PRICE OF DISSENT | Script

65

[FADE IN]

INT. TEA HOUSE - PRIVATE ROOM - NIGHT

The private room of a nondescript tea house is dimly lit by lanterns, casting flickering shadows on the walls. The room is small, with a low table at the center surrounded by floor cushions. Scrolls and maps are spread out on the table, their edges weighed down by teacups and small plates of untouched food. A sense of urgency fills the air, punctuated by the low murmur of voices. SHIXIANG enters the room, hesitating for a moment as his eyes adjust to the dim light. He is dressed modestly, a cloak draped over his shoulders to conceal his identity. The other occupants of the room—THREE SCHOLARS and TWO OFFICIALS —look up as he enters, their expressions wary but curious. One of the officials, OFFICIAL JIN, stands and gestures for Shixiang to sit.

OFFICIAL JIN

(Gravely) "Shixiang, we are pleased you could join us. Please, have a seat." Shixiang nods and takes a seat on a cushion near the table. The scholars and officials exchange glances, their faces marked by a mixture of hope and caution.

SCHOLAR LI

(Studying Shixiang) "We've heard much about you, Shixiang. Your ideas have not gone unnoticed. But before we proceed, we must be certain of your commitment. The work we do here is dangerous, and there is no room for doubt."

SHIXIANG

(Nodding earnestly) "I understand the risks. I am committed to reforming our government and helping the people, no matter the cost."

Official Jin exchanges a look with SCHOLAR FAN, a middle-aged man with a serious demeanor. Scholar Fan nods slightly, his approval evident.

OFFICIAL JIN

(Sitting down) "Good. We are a small group, but our influence is growing. We aim to challenge the corruption and incompetence that have plagued the court for too long. The threats from the Liao and Xixia only make our mission more urgent."

SCHOLAR FAN

(Pointing to a map on the table) "The Liao forces have been amassing near our northern borders, and the Xixia are exploiting our weakened state. If we do not act soon, our empire will be vulnerable to invasion on multiple fronts."

WIDE SHOT: THE TABLE

The group leans in, examining the map closely. Red marks indicate the locations of Liao and Xixia forces, their presence ominously close to key cities.

SCHOLAR LI

(Pointing to the southern regions) "And the South is not immune, either. Our resources are stretched thin. The officials in charge of defense are more concerned with lining their own pockets than protecting our borders."

OFFICIAL JIN

(Frustrated) "The emperor remains surrounded by sycophants who assure him that all is well. He is blind to the reality of our situation. We cannot rely on him to take action— we must act ourselves."

CLOSE-UP: SHIXIANG

Shixiang listens intently, his eyes scanning the map. The gravity of the situation is clear, and the urgency in the room fuels his resolve.

SHIXIANG

(With determination) "What can I do to help? I may not hold power, but I am willing to use whatever influence I have to support our cause."

SCHOLAR FAN

(Thoughtfully) "Your voice carries weight among the scholars. If we are to succeed, we need to rally more to our side. We need people who can think beyond their own comfort and privilege—people like you, Shixiang."

OFFICIAL JIN

(Nodding) "And we need information. Accurate, timely intelligence on the movements of the Liao and Xixia, as well as the inner workings of the court."

[FADE OUT]