Byakuren (白蓮, Bái Lián) is a major character in Yukiyasha Den. She is considered one of the prettiest girls in her village, Yukigase, and has a deep attachment to her older brother, Tenbun, and her sickly mother.
Character[]
Throughout the beginning of the novel, Byakuren is portrayed as a hot-headed, vain, and selfish young girl. Her bond with her brother, Tenbun, is very close, as she relies on him as a support system. When she questions her appearance, she often pesters her brother to reassure her. But when Nuriko arrives in Yukigase, Byakuren grows increasingly jealous as she competes for Tenbun's attention and a spot in the imperial harem.
Part of her behavior stems from a near-death experience as a child in Eiyou. She recalls the young Emperor Cai Pi saving her from an out-of-control horse after she chased after a violet ball. Since that day, she holds a strong conviction that, by securing a spot in the harem, she will see the Emperor again and thank him for saving her life.
She later develops feelings for Nuriko after he discloses his identity, and she sacrifices herself to save him during their battle with Yukiyasha. Although Nuriko thinks of her as a little sister, much like Korin, he takes up her dream of meeting the Emperor and vows that he will live his life for both of his sisters.
Story[]
Yukiyasha Den[]
- "The Emperor and I are fated to be together! Don’t speak so lightly of my love for him!"
- —Byakuren to Nuriko, Yukiyasha Den, Chapter 2
Byakuren yelling at Nuriko
Byakuren was born in Eiyou, but after her father's death, and her family starts to face financial troubles. They decide to move out of the city and arrive in Yukigase. There, the villagers warn Byakuren's mother that a demon called Yukiyasha may return and demand her daughter as a sacrifice. But the family becomes confined to the village when their mother falls ill, and Byakuren and Tenbun stay ignorant of the local legend. Years later, when the palace officials announce they will choose the prettiest girl from the village to join the Emperor's Harem, Byakuren is determined to stand out from the competition to fulfill her dream of meeting the Emperor. However, Yukiyasha appears and the villagers elders conclude that the demon will demand a beautiful virgin sacrifice in due time. The two strongest contenders for the harem are Byakuren and the newest resident, Nuriko/"Korin." But unbeknownst to Byakuren, her and her new rival are also being considered for sacrifice.
Nuriko, holding the violet ball, and Byakuren
Byakuren relentlessly bullies Nuriko. Whenever she notices Tenbun showing kindness towards him, she yells at him to stop immediately. Her prejudice against Tamatama, the village cross-dresser, also grows more prominent, and she calls him "filthy" for having a crush on her brother.
During a snowstorm, Nuriko meets Byakuren's mother. She explains that her daughter left a violet ball, her good luck charm, when she went to get medicine and has not returned. When Nuriko finds Byakuren out in the snow, a humanoid creature leaps out to attack them. The creature is later revealed as Ashitare. Nuriko fights him off and leads Byakuren to a small shelter, noticing she is coming down with a fever.
Byakuren admires Nuriko's strength and the two share a bonding moment after she reveals her history with the Emperor. Nuriko promises that he will not try to join the harem, much to her relief. When she falls asleep, he uses his clothes to bring down her fever.
Nuriko and Hotohori, holding Byakuren's ball.
The two return to the village and, with Tamatama's help, Nuriko hatches a plan to campaign around town as the prettiest woman so he will be sacrificed to Yukiyasha. But Byakuren, still unaware of the legend, believes that he is breaking his promise to her by trying to take her place in the harem. Although she feels betrayed, Nuriko decides not to tell her the truth about the demon.
When Byakuren is ultimately chosen as a sacrifice, Nuriko interferes and takes her place. Moments later, a villager tells Byakuren and Tenbun that their mother is not well. Tenbun rushes to help their mother, but Byakuren runs up the mountain after Nuriko. She appears during his battle with Yukiyasha, discovers his true identity, and sacrifices herself for him. Afterwards, Nuriko vows to fulfill her dream and join the harem. He takes her violet ball to the Emperor, which he recognizes from the day he saved Byakuren.
References[]