A little earlier.
Inside the Main Hall, Guanyin said, "This matter arose because of those two, so its resolution will fall to them as well."
The Queen paused, not understanding. The Grand Tutor and the Female Officials still looked at Xuanzang and Guanyin, about to ask more.
But a note from a zither suddenly rang out from the bridal chamber.
Twang-
It was not loud, yet as it reached the Main Hall, it cut through everyone's thoughts at once.
Only then did everyone seem to suddenly remember that today was supposed to be the couple's joyous wedding day.
After listening to a few notes, Jade Flute smiled and explained, "Everyone, this is Pipa's favorite tune."
Yet no one answered him.
Wukong stood with his arms folded. Bajie and Little White Dragon remained silent, while Sha Wujing and A-Hu looked downcast.
Only Xuanzang and Guanyin looked as composed as ever, but neither spoke.
Jade Flute glanced around, puzzled.
"What's wrong, everyone?" He gave them an ingratiating smile. "Today is my master's wedding day. I understand this matter is important, but surely it can wait a little. Since the Bodhisattva has said they must resolve it themselves, why don't we wait until tomorrow and discuss it with them then?"
Barely had he finished when singing drifted faintly through the distant zither music.
"Cold strings in empty mountains, a chill spring by a lonely hermitage, sitting alone through the sleepless depths of night..."
Jade Flute paused. "When did Master write lyrics for this tune?"
Still, no one spoke.
Jade Flute's smile froze on his face. By now, he too sensed something was wrong.
Bajie glanced at Wukong, and Wukong looked at Xuanzang.
Xuanzang nodded gently.
Bajie spoke heavily. "Daoist Jade Flute, listen to me."
Jade Flute looked at him, the unease in