Hearing this deity speak, the Jade Emperor was just about to reply when the voice of the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King rang out: "That won't do! The Jade Emperor has given his word—how can he go back on it? Right, Jade Emperor?"
*You've already said everything, so what's left for me to say?* the Jade Emperor thought to himself.
"The Heavenly King is mistaken. When the Jade Emperor ordered the Water God into confinement, it was to help him realize his mistakes—and clearly, the Water God has realized them. Besides, with Buddhism spreading to the East, I'm afraid the Heavenly King's incense offerings will decrease correspondingly, won't they?" This last remark was a clear hint to the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King: once Buddhism spread east, not only would everyone else's share dwindle, but the Heavenly King's own salary would shrink as well.
Chapter 208