Qian Ling was cheerful the whole day. He was both excused from working in Xie Cai Ren's palace, and the main kitchen as he would be going to work in the music bureau.

Xie Cai Ren was of course, reluctant to let go of him, as Qian Ling was the one that had helped her attract the attention of the Emperor to her palace.

But the one that had applied for Qian Ling's transfer to the music bureau had a higher rank than her. She had no way to refuse. The chefs in the main kitchen were rather different. They pretty much doted on Xiao Ling as he was obedient and bright although he was an eunuch.

They congratulated him and wished him well on his last day of work. The head chef had even gifted him a jar of wine.

In the evening, Qian Ling went to the usual place. As he was worried of falling down when he was drunk, he sat under the tree while waiting for Xiao Xian.

Qian Ling had wanted to tell Xiao Xian the most, as he was sure that Xiao Xian would be the one person who would be the most happy for him.

Winter was almost over, so there was very little snow around. Xiao Xian came, and was about to climb up the tree when he saw a figure, lying beside the tree.

He frowned upon finding Xiao Ling whose face had reddened from drinking wine. Xiao Ling smiled when he saw Xiao Xian had come.

"Xiao Xian! You're finally here! I were waiting for you! Hehe...."

"Oh. What happened? Who gave you the wine?"

"The head chef gave it to me. Xiao Xian, let me tell you. I'm going to work in the music bureau starting tomorrow. I won't be going to Xie Cai Ren's palace and the main kitchen anymore."

Xiao Xian arched his eyebrows. He was astonished by the news.

How did Xiao Ling managed to get into the music bureau? Wasn't the recruitment test extremely difficult? Wait, does that mean I won't get to see Xiao Ling and eat Xiao Ling's cooking that much anymore?

But seeing the joyful smile on Xiao Ling, he sighed. As long as you're happy, I'll be fine with everything. Xiao Xian picked up the drunk Xiao Ling in his arms and carried him back to his room in the eunuch residence.

He made sure to cover Xiao Ling with the blanket. As Xiao Xian was about to leave, he heard Xiao Ling murmuring in his sleep.

"....Xian....I like Xiao Xian.....the most...."

He smiled. He knew Xiao Ling would never lie to him. Xiao Xian sat on the bed and leaned over to give a kiss to Xiao Ling on his forehead.

"I like you the most too, my Xiao Ling."
*
→_→
Another two months had passed by, Qian Ling had officially become a court musician. His enthusiasm in music had brought praise by all the other court musicians. He even got along with the dancers.

One of the teacher of the dancers taught a dance to Qian Ling, thinking it would be a fun entertainment to watch, yet they were flabbergasted by the scene where Qian Ling finished his dance as graceful, and without any mistake at that.

New year was approaching, and so was the annual imperial family gathering banquet.

This was also Qian Ling's first time joining the music bureau's performing troupe.

The night was brightened with colorful lanterns. The delicacies were prepared, and so were the stage. Only the important figures had not arrived.

But at the back of the stage, one of the dancers had an accident and couldn't step up to dance. Everyone searched around for a replacement, but to no avail, and their eyes were set onto Xiao Ling's slim figure.

"Xiao Ling, do you know how to do this dance?"
*
The Emperor had just greeted all his relatives. He had been conversing with his imperial uncle, King Chu and his fourth little brother, King Tian who was two years younger than himself; when Wei gonggong walked over to remind the Emperor of the performance by the music bureau would be starting soon.

The Emperor waved a hand, and Wei gonggong retreated to get the performance ready.

Didn't Xiao Ling said, he would be in the performing troupe today? I wonder where he is?

The Emperor looked around as the troupe made their entrance. He was rather disappointed when he couldn't find Xiao Ling. He sat quietly and tasted his wine.

The light dimmed, and the seven female dancers stepped up onto the stage. They were all wearing white, and holding a basket of fresh flower petals.

The music played, and the dancers moved along the soft and quick melodies. Like the seven fairies first appearance on earth, the dancers danced around the stage, while throwing the flower petals into the air.

It was an entrancing performance, yet when the Emperor looked closely on the stage, his eyes widened, and he spurted out his wine. He coughed.

"Your Majesty, are you alright?"

The Empress Dowager asked. And the Emperor nodded.

"Zhen is fine."

The Emperor wiped his mouth, but his eyes were still onto one of the dancers. The dancer had a lovely figure, with slim waist, and the long flowing hair, with little braiding and donned a small white flower. The face was attractively beautiful, with mesmerizing eyes, the cheeks painted with a slight pink blush, and the pinkish, wet lips that looks inviting.

The dancer made a sudden pause and that was a mistake in the dance. The Emperor chuckled, as he knew, their eyes had met for a brief moment.

His Xiao Ling had finally noticed him.

A/N : let me clarify this, the eunuchs in my story have normal long hair. Not the type with half bald head. I don't like baldy characters! (╯3╰)
#Empress Dowager : mother of Emperor