Bajie boasted of his abilities, giving no thought to fetching the scriptures and asking only to stay behind as a son-in-law and marry.
After hearing of all his abilities, Ao Tu could not help laughing. "My good son, you do have some skills. But do you truly mean to stay and be my son-in-law for the long haul?"
Bajie hastily said, "I mean it! I mean it! For the long haul! For the long haul!"
Ao Tu said, "Then if you stay, what will become of your master?"
Bajie said, "My master is a mortal of flesh and blood. If I stay, he certainly won't be able to get out alone. Let's settle the marriage first and invite him to eat the betrothal feast. Afterward, we can tell him and say a few soft words. With the timber already made into a boat, I expect he'll agree."
Ao Tu nodded. "That makes sense. An excellent plan."
Bajie said, "Father, there's one more thing."
Ao Tu said, "What is it?"
Somewhat embarrassed, Bajie said, "I still don't know my bride's lovely name."
Ao Tu laughed. "My good son, you came to ask for her hand in the middle of the night, empty-handed, without so much as a gift, yet you're quick enough to ask her name."
Bajie said, "Father, wasn't I in a hurry? Besides, I have no parents or brothers. Once we're married, we'll all be family. Why bother with those worldly formalities?"
Ao Tu pointed at Bajie and laughed. "What a shrewd son you are!"
Bajie smiled ingratiatingly, thought for a moment, then reached out and brought forth his Rake. Setting it upright on the ground, he said:
"Father, I, Old Pig, have no possessions to spare. This Rake is what I rely on to get by. I'll leave