Chapter Twenty-Seven: I Am Not Human

“That’s not important!” Shen Fuyu was furious, gripping Qin Zhiyi tightly and refusing to let go. “Tell me what happened. Aren’t I on your side? Why can’t you tell me?”
If she could catch whoever was stealing her hatred, she’d certainly deal with that little wretch!
Her anger points—who would compensate her for them?
She was absolutely livid!
“How am I to believe you’re entirely trustworthy? After all, you are the daughter of the Shen family.” Qin Zhiyi averted his gaze slightly, then took her hand and drew her down beside him. “Now, I need to use you. If you behave and do as you're told, there are things you need not concern yourself with.”
In truth… it wasn’t that Qin Zhiyi distrusted Shen Fuyu. Among his women, she was the most willing to be candid with him. But as emperor, he couldn’t ignore Shen Fuyu’s family, the Shen clan. All the aristocratic families were alike, and the matter that had occurred today—though seemingly trivial to the court, was of utmost importance to him.
Too many contradictions plagued him, so he preferred not to let too many people know.
“Your Majesty! Your Majesty!”
From afar, a young eunuch came scrambling in, panic etched across his face. “Terrible news, Your Majesty—Princess Zhaoxi, she… she…”
“What happened to her?” Qin Zhiyi’s nerves instantly tightened, and he rose from his seat once again. “Speak!”
“After Her Highness awoke and learned that the Prince Consort was gone, she began to ramble incoherently. Now she’s trying to take her own life, and we can hardly restrain her!”
Upon hearing this, Qin Zhiyi wasted no time. With Changfu in tow, he departed at once. His hurried figure was clear to Shen Fuyu, who could see that Qin Zhiyi’s anger was indeed related to Princess Zhaoxi…
But…
“Who is Princess Zhaoxi?”
Yinling explained, “Princess Zhaoxi was raised by the Empress Dowager and has always been especially close to His Majesty. I’ve heard that last night there was a terrible fire at her palace in the capital. The Prince Consort perished in the flames, and only Her Highness was rescued; the others…”

“So tragic! Let’s go see—no, visit Princess Zhaoxi.” Shen Fuyu sighed, pulling Yinling along.
Yinling could hardly resist her and had no choice but to follow, trailing behind the emperor.
Yet, the way Her Highness phrased it… was she going to spectate? That seemed a bit much…
Shen Fuyu followed carefully, watching Qin Zhiyi’s anxious expression, her mind racing. By rights, since Princess Zhaoxi was still alive, Qin Zhiyi shouldn’t be so upset—unless the Prince Consort was someone he trusted deeply or had plans for, and if so, then the fire was clearly arson.
Moreover, the fire broke out last night, but not a word was spoken about it at this morning’s court session. Princess Zhaoxi was royalty; any mishap at her palace should have reached the palace immediately. Something known in the middle of the night had been delayed until nearly midday—someone must have deliberately kept Qin Zhiyi in the dark.
Clearly, arson and murder couldn’t be denied. No wonder Qin Zhiyi was angry. Even if the perpetrator was caught, interrogation would yield nothing, while the true mastermind would enjoy the fruits of success, crippling Qin Zhiyi’s influence without a care.
It was a direct and cunning move!
She couldn’t help but wonder if the Shen family had a hand in it. Shen Shucheng, that wolf in sheep’s clothing, was certainly capable of such deeds.
“Your Highness! The Emperor has ordered that no one may enter!” When they reached the side hall of the Golden Throne Hall, imperial guards blocked their path.
“I am not ‘anyone.’ Let me through.”
Without a second thought, Shen Fuyu snapped, attempting to squeeze between the two guards.
The guards remained impassive, drawing their spears to bar her way. “Your Highness, no matter what you say, we cannot allow you inside. This is the Emperor’s command. Please don’t make things difficult for us.”
“Then I’ll make things difficult for you by ignoring the Emperor’s command—let me in.” Shen Fuyu was anxious; she needed to seize the chance to build her anger points. These guards were really in the way—should she just hit them?
Without waiting for another word, Shen Fuyu gathered her internal energy, her left fist launching with force and sending the left guard stumbling back several steps. She did the same to the right guard, then took advantage of the moment to dart inside.
The two guards sat on the ground, grimacing. Though not seriously injured, the punches were powerful; it would be at least a quarter hour before they could stand again.

“Your Highness, you mustn’t go in!”
“I refuse to listen!”
Amidst cries of protest, the door was suddenly flung open. Shen Fuyu strode in, radiant and unruffled. The room was in chaos, shards of porcelain scattered across the floor. A woman—disheveled and wild-eyed—was being restrained by several matrons, muttering deliriously. Physicians stood nearby, and Qin Zhiyi was facing the woman. Interrupted by Shen Fuyu’s entrance, Qin Zhiyi’s expression darkened.
“How did you get in? Where are the guards and attendants outside?” Qin Zhiyi felt a bad premonition.
“I hit them.” Shen Fuyu beamed. “Your Majesty, if I may say so, your guards are truly useless—not resistant at all! How can such guards guarantee your safety?”
“…”
Qin Zhiyi was already troubled; seeing Shen Fuyu only worsened his mood. He snapped, “Get out!”
“Just because you say so? I won’t.” Shen Fuyu was here to provoke him; she wouldn’t do whatever Qin Zhiyi demanded. Besides, she genuinely wanted to help him. If he stopped being angry with others, he’d have to be angry with her instead!
With that, Shen Fuyu slipped further inside. Qin Zhiyi alone couldn’t catch her.
“Is it because of her that you treat me this way?” Shen Fuyu pointed at Princess Zhaoxi, then looked at Qin Zhiyi, her lips pursed in protest. “I can’t accept it!”
“It’s not what you think—go back at once!” Qin Zhiyi’s brow furrowed. He had no patience for a jealous woman right now. “I have no time to deal with you!”
“No time for me but time for her?” Shen Fuyu retorted, “Faithless man! You faithless man, you don’t love me anymore!”
Her anger points soared again—how delightful! But it was time to get serious. After so long being unserious, it felt strange to suddenly behave properly.