The maid trembled with fear, sinking to her knees in supplication. "I'm so sorry, Madame. Please, find it in your heart to forgive us!"
Instantly, the room's occupants turned their attention to the sudden commotion.
Qiao Xuan remained silent, his expression unreadable.
Lixia, taken aback by the maid's distress, instinctively moved to assist her. However, Qiao Xuan halted her with a gesture.
"Just rise, please."
Qiao Xuan addressed the maid, his voice firm but not unkind.
Relieved that Lixia appeared unharmed, the maid's anxiety lessened slightly.
"Please, Madame Qiao," she implored between sobs.
"Stand up now," Qiao Xuan urged her gently. "Do you require my personal assistance?"
Startled, the maid lifted her gaze, meeting Qiao Xuan's knowing look. Her trembling subsided, and she rose to her feet instinctively.
