Curious Ear

Journey to the West 74 Curious Ear

Guanyin recited the Tight Headband spell. Both Wukongs fell to the ground, howling in pain. “ Please stop! ” they cried. Guanyin stopped reciting the spell, and the two monkeys stood back up. The bodhisattva frowned. “ I still don’t know which of you is the real Wukong. You should both go to Heaven. The real Wukong used to live there. Maybe the Jade Emperor can tell who is who. ”

“ Good idea, ” said one Wukong. He pointed at the other. “ The Jade Emperor will see that this monkey is a fake! ” “ I’m not a fake! ” cried the other monkey. “ You are! ” He tried to strike the other Wukong. But that one dodged the blow and swung back. The two monkeys were still fighting when they arrived at the southern gate of Heaven.

The guard narrowed his eyes. “ Wukong? Is that you?” “ Yes, it’s me, ” said both of the Wukongs. “ I must speak with the Jade Emperor, ” said one monkey. He pointed at the other monkey. “ He’s a fake Wukong! ” “ I’m not a fake Wukong! ” said the other monkey. “ I’m the real one! I must speak with the Jade Emperor! ”

The guard allowed both Wukongs to enter Heaven. Crash! Clang! Bang! Spirits and gods fled as the two Wukongs fought all over Heaven. The monkeys knocked over statues and trees. Still fighting, they stormed into the Cloud Palace. When the Jade Emperor saw them, he was furious.

“ What’s going on?” he boomed. “ Your Majesty! ” said one of the Wukongs. “ Please punish this monkey. He’s pretending to be me. ” “ Punish him! ” cried the other. “ He’s pretending to be me! ” “ Stand still, both of you, ” said the Jade Emperor. “ Let me get a good look at you. ”