Logging into the Game World Early and Starting with a Royal Marriage to the Empress

The once bustling outer hall hushed in a mere moment.

All eyes fixed on Princess Yaoguang—her brilliance too dazzling now.

Yet even so, she couldn’t fully eclipse the man beside her.

His frame stood tall and erect, steadfast as a verdant pine or cypress, clad in a perfectly tailored robe that accentuated the splendid proportion of his broad shoulders and narrow waist.

His face seemed a masterpiece carved by heaven—sword-like brows swept into his temples, deep eyes agleam as if cradling countless stars.

Beneath a lofty nose, his thin lips traced an elegant curve—nobility woven into his very being.

Standing there, a smile graced his lips—like spring sun shattering ice, warm and enchanting.

His aura ethereal, a deity from poetry or paint—he stood quiet, not flaunting, yet his presence drew eyes irresistibly.

“Greetings, Your Highness!”

All bowed as one, but sidelong glances lingered on Xia Chen, curiosity ablaze.

“Who’s this? So striking—standing by the princess—a prince, maybe?”

His Majesty’s offspring were few—four princes, three princesses—most hadn’t seen them, sparking guesses.

“He and the princess match so well—like golden boy and jade girl, a flawless pair!”

Some hearts whispered it unbidden.

“Such a stunning man in the capital—and I never knew?”

Others mused within.

Thoughts swirled—then Yaoguang’s cool voice cut through.

“Rise, all—today’s Literary Gathering needs no formality!”

Her slender hand rose, commanding the room.

Xia Chen scanned it calmly—the entirety of the front hall, encompassing its courtyard, boasted a vast expanse, fully capable of accommodating hundreds without the slightest crowding.

Across the hall, a middle-aged eunuch orchestrated—lovely maids and eunuchs wove through, bearing fruit trays and wine, arranging all with nimble precision.

“That’s Eunuch Sun—our mansion’s steward, seasoned at management!”

Zi Yue caught Xia Chen’s gaze, whispering beside him.

Xia Chen nodded—though the princess’s mansion was still budding, talents yet to flock, Yaoguang had some able hands already.

“Greetings, Your Highness!”

As Xia Chen sought targets in the crowd, a distinguished man in his forties approached, three Confucian-robed scholars in tow.

“No need, Master Lu!”

Yaoguang hastened him up, seating him.

She and Xia Chen lingered in a side hall—vantage over the Literary Gathering, yet private.

Xia Chen eyed the plain-clad man—identity clicked.

Great Scholar Lu Tong of White Deer Academy!

“Seems Yaoguang’s long tied to Lu Tong—this trip to the capital’s her doing!”

Xia Chen mused—then Lu Tong’s voice confirmed it.

“Your letter brought me here, Princess—I trust it’s not just for a Literary Gathering?”

“The currents of the court have now shifted—Master Lu, with your astounding genius, would be squandering your great talents if confined merely to instructing students.

“Your Confucian-Daoist realm’s peaked at Fourth-Rank Clarity—breaking to Third-Rank Assertion needs worldly tempering. The Left Vice Minister of Rites lies vacant—I’ve recommended you to my father!”

Yaoguang spoke slow, seated central—hints of an empress budding.

“I quit in rage back then—His Majesty was livid…”

Lu Tong hesitated, voicing doubt. After resigning, he’d vowed off court—yet Clarity’s peak cleansed his heart, baring his true aim. He’d waited, patient—now chance knocked.

“Your talent’s vast—my father raged then, but his heart’s broad. He’d not grudge this.”

Yaoguang affirmed—she knew her father: no harm to his gain, and he played the sage king.

Twenty years—time dulled old scores.

Lu Tong, hearing this, gave a nod and spoke no further—after twenty years away from office, he reentered service starting as a Third-Rank Vice Minister, a station that thrust him into the very heart of Dawu’s power structure.

Without Yaoguang’s nudge, even a famed scholar like him wouldn’t land it.

He sighed within—twenty years ago, a fifth-rank clerk; now, after brewing, a third-rank leap.

Among their cohort from that year, the top scholar who had weathered the ups and downs of officialdom had, even now, risen no higher than Left Vice Minister of the Household Ministry.

Lu Tong’s three young disciples beamed—teacher a court titan, their exams would soar. A friend in high places!

Lu Tong and Yaoguang spoke on—openly, no shunning Xia Chen. Their bond seemed pure—Lu owed her, but not fully hers.

“And this young lord?”

Lu Tong’s curiosity broke—eyes on Xia Chen.

He’d clocked him entering—too striking, impossible to miss despite his quiet.

“This is Xia Chen, my affianced husband!”

Yaoguang’s words cut clean—frank, unshrouded, presenting Xia Chen.

“The Imperial Son-in-Law!”

Lu Tong jolted—court-shy for years, he’d skimmed capital buzz. Here two days, he’d dug into it.

One name rang loudest—Xia Chen.

A rising luminary in the officialdom, legitimate heir of the Marquis of Zhendong’s estate, aged seventeen—it was he who unraveled the military defense map case that stunned the nation not long past.

That feat shot him up—helming the Lamplighters, ruling Eagle Eye Division.

Rumors whispered His Majesty eyed him for the Lamplighters’ top—kin-blood safer than strangers.

True or not, youth like his promised no bounds.

And—he was Xia clan stock.

Lu Tong’s trio gazed at Xia Chen—envy pure, no room for spite.

Fates diverged.

They’ve passed their early twenties yet remain mere provincial graduates, whereas Xia Chen, at seventeen, has already risen to a full Fourth-Rank official.

More—he gripped one of the dread Lamplighters’ nine, power dwarfing typical fourth-ranks!