The Eternal Love (The Original Work)

The Qu Residence, the courtyard where the Fourth Miss lived. The courtyard wasn't large, not even having a specific name. The layout inside was far from being refined and delicate. A peach tree was planted on the left side of the house, and in all the years Qu Tan'er had lived there, she had never seen it bloom, let alone bear fruit. There was a small rock garden in the center and a small pond where any fish kept in it ended up dead. A gentle breeze blew by, and the fallen leaves made no sound. Only the door remained tightly shut. Inside, peals of silver-bell laughter could be heard. From the laughter alone, it could be deduced that the owner was very content. "Haha, Jing Xin, let me tell you, it was such a waste that you weren't in the main hall just now. You have no idea, Old Master Qu was so furious he was blowing his beard and glaring. He almost took out a broadsword to chop me down! Thankfully, you can still see me alive and kicking, otherwise, you'd be needing a stack of handkerchiefs to wipe your tears." Due to her overexcitement, Qu Tan'er's voice was louder than usual. A maid in a blue dress came out from the inner room, around the same age as Qu Tan'er, with a delicate face showing a bit of helplessness. She softly reminded, "Miss, Lady Jiu said that you shouldn't speak so loudly and that you shouldn't be so coarse." "Oh, fine. But, since no one is watching now, what's the harm?" "Lady Jiu said, even if no one is watching, you still have to behave properly." "Oh, alright, I get it… Ahem, now Jing Xin, do you think my tone is satisfactory? Just now, blame me, I was too careless. In the future, I will definitely remember mother's teachings and never make the same mistake again." Qu Tan'er waved her hand lazily, seemingly indifferent. But halfway through her words, Jing Xin's gaze made her relent, and her tone softened with a certain deceitful gentleness, posing as virtuous and well-mannered. She was dizzy, not cut out for this! Yet she had to put on this act at every moment. She was sure that sooner or later, she would die under these endless family rules. "Miss…" Jing Xin called again. "What?" Qu Tan'er took a big step, spun around, and with a plop, sat on the chair in front of the mirror, comfortably propping one foot on another chair, her face puzzled as she looked at Jing Xin. "Miss, Lady Jiu also said, do not look back when walking, do not part your lips when speaking, do not move your knees when sitting, do not sway your skirt when standing. Not one rule is to be missed." "Mmm, got it, but let's overlook it this time." She sighed. She had expected Jing Xin to say this, but still… she was helpless. There's a saying, it's easier to change mountains and rivers than to alter one's nature. "Also…" "Hmm?" What else? "Miss, the way you're sitting now is incorrect. Put your legs together, and don't sway your skirt," Jing Xin taught attentively. "Mmm." Indeed, being a young lady of a noble family was tough and not something just anyone could endure. Jing Xin suddenly thought of something and asked in shock, "Miss, did you irritate the master again just now?" "Ahem, sort of. But it's alright, he's not mad enough to spit blood…" Qu Tan'er wanted to laugh out loud but seeing Jing Xin's stern face, she suppressed her laughter, her lips twitching just a little as she slowly said, "Ah, you don't know, I almost managed to escape unscathed just now. But then, Cheng Jiaojin appeared out of nowhere. Not only did he not help, he even stood by watching the show, causing me to fall so hard I almost broke my bones."