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Chapter 173

Author: Rainstorm
Jane knew someone was following her but had never expected it to be Richard.

Even more surprising, he had recognized her despite her disguise—a man's outfit and a mask on her face.

Jane refused to admit anything and silently forced him out of the alley at sword point.

Richard, dressed in a dark cloak, gazed at her with eyes that seemed impossibly gentle, as though they held a pool of spring water.

At this hour, the curfew was already in effect. The streets were deserted.

As he stepped back, he spoke, "Who would have thought, not only is your horsemanship exceptional, but your agility is remarkable as well. Does my brother know you've been sneaking out of the palace?"

Jane lowered her voice, changing her tone. "Who do you think you're speaking to? Do you have a death wish?"

As soon as the words left her mouth, she kicked him.

Richard reacted quickly, spinning to dodge.

But when he looked up again, she was already gone.

Richard's eyes flickered with intrigue. Did she just run o
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  • Substitute Queen's Revenge   Chapter 174

    Helena's eyes brimmed with madness as she glared at Jane."You have no choice! You wretched woman, take me back to the palace! I must see the king!"Jane remained calm."I can, at most, get you out of this place.""I want to see the king!" Helena's tone was resolute."You know that's impossible," Jane responded calmly. "Letting you see the king would mean there's no way out for me."Helena scoffed, descending into despair as she let out a sinister laugh."Then let us all die! All of us—"She tried to feign indifference, but Jane saw through her act. Jane's gaze turned cold."You love the king so much—can you truly bear to see him die? But I can. Because I have no feelings for him. I don't care whether he lives or dies. I entered the palace solely for revenge."Once I capture that mysterious person, my purpose will be fulfilled. For that, I'm willing to feign obedience and kill the king first! So, you see, you and the king will die, while I will survive to the end."With that

  • Substitute Queen's Revenge   Chapter 175

    Lancelot wasn't joking; he spoke rather seriously."Fred sent me a letter. Two weeks ago, your people went to the Martial Arts Alliance and asked them to do something for you. But they didn't say what exactly. They were simply instructed to head north."By my calculations, such a trip would take at least a month. Did you finish what needed to be done, or did you return ahead of schedule?"Jane's gaze turned somber, but she refrained from explaining further.Neither Lancelot nor Luke knew about her dealings in the palace. It was best not to alarm them, lest it cause unnecessary complications.Before returning to the palace, Jane went to meet Wallace.Wallace was taken aback upon hearing the news."Commander Foster, you've been in the palace all this time with only me by your side. Who could you have sent to the Martial Arts Alliance? Someone must be impersonating you!""Investigate this matter thoroughly," Jane ordered sternly."Roger that!"-Upon returning to the palace, Ja

  • Substitute Queen's Revenge   Chapter 176

    After Richard arrived, George got straight to the point without any preamble."Do you have private relations with the queen?"The authority in George's tone made Richard bow respectfully."Your Majesty, I do not."George stood up, descended from his seat, and stood before Richard. His tall and imposing figure cast a large shadow."You are always measured in your dealings with women and rarely speak to them. That day in the royal forest, I noticed something unusual between you and the queen."If you had dismounted to guide her at an ordinary distance, the queen would not have been able to get close enough to you, even if she drew a blade. You could have simply retreated to ensure your safety."But what I saw was that you were no more than two steps apart. Unless the queen, after recognizing you, intentionally pursued you to strike again. How do you explain this?"George trusted Richard the most. When he noticed the irregularity that day, he had chosen not to expose it immediatel

  • Substitute Queen's Revenge   Chapter 177

    George could keep the ministers in line, but he couldn't use the authority of a king to suppress his elders."The borderlands are in constant turmoil; I have no mind to visit the harem," he said.Teressa wouldn't let him brush her off so easily."Rachel is obedient and charming—what about her could possibly displease you? Even if you don't favor her, you should at least visit Fragrant Palace. Spend more time with her. How can you get to know her better if you two never meet?"George's expression stiffened slightly."Grandmother, the affairs of the harem are managed by the queen. There's no need for you to worry."Teressa, as if finding a target for her frustration, struck the table."Speak the truth! Did the queen say something to you? Is she whispering into your ear, taking advantage of the fact that she's consummated your marriage?"Otherwise, with Rachel's qualities, how could she not be favored?George was about to refute her but suddenly thought better of it and changed h

  • Substitute Queen's Revenge   Chapter 178

    The pavilion by the royal lake was embraced by a gentle breeze. Despite the serene beauty of the surroundings, it did little to ease the king's simmering anger.George stood with his back to Jane, facing the royal lake, hands clasped behind him. His voice was cold and heavy, carrying a chill like shards of ice."You're far too used to spouting nonsense. Perhaps you need a dip in the lake to clear your head."Jane responded earnestly, "I believe, Your Majesty, that you refused to compromise with Lady Teressa, unwilling to indulge Lady Rachel as she demanded. In desperation, you fabricated an explanation that would put the matter to rest once and for all."If I stand mistaken, I can immediately go to Lady Teressa and clarify that you are perfectly well—"George's gaze turned sharp and menacing.Perfectly well? He was never sick to begin with! If she went back now and stirred up trouble, it would only make things worse."Enough!"Though frustrated, George had to admit that Jane's

  • Substitute Queen's Revenge   Chapter 179

    After Wilhelmina left, Laurel gave Dina further advice."Your Majesty, if Lady Wilhelmina could heed those words, she wouldn't have disappointed you again."Dina's gaze turned somber."I know Wilhelmina's personality well. Her arrogance blinds her to many things. The queen might just become her proving stone."Laurel nodded."Indeed, Your Majesty. At least your teachings and efforts with Lady Wilhelmina haven't gone entirely to waste."-After lunch, Josephine arrived at Zen Palace.It had been a long time since she last rode a horse, so she pestered Jane to go to the royal stable.Jane refused. For one, as queen, she had court affairs to handle. For another, she had no intention of forming close relationships with the women in the harem.However, Josephine was relentless, pestering her endlessly."Come on, Your Majesty, just this once. I promise I won't bother you again after today, all right?"Josephine had entered the palace at a young age and had no close confidants.W

  • Substitute Queen's Revenge   Chapter 180

    The weapon flew through the air at her without warning. Caught off guard, Jane instinctively dodged out of the way.The weapon fell into the water moments later. Then, a figure appeared."Your Majesty truly has remarkable reflexes."It was Richard—again.He stood beneath the shade of a tree, sunlight filtering through the leaves and casting dappled shadows across his handsome face.Jane's gaze turned icy. Without a word, her eyes focused on him, she made a swift movement and a sharp blade slid from her sleeve. Since she'd been exposed, she might as well...Richard's expression remained gentle, his voice calm as he spoke with a smile."Recently, someone has been sneaking into my residence, as if trying to investigate something. Your Majesty, are you aware of this?"Jane, of course, knew. Since she suspected Richard, she had naturally ordered an investigation into his residence. But for him to be so certain it was her, and to confront her here in the palace?Richard took a step

  • Substitute Queen's Revenge   Chapter 181

    Richard seemed unfazed by the pain of a dislocated joint. His face carried a warm and gentle smile as he sighed and said, "Your Majesty may not remember. "Seven years ago, when I came to the Royal City, I was ambushed near Hemlock Lake. My attendants were all killed, and I almost lost my life. At the time, you happened to pass by and ordered your guards to save me. That's the only reason I survived."Seven years ago, at Hemlock Lake.Jane recalled the event—it had indeed happened!It was during her and Wendy's eleventh birthday. Her master had given her a few days off, so she traveled to the Royal City to visit Wendy. They had gone to the secluded Hemlock Lake to release lanterns.She had worn a mask her master had gifted her, disguised as a young boy, pretending to be Wendy's little guard.On their way back, they had encountered a young man being chased down.Jane had wanted to take Wendy and leave quickly, but Wendy had insisted on helping.So the young man they rescued bac

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  • Substitute Queen's Revenge   Chapter 194

    In the court, officials whispered among themselves."Did I hear that right? Nidora actually won instead of the Romenian army?""One hundred and twenty thousand Romenian soldiers, and they lost?""Isn't that a false report? Have they confirmed it? Did Stanley really have only ten thousand men?"Many found it hard to believe.Where he sat on the throne, George's expression remained cold, showing no joy over the victory at Frost Ridge. Without hesitation, he issued an order."For this battle, Stanley is promoted to lead commander as an exception. Additionally, inform him that if he successfully takes Romenia, he will be granted a marquisate and a fief of ten thousand households."The court was filled with both envy and resentment.Immediately, someone stepped forward to object."Your Majesty! This cannot be! Stanley is already arrogant due to his achievements. If he is truly granted a marquisate, he will become even harder to control!"Another official quickly echoed the concern

  • Substitute Queen's Revenge   Chapter 193

    The army of over a hundred thousand was stationed about ten miles away—neither too far nor too close."They must have heard about the battle at the Romenian camp by now," Kennedy said. "By dawn at the latest, they will send someone to inquire. Jane, this is a critical matter. Regarding the strategy for advancing on Romenia, what are your thoughts?"Should this army continue eastward, or should we turn back and head north along Frost Ridge?"Jane gazed at the tray of sand, lost in thought for a long while. Before long, she had made up her mind."After tonight's battle, the Romenian army will be utterly routed," she said. "Therefore, we must act swiftly and decisively."Falcon Troop will advance first and break open Romenia's southern gate, allowing our army of over a hundred thousand to charge straight in. Our target—Romenia's capital!"She pulled out the flag representing the Romenian capital, her eyes gleaming with unwavering determination.Kennedy stroked his beard and nodded.

  • Substitute Queen's Revenge   Chapter 192

    Jocelyn removed her mask, revealing a tear-streaked face filled with relief."Jane, you've finally returned!"Jane stared at her with a stern expression."You abandoned the Master and the Mistress, along with nearly twenty thousand soldiers. You led an army of over a hundred thousand eastward. What were you thinking?"Jocelyn looked on the verge of tears as she hurriedly explained, "I never meant to abandon them, especially Master, but I truly didn't know what to do. That was the decision made after deliberation among the troop leaders."I'm not you, Jane. I was just a temporary stand-in to stabilize the troops. I couldn't do anything..."Jane knew her junior well—fearful and indecisive.The first time she met Jocelyn, she was six or seven years old, starving to the brink of death, and collapsed at the gates of the Morris household.The Master and Mistress had intended to send her away after rescuing her, but Jane had pleaded incessantly until they agreed to take Jocelyn in as

  • Substitute Queen's Revenge   Chapter 191

    Several generals sent men to summon Stanley, only to be told that his tent was already empty.The men exchanged looks of shock and admiration. "It really was Stanley's troop, wasn't it?"Meanwhile, Jocelyn, who had been in the tent earlier, had already left the camp. She was rushing toward Frost Ridge at top speed.When the scout said, 'we've won,' she immediately sensed something was wrong.And when she heard that Stanley had led the attack, she realized instantly—her senior had returned. If she stayed any longer, she would surely be exposed. She had to leave immediately.Back at the camp, the troop leaders felt both thrilled and frustrated. Gathered together, they were at a loss for what to do next."Stanley executed a brilliant feint, but he was too secretive—he even kept us in the dark.""Exactly! He made such a big show of breaking camp, only to take just a dozen men and strike at the Romenia camp... And now he's nowhere to be found. When daylight comes, do we continue marc

  • Substitute Queen's Revenge   Chapter 190

    "Commander! It's Stanley! It really is Stanley, he's back!"Peter was stunned.Stanley? How is that possible?Wasn't he leading over a hundred thousand soldiers eastward? How did he come back with a counterattack?Before the Romenian commander could react, screams filled the entrance of the camp.There were only a dozen iron riders on the other side, yet they were trampling through like wild horses, crushing everything in their path."What are you standing there for?" Peter shouted. "Form a formation, block them!"Seeing reinforcements arriving the Nidoran prisoners of war also joined the fight, following Jane and the others, engaging in battle.Jane, with her red spear, stained it with the blood of countless lives.Peter and several of his deputy commanders were now completely sober from their earlier drunken bravado. What they had said earlier about breaking into Hurricane Watch now seemed like a dream.Stanley was terrifying.The carnage was insane. He was practically a m

  • Substitute Queen's Revenge   Chapter 189

    Marissa lifted her head and said firmly, "If they want to leave, let them. I will stay here."Rica knelt down."Madam, wherever you go, I will go with you!""Mom." Jocelyn suddenly entered and motioned for Rica to step outside.She approached Marissa, knelt on one knee, and saluted like a soldier."Mom, the situation is dire. It's not safe to stay here for long. Please, follow the army and leave the camp."Marissa continued reading her book, her voice gentle but resolute."Once everyone's gone, who will take care of my husband's body?"Jocelyn's pupils shrank, a look of pain crossing her face. "Mistress..."Marissa was a woman of great strength, and once she made a decision, no one could sway her.Jocelyn had no choice but to leave a small group of light cavalry to protect them. She then led the army to break camp.Before leaving, she paused on horseback, reluctantly giving orders to her subordinates."Make sure she is well protected! Or else, I will have your heads!""Yes

  • Substitute Queen's Revenge   Chapter 188

    The Romenian envoy was arrogant and spoke bluntly."Stanley, if you don't withdraw your troops, you'll only be receiving Kennedy's corpse. Even if you win this war, you'll lose your father—what's the point of life then? Allow me to say something harsh. The land you conquer is not meant for you alone."Jocelyn put on her mask, exuding a presence reminiscent of Jane's past demeanor. She stood tall, her eyes radiating a murderous intensity."The king has decreed that Nidora must fight to the end," she declared. "Envoy, please leave. I cannot withdraw troops just to save my father!"The soldiers admired her resolve but also couldn't bear the thought of sacrificing Kennedy and the captured soldiers. Yet, in front of the Romenian envoy, they all stood firm behind Jocelyn."Fight to the death! No retreat!""That's right! No retreat!"Seeing their determination, the envoy laughed mockingly. He gave Jocelyn a thumbs-up, dripping with sarcasm."Stanley, you truly are a filial child!"Af

  • Substitute Queen's Revenge   Chapter 187

    Marissa didn't have time to freshen up. She sat up abruptly and asked, "What happened?""The army is trapped, and only half of them have returned! Commander Kennedy didn't make it back..."Marissa felt a sharp pang in her heart but forced herself to maintain the composure of a commander's wife. She quickly put on her coat, preparing to go outside and assess the situation.Just as she was about to step out, Jocelyn entered.Jocelyn dismissed the maid before she dared to remove her mask. She then threw herself into Marissa's arms in a panic."Mistress, Master stayed behind to cover our retreat. He personally led the troops at the rear but he didn't make it out and got trapped by the enemy! The Romenians are despicable; they set up a trap long ago. Mistress, what should we do?"Jocelyn, never a bold person, had always been protected by Jane in the past. Faced with such a crisis now, it was natural for her to panic.Marissa gently patted Jocelyn's back."Stop crying. First, tell me

  • Substitute Queen's Revenge   Chapter 186

    Jane's expression turned sullen.When she had returned to the Royal City this time, she had brought only a few weapons including a dagger, a collapsible spear, and a nine-section whip. All of them were stored in a single box.She wasn't short on weapons. The ones she carried with her included a set of silver needles and a concealed weapon. So Lily forgetting to bring the box wasn't too big of an issue.But the palace was full of people who snooped around. If someone with ulterior motives discovered the box, things could get troublesome."Where did you leave the box?" Jane asked in a low voice.Lily thought for a moment and replied with certainty, "I forgot to take it with me. It should still be where it was originally placed."Hearing this, Jane's tense eyes relaxed.She picked up her cup and said calmly, "Then there's no issue."The box had been hidden in a concealed spot, one she was confident no one would find.-Radiant Sanctuary was bustling with worshippers, its candles

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