VIAJE AL OESTE Las Aventuras del Rey Mono cap 9

Chapter 9: The Rise of Chen Kanan Jui

Introduction to Changan and the Tang Dynasty

• Chen Kanan Jui faces misfortune as he takes on his new role in Changan, a city historically significant as the capital for various dynasties.

• Under Emperor Taichung of the Tang Dynasty, who has ruled for 13 years, the kingdom enjoys peace and prosperity with tributes flowing from all regions.

The Proposal for Examinations

• Prime Minister We Chen suggests reinstating traditional examinations to select capable administrators, emphasizing the importance of intellectual merit.

• Emperor Taichung agrees and issues an invitation for scholars across the empire to participate in these exams based on Confucian texts.

The Aspirations of K

• A young man named K (Chen Kanan Jui) learns about the exams and expresses his desire to compete, hoping to elevate his family's status.

• He shares his ambitions with his mother, highlighting how success would bring honor and security to their family.

Journey to Changan

• After receiving encouragement from his mother, K sets off for Changan with excitement about participating in the examinations.

• Upon arrival, he finds that exams have already begun; he quickly joins in and excels through various stages of testing.

Achievements and Recognition

• K achieves first place in competitive examinations focused on political administration, earning him the title of "Chuan Yuen" signed by Emperor Taichung himself.

A Fortuitous Encounter

• During a celebratory procession through Changan, K catches the attention of Wen Chiao (Manang Chiao), daughter of Prime Minister Yin Kaian.

• She throws a decorative ball towards him as part of her marriage selection process; it lands on his hat, signaling her interest.

Wedding Celebrations

• Following this event, a festive atmosphere ensues as servants lead K into Prime Minister Yin's residence for wedding celebrations.

• The couple participates in traditional rituals before enjoying a grand banquet hosted by the Prime Minister.

New Responsibilities Awaiting

• The next morning, Emperor Taichung convenes advisors regarding appointing K to a new position due to an available governorship.

A Journey of Transformation and Challenges

The Return Home

• Juju makes a stop at his home to greet his mother, who joyfully congratulates him on returning with a beautiful wife.

• Kanju shares that he received the title of Chuan Yuen after an encounter with Minister Yin, where he was gifted the minister's daughter as a wife.

New Beginnings

• Kanju is appointed governor of Chian Chou and expresses excitement about starting this new chapter with his family.

• Mrs. Chan feels unwell during their journey and suggests resting for a few days before continuing.

A Peculiar Encounter

• While at the inn, Juju buys a golden carp from a vendor, noticing its unusual behavior which hints it may not be an ordinary fish.

Compassion and Urgency

• Juju decides to release the carp back into the river after learning about its strange characteristics, feeling proud of his compassionate act.

• Concerned for his mother's health, Juju contemplates leaving her behind in a rented house while he continues on their urgent journey.

The Journey Continues

• After discussing plans with his wife, they rent a house for Mrs. Chan to recuperate while they proceed on their travels.

Dark Turns Ahead

• Upon reaching the riverbank, they encounter two boatmen who are later revealed to have malicious intentions towards them.

• The beauty of Mrs. Yin captivates everyone around her; her allure is so profound that even nature seems affected by it.

Betrayal and Tragedy

• The boatmen plot against Kanju and ultimately murder him, throwing his body into the river while attempting to capture Mrs. Yin.

A Call for Justice

• As news of Kanju's death reaches the Dragon King during an audience session, he vows to resurrect him as repayment for past kindnesses shown by Kanju.

The Encounter with the Dragon King

Introduction to Juanel's Journey

• Juanel, also known as Kanan Juui, recounts his journey to the Crystal Palace of the Dragon King after being brutally attacked by a barge operator named Loun.

• He explains that he is from the village of Un Nun in Aou and has recently been appointed governor of Chiang Chou by the Emperor.

The Attack and Its Consequences

• Juanel describes how Loun fell in love with his wife and attempted to kill him, leading to his near-death experience.

• The Dragon King expresses disbelief at Juanel's plight but offers assistance, revealing that he is actually a golden carp saved by Juanel previously.

The King's Support

• The Dragon King prepares a grand banquet for Juanel and his companions while offering them support during their difficult time.

• Officials express admiration for Juanel’s humility despite his accomplishments, emphasizing their trust in his leadership abilities.

Yin's Struggles

• Meanwhile, Yin feels intense hatred towards her captor Liou while grappling with her pregnancy and uncertainty about her child's future.

• She gives birth unexpectedly in solitude, feeling overwhelmed by pain and fatigue.

A Divine Message

• Yin hears a voice claiming to be the spirit of the Polar Star, instructing her on protecting her child from danger posed by Liou upon his return.

• The spirit reassures her that she will reunite with her husband soon and urges her to remain brave.

Desperate Measures

• After waking up from a trance-like state, Yin decides to protect her child by abandoning him at the riverbank.

• She writes a letter detailing their tragic story using her own blood before wrapping the baby in cloth and placing him into the river.

Heartbreak and Hope

• As she releases her child into the water, she hopes for divine intervention while feeling immense sorrow over this decision.

The Journey of Suan Sang

The Discovery of a Child

• A monk named Famig, known for his deep understanding of sacred texts and the mystery of immortality, discovers a baby tied to a floating table by the river.

• Upon rescuing the child, he finds a blood-written letter on the infant's chest, which he reads with great eagerness.

The Growth and Transformation of Suan Sang

• The child is named "the one who floats in the river" and is entrusted to a compassionate woman for care. Time passes quickly as seasons change.

• At 18 years old, Suan Sang is initiated into monastic life by Famig, receiving a new name and guidance towards asceticism and meditation.

Seeking Identity and Answers

• During discussions among monks about Zen principles, one monk questions Suan Sang’s identity due to his lack of knowledge about his parents.

• Overwhelmed with emotion, Suan Sang pleads with his mentor to reveal his parentage, arguing that every human should know their origins.

Unveiling Family Secrets

• Famig agrees to help Suan Sang discover his roots; he retrieves a small box containing another blood-written letter and clothing belonging to Suan Sang's mother.

• Reading the letter reveals tragic details about his parents' fate. He vows to seek vengeance for their suffering after learning that his mother may still be alive.

The Quest for Reunion

• With determination, Suan Sang asks permission from Famig to find his mother and promises to repay the monastery through almsgiving.

• Following instructions from Famig, he goes to beg at the governor's mansion in Chiang Chou where he hopes to reunite with his mother.

A Mother's Hope

• The night before Suan Sang arrives, Mrs. Yin dreams of her son’s return after many years apart since her husband was murdered.

• She reflects on her lost family while hearing someone reciting scriptures outside her door—Suan Sang calling for alms.

Recognition and Revelation

• When they meet, Mrs. Yin recognizes something familiar in Suan Sang’s demeanor; she invites him inside her home for food.

• Intrigued by similarities between him and her late husband, she questions him about his past before entering monastic life.

Claiming His Heritage

• As they converse further, Suan Sang reveals that he has come seeking vengeance for wrongdoings against his family; he shares names from both sides of his lineage.

Reunion and Urgency

Emotional Reunion Between Mother and Son

• Suan Sang experiences a profound emotional reaction upon hearing his mother’s voice, expressing disbelief that she could doubt him. He presents a dress and a blood-written letter as proof of his identity.

• His mother, overwhelmed with joy at the reunion, quickly shifts to anxiety, urging him to leave immediately for his safety due to the threat posed by an enemy named Ido Liou.

The Plan for Safety

• To protect Suan Sang, his mother proposes a plan where she will feign illness to distract Ido Liou while he escapes. She plans to claim she needs to deliver shoes to monks as part of a promise made earlier.

• Suan Sang agrees with the plan and departs respectfully from his mother, who is filled with mixed emotions of joy and worry about their situation.

Fulfilling Promises

The Illness Ruse

• Mrs. Yin pretends to be ill when Lun inquires about her condition; she explains her dream about needing to fulfill her promise of delivering shoes to monks, which adds urgency to her ruse.

• Lun takes immediate action by ordering preparations for 100 pairs of shoes from families in the city within five days, showcasing the community's involvement in fulfilling promises made by Mrs. Yin.

Journey Towards Redemption

• After gathering the shoes, Mrs. Yin decides on visiting the Monastery of Gold based on its reputation for being good, indicating her desire for spiritual fulfillment alongside practical obligations.

• She embarks on this journey promptly with trusted aides while reflecting on her commitment towards honoring past promises amidst familial turmoil.

The Banquet and Gratitude

Arrival at the Monastery

• Upon arriving at the monastery, all monks welcome Mrs. Yin warmly as she offers them a vegetarian banquet in gratitude for their support over the years during difficult times.

• After presenting gifts like shoes and socks during prayers, there is an atmosphere of reverence and appreciation among both parties involved in this act of kindness and devotion.

A Heartfelt Reunion

• Once alone after all guests depart, Suan Sang kneels before his mother; they share another emotional embrace as they realize their bond remains strong despite physical separation over time due to circumstances beyond their control.

Plans Against Threat

Preparing for Potential Danger

• Master Famin expresses concern that news of their reunion may reach Ido Liou; thus he advises swift action against potential retaliation from him or his allies before it escalates further into violence or danger for them all involved.

Instructions from Mother

• Mrs. Yin gives Suan Sang an important ring along with instructions on finding his paternal grandmother Chan in Xiangzhou while also providing him with a letter addressed to Prime Minister Yin seeking assistance against Ido Liou's threats.

The Tragic Reunion and Quest for Vengeance

The Discovery of a Letter and Ring

• An elderly woman receives a letter and ring from her grandson, Suan Chang, who reveals that her son was intelligent and sensitive but initially thought to have abandoned his moral path.

• The grandmother expresses disbelief at the brutal murder of her son, feeling grateful that her grandson has come to aid her despite the tragedy.

Suan Chang's Plea for Compassion

• Suan Chang prays for compassion, lamenting that he has not yet avenged the wrong done to his parents. He seeks divine intervention to restore his grandmother's sight.

• After completing his prayer, he miraculously restores his grandmother’s vision by touching her eyes with his tongue, leading to an emotional recognition of their familial resemblance.

Journey to the Prime Minister

• Suan Chang takes his grandmother to an inn before heading towards the Imperial Court, assuring her he will return soon.

• Upon reaching the Prime Minister's residence, he claims kinship with him but is met with skepticism until the Prime Minister’s wife recalls a prophetic dream about their daughter returning home.

The Heartbreaking Revelation

• In front of the Prime Minister, Suan Chang presents a letter detailing how their family has suffered; it reveals that Chen Kanang (the son-in-law) was murdered by bandits while trying to claim a new position.

• The news devastates both the Prime Minister and his wife as they learn about their daughter's forced marriage to Chen Kanang's murderer.

Call for Justice

• The Prime Minister vows to seek vengeance against those responsible for this atrocity and prepares an official report for the Emperor.

• He requests permission from the Emperor to mobilize troops against those who committed these crimes after detailing the tragic events in a formal document.

Mobilization of Forces

• Enraged by the report, the Emperor orders 60,000 soldiers be dispatched under the command of Prime Minister Yin towards Chian Chou without delay.

• Upon arrival in Chian Chou, they strategize with local officials on how best to confront Lun (the bandit), preparing for an assault before dawn.

Confrontation with Lun

• As soldiers storm Lun’s quarters unexpectedly during night hours, Lun is captured without resistance amidst chaos created by drums and gunfire.

A Mother's Despair

• When confronted by her son about wanting to end her life due to shame over past actions related to Lun’s betrayal, she expresses deep sorrow over losing both honor and husband.

Final Moments of Reflection

The Fate of the Accused

The Emotional Reunion

• A poignant moment occurs as a father and daughter embrace, crying together. The Prime Minister reassures them that he has captured the guilty party, emphasizing their virtue remained intact despite the circumstances.

Justice Served

• The Prime Minister orders punishment for Liun and Li Piau, who are to receive 100 lashes. This decision reflects his commitment to justice after the recent events.

Confessions and Consequences

• Under duress, Li Piau confesses in detail how they killed Aaji. He is then subjected to public humiliation and execution by dismemberment, showcasing the brutal nature of justice in this context.

Ritualistic Closure

• Following the executions, a ritual is performed where Chen Kangi's qualities are celebrated through burning an inscription. His ashes are scattered into the river, symbolizing closure for those affected.

Divine Intervention

• The King Dragon learns of these events and decides to intervene by freeing Juju's spirit. He offers gifts as tokens of gratitude for his return to life, highlighting themes of redemption and divine favor.

Reunion with Loved Ones

Gifts from the King Dragon

• Juju receives valuable gifts from the King Dragon before being reunited with his family. These include pearls that grant wishes and silk garments, enhancing the narrative's magical elements.

Despair Turned Hope

• Yin attempts suicide out of grief but is saved just in time by Xan Chang. This act underscores her deep sorrow over losing her husband while foreshadowing a miraculous turn of events.

Miraculous Resurrection

• As Yin mourns her husband’s body floating downriver, she discovers it is actually Juju who awakens miraculously. This moment signifies hope amidst despair and sets up a reunion filled with emotional weight.

The Revelation

Explanation of Events

• Juju explains how he returned to life thanks to a golden carp he had previously released—a revelation that ties back into themes of karma and interconnectedness within nature.

Gratitude for Vengeance

• Juju expresses profound gratitude towards his father-in-law for avenging him against his murderers. This highlights familial bonds strengthened through shared suffering and resolution.

Celebration and Return

Community Response

• Local officials gather to congratulate Juju upon learning about his return; this communal celebration emphasizes societal values surrounding honor and justice.

Family Reunion

• Upon returning home, Juju reunites with his mother after years apart—an emotional highlight that reinforces themes of family loyalty and love overcoming adversity.

Joyful Homecoming

• The family's joy culminates in heartfelt embraces as they recount their experiences during their separation—symbolizing resilience against hardship through unity.

The Grand Banquet and Political Maneuvering

The Emperor's Festivities

• The Prime Minister ordered the preparation of an unprecedented banquet in the city, naming it "the festival of the gathering" to reflect the joy shared by his family.

• This event was marked as a significant occasion, emphasizing unity and celebration within the court.

Political Appointments

• Minister Yin reported on his mission's outcomes during the emperor's morning audience, recommending that Cuo be appointed to a position befitting his qualities.

• The emperor agreed to appoint Cuo as vice-chancellor of state affairs, allowing him to accompany the court and implement decisions directly.

Spiritual Journey

• Suan Sang chose to pursue a life aligned with Zen principles and was sent to the Monastery of Infinite Blessing for meditation and ascetic practices.