81. The world looks sideways (seeking to read more)

If Xu Xing had escaped prison and ended up a commoner, had she gone to him then, Xu Xing would only have been overjoyed. They would have lived in mutual respect, a couple retired to the countryside. Because at that time, Xu Xing would have had nothing; she would have been following him in his moment of despair.

But given Xu Xing's current status, going to him now would only be self-inflicted humiliation. A mere Zhangtairen, what right does she have to be the wife of a powerful lord?

If she hadn't borne a son, Xu Xing might have cared for her out of old affection. But she did bear him an heir. If there is an heir from the official wife, that heir is chosen; if not, the eldest son is chosen. As a woman with no power or influence, she could hardly elevate her status through her son. Her fate would be to perish in harem intrigues or die by her husband's ruthless hand—killing the mother to secure the son...