She wasn't afraid of tarnishing her own reputation, but she couldn't neglect her family's, especially Xin Er's. Girls in the eyes of outsiders are judged by their sisters, and with a disgraced sister, the younger will not be perceived much better. She did not distrust Lixiu, but she did not want anyone to know about this for the time being.
Realizing her concerns, Lixiu felt extremely annoyed with herself, blaming her impulsiveness for asking such a direct question. Her inquiry had sprung from genuine concern, not wanting to see Mo Yan suffer, and it slipped out without thinking.