I am the stepmother of my son, and the little villain has changed into a little cotton-padded jacket

Hearing what the emperor said, Xiao Dezi bowed respectfully and whispered, "Yes."

After saying that, he turned and walked out. A moment later, Xiao Dezi came in with a man wearing a lake blue brocade robe and with an extraordinary temperament.

The man bowed his head respectfully and saluted the emperor: "Your Majesty, I, Zhao Linhe, pay my respects to you. Long live your Majesty."

"Get up, my dear minister. You're back so soon? I thought it would take a few more days to reach the capital." The emperor looked at Zhao Linhe with a smile, but there was no smile in his narrowed eyes.

Zhao Linhe bowed and replied, "Your Majesty, I have traveled day and night to report to you on the status of this year's provincial examination. This is a matter of great importance, and I dare not stop."

"Very good, very good. Let's put this matter aside for now. My dear, look who this is." The emperor raised his chin and motioned Zhao Linhe to look at the person next to him.

Zhao Linhe turned his head and looked up, and happened to meet Xiao Yizhuo's eyes.

He was slightly stunned, with a hint of surprise clearly appearing in his eyes.

"General Xiao?"

Xiao Yizhuo nodded: "Master Zhao."

"When did General Xiao come back? It's been a long time since we last met. When the general left Beijing, everyone thought you..."

Zhao Linhe spoke too quickly and couldn't help but bring up what happened back then. He seemed to feel that it was a bit inappropriate to bring up this matter now, so he stopped immediately and didn't say the second half of the sentence.

Xiao Yizhuo didn't mind: "Well, there was an accident at the time and I couldn't remember anything. I came back after I recovered my memory."

Zhao Linhe nodded in understanding: "So that's how it is."

He saw Wen Shutang standing beside him out of the corner of his eye and asked in confusion, "Who is this?"

"My wife." Xiao Yizhuo explained.

Hearing what he said, the surprise in Zhao Linhe's eyes became even more obvious.

I never thought that this cold-faced killer would be able to marry one day.

Zhao Linhe turned to look at Wen Shutang and said in a gentle voice: "My name is Zhao Linhe, nice to meet you, sister-in-law."

Wen Shutang had a proper smile on his face: "My Lord, please don't be so polite."

Seeing that they were almost done reminiscing about the past, the emperor interrupted and said, "Well, I was just chatting with General Xiao and his wife. I want to keep General Xiao's wife and children in the palace to learn etiquette, but General Xiao doesn't seem to be happy about it. My dear minister Zhao, please judge for me. Do you think they should stay in the palace?"

After hearing what the emperor said, Zhao Linhe understood the emperor's intention almost instantly.

Isn't it nothing more than controlling Xiao Yizhuo's wife and children, so as to restrain Xiao Yizhuo and make him obedient and be used by him?

Zhao Linhe originally didn't want to get involved in this mess. After all, it was none of his business, so he didn't need to make things too awkward between him and the emperor because of Xiao Yizhuo.

After all, one's own interests come first.

Thinking of this, Zhao Linhe already had the answer in his heart.

He glanced at Wen Shutang and the three children inadvertently, but suddenly opened his eyes wide.

Zhao Linhe turned his head and stared closely at the boy who looked older than the three children.

After a moment, Zhao Linhe bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I think it is inappropriate to let the general's wife and children stay in the palace."

When the emperor heard what Zhao Linhe said, the smile on his face froze.

When the emperor threw this question to Zhao Linhe, he was certain that he would not help Xiao Yizhuo, but now he actually heard Zhao Linhe speak words to defend Xiao Yizhuo and his wife.

This really caught him off guard.

Not only was the emperor stunned, even Xiao Yizhuo was somewhat puzzled as to why Zhao Linhe would help him.

"Oh? You'd better think it over first. Why is it inappropriate? Do you also think that my palace is a cannibalistic place?" The emperor's voice became gloomy, and there was a hint of viciousness in his eyes as he looked at Zhao Linhe.

Zhao Linhe lowered his head and explained: "Your Majesty has misunderstood. I would never dare to have such thoughts."

"Then tell me, what do you mean by it is indeed not suitable for you to stay in the palace to learn etiquette?" The emperor snorted coldly, his face looking uneasy.

"Your Majesty, the general's wife was born in the countryside and grew up in the village. She is used to being free and undisciplined. Logically, she should learn some etiquette to avoid embarrassing General Xiao in the future. Your Majesty thinks this for General Xiao's own good."

Zhao Linhe first said some nice words, which made the emperor a little happier.

Then he cleared his throat and explained, "It's mainly because the palace has strict etiquette and is a model for all court officials. Your Majesty, think about it. If the general's wife goes from being free and lazy to being exposed to the strict rules of the palace, how could she not learn it? It might even backfire. Your Majesty is wise, and I think you can understand what I mean."

Wen Shutang, who was standing aside with his head down, raised his eyebrows slightly when he heard what Zhao Linhe said.

This person was saying that she was used to being a country girl, and she would definitely not be able to learn the highest etiquette if she were suddenly exposed to it.

No wonder Zhao Linhe has climbed to his current position at such a young age. His ability must be outstanding. With his eloquence and sweet words, who would not value him?

The emperor looked at Zhao Linhe with a serious gaze. His eloquent and sophistry seemed to make some sense to him.

But what he wanted was not the reason, what he wanted was the handle that could control Xiao Yizhuo!

Seeing that the emperor did not respond, Zhao Linhe continued, "Besides, Your Majesty, General Xiao has just returned to the capital with his wife and children. You want to leave the general's wife and children in the palace and let the general stay alone in the mansion. I'm afraid it won't sound good if people tell others about it."

Zhao Linhe understood the emperor's thoughts. People like him feared the people's opinions the most.

If he insisted on keeping Wen Shutang and the children in the palace, he would probably be branded as someone who broke up a young couple.

Hearing this, the emperor obviously hesitated for a moment.

But he was still a little unwilling, and said in a somewhat aggressive tone: "What about etiquette? Are you not going to learn it at all?"

"Of course I have to learn, but I have to take it slowly, Your Majesty, right?" Zhao Linhe had a smile on his face.

After a pause, he continued, "If your majesty does not mind my wife's vulgarity, you can let the general's wife and the children come to my house every day and learn etiquette from me. This will not only preserve your majesty's reputation, but also allow the general's wife to learn etiquette. It's like killing two birds with one stone."

After hearing what Zhao Linhe said, the emperor had no idea how to refute him. He could only wave his hand with a grim face.

"Then let's do it this way. I don't care anymore! All of you go down!"

"Yes, I obey your order!" Zhao Linhe bowed.

Several people left the imperial study together, leaving the emperor alone sitting on the dragon throne. After they left, the emperor angrily pushed all the memorials on the table to the ground.

He slammed the table hard, making a dull sound.

He felt some resentment towards Zhao Linhe. Why did he come back at any other time? Why did he come back at this time to ruin his life?