Fan Ruyin writhed in resistance, her gaze fixed on Qiao Xuan with defiance.
Qiao Xuan's voice sliced through the tension, cold and unyielding. "Apologize. How dare you glare at me? Do you intend to strike me? Release her and let her offer her apology."
But they couldn't simply release her.
First Madam Fan instructed someone to escort Fan Ruyin away, but Qiao Xuan intervened. "Halt! Fan Ruyin will not depart until she has extended her apology! How dare you! Do you show no regard for me, the Prefect's wife?"
First Madam Fan faltered. "Madam Shao, I—"
Her sister-in-law had long been accustomed to having her way. Previously, the Prefect's wife held little sway in her presence. Therefore, in a reflexive attempt to prevent any further embarrassment to the Fan family, First Madam Fan sought to diffuse the situation by attending to her sister-in-law's needs, disregarding any potential offense to the Prefect's wife.
