Chapter 2139: Rejection

“It would be impossible for me to retain Miss Bai. Otherwise, wouldn’t it give rise to gossip?” Qiao Xuan stated firmly.

Fan Ruyin hastily interjected, “Ah, I understand, I understand. It’s just envy from others! How could we not encounter such despicable individuals? Madam Shao, please pay them no mind! Their opinions hold no weight!”

Qiao Xuan was rendered speechless. Impressive, I must say, your creativity knows no bounds!

“Very well,” Qiao Xuan sighed, wearing a wry smile. “There’s a delicate matter I must address. Two years ago, there were some unsavory rumors circulating. If I were to retain Miss Bai, what would be said of me and my husband? Mrs. Bai, do you truly believe I would jeopardize my husband’s reputation in such a manner?”

Fan Ruyin was taken aback.

Bai Ruirui’s eyes widened in shock. How could this be? Even if Qiao Xuan expressed concern for reputation, it should have been for her own. Why mention Lord Shao?

Had it been about herself, she could have dismissed it, proclaiming her innocence and asserting that it was inconsequential. But Qiao Xuan’s reference to Shao Yunduan meant she couldn’t simply brush it aside.

Qiao Xuan’s tone turned cold. “Mrs. Bai, escort Miss Bai home and ensure she receives proper guidance. If you wish, arrange for someone suitable to oversee her education. My schedule has been quite demanding as of late, and the affairs of the state office are sensitive. It would not be prudent for outsiders to become too closely associated with you. Otherwise, it may arouse suspicion of ulterior motives!”

“If misunderstandings were to arise, it wouldn’t bode well for anyone. Do you understand?” Qiao Xuan reiterated firmly.

Fan Ruyin and Bai Ruirui’s expressions soured, seething with hidden anger.

They had believed Lord Shao and Madam Shao to be magnanimous. Despite the painful lesson the Fan family endured, they hadn’t faced any retaliatory actions thereafter.

But now, it seemed that only Lord Shao possessed such generosity. Was Madam Shao still harboring resentment toward their family?

Why else would she remain unwilling to extend forgiveness?

Despite their flattery, she refused to relent. Shouldn’t she acknowledge their overtures?

They were already offering their service willingly, yet she remained unsatisfied?

Not only was she dissatisfied, but she also issued threats!

Fan Ruyin felt as if she might suffer a heart attack.

“Madam Shao, do you still harbor ill will toward us? We may have been foolish in the past, but now we genuinely seek redemption! Can’t you grant us a chance?” she pleaded desperately.

Lixia frowned, her tone growing stern. “Mrs. Bai, do you not comprehend my wife’s intentions? If she held any grudge, you wouldn’t be sitting here unscathed. While my wife is magnanimous, she won’t allow herself to be taken advantage of.”

“To be frank, our Madam is occupied with numerous responsibilities and cannot spare the time to oversee your daughter’s education! It’s simply not feasible for our Madam to accommodate someone unfamiliar to her inner circle. Should any unforeseen circumstances arise, the repercussions could be dire! While you may not be concerned, our Madam cannot afford to entertain any further considerations,” Lixia asserted firmly.

Qiao Xuan nodded in agreement, her expression conveying approval toward Lixia’s words.

She had already extended considerable courtesy to this mother-daughter pair. If they persisted in their demands, she might be compelled to adopt a more forceful approach…

Fan Ruyin could no longer feign ignorance. She forced a smile and uttered, “It’s all a misunderstanding, truly. We are not those sorts of individuals…”

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.