The General’s Affection

Lian Ai was just a beds*ave. Delicate, obedient, and well-trained in all the arts of seduction. One day, he was handed over as a gift from the Prime Minister to the feared old General Bu, a man rumored to be ruthless in both war and pleasure. But on the very night of his arrival, the General was assassinated. Bu Nian inherited more than just his father’s armor and influence. He also inherited a house full of playthings… and Lian Ai was the most dangerous of them all. Not because he wielded a blade, but because he knew how to make a man hesitate before using one. *A general who trusts no one × A beds*ave who longs for freedom.

Original Publisher

Unknown

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on *The General's Affection* *The General's Affection* promised a whirlwind romance amidst palace intrigue, and it mostly delivered. It's a quick read, perfect for an afternoon dive into a world of ancient power struggles and unconventional love. ### First Impressions Initially, the story throws you right into the deep end. We meet Lian Ai, a young man raised in a brothel, and Bu Nian, the stoic general. Their relationship starts off… complicated, to say the least. It's a far cry from a fairytale beginning, and the power dynamics are definitely at play. It's a bit of a "dog's blood" drama, as some might say, but I found myself intrigued enough to keep going. ### What Works Well One of the strongest aspects of this novel is the character growth, especially Lian Ai's. He starts out understandably subservient, a product of his upbringing. Watching him slowly find his strength and agency was genuinely rewarding. The palace intrigue, while perhaps not the most intricate I've encountered, was surprisingly well-done considering the story's length. It added a layer of depth that kept me invested beyond just the romance. I also appreciated how the author didn't shy away from the characters' flaws. Bu Nian is ruthless and pragmatic, willing to use anyone to achieve his goals. Lian Ai is cunning and uses his skills to survive. They're not perfect, and that's what makes them interesting. ### Areas of Concern While I enjoyed the story overall, the smut felt a bit detached. While present, it never really felt like the main focus, and I found it could have been done better overall. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Okay, let's talk about Bu Nian abandoning Lian Ai. It's a pivotal moment, and it could easily be seen as needlessly cruel. However, knowing that he arranged for Lian Ai's care softens the blow somewhat. It's a complex situation, and how you feel about it will likely depend on your tolerance for morally grey characters. ### Final Verdict *The General's Affection* is a decent read if you're looking for a quick, steamy historical drama with a focus on character development and palace intrigue. It's not perfect, but the unique pairing and the fast-paced plot kept me entertained. I'd recommend it, especially if you enjoy stories where characters from different worlds find common ground.