The Rise of the White Lotus

Three days later…

"... when the first daughter of the Chisaka Clan came to her rightful age, she would be betrothed to his Majesty and join the imperial harem…" Tora's world slowed down as the words of the emperor's messenger gradually volumed down.

Earlier this morning, just after she came back from the military department after days of being on-duty, and arrived at the Chisaka main residence, these people came in her manor and announced the emperor's blessing regarding her adoption.

However, even before she could celebrate, the news was followed by a dreading piece of news. The emperor would add Churu to his imperial harem. She clearly understood that he was taking her daughter as a hostage.

Churu, being a concubine of his majesty, Tora dreaded what her daughter's future lies ahead. After all, the imperial harem was one of the most dangerous places in the palace as women schemed with one another. They would do anything to be favored and reduce competition. Hence, how could a young girl protect herself?

"Receive his Majesty's edict!" After finishing the emperor's order, the eunuch exclaimed and scrolled the scroll in front of the Chisaka Clan who were bowing while receiving the emperor's benevolence.

Tora didn't speak a word as she kept herself together. She could not stop her shoulders from trembling as her fist on the ground tightened. The other elders of their clan had mixed emotions of bliss and displeased at the same time.

After all, Churu was considered as a lowborn peasant. Hence, it has been a humiliation for them to consider her as the first young miss of their clan. But now, it seemed that there was still a chance to gain more power if Churu joined the imperial harem.

"I — I thank the emperor for his benevolence." With great effort, Tora whispered as she controlled her emotions intact. 

"The Chisaka Clan wished for the emperor's health! Long live the emperor!" She was then followed by the elders of their clan as they praised and accepted the emperor's grace.

"The Young Miss shall come with us so she could learn the etiquettes in the imperial harem until she officially wed His Majesty." Pleased that Tora didn't retaliate just like what they expected, the eunuch relayed the message of the emperor.

With that said note, servants began packing Churu's stuff so she could depart with them. On the other hand, Tora didn't say a word while holding Churu's hand as they watched them prepare her departure.

"Mother…" Churu's hand trembled while holding on the hem of Tora's clothes. "I don't want to leave mother." She murmured as the corner of her eyes formed tears.

Churu didn't know what happened, as she was certain this wasn't supposed to happen. However, her, being a hostage of the emperor, Churu somehow regretted descending to earth. If only she didn't meet Tora, there would nothing that could be her weakness. 

But since she was stubborn, not only she put herself in a tight spot, but Tora as well. It was Churu's fault. It was all her fault — that was what her heart screamed.

"Little Churu," Swallowing all the curse words that were tempting to come out from her mouth, Tora squatted down as she looked at Churu's teary eyes. "Mother will find a way to bring little Churu home, alright? Until then, behave and always be careful. Remember all the things I taught you?" Patting Churu's head, Tora forced a reassuring smile on her lips.

"Mother…" Churu bit her lower lip as she suppressed the tears trying to escape her eyes. She was more emotional about being away from Tora instead of what kind of situation would she be put. "Churu remember everything that mother taught me. I will be a good girl." Sounding brave, Churu smiled, which only broke Tora's heart.

Tora wanted to say more and apologize for putting her in this kind of situation. However, all she could do was pull her to her embrace and hug her as tight as possible. She gritted her teeth as she prayed for divine protection to protect her child.

Indeed, it was impossible for her and the emperor to have a mutual understanding as the scar in the past was way too deep. He never trusted her, no matter how she showed him that she bore no ill-intention to him or to the throne. However, if he could do extreme measures just to protect his throne, she too would do everything to protect her love ones.

Even if she has to choose between being a good general or a mother, she would, without a second hesitation, choose Churu. May she be treated as a traitor or commit treason, she could never let him lay a hand on her daughter.

"Mother, don't be afraid. Churu can protect herself also, I heard the palace was big. I can able to play to a bigger manor while I wait for mother." Churu sensed the guilt and utter sadness emanating from Tora. Hence, she attempted to cheer her up by sounding alright about the matter.

Well, she could wait no matter how long it would take. She has forever and even if they would put her life in danger, she would always return alive.

"Mhmm…" Holding herself back, Tora never once loosened her embrace to her daughter as it would take a long time to retrieve her from the palace. Moreover, right after Churu entered the palace, there would be rules to follow and Tora could not just run freely on the imperial harem that the emperor owns.

"Wait for mother, alright?" She repeated under her breath.

"Yes!" Smiling brightly, Churu nodded her head as she wrapped her little arms around Tora. They remained like that for a long time until Churu departed in a palanquin together with the royal eunuchs.

Tora could only watch them go further and further away from the Chisaka main residence until she could no longer see them.

"Taiga-dono…" As Tora remained standing, one elder approached her as they sensed the temperature dropped into negative zero. "The young mi—"

"I will covet the throne." Before the elder could finish his sentence, Tora murmured as a glint flashed across her eyes. Her remark slightly shook the elder and the nearest members of their clan before they looked around and see if someone heard her.