Yang Hong knocked Yang Jun to the ground with a whip, his face twisted with rage. "You dared neglect your duty! I told you to guard the vital route and support His Majesty's southern march to Huailai, yet you let so many Oirat troops break through to their rear..."
Yang Jun guiltily lowered his head and knelt on the ground.
Yang Hong kicked him hard in the shoulder. Yang Jun rolled backward from the blow, but quickly scrambled up and continued kneeling, even clutching Yang Hong's leg. "Father—save me!"
"Save you?" Yang Hong jerked his leg, but Yang Jun clung on with a death grip and would not let go. Yang Hong lashed him several times with the whip, striking his back until it bled. "Do you know that because you failed to stop the Oirat army, His Majesty was surrounded? Because you did not support His Majesty, he has now fallen into Yesen's hands!"
Yang Hong seized Yang Jun by the throat and ground out through clenched teeth, "Do you know this is a crime worthy of beheading? The entire Yang Family may be disgraced because of you. The Emperor is right outside the city now, he..."
"Report—Great General! Grand Scholar of the Cabinet Cao Nai has arrived to seek refuge with the accompanying civil and military officials. His Majesty is with their party!"
Yang Hong froze. He released Yang Jun and hurried toward the exit, but then thought of something. Turning back to look at his son, he said bitterly, "Get out. Take your men to the gathering place ten li east of the city. Without my orders, you are not to return!"
Yang Jun knew his life had been spared. He immediately rose and limped away.
Yang Hong composed his expression again and hurried to meet Cao