Chapter 382: Morning and Evening, One Can Reach Mount Meru_2
Xuanzang smiled and waved his hand, saying, "Your Majesty, the King, there is no need for such formalities. We have come today to bid you farewell."
"Ah!" The King was slightly surprised and quickly asked, "Are you, the Living Bodhisattvas, leaving so soon?"
Xuanzang nodded and said, "Amitabha Buddha. In accordance with the decree of the Emperor of the Great Tang, I am journeying to the Western Heaven to worship Buddha and seek the Scriptures. Until I reach Mount Meru, I dare not slacken for even a day."
"Now that Your Majesty has ascended to the throne and the people live in peace and happiness, my companions and I dare not delay any longer. After saying goodbye to Your Majesty today, we will set off immediately for our journey to the West."
The King hastily replied, "I have just ascended to the throne, and the nation is in need of restoration. I was relying on you to stabilize the domestic order. Now that you are leaving..."
Sun Wukong smiled and said, "Your Majesty, since you have ascended the throne, you should refer to yourself as ’We.’ You must also be mindful of your status at all times; a monarch must carry the authority of a king. This is how you will command the respect of your officials. Moreover, you ought to govern diligently and love your people, so that they may live in peace and happiness. This is how you will win the love of your subjects."
"I believe you will do very well, Your Majesty, and in time become an enlightened and saintly ruler." "Thank you for your instruction, Elder Sun, I have taken it to heart."
The King said this and quickly corrected himself, saying, "We have taken it to heart. Please rest assured, holy monks and Bodhisattvas, we will make every effort to be a good King beloved by the people. It’s just that..."
Sun Wukong waved his hand and said, "Your Majesty, there is no need for concern. As long as you stay true to yourself and always have the people in your heart, you will certainly win their love."
As he spoke, he reached up and plucked a strand of Monkey Fur from his head, and handed it to the King with a smile, "Your Majesty, please keep this piece of Monkey Fur safe. If ever you encounter an unsolvable problem, just hold this hair and call out to me, and I will come back to help you."
"Additionally, I have with me three elixirs that, when consumed, can strengthen the body and prolong life, which I also bestow upon Your Majesty."