Journey to the West: Man in heaven, working nine to five

#2313 - Kou Shanren faked his death

Did Kou Shanren really die? Of course not, this was all arranged by Guanyin.

Guanyin deliberately led Tang Sanzang and his disciples into the Huaguang Brothel and had them obtain the Kou family's stolen goods, but this was clearly not enough.

If they were merely framed as robbers, the crime would be too minor to force Tang Sanzang and his disciples to submit.

Therefore, Guanyin devised a plan for Kou Shanren to fake his death, claiming that Tang Sanzang and his disciples not only robbed but also murdered Kou Shanren.

This would be a much more serious crime, and the magistrate would definitely hold Tang Sanzang and his disciples accountable. Even if they denied it, the magistrate would continue to detain them.

Until Tang Sanzang and his disciples could no longer endure the imprisonment and bowed their heads to the Western Paradise, Guanyin would then have Kou Shanren revive and rescue them.

In this way, Tang Sanzang and his disciples would have no choice but to follow the orders of the Western Paradise and be manipulated by them.

So, Guanyin gave Kou Shanren a breath-holding pill, which would stop his breathing and bodily functions, rendering him unable to move his body or limbs.

Of course, although his body would be unable to move, Kou Shanren would still be conscious and able to perceive the outside world, which would also make it easier for Guanyin to awaken him later.

As Kou Shanren lay in the coffin, even the coroner from the county yamen, after a thorough examination, confirmed his death.

The old magistrate and others were naturally deceived, but this method could not fool Sun Wukong's eyes.

The old magistrate bringing Tang Sanzang and his group to the Kou residence was somewhat unexpected by Guanyin.

But Guanyin knew that Tang Sanzang and his disciples had come with ill intentions, so she could not allow Sun Wukong and the others to approach Kou Shanren's coffin.

"Magistrate, why have you brought these four robbers to my Kou residence? We are currently holding a funeral for my father.

Bringing these four murderers here, how can my father's spirit rest in peace?

If the magistrate has come to offer condolences, we naturally welcome you, but please keep these four murderers and robbers from stepping into the gates of our Kou residence."

Guanyin said to the old magistrate, her intention being to prevent Sun Wukong and the others from approaching Kou Shanren's coffin and detecting the truth.

"I do indeed intend to offer condolences, but I have my reasons for bringing them here.

These four insist on seeing Kou Shanren's body before they are willing to confess. I think you wouldn't want your father's great revenge to go unavenged, and for them to escape judgment, would you?"

The old magistrate said to Guanyin.

The old magistrate had some prestige in this Earth Spirit County, and his words were agreed upon by many common people.

"The magistrate is right, these murderers must be brought to justice."

"It would be good to have them repent and atone before Kou Shanren's altar."

"Kou Shanren's spirit is currently restless. Letting him see these four being judged will be a way to let him rest in peace."

The words of the people made it difficult for Guanyin to refute, so she could only take a step back and allow Tang Sanzang and the others to enter the Kou residence.

"These four can only repent and atone before my father's spirit. My father's coffin has already been sealed; we cannot let them disturb my father's spirit."

Guanyin then said.

Tang Sanzang said to Guanyin. Although Tang Sanzang resented the Western Paradise, he was also proficient in Buddhism, and his words were reasonable.

Guanyin naturally found these words difficult to refute unless she said that Buddhism was wrong.

But Guanyin did not dare to say so, because the Tathagata Buddha was always watching here. If he heard her say that Buddhism was wrong, she would not have a good outcome.

"Although this robber monk has a bad character, what he said makes sense.

You should open the coffin in the mourning hall, otherwise, it would be disrespectful to Kou Shanren. You are young and ignorant; presumably, Kou Shanren will not blame you.

But if you know you are wrong, you must correct it immediately, lest Kou Shanren be disappointed."

This time, the old magistrate helped Tang Sanzang and his disciples speak.

Hearing the old magistrate say this, the people who came to worship naturally began to discuss it.

"The magistrate is right; let's open the coffin."

"Kou Shanren accumulated virtue and did good deeds; he should ascend to the Western Paradise. You must not ruin his cultivation."

"As a daughter, filial piety is paramount; you must not be confused."

The people's words made Guanyin's face very embarrassed.

If she opened the coffin, then with Sun Wukong's eyesight, he would probably immediately discover the clues and know that Kou Shanren was faking his death.

At that time, it would be difficult for her. If Sun Wukong had any means to make Kou Shanren unable to continue his pretense, wouldn't it be all for naught?

But if she insisted on not opening the coffin, then she would inevitably offend the public and cause dissatisfaction among the magistrate and the unsuspecting people.

"If you act like this, is there something wrong with the coffin? Perhaps Kou Shanren in the coffin is not a corpse, but a living person?"

Sun Wukong said at this time, like adding insult to injury.

Such words made Guanyin stunned, but she did not want to open the coffin and could not explain anything.

"If you don't open the coffin, how will we know if Kou Hong is dead? Then we cannot admit to the crime of murder and robbery."

"Yes, people die. Is there anything wrong with seeing the corpse? Could it be that you have a guilty conscience?"

"Magistrate, if we can't see Kou Shanren's body, we can't confess!"

Tang Sanzang and the others immediately echoed.

"Ahem, I say, you should open the coffin, or don't blame me for not helping you.

If I can't determine that Tang Sanzang and his disciples are guilty, then I will release them, and your father's revenge will not be avenged.

You must think clearly, and don't blame me then."

The old magistrate said to Guanyin with a serious attitude, already meaning to give an order.

Guanyin had seized Kou Shanren's daughter's body, and she could not use any magic. Facing this situation, she simply did not know what to do.

"She should have defaulted. We will open the coffin ourselves."

Tang Sanzang said to Sun Wukong and the other two, leading them to Kou Shanren's coffin, about to open the coffin lid.

Although the coffin lid had already been nailed shut, it was not a problem for Sun Wukong and the others, and they could easily open it.

"No!"

Guanyin knew that once it was opened, the truth would be revealed, and she immediately stood in front of Tang Sanzang and the others to protect the coffin.