Tricked by the Princess

Journey to the West 34 Tricked by the Princess

The Tang Monk was tied up in a room. He heard his companions yelling at the monster. “ Hand over the Tang Monk now! ” shouted Bajie. Clang! The Tang Monk heard the sound of weapons clashing. “ I hope they rescue me, ” said the monk. A young woman entered the room.

“ Wh-who are you?” asked the Tang Monk. “ I’m a prisoner here, ” said the woman. “ That monster kidnapped me 13 years ago and won’t let me leave. Will you help me?” “ I wish I could help you, ” said the Tang Monk. He showed the young woman his ropes. “ I can help you get free, ” said the young woman. “ If I do, will you deliver a letter to my parents?”

“ Of course, ” said the monk. “ Who are your parents?” “ They’re the king and queen of the Precious Image Kingdom, ” said the young woman. “ My name is Princess Hundred Flowers. ” Bajie and Wujing were still fighting the monster when the princess ran outside

“ Monster! ” she cried. “ I must ask you a favor. ” Right away the monster stopped fighting and turned to the princess. “ What can I do for you, my sweet?” asked the monster. “ There’s a monk inside, ” said the princess. “ It makes me so sad to see him tied up. Won’t you let him go?”

The monster hesitated. “ That monk isn’t an ordinary monk. He’s the—” Princess Hundred Flowers pretended to cry. The monster held up his hands. “ Okay, okay, sweetie. You know I only want you to be happy. The monk may go. ” The monster followed the princess back inside. Bajie and Wujing looked at each other in confusion.