The Monkey King - Chapter 10
Adopted From the Classic Chinese Tale by Ji-li Jiang - Illustrated by Hui Hui Su-Kennedy
STORY SO FAR: Monkey, has acquired a magical staff, from the undersea Dragon King. Now thinks he is ready for any kind of trouble. 
Chapter 10 of 17
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It was early in the morning and the Jade Emperor, Ruler of Heaven and Earth, had just put a cup of jasmine tea to his lips when Dragon King, crimson with anger, rushed in to the throne room. The Dragon King bowed hurriedly, then burst out, “Your Majesty, I, your humble subject, beg you to bring the abominable monkey to justice. Otherwise peace is impossible.” Then he told Jade Emperor all about how Monkey had come to his palace and―though he had offered him gifts―had stolen the magic pillar. “Now one of my islands is bobbing around the sea like a lost rowboat. It is a calamity! “This monkey is too much for me,” the Dragon King continued. “Our only hope is that you, Ruler of Heaven and Earth, will send soldiers to capture this pest and restore peace.” “Outrageous!” exclaimed the Jade Emperor. “Who is this dreadful monkey?” he asked his ministers. Thousand-League-Eye stepped forward. “Your Majesty, do you remember that strange light you once saw? I told you then it was a monkey. Since then I’ve seen him do some amazing things. He is the one of whom the Dragon King speaks.” “He didn’t have much power then,” said Thousand-League-Ear. “But over the years I have heard that he has learned many things.” “I see,” said the Jade Emperor, and he stroked his long white beard. “Dragon King, return to the bottom of the Eastern Sea. Be assured, I shall take care of this matter.” The Dragon King bowed and went back home. “It would be easy enough to defeat this monkey,” Jade Emperor mused out loud. “But since he was born of Heaven and Earth, I will invite him to Heaven, and give him a job so we can keep an eye on him. If he behaves well, we can promote him. If he misbehaves, we can arrest him quickly.” Jade Emperor nodded at his own wisdom. “Splendid idea.” “Brilliant strategy,” the Jade Emperor’s ministers exclaimed. “Go fetch him!” Jade Emperor said to Thousand-League-Eye. “But wait! Whatever you do, you must not tell him my plan. Just say I am inviting him to . . . visit Heaven.” Thousand-League-Eye sped off and came before Monkey in his palace on the mountain. Thousand-League-Eye gave him the Jade Emperor’s message. Monkey was delighted by the invitation. “A visit to Heaven!” he said, laughing with delight. “It’s about time someone realized how important I am.” With that, he somersaulted upon a cloud and soared off toward the North Star, with Thousand-League-Eye hurrying to keep up with him. But when they entered the Southern Gate of Heaven, even Monkey’s mouth opened with awe.