From an evolutionary standpoint, women are at a disadvantage compared to men, both physiologically and physically. In this survival-of-the-fittest society, this has led to many fixed mindsets. The notion that women are weaker than men and should be protected by men, staying at home to care for their husband and children, and many such ideas, have permeated everyone, regardless of wealth or poverty.
Although thoughts have become more progressive, and the idea of favoring men over women has lessened, the survival rules ingrained in human nature remain hard to eliminate.
This survival rule is that the weak must obey the strong!
Some women are lucky to marry a husband who adores them; the weak get protected by the strong, but that's all they get—protection. Regarding respect, many people never consider it.
And Gu Yelin, the most dominant man in Xuanjin, demonstrated respect between two people through his actions.