"Since you two can't bear to be apart, then both of you shall stay!" Wei Tingyu chuckled, and before the three women of Dou Zhao present could react, he reached out with both hands and gently took the delicate hands of Miao Ansu and Zhao Zhangru, who were standing farther out.
This was perfect—now the two women stood before Wei Tingyu, each having one jade-like hand held by his large hands, while at the same time their other hands were tightly clasped together.
The three of them thus formed a very strange circle, which made Dou Zhao stare dumbfounded.
Good grief! So you three have already formed a little group and left me out?
Dou Zhao blinked, a sour feeling rising in her heart.
"You're too unruly, Marquis!" Trying to suppress her slight jealousy, Dou Zhao took a deep breath and said to Wei Tingyu, "How can you do something so outrageous? If this gets out, won't people laugh at us?"
"Rules?" Wei Tingyu blinked and looked at Dou Zhao's slightly jealous little face, then smiled and leaned forward to plant a heavy kiss on her cheek, even making a loud smack sound, which startled Dou Zhao herself.
But honestly, this trick worked!
Dou Zhao, who was still feeling a bit sour inside, was now satisfied. After all, compared to holding hands, a kiss felt much more intimate!
This clearly showed that although Miao Ansu and Zhao Zhangru had successfully become concubines in the household, in Wei Tingyu's heart, Dou Zhao was still the most important! She had not lost any of the favor she deserved!
"Alright! The rules of the Marquis's household are ultimately set by the Marquis himself!" Dou Zhao said contentedly, her tone shifting immediately. "Since the Marquis is in this mood, I won't disturb you… As for whether others will laugh at us later, that's for the Marquis to decide!"
Having said that, Dou Zhao slightly bowed to Wei Tingyu and then turned to walk toward the door.
After all, she suddenly recalled something very terrifying: Could Wei Tingyu possibly be in the mood to keep her as well?
Though the thought was ridiculous, considering Wei Tingyu, Dou Zhao felt it wasn't entirely impossible. But she absolutely did not want that to happen!
Besides the fact that the idea of staying with her two close friends was too absurd and she simply couldn't bear the embarrassment, the favor she had received over the past three days had been overwhelming. Tonight, she must rest!
Otherwise, she wouldn't be rushing so much to bring concubines into Wei Tingyu's home!
"Sister Zhao…"
"Dou Zhao…"
Seeing Dou Zhao actually turn and leave hastily, Miao Ansu and Zhao Zhangru both panicked. They originally thought the Marquis was only joking with them, but now it seemed he really intended to do this.
So the two of them called out anxiously to Dou Zhao, hoping that the madam could stay and persuade the Marquis—such absurdity must not be allowed!
Zhao Zhangru was so anxious she even called out Dou Zhao's name directly!
But to no avail—hearing the two calling behind her, Dou Zhao quickened her pace. When she left, she even deliberately closed the door from outside.
"…"
Left behind, Miao Ansu and Zhao Zhangru looked at the disappearing figure of Dou Zhao with blank expressions.
"Of course! I never force women," Wei Tingyu laughed as he released the delicate hands of the two women and leaned carelessly back in his chair, looking at the two beauties in front of him. "But right now, I can't make a decision directly for you two."
"So if you're unwilling, you can leave—I won't force you!"
"Of course, I definitely won't get angry because of it!"
After saying this, Wei Tingyu watched their faces, seeing quite different expressions.
Zhao Zhangru frowned, her eyes darting around.
It was obvious she was thinking about whether to leave, and what would happen if she left or stayed…
Miao Ansu lowered her small head, her face bright red, and kept nervously twisting the corner of her dress with her jade-like hands—showing that she was very uneasy.
"Alright! Since neither of you wants to leave… I understand!" Wei Tingyu wouldn't hesitate any longer.
Seeing their embarrassed and hesitant attitudes, unwilling to leave but also not agreeing, he laughed and without another word bent down and hoisted the two women, one on each shoulder.
"Ah!"
"Marquis…"
Both women were startled by Wei Tingyu's action and let out surprised cries, but didn't struggle—they let him carry them back inside!
…
"Aah! So comfortable!" As the light outside gradually brightened, Wei Tingyu finally stretched and woke leisurely.
His whole body felt indescribably relaxed and comfortable, as if his energy meridians had been opened, like in a martial arts novel—light and pleasant!
Then his hand moved slightly and touched a body on his left.
Wei Tingyu looked instinctively and saw it was Miao Ansu.
She was lying obediently beside him, sleeping soundly. Her long eyelashes fluttered gently, as if dreaming a sweet dream, with a faint smile on the corner of her lips.
Her silky long hair cascaded over her white shoulder—a perfect portrait of a beauty in a sweet dream!
The more Wei Tingyu looked at his new concubine, the more he liked her, and he couldn't help but lean down to lightly kiss her smooth forehead.
"Mm…"
Miao Ansu seemed to sense something but did not wake. Instead, she murmured softly in her sleep.
"Marquis… your servant… can't live without you…"
With his sharp hearing, Wei Tingyu heard every word clearly and couldn't help but smile.
It was obvious Miao Ansu truly loved him deeply—she even expressed her loyalty in her dreams.
After all, people can lie when awake, but sleep-talk is often the truest expression of one's inner feelings.
"Please don't abandon your servant… don't ignore your servant…" Miao Ansu obviously hadn't woken and was still murmuring softly. Her lips' original smile had vanished, replaced by a slight frown of concern.
Good grief! Was she dreaming of being abandoned because of fear and insecurity?
Wei Tingyu saw that Miao Ansu clearly lacked a sense of security, and his heart ached for her. Without hesitation, he gently pulled her into his embrace.
"Don't worry! I will never abandon you!" This was both a comfort to the woman in his arms and a reminder to himself.
After all, it's the hardest thing to bear a beauty's affection!
Such a beauty had now devoted herself wholeheartedly to him—no matter what, he would never abandon Miao Ansu!
Hearing Wei Tingyu's low whisper in her arms even in her dream, Miao Ansu's tightly furrowed brows slowly relaxed, and the smile returned to her lovely face.
"Cough cough!"
But at that moment, two light coughs sounded behind Wei Tingyu, startling him. Then he suddenly remembered—there was still someone else here!