The kings of hell and the dragon king came to see the Jade Emperor one after another, accusing Sun Wukong of making a mess in the Dragon Palace and the underworld. The Jade Emperor was about to send heavenly soldiers and generals to subdue Sun Wukong on earth. At this time, Great White Plane came out and gave the Jade Emperor an idea. He said that it would be better to give him a random official position and trap him in heaven. The Jade Emperor agreed and ordered Wenquxing to write a decree, asking Great White Plane to invite Wukong to heaven.
Great White Plane obeyed and went to Flower Fruit Mountain. He read out the imperial edict. Sun Wukong was very happy. He ordered the monkeys to watch over the house. He followed Great White Plane on a cloud and came to the Lingxiao Hall. Great White Plane bowed to the Jade Emperor and said: “Wukong is here.” The Jade Emperor asked: “Who is Wukong?” Wukong heard this, neither bowed nor knelt down, casually answered: “It’s me.” The other gods saw that Wukong was rude and were very angry.
The Jade Emperor had no way with Wukong. He listened to Wuquxingjun’s suggestion and let Wukong look after the horses for the Jade Emperor. This was the smallest official position in heaven. Wukong didn’t know until half a month later. In a fit of anger, he took out his golden cudgel, killed his way out of the South Heaven Gate, returned to Flower Fruit Mountain, and proclaimed himself “Great Sage Equal to Heaven”. He also made a big flag and planted it on Flower Fruit Mountain.
