PRICE OF DISSENT | Script

42

[FADE IN]

INT. DINING HALL - CONTINUOUS

WIDE SHOT: THE DINING TABLE

The tension continues to mount as the Minister Wang's eyes narrow, his anger simmering beneath the surface. The rest of the family sits in uneasy silence, the air heavy with anticipation.

THE MINISTER WANG

(With disdain) "You speak of survival, but you know nothing of the sacrifices that must be made to maintain power. It is not the place of a scholar to question the decisions of those who lead. Your duty is to study, to learn, and to support this family in its endeavors—not to challenge the very system that has given you everything."

SHIXIANG

(Resolute) "It is precisely because I have been given so much that I feel the responsibility to speak out. Our people are losing faith in the government, in the very institutions that you say we must uphold. If we do nothing, we risk losing the mandate of heaven."

ANGLE ON: SHIXIANG'S YOUNGER BROTHER

Shixiang's younger brother shifts uncomfortably in his seat, his eyes darting to their father and then back to Shixiang. He wants to speak, to perhaps defend his brother, but fear holds him back.

THE MINISTER WANG

(Voice rising) "You dare lecture me on the mandate of heaven? You, who have never had to make the hard decisions, who have never felt the weight of leadership? Do you think you know better than the countless generations who have come before you?"

CLOSE-UP: SHIXIANG

Shixiang's expression remains composed, but there is a fire in his eyes —a determination that refuses to be quelled by his father's anger.

SHIXIANG

(Steadily) "I only know that our people are suffering, and that something must be done. I cannot in good conscience ignore the cries for help, the need for change."

ANGLE ON: THE MINISTER WANG

The father glares at his eldest son, his face a mask of barely controlled rage. He opens his mouth to speak, but then stops, taking a deep breath to regain his composure. When he finally speaks, his voice is cold and measured.

THE MINISTER WANG

(With finality) "You are my son, Shixiang, but you must understand that your actions have consequences—not just for you, but for this entire family. I will not allow you to jeopardize everything we have worked for. You will cease these activities immediately, and you will distance yourself from those who would lead you down this dangerous path."

WIDE SHOT: THE DINING HALL

The room falls into a heavy silence. Shixiang's mother looks down at her hands, her face tense with worry. His younger brother sits frozen, his eyes wide with fear.

SHIXIANG

(Quietly, but firmly) "I cannot do that, Father. I must follow my conscience, even if it means standing against you."

ANGLE ON: THE MINISTER WANG

The Minister Wang's eyes flash with anger, but he does not respond immediately. Instead, he stares at Shixiang, his expression one of disbelief and outrage. It is clear that he is not used to being defied, especially not by his own son.

THE MINISTER WANG

(Icily) "I declare you no longer part of our Wang's clan."

CLOSE-UP: SHIXIANG

Shixiang's face remains calm, though a flicker of pain crosses his eyes at his father's words. He bows his head slightly, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.

SHIXIANG

(Softly) "I understand."

ANGLE ON: SHIXIANG'S MOTHER

Shixiang's mother finally looks up, her eyes filled with tears. She opens her mouth as if to speak, but no words come. The pain of the moment is too much for her to bear, and she quickly lowers her gaze again.

WIDE SHOT: THE DINING TABLE

The Minister Wang rises from his seat, pushing his chair back with a harsh scrape. He stands tall and imposing, looking down at Shixiang with a mixture of anger and disappointment.

THE MINISTER WANG

(Coldly) "Leave this house. You are no longer welcome here."

Shixiang stands as well, bowing deeply to his father, a gesture of respect even in the face of rejection.

SHIXIANG

(With quiet dignity) "Thank you for everything you have given me, Father. I will not forget my responsibilities. I must follow my own path, but I'll always honor and cherish the moments lived here with Mother, Younger Brother and you. Father."

ANGLE ON: SHIXIANG'S YOUNGER BROTHER

Shixiang's younger brother watches in shock and fear, his mouth slightly open, but he remains silent, too afraid to intervene.

WIDE SHOT: SHIXIANG LEAVING

Shixiang turns and walks towards the door, his footsteps echoing in the now silent dining hall. His back is straight, his movements deliberate and controlled. He pauses at the doorway, turning slightly to look back at his family one last time.

CLOSE-UP: SHIXIANG

His expression is resolute, a mixture of sadness and determination. He knows that he has made the right decision, but the cost is clear.

ANGLE ON: THE MINISTER WANG

The Minister Wang watches his disowned son with a stony expression, his arms crossed tightly over his chest. There is no sign of softening in his demeanor, no hint of regret.

THE MINISTER WANG

(Coldly) "You know the way out."

[FADE OUT]