The Empress Begs for Forgiveness? I, the Villainous Overlord, Won't Pretend Anymore! - Chapter 7:

Chapter 7:

With a single command from Xu Ning, the six Heaven Venerables struck in unison!

Yuwen Wuji was both shocked and enraged. Unwilling to accept defeat, he forcefully activated a secret art and clashed with the Xuan and Ming Elders.

The two young women were stunned, their faces pale as they watched the scene unfold in a daze.

Xu Ning had secretly instructed his Heaven Venerable subordinates to make sure those two girls from the Yuwen family were captured alive.

…

Zhenbei King’s Residence, main hall.

Xu Ning sat leisurely on a soft couch, while Yao Ling’er, dressed in a light green gown, stood gracefully by his side. Before them knelt rows of Yuwen clan rebels, all tightly bound with spiritual ropes.

Even Yuwen Wuji had been captured and was now restrained, flanked by the two girls from earlier.

As the last Heaven Venerable of the Yuwen clan, Yuwen Wuji had been utterly outmatched by the six Heaven Venerables Xu Ning had brought with him. The battle ended quickly.

Knowing that living shamelessly was better than dying with pride, Yuwen Wuji had raised his hands in surrender on the spot.

Due to Xu Ning’s prior command—those who surrendered would be spared—Yuwen Wuji and the others were brought before him, awaiting their fate.

Xu Ning’s sharp gaze swept slowly across the kneeling group, eventually landing on the two girls. He asked calmly, “May I know the names of these two ladies?”

Feeling his eyes on her, the long-haired girl pressed her lips together slightly, glancing at Yuwen Wuji uncertainly, unsure whether to speak.

Yuwen Wuji’s heart leapt—was the prince perhaps interested in his daughter?

He immediately barked, “His Highness is speaking to you. Why haven’t you answered yet?”

The girl quickly responded, “Your Highness, I am Yuwen Rou.”

Her voice was soft and graceful, like a lark’s song at dawn, soothing to the soul.

The twin-tailed girl beside her, however, let out a cold snort, turning her head away with disdain. She didn’t even look directly at Xu Ning.

She had once shared life-and-death experiences with Long Lingtian and harbored secret feelings for him. Yuwen Wushuang’s intervention back then had been largely due to her.

Where was Lingtian now? Had something happened to him?

Her heart was in turmoil.

Yuwen Wuji, noticing her defiance, shot her a sharp look. Seeing that she ignored him, he could only force a sycophantic smile and turn to Xu Ning, “This is my younger daughter, Yuwen Shuang. She’s immature and impulsive. Please forgive her, Your Highness.”

Xu Ning waved his hand generously, “No need. You’re all going to die anyway.”

His words sent shockwaves through the crowd. Everyone from the Yuwen clan was stunned.

Weren’t they promised survival if they surrendered?

Just then, Elder Xuan stepped forward, cupping his fists toward Xu Ning, “Young Master, you are wise. These remnants must be thoroughly purged, lest they pose future threats.”

Yuwen Wuji’s face turned ashen with bitterness and fury in his eyes.

Yuwen Rou remained still, but the subtle trembling of her lashes and her pale complexion betrayed her inner panic.

So this is how it ends? I won’t even get to see Feng Yao again…

A wave of despair consumed her, and tears welled up in her eyes.

Yuwen Shuang’s face was deathly pale. Her hands were clenched tightly, her body trembling with fury and fear.

Faced with the cruel approach of death, none of the Yuwen clan members could remain calm.

Grief, rage, humiliation… all surged forth at once.

Standing beside Xu Ning, Yao Ling’er’s eyes dimmed. She had known Xu Ning, as the Empress’s right hand, carried out bloody and ruthless deeds. But hearing rumors was nothing like seeing it firsthand.

The faint goodwill she had begun to develop for him vanished in an instant.

Xu Ning, on the other hand, said nothing. He leisurely observed everyone’s expressions.

Finally, Yuwen Wuji knelt and kowtowed.

“Your Highness, the Yuwen clan has defended the northern frontier for many years. Even if we’ve made mistakes, our service speaks for itself. I beg Your Highness to show mercy.”

“Yuwen Wushuang acted alone in his betrayal. I tried to dissuade him, but he refused to listen. These loyal soldiers had nothing to do with it. Please do not punish the innocent!”

As he spoke, the other kneeling Yuwen disciples followed suit, crying out, “If Your Highness spares our lives, we will devote ourselves entirely to guarding the northern border!”

“We are willing to serve Your Highness unto death!”

Xu Ning’s lips curved slightly.

Perfect. This was exactly the reaction he wanted.

He had never intended to kill them all. After all, the men he brought from the Xu family were limited in number, and managing the entire northern frontier would still require help from the Yuwen clan members.

Slaughtering them all might stir unrest in Zhenbei City or even provoke rebellion.

Better to wait until his own people fully took over the region. Then he could eliminate any lingering threats at his leisure.

Besides, those who were truly loyal could be kept for future use.

Most importantly, he wanted to spare those two jade-like girls. But if he only spared them while killing everyone else, it would invite gossip.

He cleared his throat and struck while the iron was hot, “Since I’ve inherited the position of the Northern Frontier King, the northern lands are in urgent need of capable hands. Those willing to submit may stay.”

“Thank you, Your Highness!”

“We pledge to serve Your Highness loyally for all our lives!”

Yuwen Rou’s eyes widened in disbelief. Crystalline tears shimmered in her eyes as she looked at Xu Ning.

She had thought she was moments from death. Yet now she had been spared.

By Xu Ning’s side, Yao Ling’er’s red lips parted slightly. The tension on her face faded, replaced by a faint smile.

I didn’t expect husband to have such a side… I really misjudged him earlier.

She took a deep breath, calming the emotions stirring in her heart.

[Ding! Fate-Blessed Woman’s favorability toward the host has increased. Gained 400 Fate Points.]

Xu Ning smiled faintly and waved his hand, “All right, return to your posts for now.”

The Yuwen clan elders were overwhelmed with gratitude, voicing their thanks again and again.

As they were leaving, Yuwen Wuji suddenly bowed deeply with a flattering grin, “Your Highness, my two daughters have been deeply moved by your noble bearing and wish to stay by your side, if you would allow it…”

Been waiting for that!

Xu Ning’s lips curved into a nearly invisible smile.

The two girls clearly hadn’t expected their father to sell them out so suddenly.

Twilight had already fallen—what staying behind meant at this hour was obvious.

Yuwen Rou’s beautiful face showed a trace of inner struggle. Her eyes dimmed.

Though she didn’t want to, for the sake of her clan’s survival… it wasn’t impossible.

The mere thought surprised even her.

Yuwen Shuang’s expression turned icy. Her eyes burned with fury as she glared at her father, her body trembling with rage.

Even if it meant death, she would never serve a villain like Xu Ning!

Her purity belonged to Long Lingtian alone!

Even though Xu Ning had just granted them clemency, she still couldn’t shake her bone-deep loathing for him.

Watching the ever-eager Yuwen Wuji, Yao Ling’er remained composed on the surface, but an unexplainable bitterness welled up inside her.

What is this feeling?

Why am I feeling like this…?