Don't be fooled by how domineering and stubborn she appears; deep down, she knows well the wicked things she's done in her life. She fears that she'll suffer punishment in the Hall of Yama King after death, so she puts on this act, hoping to reduce her sins and evade retribution.
Lian Shouxin understands what Lady Zhou is worried about, which is why he says these things. Although he knows that his kind words probably won't have much effect on Lady Zhou, if she were truly willing to change for the better, things wouldn't be as they are now.
However, the effort must still be made; when persuasion is possible, one should try. It's like the saying goes: Do all that you can and leave the rest to fate.
"I know, none of you care about me," Lady Zhou's face finally fell as she heard Lian Shouxin speak, "Every single one of you, muttering behind my back. Do you think I'm old and senile and can't hear it?"
