The Rise of the White Lotus

Several days later…

"Mother!" Seeing Tora for the first time after Churu moved to the palace, her face brightened up as soon as she saw Tora's figure approaching. Tora's eyes instantly softened as she welcomed Churu in her embrace.

"Mother! I missed you!" Hugging her tightly, Churu exclaimed as the suppressed emotions she had been keeping exploded, crying in relief that Tora had done nothing foolish.

"How is my little Churu?" Feeling the warmth that only Churu could give her, Tora leaned her head to her little shoulders as she rubbed her back. "Have you been well here?" She added softly.

Slowly, Churu drew away from her head as a bright smile formed on the side of her lips. "Hmm! The dishes here are delicious! Every day is a feast and everyone is nice to me!" She showed any signs of displeasure or complaints in her stay in the palace.

However, Churu's life here wasn't any better in the Chisaka main residence. Rather, it was worse than that. After all, back in the Chisaka main residence, although none of them tried to touch or directly offend her, she could still feel their disapproval in the title she gained.

But now, in this place where Tora's jurisdiction couldn't reach, women who were waiting to be favored by the emperor boldly scoff at her. They never conceal their jealousy towards the little girl that entered the imperial harem as the emperor would often visit her.

Although those encounters with the emperor were merely about keeping an eye of her and brainwashing her, the concubines were utterly jealous. Hence, they used Churu's original birthright to insult her and even guilt-trip her for being the general's weakness.

Regardless, Churu was more than willing to lie in front of Tora just so she would not do any foolishness. After all, Tora might be smart and capable but, because of that, people were wary of her and never trusted her.

"That's a relief then." Tora just smiled as she patted her small head. However, despite that she appeared she believed her, Tora knew that she was lying.

Churu was her daughter and her heart knew when she was alright or not: and right now, her maternal instincts tell her Churu was having a tough time.

It wasn't a surprise, though. After all, it's the imperial harem she had entered. A place where they destroy each other, whether physically or mentally. And for a child, Churu was brave. Truly, she's her daughter, Tora proudly thought inwardly.

"That's why mother should not worry about Churu because Churu is doing well here." Relieved that Tora seemed to believe her lies, Churu smiled. "Mother, how was father?" After looking around, Churu whispered as she hasn't heard anything from Tora's end and she was wondering how Aki was doing.

After all, he would be suspicious if he doesn't see her for a long time. Well, Aki had been a good father figure to her. Even though they were not blood-related, Tora and Aki treated her well and unconditionally loved her as if she was the fruit of their love.

Churu never once felt that she was different by being loved by the two. Thus, she only wished for the two of them to have a peaceful life together, even if she wasn't with them anymore.

"Little Churu," Upon hearing her query, Tora's mood slightly turned gloomy than it already was. "Will you do mother a favor?" Stretching her lips a little upward, Tora resumed.

Churu tilted her head to the side as she stared at her pair of melancholic eyes. "Mother?"

"Will you die for me?" Without further ado, Tora said with a bitter smile on her lips. When Churu heard those words, she was slightly taken aback for a moment as she stared at her front. Never once in her life as a human has she ever thought that she would hear those words come out from Tora's lips.

However, she was not mistaken. Tora indeed asked her to die for her. Why…? 

"Will you die for mother…?" Tora repeated as she examined the shocked countenance plastered across Churu's face. Alas, the next second, Tora was surprised when Churu gently smiled and nodded her head in understanding.

"Yes." Without showing a bit of hesitation, Churu agreed.

If Tora wanted her to die, Churu would gladly accept her request. After all, she shouldn't be in this world in the first place. Moreover, Churu shouldn't have defied the heaven's rule by descending to earth. If only she didn't, Tora wouldn't be this sad because of her.

"My daughter…" Seeing that Churu didn't probe and just agreed just like that, Tora's heart was heartbroken.

What did she do to deserve such a kind child? "Forgive me for being an incompetent mother. I never deserved to be a mother of such an innocent child. Little Churu, forgive mother for putting you in a tight situation." Gritting her teeth, Tora pulled Churu back in her embrace. Her shoulders shuddered as she hugged her tightly.

Pain, regret, and nothing but sadness engulfed Tora's heart. Her heart grieved for the pain that she might cause to her love ones and the whole nation. However, Tora had decided to do what must be done.

She had decided, and she would execute her plans just like what she wanted. And with that, she knew that Churu wouldn't be safe if she lingered with her. Hence, sacrificing her own happiness, Tora had chosen her own greed. And that was…

"Mother, I am glad that you were my mother." A tear fell from Churu's eyes as she relished the last moments she could ever have with Tora. She didn't know what will happen later or tomorrow, but what Churu was certain was that this would be the last time she could embrace Tora.

Churu might have regretted that she descended to the earth and caused Tora a series of misfortune. However, she never regretted loving her more than she ever loved herself, and whatever wish Tora wanted, Churu would abide.