The Ghostly Plea: Uncovering the Usurpation in the Black Rooster Kingdom

The Appearance of a Spectral Monarch

In this chapter of Journey to the West, the narrative takes a dark and supernatural turn when the Tang Monk is visited in his room by a mysterious figure who identifies himself as the "king of the Black Rooster Kingdom." The king reveals a tragic history, explaining that his kingdom was once plagued by a "horrible drought" five years prior, which left his people "starving" as "crops wouldn't grow." This crisis was seemingly resolved by a traveling Taoist who claimed to have "great powers" and the ability to "pray for rain." While the Taoist’s intervention initially brought relief, it ultimately led to the king's demise.

The Betrayal at the Well

The king recounts a chilling tale of treachery. Following their success in ending the drought, the king and the Taoist became "close friends." However, this friendship was a facade. During a walk, the Taoist used magic to create a "strange light coming from my well" to lure the king. When the king investigated, the Taoist "push[ed] me in" and "sealed the well shut." The king explains that his physical "body is still down there," and he has been wandering as a "ghost" in the "land of darkness" ever since. He further clarifies that the Taoist has assumed his identity, noting, "The Taoist made himself look like me, and now everyone thinks he's the real king."

The Call for the Monkey King’s Intervention

Desperate for justice, the ghost king seeks the Tang Monk's aid, specifically requesting the intervention of Sun Wukong. He insists that "Sun Wukong is very powerful" and is the only one capable enough to "destroy the Taoist." The Tang Monk expresses initial hesitation, worried that Wukong might be perceived as "evil" if he were to "charge into the palace and attack the Taoist" without provocation. To bypass this, the king proposes a plan: the Tang Monk must contact the king's son, the prince, who will be "out hunting" the following day. By using a "jade coin"—the king's "one royal treasure"—as proof, the prince will be convinced of the truth, allowing Wukong to confront the impostor in private.

The Manifestation of Truth

After the spirit vanishes, the Tang Monk informs his companions of the encounter. While Wukong initially dismisses the experience as "just a dream," the physical evidence of the "jade coin" lying "on the ground by the door" confirms the reality of the visitation. The narrative shifts to the following morning, where the prince, while hunting, inadvertently leads himself into the center of the conspiracy. After missing a shot at a rabbit, he chases the animal into a monastery. There, he encounters the Tang Monk and his companions, including the transformed Sun Wukong. The stage is set for the truth to be unveiled, as the Tang Monk prepares to tell the prince the harrowing story of his father’s murder and the imposter currently occupying the throne.