Monkey: A Folk Novel of China

This section covers Tripitaka and his disciples’ adventures with the Kingdom of Crow-cock. While at the Treasure Wood Temple, Tripitaka dreams of a soaking wet man dressed as a king. The king tells his story, saying that five years prior, a magician came to his kingdom and offered to help against a drought. For two years, the kingdom prospered, until the magician pushed the king into a well and sealed it off. The king adds that the magician “changed himself into the exact image of me” and has been ruling in his place for three years (168). Tripitaka learns that a spirit has told the dead king that Monkey would be able to help remove the magician and clear up the situation. Tripitaka feels particular sympathy for the king and his son, who does not know his father has been replaced, as an impostor murdered Tripitaka’s own father as well. The king leaves a jade tablet to help convince his son of the truth.

Tripitaka calls his disciples and tells Monkey what has happened. Monkey devises a plan, assuming the prince comes to the temple the next day. When the prince comes out of the city for their hunt, Monkey changes in into a hare, leading the prince into a chase that takes him to the Treasure Wood Temple.