你這夯貨，全不知一毫禮體。Sanzang thanked him for his favor, took leave of the prince, and descended from the hall. When they had all reached the pavilion, he reproached Bajie: “You clod! You have not the least notion of proper manners.索性不開口，便也罷了，怎麼那般粗魯？It would have been better had you kept your mouth shut altogether. Why did you have to be so coarse?一句話，足足衝倒泰山。」行者笑道：「還是我不唱喏的好，也省些力氣。」沙僧道：「他唱喏又不等齊，預先就抒著個嘴吆喝。」八戒道：「活淘氣，活淘氣。A single word from you was quite enough to knock Mount Tai flat.” Xingzhe laughed and said, “Then I did well not to bellow a greeting; I saved myself some effort too.” Shaseng said, “His greeting was not even properly measured—he stuck out his snout and started bawling before the time.” Bajie said, “What a torment, what a torment!師父前日教我見人打個問訊兒是禮，今日打問訊，又說不好，教我怎的幹麼。」三藏道：「我教你見了人打個問訊，不曾教你見王子就此歪纏。The other day Master taught me that it was polite to greet people when I met them; today I offer a greeting, and he says that is wrong too. What am I supposed to do?” Sanzang replied, “I taught you to greet people when you met them; I never taught you to pester a prince in that fashion.常言道：『物有幾等物，人有幾等人。』如何不分個貴賤？」正說處，那典膳官帶領人役，調開桌椅，擺上齋來。As the saying goes, ‘Things have their several ranks, and people have their several stations.’ How could you fail to distinguish noble from base?” While they were speaking, the officer of provisions arrived with attendants, arranged the tables and chairs, and set out the vegetarian feast.師徒們卻不言語，各各吃齋。The master and his disciples said no more, and each ate his meal.

卻說那王子退殿進宮，宮中有三個小王子，見他面容改色，即問道：「父王今日為何有此驚恐？」王子道：「適才有東土大唐差來拜佛取經的一個和尚倒換關文，卻一表非凡。We tell now how the prince withdrew from the hall and entered the inner palace. There his three young sons saw that his expression had changed and asked, “Royal Father, why do you look so frightened today?” The prince replied, “Just now a monk sent from the Great Tang in the Eastern Land to worship the Buddha and seek the scriptures came to have his travel document endorsed. He himself was a man of extraordinary bearing.我留他吃齋，他說有徒弟在府前，我即命請。I invited him to dine, but he said his disciples were waiting before the residence, so I ordered that they be summoned.少時進來，見我不行大禮，打個問訊，我已不快；When they entered a short while later, they did not perform the full court ceremony before me, but merely offered a greeting, which already displeased me.及擡頭看時，一個個醜似妖魔，心中不覺驚駭，故此面容改色。」原來那三個小王子比眾不同，一個個好武好強，便就伸拳擄袖道：「莫敢是那山裡走來的妖精假裝人像，待我們拿兵器出去看來。」Then, when I raised my head and looked, each was as ugly as a demon. I was involuntarily terrified, and that is why my expression changed.” Now the three young princes were unlike ordinary men: each loved martial arts and delighted in proving his strength. At once they clenched their fists, rolled up their sleeves, and said, “Could they be demons from the mountains disguised in human shape? Let us take our weapons and go see.”

好王子，大的個拿一條齊眉棍，第二個掄一把九齒鈀，第三個使一根烏油黑棒子，雄糾糾、氣昂昂的走出王府，吆喝道：「甚麼取經的和尚，在那裡？」時有典膳官員人等跪下道：「小王，他們在這暴紗亭吃齋哩。」小王子不分好歹，闖將進去，喝道：「汝等是人是怪？Fine princes they were! The eldest took a staff as high as his eyebrows, the second brandished a nine-pronged rake, and the third wielded a black-lacquered cudgel. Proud and high-spirited, they strode out of the residence shouting, “Where are those scripture-seeking monks?” The officers of provisions and their attendants knelt and said, “Young Highnesses, they are dining in the Baosha Pavilion.” Without asking right or wrong, the young princes burst inside and shouted, “Are you men or monsters?快早說來，饒你性命。」諕得三藏面容失色，丟下飯碗，躬著身道：「貧僧乃唐朝來取經者，人也，非怪也。」小王子道：「你便還像個人，那三個醜的斷然是怪。」八戒只管吃飯不睬。Speak at once, and we may spare your lives!” Sanzang was so frightened that the color left his face. He put down his rice bowl, bent forward, and said, “This poor monk has come from the Tang realm to seek the scriptures. I am a man, not a monster.” A young prince said, “You still look somewhat human, but those three ugly ones are monsters beyond doubt.” Bajie went on eating and paid them no heed.沙僧與行者欠身道：「我等俱是人，面雖醜而心良，身雖夯而性善。Shaseng and Xingzhe rose slightly and said, “We are all men. Though our faces are ugly, our hearts are good; though our bodies are coarse, our natures are virtuous.汝三個卻是何來，卻恁樣海口輕狂？」傍有典膳等官道：「三位是我王之子小殿下。」八戒丟了碗道：「小殿下，各拿兵器怎麼？But where have you three come from, to boast so wildly and speak with such insolence?” The officers of provisions standing nearby said, “These three are the young princes, sons of our lord.” Bajie put down his bowl and said, “Young Highnesses, why are you each carrying a weapon?莫是要與我們打哩？」Can it be that you mean to fight us?”

二王子掣開步，雙手舞鈀，便要打八戒。The second prince planted his feet apart and whirled his rake in both hands, ready to strike Bajie.八戒嘻嘻笑道：「你那鈀只好與我這鈀做孫子罷了。」即揭衣，腰間取出鈀來，幌一幌，金光萬道。Bajie chuckled and said, “That rake of yours is fit only to be the grandson of mine.” He lifted his robe, took his rake from his waist, and gave it a shake, sending forth ten thousand shafts of golden light.丟了解數，有瑞氣千條。When he flourished it through a sequence of movements, a thousand streams of auspicious vapor appeared.把個王子諕得手軟筋麻，不敢舞弄。The prince was so frightened that his hands went limp and his sinews numb, and he dared not brandish his weapon again.行者見大的個使一條齊眉棍，跳阿跳的，即耳朵裡取出金箍棒來，幌一幌，碗來粗細，有丈二三長短。Seeing the eldest hopping about with his eyebrow-high staff, Xingzhe drew the golden-hooped cudgel from his ear and shook it until it was as thick as a rice bowl and more than twelve feet long.著地下一搗，搗了有三尺深淺，豎在那裡。He rammed it into the ground, driving it some three feet deep, and left it standing there.笑道：「我把這棍子送你罷。」那王子聽言，即丟了自己棍，去取那棒，雙手盡氣力一拔，莫想得動分毫；With a laugh he said, “I shall give you this cudgel.” Hearing this, the prince dropped his own staff and went to take it. Gripping it with both hands, he pulled with all his strength, but could not move it the slightest fraction.再又端一端，搖一搖，就如生根一般。He tried again to lift and shake it, but it seemed to have taken root.第三個撒起莽性，使烏油棒便來打。The third prince gave rein to his reckless temper and rushed forward to strike with his black-lacquered cudgel.被沙僧一手劈開，取出降妖寶杖，撚一撚，艷艷光生，紛紛霞亮。Shaseng knocked it aside with one hand, drew out his demon-subduing treasure staff, and twirled it; brilliant radiance arose, and rosy clouds flashed all around.諕得那典膳等官一個個呆呆掙掙，口不能言。The officers of provisions and the rest were so frightened that they stood dazed and rigid, unable to speak.三個小王子一齊下拜道：「神師，神師，我等凡人不識，萬望施展一番，我等好拜授也。」行者走近前，輕輕的把棒拿將起來道：「這裡窄狹，不好展手。All three young princes bowed down together and said, “Divine masters, divine masters! We mortal men failed to recognize you. We earnestly beg you to demonstrate your skills, so that we may reverently learn from you.” Xingzhe stepped forward, lightly lifted his cudgel, and said, “It is cramped here, and there is no room to display my skill.等我跳在空中，耍一路兒，你們看看。」Let me leap into the air and perform a sequence for you to watch.”

好大聖，唿哨一聲，將觔斗一抖，兩隻腳踏著五色祥雲，起在半空，離地約有三百步高下。What a Great Sage! With a whistle he turned a somersault, planted both feet upon a five-colored auspicious cloud, and rose into midair, some three hundred paces above the ground.把金箍棒丟開個「撒花蓋頂」，「黃龍轉身」，一上一下，左旋右轉，起初時人與棒似錦上添花；He let the golden-hooped cudgel fly through the movements called “Scattered Blossoms Crown the Head” and “Yellow Dragon Turns Its Body,” rising and falling, wheeling left and circling right. At first, man and cudgel looked like flowers embroidered upon brocade;次後來不見人，只見一天棒滾。later the man could no longer be seen, and the whole sky seemed filled with rolling cudgels.八戒在底下喝聲采，也忍不住手腳，厲聲喊道：「等老豬也去耍耍來。」好獃子，駕起風頭，也到半空，丟開鈀，上三下四，左五右六，前七後八，滿身解數，只聽得呼呼風響。Bajie cheered from below, and, unable to keep his own hands and feet still, shouted at the top of his voice, “Let Old Zhu go up and show you a few tricks too!” What an idiot! He mounted a gust of wind and rose into the air, loosed his rake, and went three times up and four times down, five to the left and six to the right, seven forward and eight back, displaying every skill he possessed, while only the roaring of the wind could be heard.正使到熱鬧處，沙僧對長老道：「師父，也等老沙去操演操演。」好和尚，雙著腳一跳，掄著杖，也起在空中，只見那銳氣氤氳，金光縹緲。Just as the display reached its liveliest point, Shaseng said to the elder, “Master, let Old Sha practice a few movements too.” What a monk! He sprang upward with both feet, whirled his staff, and rose into the air, where fierce energy gathered in mist and golden light shimmered faintly.雙手使降妖杖丟一個「丹鳳朝陽」，「餓虎撲食」，緊迎慢擋，急轉忙攛。Wielding the demon-subduing staff in both hands, he performed “Cinnabar Phoenix Faces the Sun” and “Hungry Tiger Pounces on Its Prey,” pressing close and parrying slowly, turning swiftly and darting with speed.弟兄三個大展神通，都在那半空中，一齊揚威耀武。The three brothers displayed their divine powers, all together in midair, showing their might and flaunting their martial prowess.這才是：Truly it was this:

諕得那三個小王子跪在塵埃。The three young princes were so terrified that they knelt in the dust.暴紗亭大小人員，並王府裡老王子，滿城中軍民男女，僧尼道俗，一應人等，家家念佛磕頭，戶戶拈香禮拜。Every officer and attendant at the Baosha Pavilion, the old prince in his residence, and all the soldiers and civilians, men and women, Buddhist and Daoist clergy, monks, nuns, and layfolk throughout the city—everyone in every household invoked the Buddha and knocked their heads upon the ground, while incense was lit and worship offered behind every door.果然是：Indeed it was this:

他三個各逞雄才，使了一路，按下祥雲，把兵器收了。After each had displayed his heroic skill through a full sequence, the three descended upon their auspicious clouds and put away their weapons.到唐僧面前問訊，謝了師恩，各各坐下不題。They went before Tang Seng, offered their greetings, thanked their master for his grace, and each took his seat; of this we speak no more for now.

那三個小王子急回宮裡，告奏老王道：「父王萬千之喜，今有莫大之功也。The three young princes hurried back into the palace and reported to the old prince, “Royal Father, this is cause for boundless joy and a matter of the greatest benefit!適才可曾看見半空中舞弄麼？」老王道：「我才見半空霞彩，就於宮院內同你母親等眾焚香啟拜，更不知是那裡神仙降聚也。」小王子道：「不是那裡神仙，就是那取經僧三個醜徒弟。Did you happen to see the display in midair just now?” The old prince replied, “I saw the rosy radiance in the sky and, together with your mother and the others, burned incense and bowed in prayer within the palace courtyard, but I had no idea what immortals had gathered here.” The young princes said, “They were no immortals from elsewhere, but the three ugly disciples of the scripture-seeking monk.一個使金箍鐵棒，一個使九齒釘鈀，一個使降妖寶杖，把我三個的兵器比的通沒有分毫。One wielded a golden-hooped iron cudgel, one a nine-pronged muckrake, and one a demon-subduing treasure staff. Compared with theirs, the weapons of us three were utterly worthless.我們教他使一路，他說：『地上窄狹，不好支吾，等我起在空中，使一路你看。』他就各駕雲頭，滿空中祥雲縹緲，瑞氣氤氳。We asked them to perform a sequence, and they said, ‘It is cramped on the ground, with no room to maneuver. Let us rise into the air and perform a sequence for you to see.’ Then each mounted a cloud, until the whole sky shimmered with auspicious clouds and billowed with blessed vapors.才然落下，都坐在暴紗亭裡。They have only just come down and are all sitting in the Baosha Pavilion.做兒的十分歡喜，欲要拜他為師，學他手段，保護我邦。We, your sons, are overjoyed and wish to take them as our masters, learn their arts, and defend our realm.此誠莫大之功，不知父王以為何如？」老王聞言，信心從願。This would truly be a benefit beyond measure. What does Royal Father think?” Hearing this, the old prince gladly assented to their wish.

當時父子四人不擺駕，不張蓋，步行到暴紗亭。At once the father and his three sons went on foot to the Baosha Pavilion, without preparing a royal carriage or raising a canopy.他四眾收拾行李，欲進府謝齋，辭王起行，偶見玉華王父子上亭來，倒身下拜。The four travelers had packed their baggage and were about to enter the residence to thank the prince for the meal and take their leave, when they happened to see the Prince of Yuhua and his sons coming up to the pavilion and prostrating themselves.慌得長老舒身，撲地還禮；The elder hurriedly straightened himself and dropped to the ground to return their courtesy;行者等閃過傍邊，微微冷笑。Xingzhe and the others stepped aside with faint, chilly smiles.眾拜畢，請四眾進府堂上坐。When all had finished bowing, they invited the four travelers into the main hall of the residence and offered them seats.四眾欣然而入。The four entered gladly.老王起身道：「唐老師父，孤有一事奉求，不知三位高徒可能容否？」三藏道：「但憑千歲吩咐，小徒不敢不從。」老王道：「孤先見列位時，只以為唐朝遠來行腳僧，其實肉眼凡胎，多致輕褻。The old prince rose and said, “Master Tang, I have a request to make of you, but I do not know whether your three eminent disciples will consent.” Sanzang replied, “Your Highness need only give the command; my humble disciples would not dare disobey.” The old prince said, “When I first saw you gentlemen, I took you merely for mendicant monks who had traveled from the distant Tang realm. Being a mortal of fleshly eyes, I treated you with considerable disrespect.適見孫師、豬師、沙師起舞在空，方知是仙是佛。Only after seeing Master Sun, Master Zhu, and Master Sha perform in the air did I realize that you are immortals and Buddhas.孤三個犬子，一生好弄武藝，今謹發虔心，欲拜為門徒，學些武藝。My three unworthy sons have loved the martial arts all their lives. They now sincerely wish to become your disciples and learn some of your skills.萬望老師開天地之心，普運慈舟，傳度小兒，必以傾城之資奉謝。」行者聞言，忍不住呵呵笑道：「你這殿下，好不會事。I earnestly beg you, Master, to open your heart as broad as Heaven and Earth, launch the universal vessel of compassion, and instruct my sons. I shall surely offer the wealth of the entire city in gratitude.” Hearing this, Xingzhe could not restrain a hearty laugh and said, “Your Highness, you truly do not understand these matters.我等出家人，巴不得要傳幾個徒弟。We who have left the household can wish for nothing better than to pass our teachings on to a few disciples.你令郎既有從善之心，切不可說起分毫之利；Since your sons desire to follow the good, you must not speak of the slightest material reward;但只以情相處，足為愛也。」let us deal with one another through affection alone, and that will be love enough.”

王子聽言，十分歡喜。Hearing this, the prince was overjoyed.隨命大排筵宴，就於本府正堂擺列。He immediately ordered a grand banquet to be prepared and laid out in the main hall of the residence.噫！Ah!一聲旨意，即刻俱完。At a single command, everything was ready in an instant.但見那：And this was what could be seen:

一壁廂叫承應的歌舞吹彈，撮弄演戲。On one side, attendants sang and danced, played pipes and strings, performed feats, and staged plays.他師徒們並王父子盡樂一日。The master and his disciples, together with the king and his sons, made merry all day.

不覺天晚，散了酒席。Before they knew it, evening had fallen, and the banquet dispersed.又叫即於暴紗亭鋪設床幃，請師安宿。The king then ordered beds and curtains to be set up in the Baosha Pavilion and invited the masters to spend the night there.待明早竭誠焚香，再拜求傳武藝。At dawn, they would burn incense with the utmost sincerity, bow again, and beg to be taught martial arts.眾皆聽從，即備香湯，請師沐浴，眾卻歸寢。All agreed; fragrant hot water was prepared for the masters to bathe, and the others retired to sleep.此時那：At that time:

一宵晚景題過。Thus the scene of that night was passed over.明早，那老王父子又來相見。Early the next morning, the old king and his sons came to see them again.這長老昨日相見還是王禮，今日就行師禮。When they met the elder the day before, they had observed the rites due a king; today they performed the rites due a master.那三個小王子對行者、八戒、沙僧當面叩頭，拜問道：「尊師之兵器，還借出來與弟子們看看。」八戒聞言，欣然取出釘鈀，拋在地下。The three young princes kowtowed before Xingzhe, Bajie, and Sha Seng, then asked, “Honored masters, would you lend us your weapons so that we disciples may have a look?” Delighted to hear this, Bajie took out his rake and tossed it onto the ground.沙僧將寶杖拋出，倚在牆邊。Sha Seng brought out his precious staff and leaned it against the wall.二王子與三王子跳起去便拿，就如蜻蜓撼石柱，一個個掙得紅頭赤臉，莫想拿動半分毫。The second and third princes sprang forward to pick them up, but it was like dragonflies trying to shake stone pillars: each strained until his face and ears were crimson, yet could not move them by the slightest fraction.大王子見了，叫道：「兄弟，莫費力了。Seeing this, the eldest prince called, “Brothers, do not waste your strength.師父的兵器，俱是神兵，不知有多少重哩。」八戒笑道：「我的鈀也沒多重，只有一藏之數，連柄五千零四十八斤。」三王子問沙僧道：「師父寶杖多重？」沙僧笑道：「也是五千零四十八斤。」大王子求行者的金箍棒看。Our masters’ weapons are all divine arms; who knows how much they weigh?” Bajie laughed and said, “My rake is not particularly heavy—only the number of one Buddhist canon: five thousand and forty-eight jin, handle and all.” The third prince asked Sha Seng, “Master, how heavy is your precious staff?” Sha Seng laughed and said, “It too weighs five thousand and forty-eight jin.” The eldest prince asked to see Xingzhe’s Gold-Hooped Staff.行者去耳朵裡取出一個針兒來，迎風幌一幌，就有碗來粗細，直直的豎立面前。Xingzhe drew a little needle from his ear and waved it once into the wind; at once it grew as thick as a bowl and stood upright before them.那王父子都皆悚懼，眾官員個個心驚。The king and his sons were all filled with dread, and every official was startled.三個小王子禮拜道：「豬師、沙師之兵，俱隨身帶在衣下，即可取之。The three young princes bowed and said, “Master Zhu’s and Master Sha’s weapons are both carried beneath their clothes and can simply be taken out.孫師為何自耳中取出，見風即長，何也？」行者笑道：「你不知我這棒不是凡間等閑可有者。Why does Master Sun draw his from his ear, and why does it grow as soon as it meets the wind?” Xingzhe laughed and said, “You do not know that this staff of mine is no commonplace object to be found in the mortal world.這棒是：This staff is:

那王子聽言，個個頂禮不盡。Hearing this, the princes bowed their heads to the ground again and again.三個向前重重拜禮，虔心求授。The three stepped forward and bowed deeply, sincerely begging to be instructed.行者道：「你三人不知學那般武藝？」王子道：「願使棍的就學棍，慣使鈀的就學鈀，愛用杖的就學杖。」行者笑道：「教便也容易，只是你等無力量，使不得我們的兵器，恐學之不精，如畫虎不成反類狗也。Xingzhe said, “What sort of martial art do you three wish to learn?” The princes replied, “Let the one who wishes to wield the staff learn the staff, the one accustomed to the rake learn the rake, and the one who favors the cudgel learn the cudgel.” Xingzhe laughed and said, “Teaching you would be easy enough, but you lack the strength to wield our weapons. I fear your learning would be imperfect—like trying to paint a tiger and producing something more like a dog.古人云：『訓教不嚴師之惰，學問無成子之罪。』汝等既有誠心，可去焚香來拜了天地，我先傳你些神力，然後可授武藝。」The ancients said, ‘If instruction is not strict, the fault lies in the teacher’s indolence; if learning comes to nothing, the fault lies with the pupil.’ Since you are sincere, go burn incense and worship Heaven and Earth. I shall first impart some divine strength to you, after which we may teach you martial arts.”

三個小王子聞言，滿心歡喜。The three young princes were overjoyed when they heard this.即便親擡香案，沐手焚香，朝天禮拜。They personally carried in an incense table, washed their hands, lit incense, and bowed toward Heaven.拜畢，請師傳法。When they had finished bowing, they asked their masters to transmit the art.行者轉下身來，對唐僧行禮道：「告尊師，恕弟子之罪。Xingzhe turned around, bowed to Tang Seng, and said, “Honored Master, I beg you to pardon your disciple’s offense.自當年在兩界山蒙師父大德救脫弟子，秉教沙門，一向西來，雖不曾重報師恩，卻也曾渡水登山，竭盡心力。Ever since your great virtue delivered me from beneath Two Boundaries Mountain and brought me into the Buddhist order, I have journeyed westward with you. Though I have never adequately repaid the grace of my master, I have crossed rivers and climbed mountains, exhausting all my strength in your service.今來佛國之鄉，幸遇賢王三子，投拜我等，欲學武藝。Now that we have come to a land of the Buddha, we have fortunately met the worthy king’s three sons, who have bowed to us as masters and wish to learn martial arts.彼既為我等之徒弟，即為我師之徒孫也。Since they are to become our disciples, they will also become our master’s grand-disciples.謹稟過我師，庶好傳授。」三藏十分大喜。I therefore respectfully report this to my master, so that we may properly instruct them.” Sanzang was exceedingly pleased.八戒、沙僧見行者行禮，也即轉身朝三藏磕頭道：「師父，我等愚魯，拙口鈍腮，不會說話。When Bajie and Sha Seng saw Xingzhe bowing, they too turned and kowtowed to Sanzang, saying, “Master, we are dull and clumsy, slow of tongue and awkward of speech.望師父高坐法位，也讓我兩個各招個徒弟耍耍，也是西方路上之憶念。」三藏俱欣然允之。We ask you to sit aloft in the seat of the Dharma and let each of us take a disciple for the sport of it; it will also give us something by which to remember our journey to the Western Heaven.” Sanzang gladly consented to both requests.

行者才教三個王子都在暴紗亭後，靜室之間，畫了罡斗。Only then did Xingzhe lead the three princes to a quiet chamber behind the Baosha Pavilion and draw the pattern of the Dipper there.教三人都俯伏在內，一個個瞑目寧神。He had all three lie prostrate within it, close their eyes, and compose their spirits.這裡卻暗暗念動真言，誦動咒語，將仙氣吹入他三人心腹之中，把元神收歸本舍。He then secretly recited true formulas and chanted spells, blowing immortal breath into their hearts and bellies and drawing their primal spirits back into their proper abodes.傳與口訣，各授得萬千之膂力，運添了火候，卻像個脫胎換骨之法。He passed on the secret formulas and endowed each of them with immense physical strength; he advanced the inner fire to its proper degree, in a process like shedding the old body and exchanging the bones.運遍了子午周天，那三個小王子方才甦醒，一齊爬將起來，抹抹臉，精神抖擻，一個個骨壯筋強：大王子就拿得金箍棒，二王子就掄得九齒鈀，三王子就舉得降妖杖。When the power had circulated throughout the full zi-wu circuit, the three young princes finally awoke. They all scrambled up, wiped their faces, and stood brimming with vigor, each with sturdy bones and powerful sinews: the eldest prince could now lift the Gold-Hooped Staff, the second could swing the Nine-Toothed Rake, and the third could raise the Demon-Subduing Cudgel.

老王見了，歡喜不勝。The old king was overjoyed at the sight.又排素宴，啟謝他師徒四眾。He laid out another vegetarian banquet to thank the master and his three disciples.就在筵前各傳各授：學棍的演棍，學鈀的演鈀，學杖的演杖。There at the feast, each master instructed his own pupil: the one learning the staff practiced the staff, the one learning the rake practiced the rake, and the one learning the cudgel practiced the cudgel.雖然打幾個轉身，丟幾般解數，此等終是凡夫，有些著力：走一路，便喘氣噓噓，不能耐久。Though they managed a few turns and performed several techniques, they were mortals after all and had to exert themselves: after going through one sequence, they were already panting and could not keep it up for long.蓋他那兵器都有變化，其進退攻揚，隨消隨長，皆有自然之妙，此等終是凡夫，豈能以遽及也？For those weapons could all transform; in advance and retreat, attack and parry, they shrank or grew as needed, possessing an innate and wondrous subtlety. These princes were mortals after all—how could they master them in so short a time?當日收了筵宴。That day, the banquet came to an end.

次日，三個王子又來稱謝道：「感蒙神師授賜了膂力，縱然掄得師的兵器，只是轉換艱難。The next day, the three princes returned to offer their thanks, saying, “By the grace of our divine masters, we have been endowed with great strength. Though we can now swing our masters’ weapons, changing from one movement to another remains difficult.意欲命匠依神師兵器式樣，減削斤兩，打造一般，未知師父肯容否？」八戒道：「好好好，說得有理。We would like to order craftsmen to copy the forms of our divine masters’ weapons, but reduce their weight and forge a set for us. We do not know whether our masters will permit it.” Bajie said, “Good, good, good! That makes perfect sense.我們的器械，一則你們使不得，二則我們要護法降魔，正該另造另造。」王子隨即宣召鐵匠，買辦鋼鐵萬斤，就在王府內前院搭廠，支爐鑄造。For one thing, you cannot properly wield our weapons; for another, we need them to protect the Dharma and subdue demons. You certainly ought to have new ones made.” The princes immediately summoned blacksmiths and purchased ten thousand jin of steel and iron; then they erected a workshop in the front courtyard of the royal residence and set up furnaces for the forging.先一日將鋼鐵煉熟。On the first day, they refined the steel and iron.次日請行者三人將金箍棒、九齒鈀、降妖杖，都取出放在篷廠之間，看樣造作。The next day, they asked Xingzhe and the other two to bring out the Gold-Hooped Staff, the Nine-Toothed Rake, and the Demon-Subduing Cudgel and place them in the workshop shed, so that the craftsmen could copy their designs.遂此晝夜不收。Thus the work continued day and night without pause.

噫！Ah!這兵器原是他們隨身之寶，一刻不可離者，各藏在身，自有許多光彩護體。These weapons were originally treasures their owners carried at all times and could not part with for even a moment; when concealed upon their persons, each naturally gave off many-colored radiance that protected the body.今放在廠院中幾日，那霞光有萬道沖天，瑞氣有千般罩地。Now that they had lain in the workshop courtyard for several days, ten thousand shafts of rosy light soared into the heavens, while a thousand forms of auspicious vapor spread over the earth.其夜有一妖精，離城只有七十里遠近，山喚豹頭山，洞喚虎口洞，夜坐之間，忽見霞光瑞氣，即駕雲而看，見光彩起處是王府之內。That night, a demon dwelt some seventy li from the city, on a mountain called Leopard-Head Mountain, in a cave called Tiger-Mouth Cave. As he sat there at night, he suddenly saw the rosy light and auspicious vapor; mounting a cloud to investigate, he saw that the radiance arose from within the royal residence.他按下雲頭，近前觀看，乃是這三般兵器放光。He lowered his cloud and went closer to look, and found that it was these three weapons giving off light.妖精又喜又愛道：「好寶貝，好寶貝。Both delighted and enamored, the demon cried, “Fine treasures! Fine treasures!這是甚人用的，今放在此？Who could wield such things, and why have they been left here now?也是我的緣法，拿了去呀，拿了去呀。」他愛心一動，弄起威風，將三般兵器一股收之，徑轉本洞。This too must be my destined good fortune. I shall take them away! I shall take them away!” As greed stirred in his heart, he raised a mighty wind, swept up all three weapons in a single stroke, and returned directly to his cave.正是那：And so it was that:

畢竟不知怎生尋得這兵器，且聽下回分解。How the weapons were eventually recovered remains unknown; listen to the explanation in the next chapter.

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What it’s about

At Jade-Flower County, the pilgrims meet three young princes fascinated by their supernatural weapons. After watching Wukong, Bajie and Sha Wujing demonstrate cudgel, rake and staff, the princes ask to become their disciples. The travelers agree and teach each student according to his chosen master. Royal curiosity is redirected into disciplined practice, and the court orders local smiths to make lighter copies suitable for human bodies.

The enormous originals are left at the smithy as models. During the night, a yellow-lion spirit nearby sees their radiance and sends lesser demons to steal all three weapons. The next morning masters, princes and craftsmen discover the loss, transforming a friendly interlude into a threat. Wukong investigates and traces the theft toward Tiger-Mouth Cave. The chapter thus pairs imitation with possession: the princes seek forms they can responsibly learn, while the demons simply appropriate the prestige and power of the originals.

When it was written 背景

The apprenticeship offers a rare pause in which the disciples themselves become masters. Each weapon expresses a distinct body and style, so replicas must be scaled rather than treated as magical shortcuts. Learners can follow 王子, 拜師, 兵器 and 打造 as admiration becomes instruction and craft. The theft then tests what ownership means: without their signature arms the pilgrims retain skill and identity, whereas the yellow lion hopes display can transfer authority. The episode also begins the novel's final extended cluster of lion spirits.

Words in this chapter 生词

鈀bǎ鈀bǎ — palladium (chemistry) · Taiwan pr. (bā)
僧sēng僧sēng — (bound form) Buddhist monk (abbr. for 僧伽 (sēng qié))
諕háo諕háo — to intimidate
箍gū箍gū — hoop · to bind with hoops
訊xùn訊xùn — (bound form) to ask; to inquire · (bound form) to interrogate; to question · (bound form) news; information
殿diàn殿diàn — palace hall
王wángHSK 4王wáng — king or monarch · best or strongest of its type · grand · great (HSK 4)
膳shàn膳shàn — meals
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)
棒bàngHSK 5棒bàng — stick · club · cudgel · smart · capable · strong · wonderful · classifier for legs of a relay race (HSK 5)
亭tíng亭tíng — pavilion · booth · kiosk · erect
妖yāo妖yāo — goblin · witch · devil · bewitching · enchanting · monster · phantom · demon