The third story: "The obedient daughter's husband must marry into the Zhennan General's Mansion."

Upon hearing Chu Huaizhong's words, Jun Xuanche's expression changed drastically.

If a thunderbolt from the heavens were to strike, his usual composure would turn into a raging storm.

As a prince, he was of unparalleled nobility. How could he have imagined being subjected to the humiliation of marrying into a family?

He was furious, gritting his teeth at Chu Huaizhong, his voice echoing throughout the hall:

"General Chu, have you lost your mind today?"

"To actually ask me to marry into your family is utterly absurd and makes me a laughingstock!"

Chu Huaizhong, however, responded calmly and unhurriedly:

"How could this old minister dare to allow the prince to marry into the family? Therefore, I know that Your Highness and my daughter are not a good match."

"Although Your Highness is of royal lineage, he is not the one destined for my daughter."

"I beg Your Highness to show mercy and spare my daughter."

Upon hearing Chu Huaizhong's words, Jun Xuanche was furious, his face turned ashen, and he was speechless for a moment.

"General Chu, are you deliberately making things difficult for me?"

Jun Xuanche finally managed to utter a word, his voice filled with resentment and doubt.

"Do you really think that someone from the royal family is unworthy of your daughter?"

"In General Chu's eyes, does the dignity of the royal family still exist?"

His gaze was like a sword, aimed directly at Chu Huaizhong, as if he wanted to tear him to pieces.

Jun Xuanche's supporters spoke out in his defense, their voices filled with dissatisfaction and doubt about Chu Huaizhong's demands.

"It has always been the case for men to have multiple wives and concubines, especially the royal family. Why does General Chu choose to have only one wife?"

An official whispered among himself, his tone revealing his bewilderment at Chu Huaizhong's insistence.

"After Chu Xingyao fell into the water, she had difficulty conceiving. Isn't this request cutting off her future options?"

Another official joined the discussion, expressing doubt and confusion about Chu Huaizhong's demands.

Emperor Changping sat on the dragon throne, witnessing Chu Huaizhong's tearful plea, and was filled with mixed emotions.

He knew all too well how much Chu Huaizhong loved Chu Xingyao, but he never imagined that his affections would be so deep.

The emperor coughed lightly, attempting to ease the tense atmosphere in the hall:

"Minister Chu, your proposed conditions are... truly ingenious and unique..."

Chu Huaizhong knelt on the ground, his forehead streaked with blood and tears, crying like pear blossoms in the rain: "Your Majesty, this old minister did this entirely for the happiness of my precious baby, it was a last resort!"

Upon hearing Chu Huaizhong's three conditions, the civil and military officials looked at each other in astonishment and whispered among themselves:

"General Chu truly loves his daughter deeply; he even came up with such a condition."

An official chuckled softly, his tone tinged with a hint of mockery.

“It is indeed demanding; what man in the world could do it all?” another official sighed, shaking his head.

"I think General Chu might not want his daughter to get married at all?" someone whispered, their tone full of doubt.

"Haha, this is truly a wonder of the world. It's the first time I've ever heard of someone demanding that their son-in-law be both scholarly and martial, and also that they be monogamous for life."

A military general laughed loudly, his voice booming like a bell.

“No, no,” another official interjected, smiling broadly.

"A man of both literary and martial talents, devoted to one person for life, yet destined to be a son-in-law—that's truly a bizarre tale!"

Inside the main hall, Chu Huaizhong's three conditions became a laughing stock, with officials discussing them animatedly. Some laughed out loud, while others shook their heads and sighed.

Jun Jiuxiao finally opened his eyes, which were usually hidden from view, and a hint of surprise flashed across them.

He knew from his past life that Chu Huaizhong doted on Chu Xingyao beyond measure, but he never expected that this old general would make such harsh conditions for his beloved daughter.

Emperor Changping looked at Chu Huaizhong, a discerning glint in his eyes, and said softly:

"Minister Chu, I know you cherish Xingyao like a precious jewel, but a daughter must eventually marry; this is only natural."

Upon hearing this, Chu Huaizhong was extremely anxious, knowing that he had no choice but to resort to this desperate measure.

He closed his eyes, gritted his teeth, and slammed his forehead heavily onto the cold marble floor.

"Clang... Clang... Clang," three heavy sounds followed,

Each "bang" seemed to strike the hearts of the courtiers, echoing with profound paternal love and despair.

His forehead instantly swelled and turned red, and blood flowed down his cheeks, staining his gray beard red.

The bright red stood out starkly against the backdrop of the magnificent hall.

He said in a trembling voice, "Your Majesty, this old minister's actions are all due to deep concern for the future of my precious child."

"Otherwise, how can we ensure her happiness and peace?"

Chu Huaizhong's voice was trembling with sobs, his eyes filled with worry for his daughter's future and helplessness in the face of reality.

"Your Majesty, I love my daughter dearly. If anyone does not meet these three standards, I will never marry her off, even if it means my death."

"I would rather die on the battlefield than let my precious child suffer the slightest injustice."

His words conveyed a sense of tragic grandeur, as if he were making a final stand for his daughter's happiness with his life.

After speaking, Chu Huaizhong clasped his hands in a fist salute to the Emperor and bowed deeply.

His voice trembled slightly: "Your Majesty, this old minister has been disrespectful in front of the palace today. I beg Your Majesty to punish me."

Before he could finish speaking, he suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood, his body went limp, and he collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

The entire hall erupted in uproar. All the civil and military officials were astonished by what they saw.

The military officers rushed forward to help Chu Huaizhong up, but were so overwhelmed by his tragic act that they were at a loss for what to do.

Seeing Chu Huaizhong in such a state, Emperor Changping felt a mix of emotions. He stood up, stepped down from his throne, and personally examined the unconscious Chu Huaizhong.

He said in a deep voice, "Minister Chu, why are you doing this? I know your good intentions, but this matter needs to be considered carefully."

After saying this, he hurriedly waved his sleeve, ordering Eunuch Li to summon the imperial physician, his voice filled with anxiety:

"Summon the imperial physician immediately!" He stared at Chu Huaizhong's fallen figure, his heart surging with emotion.

He understood that Chu Huaizhong's actions were not merely out of love for his daughter, but also a challenge to the royal marriage.

Jun Jiuxiao sat to the side, his eyelids not lifting, but the corners of his mouth were slightly curled up, as if he had expected the scene before him.

He knew that Jun Xuanche wanted to marry Chu Xingyao, but now it seemed as difficult as climbing to the heavens.

Inside the main hall, Chu Huaizhong's tragic scene drew sighs of sorrow from the assembled generals.

They all pleaded in unison, like supporting characters on a theatrical stage: "General Chu's actions were merely out of love for his daughter; Your Majesty, please have mercy!"

A military general's voice was booming and full of sincerity.

"Your Majesty, General Chu has a distinguished military record. Please spare him this time."

Another military officer hurriedly followed, as if searching for a get-out-of-jail-free card for Chu Huaizhong's "crimes".

"Indeed, indeed, Your Majesty is magnanimous and will forgive General Chu this time."

Another military officer chimed in, his voice tinged with a hint of pleading.

"Your Majesty, General Chu acted rashly for his daughter's sake. I hope Your Majesty will give him a chance to make amends."

The final military commander delivered his concluding remarks, seemingly bringing this farce to a close.

Seeing this scene, Emperor Changping had already made up his mind. He had no intention of punishing Chu Huaizhong, but now, hearing the generals pleading for his life...

He then waved his hand and said to Eunuch Li, "It's alright, I never said I would punish him. Quickly summon the imperial physician to treat General Chu."

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