Now Tang Sanzang and his disciples entered Chechi Kingdom and happened upon a household holding a religious ceremony. To their surprise, they saw two monks walk inside.
Tang Sanzang said, "How strange! How strange! All along the way, we've heard that Chechi Kingdom favors Daoists and despises monks. We've even had trouble begging for alms on our journey. Why would someone here invite monks to perform a ceremony?"
Wukong said, "Quite right. Let Old Sun investigate!"
Bajie said, "What's there to investigate? The way Old Pig sees it, this house has red bricks and new tiles, so the family must have just moved here from somewhere else. That's why they treat monks and Daoists alike. Why don't we follow them inside, recite a few scriptures, and offer a few words of congratulation? We won't ask for any money, just a meal. Wouldn't that be a fine thing?"
Sha Wujing said, "Second Brother has a point."
Bajie said, "Master, let's hurry. If we arrive late and they've already begun the feast, it'll be awkward." With that, he shouldered the luggage and hurried ahead.
Wukong laughed. "That fool."
When Bajie reached the house, he gave his body a twist, drawing in his long snout and his two great palm-fan ears.
Wukong stepped forward and patted him. "Bajie, what are you doing?"
Bajie said with a laugh:
"You don't know, do you? Look at all the music and merriment here. It's a happy occasion, though I don't know whether they're celebrating a new home or the birth of a daughter. If Old Pig went in with his ears sticking out, wouldn't I frighten everyone to tears? If it were a funeral, crying would be fine-it would make the family look filial. But this is a happy occasion, and tears would be unlucky. Then