Having finished speaking, Wukong cupped his hands toward the two old men.
"Honored benefactors, has my junior brother's appetite put your household in a difficult position?"
The two old men hurriedly bowed.
"To tell you the truth, sir, it would be no concern during the day."
"Even if there were a hundred of this potbellied Elder, we could afford to feed them all."
"But it is late, and we had already cleared away the remaining food. We only steamed one shi of flour-based food and five dou of rice, and prepared a few tables of vegetarian dishes."
"We had intended to invite our relatives, neighbors, and the monks to share in the blessings."
"We never expected you Elders to arrive, and then the monks fled, and we dared not invite our relatives and neighbors either."
"So we served everything to you. If it is not enough, I shall have more steamed. It is no trouble."
Wukong cupped his hands again, then turned to look at Sanzang.
Sanzang sat at the head of the table with his eyes lowered, utterly still.
After a moment, he rose and pressed his palms together, bowing to the two old men.
"I am grateful for your generous hospitality."
"Could you have someone take me to rest first?"
The old man hastily rose.
"You are too kind, too kind."
"Why are you leaving the table so suddenly, Elder Tang? Have we failed to entertain you properly?"
Sanzang shook his head.
"I am merely a little weary."
The old man hurriedly said, "Of course. I shall escort you myself."
Sanzang said, "I can go on my own. Someone to show me the way will suffice."
Neither old man would agree. They insisted on escorting him themselves.
Sanzang nodded and pressed his palms together.
"Sorry for the trouble,