Tang Monk mounted his horse and continued westward on his journey, accompanied by his disciples.
They rested beside streams and satisfied their hunger outdoors. They walked for a long time without stopping, and once again spring returned.
The Mysterious River
They came upon a river—not very wide—its waters clear and cold.
Tang Monk pulled on the reins and saw in the distance a group of huts with thatched roofs, built in the shade of willow trees so green they resembled jade.
Pointing at them with his finger, Wukong said:
“Someone must surely live in those houses who helps travelers cross to the other side.”
Tripitaka replied:
“It’s possible, but since I don’t see any ferry nearby, I dare not be certain.”
Putting down the luggage he carried, Bajie shouted:
“Hey, ferryman! Bring your boat over here!”
Although no one was visible, Bajie didn’t back down and kept shouting. Soon enough, from among the willows, a ferry did appear, creaking sorrowfully with each stroke of the oar.
When it reached the shore, the woman rowing the boat raised her voice and said:
“Come over here if you want to cross the river!”
Approaching her, the Monkey King asked:
“Are you the one in charge of rowing this ferry?”
“Yes,” she replied.
Wukong asked again:
“Why are there no male ferrymen around? Why do women take on such work?”
The old woman did not answer. She only smiled and began lowering the gangplank. Then Sha Wujing jumped onto the boat, carrying his staff on his back. After him climbed the master and the Monkey King, who moved aside to let Bajie pass with the horse.
The old woman lifted the gangplank again and began rowing with strength. Soon they reached the opposite shore.
Seeing how clear the water was, Tang Monk felt thirsty and said to Bajie:
“Take your begging bowl and bring me some water.”
“I was just about to have a drink myself,” replied Bajie, taking out the bowl, filling it to the brim, and handing it to the master.
The master Sanzang drank barely half of it. The pig, however, drank it all, then helped the master mount the horse again.
A Painful Revelation
No sooner had half an hour passed since they resumed the journey when the master began to complain.
“My stomach hurts.”
“Mine too!” exclaimed Bajie.
Sha Monk confirmed:
“It must be from the water you drank.”
He had barely finished speaking when the master cried out again:
“I can’t bear this pain anymore!”
“Me neither! This pain is truly terrible!” repeated Bajie, writhing in agony.
Their bellies began to swell.
Tripitaka was feeling very ill when they finally reached a village ahead. Seeing it, Wukong said:
“We’re in luck, Master. I’ll ask if there’s a pharmacy nearby.”
They soon arrived at the village. As they dismounted, Wukong saw an old woman near the gates. He approached her, joined his palms in greeting, bowed, and said:
“Humble monk that I am, Madam, we come from the Great Tang Kingdom in the Eastern Lands. Unfortunately, two of my companions have fallen ill with terrible stomach pains after drinking some river water.”
“You say you drank river water?” asked the old woman, trying hard to suppress a laugh.
Wukong replied:
“That’s right. We took some water from the river east of here.”
“I’ve never heard anything more amusing! How funny! Come in and I’ll tell you something.” And finally, she burst into laughter.
The Kingdom of Women
The old woman explained:
“This is the KIngdom of Women of Western Liang. In this land there are no men at all; all are women. The water your master drank comes from the River of Mother and Child. Outside our capital there is a post house located exactly next to the Stream of Pregnancies. None of us dares to drink from this river before turning twenty, for swallowing even a sip would cause immediate pregnancy. If one does so, she must go to the post house three days later and look into the stream running there. If her reflection appears twice in the water, she can be certain she will give birth to a son. So what I mean to say is that, if indeed your master has tasted the water of the Mother and Child River, he is now pregnant and will eventually give birth to a child.”
Groaning continuously, Tripitaka asked the woman:
“Isn’t there a doctor nearby? Give my disciples the directions and let them go fetch him immediately. Maybe he has some medicine to induce an abortion.”
The Abortion Stream
The old woman replied:
“Medicines are useless for this. Besides, to the south lies the Mountain of Male Suppression, where there opens a cave through which flows precisely the Stream of Abortions(Abortion Stream). To end a pregnancy, one only needs to drink a sip of its water. The problem is that it’s currently not easy to get to. Last year, a Taoist named the Authentic Complacent Immortal(True Immortal Complacent) appeared and declared that the water of the Abortions Stream belongs exclusively to him. Since then, he has refused to distribute it freely. Anyone who wants some must pay large sums of money along with plenty of meat, wine, and various fruits. Only then will he agree to hand over a ridiculous amount of the water. Judging by you, you all live by alms. Where would you get so much money as he demands? The best thing you can do is stay here and wait until you give birth.”
Relieved at hearing this, the Monkey King asked:
“Madam, how far is the Male Suppression Mountain from here?”
“About thirty miles,” replied the old woman.
“Excellent!” exclaimed Sun Wukong.
“Don’t worry any further, Master. Right now I’m going to go get some of that water.”
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