[FADE IN]
INT. SHIXIANG'S RESIDENCE - LATE NIGHT
There's a soft knock on the door, breaking the silence. Shixiang's head snaps up, his hand instinctively reaching for a small dagger hidden beneath his cloak. He moves cautiously to the door, peering through a small crack. Seeing a familiar face, he opens the door slightly, letting SERVANT LIU JIAN slip inside quickly.
SERVANT LIU JIAN
(In a low voice) "Young Master, I had to come. Your father is becoming increasingly suspicious. He has begun to investigate those he believes are involved with the reformists, and I fear it's only a matter of time before he connects the dots."
Shixiang's jaw tightens, his eyes narrowing with concern.
SHIXIANG
"I've been careful, but my father's reach is vast. He won't stop until he has uncovered every corner of this movement."
SERVANT LIU JIAN
"I've done what I can to divert his attention, but he's persistent. He has started questioning your old friends and monitoring the scholars more closely. He's relentless, Young Master. If he finds out about you and Aiyue..."
Shixiang nods, absorbing the weight of Liu's words.
SHIXIANG
"I understand. Thank you for warning me, Liu. We'll have to be even more cautious. I can't let my father's actions undo everything we've worked for."
Servant LIAN JIAN hesitates, then reaches into his robe, pulling out a small, sealed letter.
SERVANT LIU JIAN
"This was found among the Chancellor's correspondence. It seems to be a list of suspected reformists, and your name is not on it yet. But I fear it's only a matter of time."
Shixiang takes the letter, his expression darkening as he scans the contents.
SHIXIANG
"He's casting a wide net. He won't rest until he finds every last one of us."
SERVANT LIU JIAN
"Be careful, Young Master. There are those in the palace who are loyal to him above all else. They will not hesitate to act against you if they believe it's what he wants."
Shixiang places a hand on Liu's shoulder, grateful for his loyalty.
SHIXIANG
"Thank you, Liu. You've done more than enough. I'll make sure this information gets to the right people. We'll find a way to counter my father's influence."
Servant LIU JIAN nods, his eyes filled with concern but also respect for Shixiang's determination. He slips out of the apartment, leaving Shixiang alone with the letter.
[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...
