Chongzhen: Why is the emperor's head square?

Chapter 27 A True Get-Out-of-Die Card

"It is easy to find a thousand soldiers, but difficult to find a general."

"Today, I bestow upon you the Totem of Immortality, which can save your life in a critical moment."

Zhu Youjian handed two immortal totems to Lu Xiangsheng.

Lu Xiang-sheng looked at what Zhu You-jian handed him with some surprise.

After a moment of stunned silence, Lu Xiang-sheng took it.

Judging from the pattern, it looks like something made by a tribe in the southwest region.

totem.

Although I don't understand which totem it represents, it was a gift from the emperor, so I naturally accepted it.

However, he did not believe the emperor's claim of immortality.

He never believed in gods or ghosts, so naturally he didn't believe what Zhu Youjian said either.

This totem can truly protect you from death.

"The other one is for your general, Hu Dawei."

"Remember this: you must carry it with you at all times, do you understand?"

Although Lu Xiang-sheng did not understand why, he nodded and said, "Your humble servant obeys the decree."

"Hmm, if I find out that you did not carry this with you, I will punish you."

Zhu Youjian understood.

For the time being, Lu Xiang-sheng probably won't believe in the effects of the Immortal Totem.

Just in case, we should still use the emperor's authority to pressure them to carry it with them at all times.

Lu Xiang-sheng was slightly taken aback, and sighed inwardly.

When did the emperor become so superstitious?

Faced with Zhu Youjian's words, Lu Xiangshan could only reply, "Your Majesty's gift is something I will certainly carry with me at all times."

Zhu Youjian nodded.

"Well, that's all."

After tucking the two immortal totems into his robes, Lu Xiang-sheng bowed and retreated, saying, "This humble subject takes his leave."

After giving the immortal totem to Lu Xiang-sheng.

Next, the Undying Totem was bestowed upon Cao Bianjiao.

As for Hong Chengchou...

Although he had so many immortal totems, they were useless to him because Hong Chengchou didn't take the lead in battle.

"Wang Chengen".

"This servant is here."

"Send this to Cao Bianjiao and convey my words as well."

"Tell him that this item can save his life in a critical moment, and that he can take over his uncle's heavy responsibility and serve the country loyally."

Wang Chengen accepted the immortal totem with both hands.

She nodded and said, "This servant will take care of it immediately."

"Also, make sure the army knows as much as possible about my bestowal of this item upon Cao Bianjiao."

"This item is called the Immortal Totem, and it needs to be carried with you at all times."

As the effects of this substance became more widely known.

Over time.

The immortal totem will become his unique symbol.

It will also become a true get-out-of-jail-free card.

Unlike Zhu Yuanzhang's death-exemption token, the immortality totem can truly grant immunity from death.

……

Five days later.

Hong Chengchou's military camp.

Just as the generals were discussing how to deal with the peasant army...

The guards outside the tent reported this.

"Governor Hong, Wang Zhong, the eunuch from the Directorate of Ceremonial, has arrived."

Wang Zhong? Isn't that His Majesty's personal eunuch?

Hong Chengchou, Cao Bianjiao, and others hurriedly came to the tent.

Upon seeing that the visitor was indeed Wang Zhong, Hong Chengchou and the others were just about to kneel down on one knee.

Wang Zhong stopped him, saying, "Governor Hong, there's no need to kneel. I didn't bring an imperial edict."

Reading the imperial edict naturally requires kneeling, but this is slightly inconvenient in the army, so kneeling on one knee is sufficient.

Hong Chengchou was slightly taken aback.

Wasn't this an imperial edict to be read aloud? Then what is Wang Zhong's purpose in coming here?

Wang Zhong glanced at the assembled soldiers and asked, "Where is Cao Bianjiao?"

Upon hearing this, Cao Bianjiao, who was standing to the left of Hong Chengchou, slowly stepped forward and bowed.

"Eunuch Wang, this humble general is Cao Bianjiao. May I ask what brings you here?"

Hong Chengchou, He Renlong, and the others all stared at the two men, their hearts filled with curiosity.

Wang Zhong usually represents the emperor, so what could it be that the emperor is seeking out Cao Bianjiao?

Cao Bianjiao's transfer order had arrived long ago.

Immediately afterwards, Wang Zhong took out the Undying Totem from his bosom.

"Bestowed by His Majesty."

Cao Bianjiao was slightly taken aback, then quickly knelt on one knee and raised his hands above his head.

Wang Zhong placed the immortal totem on Cao Bianjiao's hands.

After receiving the Undying Totem, Cao Bianjiao, though not understanding what it was, still felt obliged to show proper respect.

"Your Majesty, I thank you."

Then, Cao Bianjiao stood up.

Hong Chengchou and the others stared curiously at the object in Cao Bianjiao's hand.

What does it mean that the emperor bestowed this gift?

Cao Bianjiao was also puzzled, so he asked, "Eunuch Wang, if I may be so bold, what is the meaning behind His Majesty's bestowal of this item upon me?"

Wang Zhong explained, "His Majesty has something to say to General Cao."

Upon hearing that it was the emperor, he said...

Just as Cao Bianjiao was about to kneel on one knee, Wang Zhong stopped him: "His Majesty said that this is not an imperial edict, but just that he wants to have a word with General Cao."

"His Majesty said that this item is called the Immortal Totem. It can protect you from death in critical moments. He hopes that General Cao can take over your uncle's responsibilities and serve the country loyally."

"This item must be carried at all times. If His Majesty finds out that General Cao did not carry it with him, His Majesty will punish General Cao."

Cao Bianjiao was deeply moved.

Unexpectedly, the emperor was so concerned about his uncle's death.

Cao Bianjiao immediately gripped the immortal totem tightly and said, "I trouble Eunuch Wang to return and report to His Majesty. This humble general swears to serve the country to the death!"

"I will always keep the Undying Totem with me. Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."

Wang Zhong nodded.

"If there's nothing else, I'll head back to report."

After saying this, Wang Zhong mounted his horse and left the military camp.

After Wang Zhong left.

Hong Chengchou, He Renlong, and others all gathered around.

They were all very curious.

Is this "immortal totem" bestowed by the emperor really as powerful as people say?

"Governor Hong, have you ever seen this thing called the Immortal Totem?"

He Renlong inquired.

Hong Chengchou shook his head slightly: "This is also the first time I have ever seen something like this bestowed by His Majesty. I have never heard of it before."

He served as an official in the imperial court for many years.

This was also the first time he had ever seen something bestowed upon him by the emperor.

I've never seen this before.

"Even Governor Hong hasn't seen this? Is this thing really as powerful as His Majesty says? Can it save lives in a critical moment?"

Everyone was very curious.

Is this thing really as amazing as they say?

Then, He Renlong said, "Why don't we give it a try?"

Upon hearing this, Cao Bianjiao was puzzled: "Try it? How can we try it?"

He Renlong drew his sword and looked at Cao Bianjiao with a smile.

"Of course, that's how we try it."

Seeing He Renlong draw his sword, Cao Bianjiao unconsciously took two steps back and quickly put away the Undying Totem.

"Are you crazy?"

Clearly, when He Renlong said "try it out," he meant cutting himself to test it.

Seeing this, Hong Chengchou quickly spoke up to stop them: "Alright, this immortal totem should just be a life-saving charm that His Majesty gave to the soldiers."

"It's just a symbolic act, not a real guarantee of immortality."

"Just like the totems of those tribes in the southwest."

If you believe it, there will be nothing.

In his view, it must have been a symbolic item given by the emperor.

It's impossible to truly guarantee immortality.

It must be able to truly protect one from death.

Would the emperor not keep it for himself, but bestow it upon a general?

Moreover, if he really had this ability, shouldn't he have been given the position of Governor-General of Five Provinces?

Isn't your own life more precious?