(Edit: A/N: Added a music which I was listening to when this story's idea formed in my head.)

***

It was a beautiful night of a full moon.

Huge garden was illuminated by the warm lights of big lanterns. Light breeze of late spring blew gently mixing different floral scents of a garden. In the middle was set a low stage for performances. Right and left sides of stage were occupied by royalties and nobles. While at the front was a raised dais where an Emperor of Rong Empire, Song Longwei, sat on his golden dragon throne looking all regal and majestic.

On the left side, a step lower from the dais, sat another handsome man. He was no less from the man sitting on the dragon throne; neither in appearance nor in aura. Though in height, he was a bit shorter. However, his golden hair, blue eyes and lips carrying a constant light smile gave him an amiable aura unlike the cold and dark aura exuded by the Emperor Song Longwei. This man was no other than the special guest in whose honor the banquet was held, Emperor of Qiang Empire, Qing Jinhai. Holding a wine cup in his right hand, he occasionally took a sip from it.

On the right side, below two steps from dais, sat Emperor Song Longwei's consorts and concubines according to their rank.

A paper screen was erected at the rear of stage. A shadow could be seen on the screen which let people know about the arrival of the next performer and also the last performance of the day after which feast would be started.

A figure emerged from behind the screen who wore a beautiful white robe with red peonies embroidered on it. But because of lanterns, warm hue was casted on their person. Back straight, chin up, eyes downcast and faintly seen red lips behind a red veil. The enchanting figure walked elegantly towards the low stage.

Xiao Lin didn't look up to see the man sitting on the dragon throne as that was considered rude. In fact, he didn't look at anybody. In this one month, he had learned basic palace rules and etiquettes as not to unintentionally offend the ruler because of his ignorance and lack of knowledge.

He stood in the middle of a low stage and bowed towards the direction of the Emperor before standing up and looking towards the musicians. He gave them a nod before turning his head back.

Xiao Lin took his stance. A melody flowed filling the quiet and tranquil space and with that moved the enthralling figure like a dancing bird in the sky; like a fluttering butterfly.

Shining in the moon light and lanterns lights, black hair danced with flying robe and sleeves with each movement. It was a breath taking sight tugging at the hearts of who watched.

Lips touching the wine cup, Qing Jinhai forgot to take his sip of his wine. Eyes watching the beauty intently. That veil hiding the face of a beauty made his hand itch to take it off and see what's hidden under. The mysterious aura of purity the beauty exuded, like unreachable and unattainable, posed like a challenge to Qing Jinhai wanting him to conquer and taint this beauty in front. His eyes flashed with the hidden desire to posses.

Sitting on a dragon throne, Emperor Song Longwei's eyes flashed with displeasure seeing the stares of men and amount of attention Xiao Lin was attracting.

Regrettably, the captivating moment soon ended. Music stopped. And the garden went eerily silent. Xiao Lin stood in the middle of silence and numerous burning gazes: some with lust, some with awe and some with jealousy. His chest heaving and cheeks flushed with exertion. Faintly seen red lips were parted and fanning the veil as he panted.

After only a moment, as his breathing calmed down, Xiao Lin bowed towards the dais once again. But before he could get up and leave, a voice boomed above, breaking the silence and making Xiao Lin stay rooted on the spot.

"Xiao Lin," Emperor Song started.

"Yes?! Your Majesty," replied Xiao Lin anxiously. Not knowing why he was called suddenly.

"Your performance was commendable. Zhen* liked it. So, Zhen have decided to reward you."

(A/N: Royal "I")

Hearing that, Xiao Lin's worry flew away and was replaced by his most awaited 'getting treasure' moment. His eyes sparkled with thoughts of money.

"For a reward, Zhen have decided to make you Zhen's Imperial concubine."

Gasps could be heard in the garden.

Even Qing Jinhai's constant slight smile disappeared and his eyes flashed with displeasure. But only for a moment that no one noticed these changes.

Xiao Lin choked on his breath. His eyes went wide and the poor 'sparkles of money' in his eyes were brutally snuffed out. What kind of stupid reward is that!? Stupid Emperor, how is it a reward for me?! It sounds more like you're rewarding yourself!

Unconsciously, Xiao Lin's head shot up. Black eyes met red ones. He gasped. One shock after another! What's up with red eyes! Lenses? And silver-gray hair! A dye? He was pretty sure ancient people didn't have those cosplay things.

The heck you thinking Xiao Lin! Making a ruler of an Empire a cosplayer! Tsk! Tsk! Going crazy, you are!!!

But the man sure was really handsome. Looking all regal and domineering sitting on imposing throne. Xiao Lin gulped. Realizing his rude behavior, he immediately lowered his head; eyes looking at the floor. His hands started fidgeting. What to do? Concubine! Seriously?! He's a man, dammit! Even if he wasn't a man he would never want to be a concubine!

This didn't seem like a reward at all but a declaration. The way Mr. Emperor said it was like an order! He was afraid he would lose his life if he rejected right away in front of so many people. No matter how politely he did it.

Aargh! What to do now!? How to deal with this predicament? Just when he thought things would go smoothly; one more trouble-bomb dropped on his head.

This city proved to be really unlucky for him. He thought.

I'm still young! I don't have adult's problem-solving skills! Oh, my big sisters, pls come save your little brother! I don't wanna live in this difficult world anymore!

Xiao Lin couldn't afford to offend the Emperor by outrightly refusing. To begin with, he wasn't given a choice. Mr. Emperor decided on his own without his consent. Argh! The tension in the atmosphere was suffocating him. He first had to get out of current situation first then he would think of something else. Yeah! Let's play safe.

Deciding, with a heavy heart he reluctantly said in sullen voice, "Thank you, Your Majesty for your reward."

What else could he say except that. Reveal his male identity and refuse then lose his life? Xiao Lin shuddered at the thought of sword beheading him. He hates painful things. And his already first painful death experience was enough. It really hurt when building fell on him. He shuddered by just remembering it. He wasn't fond of experiencing death again. He shook dreadful thoughts out of his head.

Xiao Lin kowtowed before leaving the stifling environment.

His mood had become really sour. All the excitement and expectations were thrown down the drain by the damn Emperor. Instead of receiving gold he received another problem. His young shoulders couldn't take so much pressures and burdens! He wanted his easy and carefree modern life back. These ancient people didn't even have comfortable showers. Bathing tub only! Limited water! Seriously!? Nor did they have pizzas, burgers and all that fast food and junk food. How much he had been compromising and enduring since he came to this world but no; it seemed like heavens wanted to just torture him. Why didn't they transmigrated him to sci-fi world! That would have been way better.

Xiao Lin was too busy grimacing and lamenting internally at his bad luck that he didn't notice hostile and displeased looks from the Emperor's harem.

And he definitely didn't notice the mysterious stare of the Emperor of Qiang Empire, Qing Jinhai and mischievous eyes of Kang Heng hidden among people seated in the garden.

***