Favoring Concubines and Neglecting the Wife? The General’s Wife Calls it Quits and Divorces! – Chapter 95

Ch 95: Afraid of Prince Xian’s Misunderstanding

Guo Liangxian’s cautious and respectful demeanor was the picture of humility.

Fortunately, the servants had left the main hall.

For the sake of his future, such humility was nothing to be ashamed of!

Madam Nian, at his side, wore a serious expression, her eyes quietly downcast. If any issue arose with her son, Liangxian, she would step in to clarify.

In short, today they must entertain Prince Xian exceptionally well!

This was the glory of the Guo family!

Yuan Xueyue, however, appeared slightly haggard, though fortunately, she had applied a light layer of makeup to conceal it.

She did not welcome the Prince’s arrival.

It signified that the Guo family’s status and influence were about to rise another notch.

This deviation from her past life caused her considerable anguish!

After he finished speaking, Dai Yixian slightly raised his gaze, in no hurry to reply.

He cast a brief glance towards Yuan Xueyue, seated beside him, and inquired,

“How is your wife today?”

Madam Nian and Guo Liangxian waited with solemn anticipation. Xiaozhao, standing beside the Prince, also waited to hear what news the Prince might impart today.

They never expected the Prince’s words to be so astonishing!

Guo Liangxian didn’t overthink it, simply assuming that the Prince, out of favor for him, was showing concern for his wife.

Guo Liangxian chuckled awkwardly,

“These past few days, my wife has been diligently preparing for Your Highness’s arrival, ensuring the entire residence is in perfect order. It has truly been no easy task.”

Madam Nian felt a sense of unease, though she couldn’t quite place what was amiss.

Madam Nian spoke, “We thank Your Highness for your kindness towards my daughter-in-law. We are embarrassed for you to witness this. Xueyue, quickly pay your respects to the Prince.”

Hearing Madam Nian’s words, Yuan Xueyue felt a surge of reluctance.

But she still approached Guo Liangxian’s side, straightened her robes, knelt, and kowtowed, saying,

“Your Highness is blessed with immense fortune. Your subject did not rest well last night, fearing I might be remiss in attending to Your Highness. I beg your forgiveness.”

After speaking, Yuan Xueyue lowered her head and performed a kowtow.

Madam Nian held her breath, and Guo Liangxian swallowed nervously, quietly awaiting the Prince’s response.

Xiaozhao, standing nearby, subtly observed the Prince’s demeanor. He unhurriedly set down his teacup, certain that he wouldn’t make things difficult for Little General Guo’s wife.

From the incident in Princess Xian’s Waterside Pavilion, followed by the inquiries about Madam Guo’s situation at the manor, Xiaozhao had also investigated the prior events in Lucheng.

And then there was the matter of the letter a few days ago.

All signs pointed to the Prince recognizing Little General Guo’s wife!

But Xiaozhao was puzzled. Why would the Prince concern himself with such a married woman?

Dai Yixian set down his teacup and spoke in a gentle, soothing tone, “There is no need for such formality.”

Then, he cast a cold gaze upon Guo Liangxian,

“General Guo, with your wife so overworked, what is to be done?”

Guo Liangxian was taken aback and quickly reached out to help Yuan Xueyue to her feet, saying, “Please, sit. I will attend to the Prince. You needn’t trouble yourself.”

Guo Liangxian then bowed respectfully to Dai Yixian, stating,

“Your Highness, I beg your pardon. I treat my wife exceedingly well. I am a good and loyal general.”

At this, Dai Yixian fell silent once more.

“……”

There were few people in the main hall. Dai Yixian’s repeated silences in response to Guo Liangxian’s words made Guo Liangxian increasingly anxious!

Had he said something wrong?

Seeing this, Madam Nian, leaning on her walking stick, slowly approached Guo Liangxian, stood, and bowed, saying,

“Your Highness, please be generous. My son, Liangxian, has relied on the Prince’s Residence for many years. The Guo family is deeply grateful to Your Highness. Today, Your Highness has graced our humble home with your presence. If there is any urgent matter, please, do not hesitate to instruct my son.”

Both mother and son were exceedingly respectful, yet Dai Yixian remained unhurried in his response.

He took another sip, finishing his tea, then set down the cup and said indifferently,

“The tea is depleted. In such a grand residence, are there truly no servants in attendance?”

Guo Liangxian, “……”

Wasn’t it the Prince who had just dismissed the servants?

◈◈◈

Guo Liangxian said nervously, “It is my oversight. Xueyue…”

Just as he called out, Dai Yixian interjected coldly, “Does General Guo lack hands? Must you rely on a woman to perform your tasks?”

Guo Liangxian was inwardly shocked and quickly stepped forward, picking up the teapot to pour tea for the Prince.

Xiaozhao observed silently, “……”

He surmised that the Prince had come this time to make things difficult for Little General Guo.

Guo Liangxian finished pouring the tea and said with an apologetic smile, “Your Highness, please forgive me. I wonder, on this occasion…”

“Hm?” Dai Yixian cast a sidelong glance, his chilling gaze cutting off Guo Liangxian’s words.

Guo Liangxian immediately retreated to the center of the main hall, standing upright with his head bowed.

Seeing this, Xiaozhao realized it was his cue to speak, and said, “Little General Guo, do not be hasty. The Prince will clarify the purpose of his visit in due course.”

“The New Year is fast approaching. Your ties with the Prince’s Residence run deep. Naturally, we cannot neglect your Guo family, can we?”

These words filled Guo Liangxian and Madam Nian with delighted surprise!

Guo Liangxian rubbed his hands together and said, “Lord Xiaozhao, you mean…”

Xiaozhao stated calmly,

“The harvest from the manor you managed was rather meager. The Prince’s Residence will bestow some gifts upon you in the coming days. I hear that General Guo has taken numerous concubines. Can the residence truly sustain such an expense?”

Guo Liangxian was startled and quickly explained, “We can sustain it!”

Xiaozhao said, “Just ensure you haven’t seized any women from the common folk. Maintain the proper conduct of a general, and do not bring shame upon our Prince.”

Guo Liangxian waved his hands repeatedly, “Absolutely not! How could I dare?”

Xiaozhao fully grasped the Prince’s intentions. Seeing that the Prince remained silent, he continued,

“Whether you dare or not is beside the point. The current dynasty values decorum and tradition. A First Wife must be treated with respect. Do not become so infatuated with your concubines that you disregard the rules, resulting in a ruined reputation.”

This had to be the meaning, right? Otherwise, why would the Prince concern himself with Little General Guo’s wife?

The Prince himself remained unmarried, yet Little General Guo maintained such a collection of wives and concubines; it was as if he held the Prince in no regard!

At these words, Guo Liangxian was so frightened that he dropped to his knees and kowtowed, exclaiming,

“I would not dare!”

“I have always been diligent and conscientious in my duties, and I have always maintained proper conduct both within and outside the residence. I have never taken any action that would violate moral principles!”

These words so alarmed Guo Liangxian that he performed two more kowtows, breaking out in a cold sweat!

Anyone could misunderstand him, but the Prince must not!

“Hm.”

Dai Yixian said, “I am aware of your service. Your five years of hardship on the frontier have not gone unnoticed. It is indeed a grievance that you have not been promoted.”

Guo Liangxian’s eyes brightened, and he quickly replied, “It is no hardship, no hardship at all! I am endlessly grateful for Your Highness’s concern!”

Dai Yixian stated, “Although you are not directly my subordinate, you do work under my command. Do you reside in this residence with peace of mind?”

Guo Liangxian responded, “With peace of mind, with peace of mind! Your Highness bestowed this residence upon me years ago, and I have always held it in my memory! Even if I were not promoted to Upper General this time, I would still be eternally grateful to Your Highness!”

Guo Liangxian promptly declared his loyalty, fearing that Prince Xian might misinterpret his intentions!

“Do not be hasty. Middle General is a trivial matter. As for Upper General, you will have to wait until after the other generals have been duly rewarded. Little General Guo, simply be patient.” Xiaozhao added supportively.

Dai Yixian said, “In due time, General Guo, simply wait with patience. During this period of waiting, Xiaozhao will arrange suitable gifts for you.”

They were merely items that the Prince’s Residence had no use for and had been accumulating!

Xiaozhao nodded in acknowledgment.

Guo Liangxian was deeply moved and quickly performed two more kowtows, saying, “I kowtow in gratitude to Your Highness!”

Dai Yixian continued, “With the New Year approaching, I shall not neglect the generals under my command. General Guo, rest assured. This visit is purely a courtesy call. There is no need for alarm.”

Guo Liangxian bowed his head and said, “I understand! Your Highness’s care for his generals is already a great blessing!”

It was a great honor in itself that he had come!

Once word of this visit spread, this year, the Guo family would be the talk of the Capital City!