The monkey soon grew control and began exploring the land. He lived off the plants that grew on the mountain and was able to befriend all of the wild creatures that roamed. Other monkeys lived there too, and they often relaxed and played together. After eating, the monkeys would bathe in a small stream and sleep in a small forest. It was a simple, peaceful life and the stone monkey had not a care in the world.
The stream began high in the mountains, and of course the monkeys grew curious. After much gossip and speculation, they traveled along it to find its source. It emerged from a hole in the mountain and fell in a brilliant waterfall that shone with the rainbow. The monkeys were delighted and dared each other to enter the cave through the water in return for being made king. The stone monkey was eager to take the risk. He stepped forward and cried, “I’ll go! I’ll go!” He crouched and shut his eyes, then leaped through the spray.
When he looked up he saw a vast cavern spread out beneath him. At his feet was an iron bridge covered with emerald moss and mist. At the end was an empty house made of and furnished with stone. The stone monkey was overcome with glee and hurriedly rushed to the water curtain.
The other monkeys gathered around and listened with wonder as he described the contents of the cave. The monkeys doubtfully asked, “How ever could you see a house down there?” They challenged him to take them there. Following him, they gaped at the rare flowers and giant house. After taking it all in they rushed to take the stone plates and slam the stone benches within the house in accordance with their mischievous nature. The stone monkey reminded them, “Gentlemen, those who break their word are worthless. Just now you said that if anyone was clever enough to come in here and get out again in one piece, you’d make them king. Well, then. I’ve come in and gone out, and gone out and come in. I’ve found you gentlemen a cave heaven where you can sleep in peace and all settle down to live in bliss. Why haven’t you made me king?”
They were, of course, eager to do so after receiving the benefits of the discovery he had made. They bowed and paid him homage, calling him the Great King of a Thousand Years. Of them was made a bureaucracy, which swore to use intelligence instead of acting as wild beasts did. They celebrated and lived for years in the splendor of the Monkey King’s court.
I claim no ownership of the image.
