The Treasure in the Well

Journey to the West 45 The Treasure in the Well

The Tang Monk introduced himself to the prince and then waved toward the others. “ These are my companions. We’re going to the Western Paradise to get scriptures from Buddha. ” “ What’s going on?” asked the prince. “ Why did the monkey lead me here?” “ The man ruling the Black Rooster Kingdom is not really the king, ” said the monk. He told the prince everything.

When the Tang Monk’s story was finished, the prince was furious. “ You’re lying! I will have you arrested for making up such a story! ” The Tang Monk reached into his robe. He pulled out the jade coin. “ Your father told me to show you this. ”

The prince gasped. “ That coin belongs to my father! It’s a royal treasure. ” He began to cry. “ Your story must be true. My poor father. All this time, people thought that evil Daoist was him. ” “ Don’t worry, ” said Wukong. “ We’ll get rid of that fake king. ”

Late that night Wukong lay awake. “ The Daoist will deny everything, ” he thought. “ We need proof that he killed the real king. ” He poked Bajie, who was fast asleep. “ Bajie, wake up. ” The pig rolled over. “ Leave me alone . . . sleeping. ” “ We need to do something, ” said Wukong. “ Not now, ” mumbled Bajie.

“ I know where there’s treasure, ” the monkey lied. Bajie’s eyes popped open. “ Where is the treasure?” “ Follow me, ” said Wukong. They went outside and flew to the palace. In a small courtyard, Wukong rushed toward a well. “ The treasure is in this well, ” said the monkey, pulling the lid off.