The Ultimate Trilogy

36. Three Years Later

36. Three Years Later

"Zhen Zhen, what do you suggest we do for drought in Ju Village?" Emperor Yu whispered to his nineteen year old daughter that was sitting beside him.

Her calm and collected eyes flashed and she opened her mouth, silencing the entire court. "I believe ordering a group to take funds and materialistic things can be the first thing we do to ensure success."

No one was flustered when they heard the princess use I in front of the emperor. Long ago, it caused quite a ruckus, but over the years, the first princess had accumulated enough power that people believe the emperor will crown her Empress Regent. That is only a rumor since the crown prince, Yu Lijie, was as healthy as could be. But this wasn't the first time the first princess had suggested anything. In fact, her suggestions have helped the nation to the point that no one remembered her previous reputation, the once bratty princess.

Now, she was a wise and benevolent princess capable of being their future empress. A woman who unfortunately, was still not married despite growing older and older each year.

Strangely, she still had plenty of suitors willing to do anything for the beauty, including the princes of foreign nations and generals and what not. The nineteen year old was indeed, the number one beauty in the entire country, which attracted attention from all over the world.

Yu Zhenzhen continued, "Then, our second step could be to build a well using the water from the West River."

A minister, whose eyes held jealousy, quickly blurted, "It's impossible for us to use water from the West River since it's contaminated!"

Yu Zhenzhen smiled at him without displaying any emotion, "Which is why I've discussed with imperial father a way to filter the water."

When she spoke those words, whispers immediately broke out and the minister paled. How was it possible to filter water to make it clean? How did a mediocre princess suddenly turn into a genius these past few years?

Emperor Yu waved his hand and court ended, dismissing everyone. When Yu Zhenzhen tried to leave, a scolding voice said, "Stop. Zhen Zhen, we need to speak."

Yu Zhenzhen turned her attention back to the emperor with an exasperated sigh, "Father, if this is about my marriage, again, I already told you, I do not want to get married!"

"Do you want to be an old woman staying at her parents' home for the rest of your life?"

Yu Zhenzhen bit her bottom lip and narrowed her eyes, "If necessary, I will become a nun and serve the Flourishing Temple."

"Zhen Zhen!"

"Please, let us end this discussion, father."

Emperor Yu sighed and whispered, "My lovely daughter, will you always allow yourself to be haunted by that man? He's dead, you have to move on..."

Yu Zhenzhen clenched her fists and shook her head earnestly, "I believe he is still alive."

"Foolish girl, they found his torn up clothes and blood puddled near some ashes. If that isn't evidence, then do tell me what is evidence for you to give up?"

Yu Zhenzhen looked her father directly in the eyes and said, "The moment I see his body is the moment I'll believe he's dead."