[FADE IN]
INT. BROTHEL
- MAIN HALL -
NIGHT
AIYUE moves gracefully among the guests, her demeanor poised and charming. Her eyes scan the room, ever observant, as she performs her duties. She makes her way to a table where OFFICIAL ZHANG, OFFICIAL LIU FENG, and GENERAL WEI are seated, engaged in a hushed but heated discussion.
CLOSE-UP: AIYUE'S FACE
Aiyue smiles politely as she approaches, but her ears are tuned to the conversation. She bows slightly, pouring tea for the men with elegant precision, her movements deliberately slow to prolong her presence.
OFFICIAL ZHANG
(Frustrated) "The emperor continues to ignore our warnings. The Liao forces are gathering near the northern border, and yet he refuses to allocate additional resources. We are stretched too thin!"
OFFICIAL LIU FENG
(Shaking his head) "The emperor is more concerned with appeasing his inner circle than with the safety of the empire. We cannot continue like this—our defenses will crumble if nothing changes."
Aiyue's hand steadies as she pours the tea, her expression serene. She takes note of every word, committing the details to memory.
GENERAL WEI
(Grumbling) "I've sent multiple requests for reinforcements, but they've all been denied. The Xixia are probing our western defenses as well. We're fighting on two fronts with half the resources we need."
OFFICIAL ZHANG
(Leaning in, lowering his voice) "We need to consider alternatives. If the emperor won't act, we may need to find others who will. There are whispers of discontent, even among his closest advisors."
Aiyue finishes pouring and steps back, offering a respectful nod. The officials barely notice her as she retreats, too absorbed in their conversation. She glides through the room, her expression calm, but inside, she is already planning her next move.
[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...
