Chapter 581: Take It One Step at a Time

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Yu Niaoniao and Xiao Juan left the Imperial Capital on the first day of the

Lunar New Year. At that time, the Imperial Capital was still covered in snow. Now that they had returned to the Imperial Capital, it was already autumn and refreshing. Golden osmanthus hung on the branches by the road, and a rich fragrance wafted far away.

Yu Niaoniao looked out of the carriage window and saw red lanterns hanging at the entrance of the shops on the street. She guessed that it should be a joyous occasion in the capital.

Xiao Juan invited Deng Yuchuan and Deng Luyun to stay in the Langjun Imperial Palace for the time being.

Deng Yuchuan politely declined.

“Our Deng family has a residence in the Imperial Capital. It’s cleaned all year round and can be lived in at any time. We’ll just stay there. When we’re settled, we’ll discuss entering the palace.”

Although Deng Yuchuan could not wait to know the truth, he was still someone who had experienced many storms. He knew that not everyone could enter the palace. He had to find the right time.

Xiao Juan did not force him.

After traveling for a while, the carriage finally stopped in front of the Langjun Imperial Palace.

Yu Niaoniao jumped out of the carriage and looked up at the familiar door of the Langjun Imperial Palace.

After this chase, she was finally home safely. She felt her suspended heart relax and she relaxed.

The door of the Langjun Imperial Palace opened and Granny Xiu Yan quickly welcomed her.

She looked at the safe and sound Duke Lang and the Princess Consort and was overjoyed.

“You’re finally back. I was worried sick!”

Yu Niaoniao stretched out her arms and hugged Granny Xiu Yan.

“Nanny, I miss you so much.”

Granny Xiu Yan said sincerely, “I miss you too. I’m worried about how you ate and slept outside every day. I’m afraid that you’ll be bullied. Fortunately, you’re all safe. Come in and sit down to rest.”

The group walked into the Langjun Imperial Palace.

Yu Niaoniao asked as she walked.

“I saw many families hanging red lanterns in the city. Could it be something happy?

Granny Xiu Yan smiled and explained, “In ten days, it will be Empress Dowager Deng’s sixtieth birthday. The emperor is preparing to hold a big party. Many foreign envoys have come to the Imperial Capital to congratulate the Empress Dowager. You guys came back in time just in time for the Empress Dowager’s birthday.”

Yu Niaoniao’s heart skipped a beat. It was the Empress Dowager’s birthday. This might be a good opportunity.

She immediately said to Xiao Juan, “The Empress Dowager’s birthday is not a small matter. We have to prepare well.”

Xiao Juan immediately understood what she meant and nodded slightly. “Okay.”

Granny Xiu Yan did not know the hidden meaning of their words and followed them.

“I’ve already prepared some birthday gifts. I’ll invite Your Highness and the Princess Consort to take a look later and see if they’re suitable. If not, I can change as soon as possible.”

The group chatted as they walked and bumped into Meng Xizhou on the way.

They cupped their fists and bowed.

“Greetings, Your Highness, Princess Consort.”

Seeing their expressions, Yu Niaoniao knew that they had been waiting here for a long time. They probably had something to tell Xiao Juan, so she said tactfully.

‘You guys chat first. Granny and I will go into the house and sit for a while.” Xiao Juan nodded in agreement.

Yu Niaoniao brought Granny Xiu Yan and Ling Hai into the house, while Lo Pingsha stayed where he was.

Meng Xizhou could not wait to report.

“Not long ago, someone in the court submitted a memorial to impeach our Justice Department for being too rough in investigating cases, causing many wrongful cases. The Crown Prince ordered someone to investigate the previous cases of the Justice Department. The entire Justice Department was in a mess.”

Lo Pingsha still did not know what had happened in the Justice Department. When he heard Meng Xizhou’s words, he could not help but frown.

However, Duke Lang did not speak, so Lo Pingsha naturally did not dare to speak. He could only listen silently.

Meng Xizhou became angrier and angrier.

“The Crown Prince used the excuse of investigating cases to dig up many old cases. ‘l’ney spouted nonsense and Insisted tnat tnere was sometnlng wrong with the dossier. Then, he threw caution to the wind and dismissed the Eagle Guards who were investigating the case back then.”

“Some Eagle Guards were even flogged for this. In just two months, everyone in the Justice Department had been changed. Now, the people in the Justice Department with real power were all people planted by the Crown Prince.”

“Even Pan Dafu, who was in the kitchen, was chased away. They said that we did not follow the rules and lacked substantial evidence. But what about them?

They didn’t even have any evidence. They convicted us with just a few words. Aren’t they even more unruly than us?!”

Xiao Juan knew in his heart that the so-called impeachment should have been secretly instructed by the crown prince to make it easier for him to eliminate dissidents and take over the Justice Department faster. He had expected this, so he did not react much.

“Where’s Little Yan?”

At the mention of this, Meng Xizhou immediately restrained his anger and replied truthfully.

“Per your instructions, we’ve already asked all the Eagle Guards. Anyone who’s willing to follow us has been taken away from the Imperial Capital by Yan Nanguan. They should be on their way to Liaodong County now.”

Hearing this, Lo Pingsha could not help but speak.

“Are we going to Liaodong County?”

Meng Xizhou said angrily, “That’s right! Since the Imperial Capital can’t accommodate us, let’s go to Liaodong. The world is so big. I don’t believe there’s no place for us!”

He then stared at Lo Pingsha and asked.

“Little Lo, do you want to come with us?”

Lo Pingsha gave an affirmative answer without thinking. “Of course!”

He no longer had any family in the Imperial Capital. Duke Lang, his wife, and everyone in the Justice Department were equivalent to his family. Wherever his family was, he would be there!

But Lo Pingsha was still worried.

“If we leave just like that, will the crown prince send someone after us?” Regarding this, Xiao Juan had already calculated.

“I’ve already despatched someone to send a letter to Prince Min and Tang Guixi. Liaodong County is their territory. Tang Guixi still has 300,000 troops in her hands. With them blocking for us in front, the crown prince won’t dare to use force.”

Lo Pingsha said, “But this is not a long-term solution. When the Crown Prince ascends the throne in the future and really takes power, he will definitely think of a way to force Tang Guixi to return her military power. At that time, what should we do?”

Xiao Juan said, “Then we can only think of a way when the time comes.” Lo Pingsha sighed.

In the current situation, they could only take it one step at a time.

Meng Xizhou had had enough of being cowardly in the Justice Department recently. He wished he could grow wings and fly out of the Imperial Capital immediately.

He couldn’t care less. He asked impatiently, “Your Highness, when are we leaving?

Xiao Juan said, “We still have to wait a little longer. I still have something to deal with.”

Meng Xizhou had no choice but to agree.

“Fine.”

Xiao Juan crossed the threshold and walked into the central room. He saw Niaoniao flipping through the gift list.

Seeing that Xiao Juan had arrived, Yu Niaoniao immediately handed over the gift list.

“Take a look. These are all birthday gifts for the Empress Dowager.”

Xiao Juan took the gift list and scanned it briefly. He did not think there was any problem and handed it to Granny Xiu Yan. “Let’s prepare according to the gift list.”

“Yes.. “