Let's give them a show they'll never forget!

The carriage rattled along the paved road, its wheels kicking up dust as it neared the imposing gates of the Hua Mansion.

Inside, Hua Jing lounged lazily against the cushioned seat, her eyes lazily scanning the opulent chests filled with gifts. She clicked her tongue in mild amusement, her lips curling into a smirk.

"Honestly, it feels like the Emperor is trying to bribe me," she mused, stretching her arms dramatically.

Xia Lin, seated across from her, shot her a wary look. "Bribe you? My lady, what do you mean?"

Hua Jing turned her gaze toward her, her mischievous eyes glinting. "Don't you think this is a bit excessive? All these gifts, all these luxurious silks and gold bars… doesn't it feel like guilt compensation for what happened in the dungeon?" Her voice lilted in amusement, but there was an edge to it.