[FADE IN]
INT. IMPERIAL ACADEMY HALL
- MORNING -
CONTINUOUS
WIDE SHOT: THE TABLE
The room is now fully engaged.
Some scholars lean forward, intrigued by SHIXIANG's boldness, while others sit back, their expressions guarded.
SENIOR SCHOLAR SHAO
(Sarcastically) "And who, Shixiang, do you think would be capable of such change? You? A young man barely out of his apprenticeship?"
A few scholars chuckle at this remark, but SHIXIANG remains undeterred.
SHIXIANG
(Measured) "I may be young, but that does not make my concerns any less valid. The people are suffering under a corrupt bureaucracy. If we do not act, we risk losing the very mandate of heaven that grants our emperor the right to rule."
HEAD SCHOLAR
(With authority) "Enough."
The room falls silent.
All eyes turn to the HEAD SCHOLAR, who has been listening closely but quietly up until now. He looks directly at SHIXIANG, his expression unreadable.
HEAD SCHOLAR
(Calm, yet probing) "Shixiang, your passion is admirable. But passion alone does not govern a nation. The stability of the empire is maintained through careful balance. Too much change, too quickly, and that balance is lost."
SHIXIANG
(Respectfully) "Master, I understand the need for balance. But I fear that if we continue as we are, the balance will be lost regardless. The world beyond our borders is evolving. We must evolve with it."
SENIOR SCHOLAR CHENG
(Dismissive) "This is the arrogance of youth. You speak of reform as if it were a simple matter. Do you truly believe that the problems of our empire can be solved by mere adjustments to the examination system?"
SHIXIANG
(Earnestly) "I believe it is a start. We must begin somewhere, and education is the foundation upon which all else is built. If we can cultivate a generation of thinkers, of true leaders, then we can address the deeper issues facing our society."
[FADE OUT]
YOU ARE READING
PRICE OF DISSENT | Script
Исторические романыWill they have the courage to challenge the empire-and each other-or will they become casualties of their own ambitions? • In the glittering halls of Bianjing, where wealth and power conceal dark secrets, two souls are destined to collide. • As the...
