| Category: | Chinese Myths and Legends |
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One day, while exploring the heavenly palace, Sun Wukong came across a beautiful garden filled with trees bearing the largest, juiciest peaches he had ever seen. A sign at the entrance read, "The Immortal Peach Orchard — For the Jade Emperor Only."
Sun Wukong's mouth watered at the sight. "Why should the Jade Emperor have all these delicious peaches to himself?" he muttered. Being the mischievous monkey that he was, Sun Wukong climbed up the nearest tree and plucked a peach. With a single bite, he tasted a sweetness unlike any other. Not only was the peach delicious, but it was said that eating one would grant immortality.
Delighted, Sun Wukong jumped from tree to tree, plucking and eating as many peaches as he could. He filled his hands, his mouth, and even his pockets with the precious fruit, savoring each bite.
Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed through the garden. It was one of the Jade Emperor's attendants, coming to pick peaches for a special banquet. Seeing the monkey feasting on the sacred fruit, the attendant gasped in horror and ran to inform the Jade Emperor.
"Your Majesty!" the attendant cried. "The Monkey King is stealing the immortal peaches!"
The Jade Emperor, furious at Sun Wukong's audacity, sent his celestial soldiers to capture him. But Sun Wukong was far too clever and quick. As soon as the soldiers approached, he vanished in a puff of smoke, leaving only empty peach pits behind.
Back in his mountain lair, Sun Wukong laughed and patted his full belly. "Those peaches were worth it!" he declared. Though he knew he would face the Jade Emperor's wrath later, he couldn't resist causing a little more mischief. After all, what fun was life if you didn't enjoy the fruits of your labor—literally!