Who stole the Empress Chapter? This question has been a mystery that has intrigued readers and scholars alike for decades. The Empress Chapter, a pivotal part of the classic Chinese novel “Journey to the West,” has been the subject of much speculation and debate. In this article, we will delve into the history, the theories, and the possible culprits behind this intriguing question.
The Empress Chapter, also known as the “Buddha’s Descent from the Sky,” is a crucial part of the “Journey to the West,” which was originally written by Wu Cheng’en during the Ming Dynasty. This chapter tells the story of the Buddha descending from the sky to retrieve the sacred scriptures that were stolen by the demon king. The theft of the Empress Chapter has been a point of contention among scholars, as it seems to have been omitted from some versions of the novel.
One of the most popular theories regarding the theft of the Empress Chapter is that it was deliberately removed by later editors or translators. Some believe that the chapter was considered too controversial or too religious for the tastes of the time, and therefore, it was omitted. Others argue that the chapter was lost during the process of copying and printing the novel, as it was a time when books were often copied by hand.
Another theory suggests that the Empress Chapter was stolen by a rival faction during the Ming Dynasty. It is believed that this faction wanted to undermine the popularity of the “Journey to the West” by removing a significant part of the story. This theory is supported by the fact that the novel was highly influential during the Ming Dynasty, and it is possible that some factions would have wanted to diminish its impact.
In addition to these theories, there is also the possibility that the Empress Chapter was never part of the original manuscript. Some scholars argue that the chapter was added later by a different author or editor, and that it was mistakenly attributed to Wu Cheng’en. This theory is based on the fact that the style and content of the Empress Chapter differ slightly from the rest of the novel.
In conclusion, the mystery of who stole the Empress Chapter remains unsolved. The theories range from deliberate removal by editors to accidental loss during the printing process. Regardless of the true reason behind the missing chapter, the question of who stole the Empress Chapter will continue to captivate readers and scholars for generations to come.
