At that moment, suddenly on the avenue not far away, a squad of cavalry charged past. The leading rider shouted loudly, “The Prince of Yan is arriving, all unrelated persons make way!”

It was Theodore Roosevelt!

A bold idea surged up in Brian Clark’s mind!

Chapter 6: First Encounter

Theodore Roosevelt, riding tall and proud, looked imposing and majestic. Not yet thirty, he was the very image of a dashing young man, full of spirit and vitality!

Theodore Roosevelt was born in the twentieth year of Zhizheng under the Yuan dynasty, the same year George Washington captured Yingtian and gained a foothold to vie for the empire. In a way, Theodore Roosevelt was born at just the right time. After that, as George Washington campaigned across the land, young Theodore Roosevelt did not receive much fatherly affection. It wasn’t until he was seven that he finally got his own name!

One wonders, before the age of seven, was Theodore Roosevelt called—Little Four?

After that, Theodore Roosevelt’s life took a turn for the better. When his father became emperor, he was granted the title Prince of Yan. At that time, Theodore Roosevelt was only ten. When he turned seventeen, George Washington sent him and several brothers to Fengyang to see where their father had once herded cattle and been a monk, to experience the hardships of the common people and prepare for governing a region.

In the thirteenth year of Hongwu, Theodore Roosevelt officially arrived in Beiping and began his life as a regional prince.

Unlike the later practice of confining princes like pigs in a pen, the princes in the early days of the dynasty had considerable power. Not only did they command large armies, but they could also appoint and dismiss officials. In strategic places like Beiping, which was key to campaigns against the Northern Yuan, the princes could even participate in military expeditions.

Put simply, Theodore Roosevelt and the other princes were like local sovereigns.

Since arriving in Beiping, Theodore Roosevelt spent his time either drilling troops or going out hunting. In fact, he had just returned from a hunt, having personally caught a fiery red fox with not a single stray hair, which he was preparing to give to Princess Consort Xu as a gift.

With a grand entourage, Theodore Roosevelt entered the city and was about to return to his residence when suddenly a young man ran out from one side of the street.

“Prince of Yan, Your Highness! There’s a rebellion! They’re rebelling!”

The youth’s voice was loud and clear. Theodore Roosevelt heard every word—rebellion? That was a serious matter!

He quickly reined in his warhorse and gave a look to the commander beside him, James Baker, who immediately stepped forward.

“You there, boy, who are you, and what nonsense are you shouting?”

Brian Clark took a deep breath. Liu San and those Jinyiwei—whether they lived or died depended on whether he could persuade the Prince of Yan!

With that thought, Brian Clark lifted his robe and knelt heavily on the ground.

“Reporting to Your Highness, many men armed with weapons have stormed the Jinyiwei headquarters! Both sides are locked in fierce combat. I beg Your Highness to go and support them!”

Theodore Roosevelt had been out hunting for two days. He knew Mao Xiang had been killed, but he didn’t know the Jinyiwei had been abolished.

If he had known, he would never have gotten involved—after all, even the Prince of Yan was under the surveillance of the Jinyiwei.

But Brian Clark was cunning. He deliberately left out the details and made it sound like treason. Even if it wasn’t true, Theodore Roosevelt couldn’t just ignore it!

“James Baker, come with me to take a look!” Theodore Roosevelt decided instantly.

James Baker nodded and hurried over with his men. When he got close, he was so angry his nose nearly twisted. There really was a fight with the Jinyiwei, but the problem was, the other side were all government soldiers—judging by their uniforms, they were from the Provincial Administration Office!

This little brat had made a false report!

He whipped around and glared fiercely as Brian Clark came running over, panting. James Baker pointed with his riding crop, “You little rascal, these are clearly government soldiers. How dare you spout such nonsense?”

Brian Clark looked aggrieved. “They’re government soldiers! But aren’t government soldiers people too? Sir, you’re being unreasonable!”

“You—you’re just twisting words!” James Baker was so angry his face turned red and his neck bulged. Brian Clark just shrugged—well, you didn’t ask for details, so how can you blame me?

At this moment, Prince of Yan Theodore Roosevelt also arrived, frowning deeply. The Provincial Administration Office and the Jinyiwei were at odds, but that had nothing to do with him!

Seeing that the prince intended to withdraw, Brian Clark grew anxious and forced himself to speak up: “The Jinyiwei headquarters holds many confidential documents. If they are lost, the consequences will be unimaginable! There are also secret military reports that must not be lost!”

Secret military reports!

Those four words struck a chord with Theodore Roosevelt!

“Everyone, stop!”

Theodore Roosevelt shouted angrily. His men rushed out from both sides and naturally separated the two groups. The councilor Wang, seeing Theodore Roosevelt arrive, hurried over and bowed.

“Your Highness, this humble official greets you!”

Theodore Roosevelt, still on horseback, snorted, “It’s lively here, isn’t it? Even more entertaining than a temple fair! Do you want to keep performing? If I enjoy the show, maybe I’ll even give out some reward money!”

The Prince of Yan’s words carried a hint of anger. Councilor Wang didn’t dare offend him and quickly said, “Your Highness, I am acting on imperial orders. His Majesty has decreed the abolition of the Jinyiwei, so I have come to take over the headquarters. But these Jinyiwei are outrageously bold, openly defying the imperial edict, which led to this conflict. I beg Your Highness for leniency—I will handle this at once!”

The Emperor has abolished the Jinyiwei?

Theodore Roosevelt was shocked. He had heard rumors, but never thought it was true!

No need to ask—it must have been at the suggestion of his eldest brother Charles Baker. Father, you really do favor big brother!

Even though Theodore Roosevelt was the Prince of Yan, he couldn’t go against the Crown Prince Charles Baker!

Brian Clark was fuming. People said the princes were arrogant and domineering, but this Theodore Roosevelt was as mild as water. With trouble brewing right under his nose, how could he stay so calm?