The Devaraja Li and the Third Prince went straight to the Treasure Hall of Divine Mists to give this report: “By your holy decree your subjects led the expeditionary force down to the Region Below to subdue the baneful immortal, Sun Wukong. We had no idea of his enormous power, and we could not prevail against him. We beseech Your Majesty to give us reinforcements to wipe him out.”
“How powerful can we expect one baneful monkey to be,” asked the Jade Emperor, “that reinforcements are needed?”
The Gold Star of Venus(Great White Venus) came forward again from the ranks and said, “Even if reinforcements are sent to fight him, I don’t think he can be subdued right away without taxing our forces. It would be better if Your Majesty were greatly to extend your mercy and proclaim yet another decree of pacification. Let him indeed be made the Great Sage, Equal to Heaven; he will be given an empty title, in short, rank without compensation.”
Hearing these words, the Jade Emperor said, “We shall follow the counsels of our minister.”
Great White Venus Revisits Flower-Fruit Mountain
The Gold Star left through the South Heaven Gate once again and headed straight for the Flower-Fruit Mountain.
The various monsters ran inside to report, “There is an old man outside who says that he is a Heavenly messenger from the region above, bearing a decree of invitation for you.”
The Monkey King ran to the mouth of the cave, bowed courteously, and said in a loud voice, “Please come in, Old Star! Forgive me for not coming out to meet you.”
The Gold Star strode forward and declared: “Now I inform the Great Sage. Because the Great Sage has objected to the meanness of his previous appointment and removed himself from the imperial stables. The proclamation of the Jade Emperor said at first, ‘All appointed officials advance from lowly positions to exalted ones. Why should he object to that arrangement?’It was this old man who, risking offense, pleaded the case of the Great Sage, so that he might be invited to receive a new appointment, and without the use of force. The Jade Emperor accepted my suggestion; hence I am here to invite you.”
“I caused you trouble last time,” said Wukong, laughing, “and now I am again indebted to you for your kindness. Thank you! Thank you! But is there really such a rank as the Great Sage, Equal to Heaven, up there?” “I made certain that this title was approved,” said the Gold Star, “before I dared come with the decree. If there is any mishap, let this old man be held responsible.”
Wukong was highly pleased, but the Gold Star refused his earnest invitation to stay for a banquet. He therefore mounted the hallowed cloud with the Gold Star and went straight into the Treasure Hall of Divine Mists.
Wukong’s Second Heavenly Appointment
Jade Emperor said: “I now proclaim you to be the Great Sage, Equal to Heaven, a position of the highest rank. But you must indulge no more in your preposterous behavior.” Bowing deeply, the monkey uttered a great whoop of thanks. The Jade Emperor then ordered two building officials, Zhang and Lu, to erect the official residence of the Great Sage, Equal to Heaven, to the right of the Garden of Immortal Peaches. Inside the mansion, two departments were established, named “Peace and Quiet” and “Serene Spirit”.
Observing Wukong’s cosmic idleness, later, they tasked Wukong with overseeing the Garden of Immortal Peaches.
“We perceive,” said the Jade Emperor, “that your life is quite indolent, since you have nothing to do, and we have decided therefore to give you an assignment. You will temporarily take care of the Garden of Immortal Peaches. Be careful and diligent, morning and evening.”
Delighted, the Great Sage bowed deeply and grunted his gratitude as he withdrew.
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