Praying for Rain

After speaking, the farmer quickly stepped forward to lead the way for the four travelers. After some time, Tang Xuanzang couldn't help but ask Sun Wukong:

"Wukong, we've been traveling for so long, and we've encountered all those monsters. I wonder when we'll be able to return to the Great Tang?"

Upon hearing what Tang Xuanzang said, the farmer cupped his hands in greeting and said to Tang Xuanzang:

"Elder, please don't feel homesick. This road is only a short distance away in the west, where the Kingdom of Tianzhu, lies."

Upon hearing this, Tang Xuanzang smiled and said to the farmer, "Since it's not far from there, you should go back first and stay with the old woman. I have nothing to thank you for, I can only chant sutras day and night to bless you and your child with peace and longevity."

After speaking, the farmer immediately knelt down to thank Tang Xuanzang, and then the four of them set off westward together.

The road was rugged and difficult to travel, and the four of them marveled at the wonders of nature. After some time, they arrived near a city. Tang Xuanzang pointed to the city and said to Sun Wukong:

"Wukong, do you think that city ahead is Kingdom of Tianzhu?"

Upon hearing what Tang Xuanzang said, Sun Wukong looked closely, then quickly shook his head and said:

"It's not the place of the Tathagata. Although it's called the Land of Ultimate Bliss, there are no cities there. It's located in a great mountain, and inside that mountain are pavilions and palaces called the Great Thunderclap Monastery."

After speaking, Sun Wukong paused for a moment, then continued speaking to Tang Xuanzang:

"Even if we reach Kingdom of Tianzhu, it's not Tathagata Buddha resides. Kingdom of Tianzhu is unknown how far from Spirit Mountain. This city before us is probably a constitution established by Kingdom of Tianzhu. We'll only know when we get there."

Before long, they arrived outside the city. After dismounting and entering the city, Tang Xuanzang found it extremely desolate and the streets were deserted. When he arrived at the city center, he found many people standing on both sides.

However, there were still a few people wearing hats who stood under the eaves. The four of them wandered the streets, but those people did not give way at all. Zhu Bajie, being rather foolish, stuck out his long snout and shouted loudly:

What are you all standing there for? Get out of my way!

The people looked up abruptly and suddenly saw Zhu Bajie's appearance. They were all so frightened that their limbs went weak, and they staggered, saying, "Everyone run! The demon is coming! The demon is coming!"

These words terrified the people wearing hats, who approached Tang Xuanzang timidly and asked, "Where did you all come from?"

Fearing that his disciple might cause trouble, Tang Xuanzang immediately stood up and said:

"This humble monk has come from the Great Tang of the Eastern Lands to Kingdom of Tianzhu to worship Buddha and seek scriptures at the Great Thunderclap Monastery. Now we are passing through this place and do not know its name. We have not yet found a place to stay. We were a little rude when we entered the city, please do not be angry."

The official quickly bowed to Tang Xuanzang and said, "This place is a prefecture outside the Kingdom of Tianzhu, called Fallen Flower Commandery. The climate has been dry for years, and the prefect has asked us to find some monks here to pray for rain."

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong immediately ran out and asked the official, "Since you've said that, where exactly is your proclamation now?"

The officials all said in unison, "The notice is right here. We were cleaning the corridor earlier and haven't had time to hang it up yet."

After speaking, Sun Wukong smiled and said, "Since that's how it is, hurry up and bring it over so I can take a look."

The officials then handed the notice to Sun Wukong. Sun Wukong stared intently at it, and after a short while, Sun Wukong finished reading and said to the officials:

"Who exactly is this Prefect Shangguan?"

The surrounding officials explained to Sun Wukong, "Shangguan is a surname; it's the surname of our prefect."

Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong laughed and said, "This surname is so rare that I've never even heard of it before. I even doubt that it exists at all."

Just then, Zhu Bajie patted Sun Wukong on the Sun Wukong and said, "Brother Monkey, that's because you haven't read enough books."

At the same time, Tang Xuanzang interrupted Sun Wukong and Zhu Bajie 'Tang Xuanzang conversation, saying:

"Disciples, please don't talk nonsense. If any of you know how to pray for rain, please help him send some rain; that would be a good thing. But if you don't, then let's not waste their time."

After speaking, Sun Wukong scratched the fur on the back of his hand and said, "What's so difficult about such a small matter? Back in the day, I could overturn rivers and seas, shift stars, and summon wind and rain. In my eyes, this is nothing more than a very weak matter."

After hearing what Sun Wukong said, two of the officials hurriedly returned to the county to report, "Sir, I have good news for you."

"What good news? Tell me quickly!"

Upon hearing the official's words, the princess, who was burning incense and praying, immediately asked in surprise.

"We posted a notice on the street today, and after a while, four monks who claimed to be from the Great Tang of the Eastern Lands came to the Great Thunderclap Monastery to worship Buddha and seek scriptures. After seeing the notice, they said they could pray for rain, so I came here specifically to tell you."

The official immediately knelt down and reported to the princess.

The princess quickly straightened her clothes and ran to the market to politely request permission. Suddenly, she heard someone say, "Quickly, everyone stand in line! The princess's master has arrived."

The crowd rushed past, and the princess, upon seeing Tang Xuanzang, was not afraid of his disciple's ugly appearance at all. She knelt down in the street and said:

"I am the officer in charge here. I've heard you can pray for rain. I hope you can use your compassion and divine power to help us send some rain."

Upon hearing this, Tang Xuanzang looked around and said to the princess, "This is not the place to talk. I will begin praying for rain for you after we reach the temple."

Upon hearing this, the princess quickly took Tang Xuanzang's hand and said to Tang Xuanzang, "Since you've already said so, then let's go together to a clean and tidy place."

The four of them, master and disciples, led their horses and carried their loads as they arrived at the mansion. Upon closer inspection, they were struck by how luxurious it truly was.

The princess then ordered her servants to prepare some food. Upon seeing this, Zhu Bajie pounced on his prey like a hungry tiger, terrifying his men, who hurriedly served him more Zhu Bajie.

The food was displayed like a slideshow in front of Zhu Bajie; it was completely devoured as soon as it was served.

After they had eaten and drunk their fill, Tang Xuanzang about the important matter at hand. He said, "Your Highness, do you know how long the drought has lasted here?"

After hearing what Tang Xuanzang Tang Xuanzang, the princess pondered for a long time before saying to him:

"Actually, I can't remember exactly how long the drought lasted, but what I remember most vividly was that it lasted for three years at once."