The Three Young Women

Journey to the West 87 The Three Young Women

Wukong and his companions were walking through a forest. “ I’m glad the road goes through this shady forest, ” said the Tang Monk. “ The sun is very hot this morning. ” Wujing nodded. “ It’s nice to walk in the shade. ” Wukong looked around suspiciously. He knew that forests were often filled with dangers.

Suddenly Bajie fell flat on his face. “ Oof! ” He climbed back to his feet and rubbed his nose. “ I’m okay, ” he said. “ I tripped on a rock. ” The travelers soon came to a wall running along the road. Behind the wall they could see the roof of a house. Up ahead was a gate. “ I wonder who lives here, ” said Wujing. “ Shh, ” said Wukong. “ I hear laughter. ”

The monkey peeked over the wall. Three young women were laughing and kicking a ball around. “ I see three young women, ” said Wukong. “ Let’s ask them for some food, ” said Wujing. “ That’s a good idea, ” said Bajie. “ I’ll go talk to them. ” The pig headed toward the gate.

“ Bajie, wait here, ” said the Tang Monk. He looked at his companions. “ I will speak to the women. You three might frighten them. ” “ Frighten them?” Bajie echoed. “ Yes, ” said the Tang Monk. “ After all, Bajie, you’re a large, talking pig. Wujing, you’re big and purple. And, Wukong, you’re scary sometimes. ” The monkey shrugged. Wujing nodded.

“ Fine, ” snapped Bajie. The Tang Monk opened the gate and went through. He approached the women. “ Look! ” said one woman. “ We have a visitor. ” “ He’s a monk, ” said another woman. “ What can we do for you?” asked the third. “ Hello, ” said the Tang Monk. “ I’m wondering if you could spare some food for my companions and me. ”