[FADE IN]

INT. IMPERIAL ACADEMY HALL

- NOON -

CONTINUOUS

CLOSE-UP: HEAD SCHOLAR

The HEAD SCHOLAR studies SHIXIANG for a long moment, weighing his words. There is a flicker of something in his eyes—respect, perhaps, or a grudging acknowledgment of the truth in SHIXIANG's argument.

HEAD SCHOLAR

(Nods slowly) "Very well. I will allow you to continue this line of thought. But know this, Shixiang: the road you are choosing is a difficult one. You will face opposition at every turn, not just from your peers, but from those in power. If you are truly committed to this path, you must be prepared to stand alone."

SHIXIANG

(Determined) "Master, for our Greater China, I am willing to face whatever challenge come my way. For the sake of the empire, and for the people who depend on us, I cannot remain silent. I will fight."

[FADE OUT]