Xuanzang did not answer at once.
Wukong rolled over and lay on his stomach on the beam, his arms draped over the wood and his tail swaying. He looked down at Xuanzang, a smile on his lips but a complicated look in his eyes:
"Pointing the way is one thing."
"But all this was their just deserts to begin with, and this kingdom's allotted fate."
"I understand saving people from suffering, and I'm willing to do it too. But doing it this way... something just feels wrong."
The oil lamp flickered again.
Xuanzang lowered his eyes. After a moment, he answered:
"Wukong, I cannot rule in the Ruler of Chechi Kingdom's place, nor serve in those officials' places."
"But suffering has already come before my eyes. How could I ignore it?"
"I urge them to do what they ought to do, and what they can do."
"That is also what I teach you."
"So now, I am merely doing what lies within my reach, considering what should be done and how much can still be salvaged."
"The administration of Chechi Kingdom must still be put in order by its ruler."
"Cases of injustice must still be investigated by the authorities."
"And the people must ultimately walk their own path through the days to come."
"Whether Chechi Kingdom will fall, I do not know, nor can I do anything about it."
"But if I saw suffering and did nothing to help, I would no longer be myself."
Wukong fell silent for a while.
Then he nodded.
He rolled over and lay on his back on the beam, looking at the pitch-black roof.
"I know."
The wind whispered outside.
Somewhere in the distance, the wind stirred a dead tree, its branches scraping the eaves with a faint sound.
Xuanzang looked up at