CHAPTER 1034: CHAPTER 1032: REMEMBER ME

The handover and preparation for departure were completed within a single day. That night, Wufu was accompanied by Ah Jiu to meet the people brought over by Yi Er, essentially making acquaintances, as these people would be under her command from then on.

Individuals dressed in black robes stood in the courtyard, both men and women, each with varying appearances ranging from beautiful to unattractive, plump to thin, noticeable to nondescript.

After the introductions, everyone dispersed, for if such a large group gathered here caused a disturbance, they could easily be captured in one fell swoop.

With the departure imminent, as soon as dawn broke and the city gates were opened, Ah Jiu and the others would leave. This night, no one could sleep.

Wufu was summoned to the study, only to find Ah Jiu standing with his back to her, causing her to pause in surprise.

"Ah Jiu?"

Ah Jiu, with one hand behind his back, slowly turned around, and Wufu was momentarily stunned by his appearance.

He was dressed in a purple brocade robe, a silver belt inlaid with Purple Jade gemstones fastened around his waist, a high-quality piece of Warm Jade hanging beneath the belt, alongside a delicately embroidered purse.

His features—long slanting eyebrows reaching his temples, deep phoenix eyes with a darkness that seemed to draw one in, slightly upturned corners of his eyes, a high and prominent nose like a steep mountain, and lips slightly pressed together—were all arranged with an exquisiteness and perfection that seemed masterfully crafted.

The Ah Jiu before her was the same one she had always seen, yet somehow different. This version unabashedly exuded the noble and commanding presence of a ruler, with outstanding looks and an elegantly noble demeanor.

He stood there serenely, watching her quietly, creating an illusion where the world seemed to fall silent, leaving only him.

"Ah Jiu." Wufu blinked and walked forward slowly, scrutinizing him without blinking.

Was this the real him, the noble, elegant scion of royal lineage, every gesture exuding grace?

"You came," Ah Jiu curved his lips into a smile.

The familiar voice, the familiar smile.

"It really is you." Wufu raised an eyebrow.

Ah Jiu pulled her closer, saying, "It’s me."

"The real you? No more disguises?"

Though the person before her looked very similar to the Ah Jiu she usually saw, day-to-day appearances subtly masked his true self, leaving anyone who saw him only reminiscent of this resemblance, not the actual person, as there was a slight difference in temperament, even in appearance.

But Wufu hadn’t fully noticed it.

Ah Jiu nodded: "The real me."

Wufu felt a bit uncomfortable, realizing someone could elude her perception, and it turned out to be him.

"Wufu, I didn’t mean to hide it from you, I..." Ah Jiu thought she was upset and hurried to explain.

Wufu placed a finger on his lips: "I understand."

Ah Jiu gazed at her, seeing only a hint of frustration in her eyes, but no anger, he finally breathed a sigh of relief, saying, "Wufu, I am leaving. I removed all disguises for one purpose."

"Hmm?"

"Look at me, remember me." Ah Jiu turned her face to him, saying, "This is me, Prince Jin of Beiyan, younger brother of the Emperor of Beiyan, ninth by birth, real name Jhin Mo, of age, yet unmarried. Do you remember?"

Wufu blinked, then nodded after a moment: "I remember."

Only then did Ah Jiu smile, pulling her into his embrace, resting his chin on her hair, saying, "Wufu, I’ll be waiting for you in Beiyan. Don’t make me wait too long, don’t come too late."

"Alright."

Outside the window, a bright moon hung in the sky, its cool and clear light streaming in, casting a serene and sweet glow on the embracing pair.