Though realizing he’d been tricked, Wukong refused to lose heart.
Undeterred by the fake fan, Wukong devised a new plan:
Since the Demoness won’t surrender the fan willingly, I’ll disguise myself as her husband, the Bull Demon King, to deceive her. That way, I’ll seize the true fan without further battle.
Wukong’s Deception
Swiftly transforming into the Bull Demon King’s likeness, he soared through clouds to Jade Cloud Mountain. Upon reaching the Plantain Cave, he barked imperiously:
“Open the gates!”
The greeting maids obeyed without hesitation. Recognizing the “Bull Demon King,” they rushed to inform their mistress:
“His Majesty has returned!”
Hearing this, the Iron Fan Princess hastily tidied her hair and rushed out joyfully.
“Too long since we last met!” the impostor Bull Demon King declared gallantly.
“May heaven bless your noble presence,” the Demoness bowed. “What wind brings you here today?”
The Lovers’ Ruse
The fake Bull King replied:
“I’ve heard Sun Wukong approaches Fiery Mountain (Flame Mountain) with the Tang Monk. He’ll surely beg for our fan. You know my hatred for that ape. When he appears, summon me immediately—I’ll grind him to pulp to avenge our son!”
At this, the Demoness burst into tears:
“That monkey nearly destroyed me!”
“What? Has he breached the mountain?” the impostor feigned outrage.
“Not yet! Yesterday he demanded the fan. When I recalled our son’s fate, I donned armor and struck him with my swords. He endured the blows and shamelessly called me ‘sister,’ claiming sworn brotherhood with you! Unable to defeat him, I surrendered the fan.”
“Foolish!” roared the impostor, pounding his chest in mock fury. “How could you give our treasure to that ape? This news kills me!”
“Don’t despair!” the Demoness laughed. “I gave him a counterfeit! What choice had I?”
“Are you certain?” pressed Wukong. “Where’s the true fan hidden?”
Giggling girlishly, the Demoness produced a fan smaller than an almond leaf:
“Is this not our treasured fan?”
The True Fan’s Secret
Wukong stared in disbelief. Noticing his scrutiny, the Iron Fan Immortal urged:
“Set the fan aside—let’s drink!”
As they imbibed, Wukong probed:
“How can this tiny thing quench flames towering eight hundred miles?”
Wine-loosened, the Demoness dismissed his doubts:
“Husband, have two years apart erased your memory? Press the seventh red ribbon on the handle with your left thumb while chanting Exhale, Inhale, Blow, and Snore to enlarge it! No fire withstands its power!”
Revelation and Escape
Memorizing the secret, Wukong tucked the fan into his mouth. Reverting to true form, he sneered:
“Still think I’m your husband? Look closely, Demoness!”
The Iron Fan Princess recoiled in horror, kicking over tables and chairs. Shame burning her soul, she wailed:
“Let me die! Let me die!”
Wukong brushed off her grasping hands and strode from the cave. Mounting a cloud, he raced back to his master, the true fan secured at last.
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