The daughter of the emperor is reborn to be beautiful and cool, and the King of Zhenbei loves her wi

The main thing is that Shen Nanzhi is not unfamiliar with this sign.

Zhang family’s carriage.

It is the Zhang family, one of the four major families, and also the maiden family of Concubine Zhang, the most favored concubine in the six palaces.

Xiao Qian'an's maternal grandparents' home.

Shen Nanzhi had also seen him at the door in his previous life.

During that visit, the Zhang family conveyed Concubine Zhang's order, inviting Shen Nanzhi to attend her birthday banquet in the palace half a month later.

It was also at that banquet that Concubine Zhang wanted to select Shen Nanzhi as her daughter-in-law, and the Emperor, in his favor, directly arranged a marriage between her and Xiao Qinan.

But in her previous life, Shen Nanzhi was deceived by Xiao Qian'an's affectionate appearance and thought he was her lover.

In addition, she had already lost face at the Princess's Hundred Flowers Banquet, and she had no better choice except Xiao Qian'an. So after Xiao Qian'an asked her opinion, Concubine Zhang invited her to the birthday banquet, and the subsequent marriage granted by the Emperor was a natural thing.

But in this life, Shen Nanzhi has clearly rejected Xiao Qian'an. If he wants the support of the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion, he should at least not ignore her wishes on the surface. Otherwise, instead of forming an alliance, they will end up making enemies.

Shen Nanzhi was feeling uneasy. Seeing those people entering the mansion, Shen Nanzhi had no choice but to say goodbye to Xiao Chuyun and follow them.

Still the same familiar faces from the previous life.

The leader was Madam Li, who served Madam Zhang.

This person originally entered the palace with Concubine Zhang to serve, and worked as the head nanny in Concubine Zhang's palace. Later, when she was old, Concubine Zhang understood that it was not easy for her to stay in the palace, so she sent her to serve her mother, Old Madam Zhang, and sent her back to the Zhang family to live out her old age.

Even in the Zhang family, Nanny Li's status is quite important.

After a few days of recuperation, Aunt Yang was much better. When Shen Nanzhi followed her, she was treating Aunt Li with tea.

As the two were talking, they saw Shen Nanzhi coming. Nanny Li looked at Shen Nanzhi calmly, then said with a smile: "She is indeed a wonderful person. I have seen countless people in the palace, but this is the first time I have seen such a fairy-like person. No wonder the imperial concubine thinks so highly of her."

At this time, Concubine Zhang had not yet met Shen Nanzhi.

The so-called Imperial Concubine's appreciation was nothing more than Xiao Qian'an's appreciation of her...just the Shen family's military power and prestige.

After Yang said a few polite words, Li Ma Ma finally explained her purpose: "The Imperial Concubine's birthday is in half a month. She told me to invite Miss Shen to the palace. She wants to talk to her for a while."

As she spoke, Nanny Li handed the token to Shen Nanzhi.

Shen Nanzhi didn't answer, and Yang said in embarrassment: "Madame Li, Zhizhi just came back from Jiangnan and doesn't know the rules of the palace yet. I'm afraid I'll offend the noble."

Madam Li smiled and put the token into Yang's hand. "No, the Imperial Concubine is always kind to others. She likes Miss Shen so much. The Imperial Concubine will protect you in everything. I guarantee that your girl will not lose a hair."

Since it was Concubine Zhang's idea, and Shen Nanzhi was invited in the name of a birthday party, it was an invitation, so Shen Nanzhi had no right to refuse.

Yang had no choice but to accept it. After sending Nanny Li away and closing the door, Yang looked at Shen Nanzhi with a worried look on her face: "I don't know what the imperial concubine and the Zhang family are planning. Do you know?"

It’s hard to say for Shen Nanzhi.

Yang sighed and said, "We have never had much contact with the Zhang family. We have to be on our guard when they suddenly show their goodwill. I heard a few days ago that the Princess and Concubine Zhang are planning to get closer. They shouldn't be setting their sights on us."

Since the Seventh Prince's wife already belongs to Princess Jiahe, Shen Nanzhi's status would definitely not allow her to be relegated to being a concubine.

Yang couldn't figure it out.

Shen Nanzhi thought about it and realized that her mother was in poor health and her aunt would have to worry about these things in the future, so she told her mother about Xiao Qian'an's proposal to her on Chang'an Street last night.

But in the end, Shen Nanzhi still emphasized: "Aunt, he is not interested in me, he is just acting for me, he values ​​our family's status and prestige."

Xiao Qian'an has Concubine Zhang in the palace and the Zhang family outside the palace. He also has the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion to win over, which is like adding wings to a tiger.

Perhaps he didn't notice Shen Nanzhi at the beginning, but Shen Nanzhi happened to return to Beijing, picked him up, and brought himself to her.

Although the eldest princess has a noble status, she actually has no real power. Compared with the eldest princess's mansion, the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion is obviously a better choice.

That’s why Concubine Zhang and Xiao Qian’an changed their minds after the Hundred Flowers Banquet at the Princess’ Mansion in their previous life.

It is probably the same in this world.

After hearing this, Yang couldn't help but frowned and said, "I didn't expect their intentions to be so sinister. Then we will just claim to be sick and not go. They won't dare to do anything openly."

Shen Nanzhi shook her head: "I'm afraid this can't fundamentally solve the problem. Since Xiao Qi'an has this idea, even if I don't go to the banquet, there is no guarantee that he will directly ask the emperor for permission to marry me."

It will be even more difficult to turn around then.

Shen Nanzhi got a headache just thinking about it.

But there is a way. As long as her marriage is arranged before she goes to the palace for the banquet, there will be a reason to refuse then.

No matter how domineering the royal family is, they would never do something like forcing someone to marry.

It's just an engagement, not a real marriage. Once Xiao Qian'an's marriage is settled, Shen Nanzhi will find a suitable opportunity to cancel the engagement.

But in such a short time, where can I find someone who is willing to pretend to be married to Shen Nanzhi and act as a shield?

Yang was about to sigh, but suddenly an idea struck her. She looked at Shen Nanzhi with a smile, "Zhizhi, what do you think of that devil born to your aunt? Although he is a bit unruly, he is still reliable at critical moments. Besides, you two are childhood sweethearts, so it's a good thing for us to have a close relationship. Your mother will be relieved. Your aunt is the happiest to have your niece become your daughter-in-law!"

Shen Nanzhi was stunned when he heard this.

Her cousin, Shen Changan?

In the capital, not to mention the common people, even among the aristocratic families, marriage between cousins ​​is common.

However, not to mention that she only has brotherly and sister feelings for him, I'm afraid Shen Changan would get goose bumps after hearing this.

"Aunt, please forgive me!" Shen Nanzhi pulled Yang's hand like a spoiled child, not knowing whether to laugh or cry, "Of course I know that my cousin is a very good person, but we only have a brother-sister relationship. Moreover, my cousin likes such gentle and quiet women. Look at me, I have nothing to do with him. If we insist on getting together, won't we become a pair of resentful couples? Then the whole Shen family will be in chaos."

Hearing this, Yang was also frightened. She patted her chest and said, "Yes, yes, yes, Zhizhi is very thoughtful. Let's not talk about that bastard anymore."

What's more, what Shen Nanzhi didn't say was that not only could the marriage not be mentioned, but even the hypothetical marriage could not be arranged with her cousin.

Although we are all family, it is very convenient.

But the main thing is that the two of them live under the same roof. Once such rumors get out, people's gossip will be terrible and it will be bad for both of their reputations.

Shen Nanzhi had no intention of getting married, so these false reputations didn't matter to her, but she didn't want her cousin to be criticized when he was looking for marriage in the future.

Since he likes gentle and quiet girls, the girl must have a strict family education and must have higher requirements for her son-in-law. It is very likely that this point alone makes her cousin outshined by others.

Shen Nanzhi sighed: "Aunt, please help me look first. If there is a suitable one, we can decide on it first."

If you really can't find someone to act as a front, it's not impossible to find someone who has good conditions in all aspects.

In Shen Nanzhi's opinion, marrying anyone is better than marrying Xiao Qi'an.

Yang was a person who could not sit still, so she nodded immediately: "Okay, okay, I will go find your second aunt and the other advisors and I will definitely pick the best one for you."

Shen Nanzhi smiled and said, "In this case, I will trouble you, Aunt. However, please do not make the matter of the Seventh Prince public for now, especially to my mother."

Shen Nanzhi didn't want these things to disturb A Niang's rest.

Yang knew it, "Don't worry."

She was about to leave when she suddenly remembered something. "Oh, and there's also the matter of your uncle and Miss Wen. Let's take care of it together when the time comes."

Speaking of her uncle, Shen Nanzhi was planning to visit him, but then she heard Yang say, "His injury isn't serious, but Zhou Shun said he hasn't had a good rest these days because he was busy on official business. Let him have a good rest, and you can go see him later."

Shen Nanzhi nodded, and after seeing Yang off, she called Zhuifeng and Zhuyue.

They were sent out to keep a close eye on Jiang Yanran and Mother Liu's every move.

Shen Nanzhi felt that Mother Liu must have some secrets, and she deliberately pushed her in order to make her reveal her flaws.

As for Jiang Yanran, she had suffered such a great injustice, and seeing that she could not get any good things from the Shen family, and Jiang Shiyan had not come back, she was very likely to meet Zhao Wan privately.

Zhao Wan was kept as a concubine by Jiang Shiyan. Shen Nanzhi didn't know where exactly she was in the capital, but she asked Zhuifeng to follow Jiang Yanran all the way and was able to find out the truth.

Shen Nanzhi had to deal with all these matters before Jiang Shiyan returned to Beijing.

Only after she has dealt with the Jiang family will she have time to think about how to deal with Xiao Qian'an.

Shen Nanzhi felt upset whenever she thought of Xiao Qian'an.

She neither wanted to marry Xiao Qian'an nor could she let Xiao Qian'an become the crown prince as he wished.

Even if we put aside the grudges of the previous life, once he gains power, the Shen family will inevitably end up like it did in the previous life.

Apart from Xiao Qian'an, the other three princes with the highest voices in the battle for the crown prince are the eldest prince Xiao Huaimin, the second prince Xiao Shihua, and the fifth prince Xiao Ziyi.

The second prince has a gloomy personality and will do anything to achieve his goals. This time, the Jiangbei corruption case was caused by him. If such a person were to become a king, it would definitely not be a blessing for the people.

The eldest prince is both the legitimate son of the Empress and the eldest son of the Emperor. Logically, he should be the crown prince. However, because Queen Wang died of illness at an early age, the Wang family has been declining in recent years. The eldest prince is an honest and kind person, so he does not win the emperor's favor. However, he still has the support of a group of old ministers in the court.

The fifth prince was born to Concubine Liu. Although Concubine Liu was not as favored as Concubine Zhang, the Liu family was the first of the four major families in Beijing, with the deepest foundation and many supporters in the court.

If Shen Nanzhi wants to overthrow Xiao Qian'an, he can only choose to stand on the side of the eldest prince and the fifth prince.

In comparison, it seems that the fifth prince Xiao Ziyi has a greater chance of winning.

However, Shen Nanzhi had never had any contact with the fifth prince in her previous life, so the outside world's opinions and rumors could not be taken as accurate. She had to understand his character personally before she could make a conclusion, for fear that he was the second Xiao Qian'an.

And Liu Jijiu’s birthday in two days is an opportunity.

Concubine Liu Shufei was from the Liu family and was the niece of Liu Jijiu. She was a cousin of Shen Nanzhi's third aunt Liu.

By this calculation, Shen Nanzhi and the fifth prince are quite related.

Over the past two days, Shen Nanzhi asked people to take inventory of the account books returned by the Jiang family, and found that there was a big hole and the accounts did not match.

Jiang Yanran did return all the jewellery to Shen Nanzhi, but what surprised Shen Nanzhi was that even after they had quarreled so much and had completely fallen out with each other, Jiang Yanran was still able to humble herself and beg Shen Nanzhi to take her to the Liu family's birthday party.

But when you think about it carefully, it does fit the personalities of both grandparents and grandchildren.

Zhao's family background was not prominent, and she was also petty-minded. Even with Jiang Shiyan's status as a supporter, she still could not get ahead in the circle of noble ladies in Beijing.

The connections that Zhao can provide to Jiang Yanran mean that she is destined to find a marriage that is far inferior to the Jiang family in the future.

But Jiang Yanran is such an ambitious person, she would definitely look down on him.

She wanted to marry into a wealthy family, so she would naturally not miss this rare opportunity to show her face in the circle of power and wealth.

This was one of the reasons why she had taken so much pains to show herself off at the Princess's Hundred Flowers Banquet.

At this time in her previous life, she had already hooked up with Xiao Qian'an, so naturally she looked down on these things.

But in this life, without Shen Nanzhi's help, Jiang Yanran had no chance to take credit and get close to Xiao Qian'an.

The two of them haven't gotten together yet.

Faced with Jiang Yanran's humble and flattering attitude, Shen Nanzhi naturally took back the things with a smile and rejected her bluntly.

Jiang Yanran had no choice but to seek help from Shen Nanzhi's mother, but Shen Yanxin used the excuse that she was not feeling well and needed to rest to refuse everyone entry, and Jiang Yanran was also turned away.

I heard that Jiang Yanran was so angry that she went back and threw broken porcelain pieces all over the floor.

Shen Nanzhi just treated it as a joke.

In a blink of an eye, it was the day to go to the Liu family for a banquet.

Early that morning, Shen Changan rushed back from Taixueli and personally took Shen Nanzhi to the car.

The eldest aunt and the third aunt rode in the same carriage with Shen Nanzhi, and told her the results of their selection among unmarried men of marriageable age in Beijing over the past two days.

The candidate had to have a clean family background, good character, a clean house, and good looks. Plus, time was so tight, so after much selection, there were only three or four suitable candidates.

The aunt thought about arranging for Shen Nanzhi to see the couple first after the Liu family banquet. If Shen Nanzhi felt there was no problem, they could decide on the couple first.

Shen Nanzhi had already prepared herself mentally, so naturally she wouldn't object.

While they were talking, the carriage stopped on the street opposite the Liu family.

The Liu family is a century-old family with a profound heritage and is located in the first house of Zhuque Lane.

Before they arrived at the destination, the carriage could no longer move. The long Baifu Street was blocked by carriages going to celebrate the birthday.

Shen Nanzhi and his companions had no choice but to get off the carriage and walk over.

Compared to the bustling Liu Mansion, further down the alley, the mansion separated from the Liu family by a wall was deserted, with no one in sight. Against the backdrop of the hustle and bustle of the Liu Mansion, the mansion seemed even more desolate and lonely.

Shen Nanzhi couldn't help but stop and looked up. It was the Zhenbei Palace.

Xiao Chuyun's residence.