[FADE IN]
EXT. HIGH-RANKING OFFICIAL'S ESTATE
- NIGHT -
CONTINUOUS
The remaining guests mill about, making their way slowly to the carriages that line the long, cobblestone driveway. The sounds of murmured conversations and the clattering of horse hooves create a background of gentle chaos, contrasting with the stillness that now settles between SHIXIANG and AIYUE.
SHIXIANG
(After a pause) "Miss Aiyue, the words you spoke tonight... they resonated with many, though most won't admit it."
AIYUE
(With a slight nod) "Perhaps. But words alone are like tweets' sounds in market's peak hours. Actions must follow, or they are just... whispers in a crowded wind."
SHIXIANG gazes at her, his admiration evident. There is a certain gravity in AIYUE's calm demeanor, a strength that belies her graceful exterior.
SHIXIANG
"You're right. But few have the courage to turn those whispers into something more. Fewer still have the wisdom to know how to do it."
AIYUE looks at SHIXIANG, her eyes searching his. She can see that he, like her, is committed to the idea of change, even if it comes with a great risk.
AIYUE
(Softly, Curious) "Young Master Wang, have you ever feared the creature you could have become today?"
Everything seems to have ceased to exist. Not even a sound is perceivable. The two stare at each other. Even nature seems to be frightened to answer her question. It's hard to admit openly what weaknesses people have.
Fear makes people fragile.
AIYUE
(Continues) "Fear has a purpose. It guides us upon a better future. It is said only after people realize it, they can finally conquer their fears and become brave. Is this that kind of wisdom—?"
SHIXIANG's respect for AIYUE grows greater, and he respectfully interrupts her.
SHIXIANG
(Amazed) "It is. I seek it, every day."
AIYUE's lips curve slightly upwards. To find a person with similar values is rare. Those words he spoke reach her heart. The thought of this being rather a dream than reality makes her eyes shiny, but she mantains her composure.
SHIXIANG
(Continues, Reflective) "Also, I believe that the answers lie not just in books or in tradition, but in the people around us, and in our willingness to challenge what we've been told. Tonight was just the beginning of what needs to be conquered."
Upon hearing SHIXIANG's beliefs, AIYUE's lips carry a mixture of hope and sadness.
AIYUE
"Then perhaps, you and I are not so different after all."
[FADE OUT]
YOU ARE READING
PRICE OF DISSENT | Script
Historical FictionWill 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...
