He was offered three beautiful women at once, but he didn't care for any of them and was not tempted by any of them. It was obvious that he only had genuine feelings for her. How could he not make her feel the same way?

Even though she initially feared, hated, and rejected him, and even thought about leaving him every day, their nightly embraces and daily intimacy gradually warmed even the hardest heart, and smoothed out even the sharpest edges with his tender care.

That's how people are. They get used to how others treat them without realizing it, and by the time they realize it, they're already deeply involved and it's hard to let go! She didn't know when it started, but she had gotten used to Huo Jingsha's body temperature, used to being held in his arms to fall asleep, used to leaning against his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat, and spending one night after another.

After what happened today, in addition to recognizing his abilities, Shu Yao also developed an immense trust in him. Perhaps... he wasn't a superficial man who would easily abandon her for a woman more beautiful than her, who would be fickle and easily fall in love with one woman after another.

Moreover, she felt so safe when he was around, not worried that anyone would do anything wrong, because he would protect her.

Actually, she had already discovered it... Not only herself, but all the women in the backyard believed Huo Jingsha.

In truth, being a concubine in Huo Jingsha's harem was far more comfortable than in other men's harems. He always treated everyone equally, without categorizing people into different classes. As long as one didn't anger him, violate his taboos, or cross his bottom line, one was never burdened with extra expenses for food, clothing, or daily necessities. Meals were always plentiful, new clothes were provided for each season, monthly allowances were doubled during holidays, and there were also extra red envelopes. Gifts from the palace were shared equally among everyone.

Moreover, there was no matriarch in the Huo family, and everyone was equal in status. Without a matriarch to make things difficult, their lives were much better. They didn't have to get up every morning to pay their respects, nor did they have to serve others at mealtimes. They were always the ones being served. As long as they didn't scheme or instigate others, Huo Jingsha always provided them with good food and lodging, raising each of them to be pampered young ladies.

Even on the first day of each month, Huo Jingsha would allow her aunt to leave the mansion once. The mansion would also often invite opera troupes to entertain everyone and make the sisters lively.

Some of the concubines, after staying for a while, came to understand Huo Jingsha's temperament. Although Huo Jingsha didn't touch them, at most he would come to the backyard to sit and listen to them sing and play music, compared to other men who didn't care about the lives of those in the backyard, Huo Jingsha was a kind and considerate master. Only that concubine, Shao, couldn't see clearly and, relying on being a gift from the emperor, deliberately angered Huo Jingsha's favorite concubine, which led to her being poisoned, mute, and thrown into a side courtyard.

Consort Shao only survived because of the Emperor's influence, but the same might not be true for others. They understood that those who know when to yield are the wise ones, and from then on, all their ill intentions ceased. If they wanted to live peacefully in the inner courtyard, they had to learn to be tactful and discerning in their actions.

Moreover, they are not necessarily destined to live as widows forever. If they perform well and please the master, he might one day be in a good mood and choose a few of them to be given to his subordinates. Those who come from the backyard of the Huo family will not be neglected by his subordinates.

When Huo Jingsha returned from his mission to the emperor, he publicly rewarded his subordinates for their merits at his birthday banquet. In addition to money, he also bestowed upon them beautiful wives.

When Aunt Xue and Aunt Li were named and rewarded to Yue Ping and Xu Chang, the two commanders, the backyard was in an uproar.

Everyone knows that these two are Huo Jingsha's right-hand men, loyal followers for many years. They are also commanders of nine hundred men. Although they are not as good as Huo Jingsha, they are still fifth-rank officials. They are also handsome and strong. Following them means that you don't have to live a life of widowhood. You will have a husband who is truly worthy of your name for the rest of your life. How can you not envy all the concubines in the backyard?

Aunt Xue and Aunt Li stood up in the hall, their cheeks flushed, looking particularly charming and shy. From the shimmering light in their eyes, one could immediately see the joy and excitement in their hearts.

The two commanders, Yue Ping and Xu Chang, who had received gold, silver, and beautiful women, were visibly beaming with pride and high spirits. When they stepped forward to express their gratitude, they both clasped their hands and knelt down to bow, showing their appreciation and loyalty.

Seeing this, You Shuyao couldn't help but be surprised and turned to look at Huo Jingsha.

Almost at the same moment her gaze fell upon him, Huo Jingsha caught it precisely. He lowered his head slightly to accommodate her and stared at her as well. He saw her blinking her big eyes in surprise, with undisguised astonishment and a touch of innocence and naivety that she had never shown before. Huo Jingsha couldn't help but reach out and pull her closer, their noses almost touching.

"You seem to be staring at me more than usual today? Are you upset that I've been ignoring you?" He asked in a low, husky voice, speaking only to her.

Ignoring her? ...Is there? Since he returned to the manor, he has been spending every night with her these past few days, not going to the study or the Commander's Office. He would torment her whenever he felt like it, like a young man taking his first taste of sex, thoroughly devouring her. Sometimes he would even indulge in debauchery during the day, indulging in lust regardless of time or place, which really troubled her.

Now he's actually asking if she's upset because he's neglected her? If she says yes, wouldn't he become even more demanding, leaving her no chance to survive? She's not stupid enough to go along with his words, so she deliberately changes the subject...

"How could you give away your concubines?" she questioned.

Huo Jingsha raised an eyebrow, then moved his face closer, attacking her earlobe. "These two are top-notch beauties. Yue Ping and Xu Chang have been eyeing them for a long time, thinking I don't know? Humph! Taking advantage of this great achievement, I'll cater to their tastes and reward them with these women."

You Shuyao looked at him, thinking that last time he said he had never touched the women in the backyard and that he kept them as gifts to give away. At the time, she had doubted how much of his words were true and how much were false. Maybe he was just playing around to appease her. She never expected that he would actually do such a thing.

Seeing him looking at her mischievously, she immediately understood that he thought she was jealous of the woman in his backyard, and couldn't help but tease her a few times.

"Your backyard has always been filled with beauties, and these two are especially outstanding. One is skilled in playing the zither, and the other is skilled in dancing. It would be such a waste to give them away."

"I don't think it's a pity. All beauty is the same, and you get tired of seeing it too much. Right now, I'm worried that my backyard is overcrowded. If I don't clear out a few people, I'm afraid I'll have to build a lot of new houses."

You Shuyao rolled her eyes at him, but secretly she was delighted. Perhaps it was because she had been so pampered by his affection these past few days, but her heart felt like it was soaking in a honey pot.

"Yao'er, don't be impatient. Be patient with me a little longer. After we finish today's business, we'll go back to our rooms to rest."