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MUZTAGH-ATA MOUNTAINS
Winter 1273
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00:05:31,942 --> 00:05:33,593
My father…
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00:05:36,348 --> 00:05:37,548
My father…
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00:05:45,810 --> 00:05:47,410
This will do you good.
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00:06:27,894 --> 00:06:30,266
Who are you?
- I am a novice.
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00:06:30,366 --> 00:06:32,212
One day I'll be a lama,
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00:06:32,312 --> 00:06:35,738
a monk, consecrated in
the doctrines of Buddha.
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00:06:35,934 --> 00:06:38,725
Like you,
I come from very far away.
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00:06:40,084 --> 00:06:41,559
How did I get here?
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00:06:41,659 --> 00:06:44,842
My brothers found you
half-buried by snow.
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00:06:45,264 --> 00:06:48,106
The flame of your life
was barely burning,
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00:06:48,342 --> 00:06:51,201
but your karma had not
yet been finished.
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00:06:51,554 --> 00:06:52,754
My…
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00:06:53,208 --> 00:06:55,439
karma?
- Your destiny.
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00:06:55,605 --> 00:06:59,485
Your life's journey to
the One has barely begun.
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00:07:00,846 --> 00:07:03,601
Where are the others?
Where is my father?
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00:07:03,946 --> 00:07:06,825
You've done nothing
but call for him these last days.
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00:07:06,925 --> 00:07:09,557
I must find him, you understand?
- He is safe.
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00:07:09,744 --> 00:07:12,125
So are your other companions.
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00:07:12,225 --> 00:07:15,322
They risked death looking
for you in the blizzard.
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00:07:15,501 --> 00:07:18,584
Our brothers from Liuchu
led them to safety.
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00:07:18,989 --> 00:07:20,189
Are you sure?
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00:07:22,882 --> 00:07:24,432
How do you know that?
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00:07:26,520 --> 00:07:28,362
Do you hear these bells?
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00:07:28,708 --> 00:07:32,008
We use them to communicate
from monastery to monastery.
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00:07:32,596 --> 00:07:34,196
We are never isolated.
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00:07:56,398 --> 00:07:59,451
It is a prayer that
we say every morning.
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So that all animals,
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00:08:01,608 --> 00:08:04,746
insects that may die
under our feet during the day,
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00:08:05,188 --> 00:08:07,638
may be reborn to a higher life.
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00:08:09,187 --> 00:08:11,441
I'm beginning to remember now.
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00:08:11,541 --> 00:08:13,144
I remember your voice,
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00:08:14,490 --> 00:08:15,690
the bells…
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00:08:17,495 --> 00:08:20,345
I thank you for everything
you've done for me.
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00:08:22,441 --> 00:08:25,311
It is not us, but Buddha
you must thank.
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00:08:25,552 --> 00:08:27,041
How can I do that?
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00:08:27,141 --> 00:08:29,815
When the Buddha
first came to our land,
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00:08:29,915 --> 00:08:33,765
he defeated the demons of superstition
and made them his servants:
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00:08:33,958 --> 00:08:35,608
the Guardians of Tibet.
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00:08:36,312 --> 00:08:40,864
Now, whenever through his power
sin or disease is defeated,
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00:08:41,917 --> 00:08:45,045
we say, "God is victorious."
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00:08:46,085 --> 00:08:48,313
Ula lo-ho.
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00:09:08,245 --> 00:09:09,956
This scarf of happiness
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00:09:10,056 --> 00:09:13,169
is the sign of our joy
in having you among us.
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00:09:13,726 --> 00:09:15,831
It is called "kathak".
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00:09:15,931 --> 00:09:19,225
By preserving it,
keep God's blessing upon you.
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00:09:25,303 --> 00:09:27,949
What are they doing?
- Turning the wheels.
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00:09:28,049 --> 00:09:30,599
We set in motion
the doctrine of Buddha:
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00:09:31,131 --> 00:09:33,073
Life is without end,
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00:09:33,243 --> 00:09:36,881
a wheel in which everyone
lives and dies to be reborn.
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00:09:37,239 --> 00:09:40,432
Each time, we lose
a little of our imperfection,
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00:09:40,673 --> 00:09:43,200
until we finally reach Nirvana.
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00:09:43,415 --> 00:09:46,467
Nirvana?
- The peace of union with God.
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00:09:47,030 --> 00:09:50,249
To attain it, you must put aside
the things of the world,
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00:09:50,349 --> 00:09:52,099
because they do not last.
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00:09:52,418 --> 00:09:54,937
Nothing is true: passions,
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envy, ambitions.
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They are only illusions.
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00:10:12,492 --> 00:10:14,892
Your comrades are
coming to join you.
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00:10:58,118 --> 00:10:59,318
Marco.
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00:11:06,386 --> 00:11:07,586
Father…
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00:11:09,354 --> 00:11:11,454
We thought we had lost you, boy.
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00:11:13,242 --> 00:11:15,462
What is that dress?
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00:11:16,170 --> 00:11:18,407
Jacopo!
- Marco…
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00:11:45,816 --> 00:11:48,610
More trials awaits you, my brother.
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00:11:49,164 --> 00:11:52,137
The ocean of the Steppe
will open before you
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00:11:52,653 --> 00:11:56,040
the Empire of the Wind,
ruled by the nomadic Mongols.
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00:11:56,869 --> 00:11:58,782
We will pray for you,
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00:11:58,882 --> 00:12:02,379
that Buddha, the eternal wayfarer,
may accompany you.
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00:12:03,006 --> 00:12:05,149
And remember his teaching:
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00:12:05,877 --> 00:12:08,673
You must think thus
of this fleeting world:
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00:12:08,773 --> 00:12:12,719
A star in the dawn,
a bubble of water in the river,
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00:12:12,999 --> 00:12:15,096
a flash in the summer cloud,
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00:12:15,275 --> 00:12:18,936
a wavering lamp,
a ghost, a dream.
75
00:12:35,069 --> 00:12:38,214
Is the Gobi Desert all like this?
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00:13:16,307 --> 00:13:19,202
What is it?
- A trail sign.
77
00:13:20,017 --> 00:13:21,488
The next well…
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00:13:22,158 --> 00:13:23,458
is west of here.
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00:14:58,461 --> 00:15:02,828
GANSU (NORTH OF CHINA)
Spring 1275
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00:16:12,300 --> 00:16:15,474
My name is Polo, Sir.
This is my son and my brother.
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00:16:15,574 --> 00:16:18,852
We are merchants traveling from Europe.
- Welcome.
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00:16:18,952 --> 00:16:20,673
I am Bektor Khan.
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00:18:48,203 --> 00:18:51,180
Be careful: it's kumis.
It's strong.
84
00:18:51,994 --> 00:18:54,610
What is it made of?
- It is fermented mare's milk.
85
00:18:57,347 --> 00:19:00,821
Mother of God!
Where is the good wine of Venice?
86
00:19:07,018 --> 00:19:09,504
We are honored and grateful,
Bektor Khan.
87
00:19:09,823 --> 00:19:13,538
Please accept
this small token of our gratitude.
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00:19:23,900 --> 00:19:26,022
Very nice.
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00:19:26,122 --> 00:19:28,824
You honor my poor hospitality.
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00:19:28,924 --> 00:19:32,292
Too precious a gift, Polo.
I thank you.
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00:19:32,392 --> 00:19:34,763
Thank you.
Where are you headed?
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00:19:35,248 --> 00:19:38,558
To Shang-Du, the summer residence
of the great Khan Kublai.
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00:19:38,658 --> 00:19:40,426
It is very far away.
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00:19:40,526 --> 00:19:44,076
No more than we've already
traveled as his ambassadors.
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00:19:44,420 --> 00:19:46,225
I am thrice honored.
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00:19:46,325 --> 00:19:49,544
When you leave, I'll give you
an escort to Shang-Du,
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00:19:49,836 --> 00:19:52,372
but until then,
please be my guests.
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00:19:53,438 --> 00:19:56,544
You will meet the great Caidu,
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00:19:56,644 --> 00:19:58,937
Khan of all the nomadic tribes.
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00:19:59,037 --> 00:20:01,751
Soon he'll come here to us.
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00:20:51,646 --> 00:20:54,312
Who are they? His daughters?
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00:20:54,838 --> 00:20:56,571
Bektor's youngest wives.
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00:21:02,272 --> 00:21:04,001
They like you.
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00:21:22,066 --> 00:21:24,045
Your hair is beautiful.
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00:21:28,135 --> 00:21:30,670
Beautiful. Do you understand?
106
00:23:01,729 --> 00:23:03,399
You see that one?
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00:23:03,499 --> 00:23:05,470
He is a young man in love.
108
00:23:06,396 --> 00:23:08,209
He must be seated
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00:23:08,309 --> 00:23:12,207
on a saddle before
the yurt of his beloved.
110
00:23:12,726 --> 00:23:15,065
If she accepts, he shall enter.
111
00:24:05,052 --> 00:24:07,775
We love to sing a lot.
Do you like it?
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00:24:19,192 --> 00:24:20,702
How old are you?
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00:24:21,778 --> 00:24:24,033
21.
- And how many wives do you have?
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00:24:25,803 --> 00:24:29,402
None, I'm not married.
- I, at your age,
115
00:24:29,502 --> 00:24:33,562
already had 5 wives
and 10 children.
116
00:24:35,163 --> 00:24:37,803
In our country,
we have different customs.
117
00:24:38,166 --> 00:24:43,557
Here we want every mare that comes
into the world to have her rider.
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00:24:49,261 --> 00:24:53,033
Kasar! Kasar!
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00:25:03,862 --> 00:25:06,930
This is my son Kasar,
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00:25:07,030 --> 00:25:09,502
our fighting champion.
121
00:25:25,088 --> 00:25:27,992
Two horses for the winner!
122
00:25:28,092 --> 00:25:29,508
Begin!
123
00:25:59,359 --> 00:26:01,072
Kasar! Kasar!
124
00:26:33,618 --> 00:26:35,480
Kasar! Kasar!
125
00:26:41,081 --> 00:26:44,865
Well done, my son!
Well done, my son!
126
00:26:45,642 --> 00:26:48,190
Kasar! Kasar!
127
00:26:59,222 --> 00:27:02,766
My lord, you said you are waiting
for Caidu Khan. When will he come?
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00:27:02,930 --> 00:27:04,903
Soon, very soon.
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00:27:05,003 --> 00:27:07,797
He comes to choose new horses.
130
00:27:40,285 --> 00:27:42,265
Marco! Marco!
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00:29:38,779 --> 00:29:40,610
The match is over!
132
00:29:44,960 --> 00:29:48,436
You were good.
Where did you learn to fight like that?
133
00:29:48,702 --> 00:29:50,807
In the alleys of Venice.
134
00:30:00,175 --> 00:30:03,429
To finish,
we thank the spirits of heaven.
135
00:30:56,517 --> 00:30:57,999
That's Caidu,
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00:30:58,099 --> 00:31:01,449
the grandson of Kublai Khan.
He came to pick his horses.
137
00:31:43,051 --> 00:31:45,083
This one here is certainly…
- Young foreigner,
138
00:31:45,183 --> 00:31:46,912
you have an eye for horses, eh?
139
00:31:47,332 --> 00:31:50,644
I learned something about them,
but not much.
140
00:31:51,334 --> 00:31:53,710
You seem to like this one better.
141
00:31:54,262 --> 00:31:55,462
Tell me why.
142
00:31:56,532 --> 00:32:00,240
In your opinion,
is this horse the most beautiful?
143
00:32:02,817 --> 00:32:06,936
Comparing him to others is like
comparing the sun to a candle.
144
00:32:08,539 --> 00:32:12,294
He is not only handsome but
with this chest, these strong legs,
145
00:32:12,394 --> 00:32:14,368
he'll be as fast as the wind
146
00:32:14,468 --> 00:32:17,668
and capable of galloping
all day long without tiring.
147
00:32:18,622 --> 00:32:22,274
You have keen eyes.
- You are a man who learns quickly.
148
00:32:23,143 --> 00:32:26,270
These horses are descended
from the stallion
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00:32:26,370 --> 00:32:28,881
of the great Genghis Khan.
150
00:32:29,262 --> 00:32:31,812
It is the powerful
symbol of us Mongols.
151
00:32:32,609 --> 00:32:35,734
Now that you have seen our ways
152
00:32:35,834 --> 00:32:39,472
and our customs,
what do you think of us?
153
00:32:44,719 --> 00:32:47,857
You think our laws are barbaric,
right?
154
00:32:50,111 --> 00:32:51,961
They are harsh, Caidu Khan.
155
00:32:53,866 --> 00:32:56,066
But probably fair for your people.
156
00:33:01,633 --> 00:33:03,002
Good.
157
00:33:04,301 --> 00:33:07,517
You are not afraid, eh?
Like a real Mongolian.
158
00:33:07,957 --> 00:33:10,949
Yes, we are savages, nomads!
159
00:33:11,078 --> 00:33:14,285
We live wherever there are
pastures for our horses.
160
00:33:14,385 --> 00:33:16,184
We are wild and free.
161
00:33:18,000 --> 00:33:20,958
If they were to impose borders on us,
we would die.
162
00:33:21,081 --> 00:33:24,870
That is something the great Kublai
seems to have forgotten.
163
00:33:25,002 --> 00:33:27,455
He wants to cage us in his laws.
164
00:33:29,283 --> 00:33:30,963
Tell the great Kublai,
165
00:33:31,063 --> 00:33:34,286
Caidu will never accept his orders.
Never.
166
00:33:35,193 --> 00:33:38,674
Our roots are in the wind,
not within the walls of cities.
167
00:33:39,002 --> 00:33:40,567
Remind him of that.
168
00:33:41,046 --> 00:33:43,716
We have conquered
the world on horseback
169
00:33:43,816 --> 00:33:46,593
and on horseback we must reign!
170
00:33:51,090 --> 00:33:55,308
Yes, I too have thought often that
Marco was given to flights of fancy.
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00:33:52,185 --> 00:33:56,340
GENOA PRISON
Spring 1299
172
00:33:56,651 --> 00:33:59,136
I assure you, Fra Damiano,
I have struggled
173
00:33:59,236 --> 00:34:02,036
to keep it within
the limits of plausibility.
174
00:34:02,653 --> 00:34:05,536
Yet, I confess I was tempted
175
00:34:05,636 --> 00:34:07,817
to report some
of the things he told me
176
00:34:07,917 --> 00:34:12,495
about the curious customs
of the people of the Kamul region.
177
00:34:13,576 --> 00:34:17,441
"Where there are
many cities and castles.
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00:34:17,541 --> 00:34:20,174
The men there love
pleasant amusements:
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00:34:20,274 --> 00:34:24,331
They sing and dance and play all
kinds of complicated instruments."
180
00:34:24,460 --> 00:34:28,346
Of course, music leads
to the evolution of feelings.
181
00:34:36,023 --> 00:34:38,257
"And if guests arrive for a visit,
182
00:34:38,357 --> 00:34:42,021
they order their wives
to attend to their needs.
183
00:34:42,963 --> 00:34:46,076
Husbands leave their homes
for 2 or 3 days,
184
00:34:46,546 --> 00:34:49,152
and the women are
sociable, beautiful…
185
00:34:49,252 --> 00:34:50,452
and yielding."
186
00:34:53,719 --> 00:34:57,539
Tell them about that place where
the women wear 20 pairs of pants
187
00:34:57,639 --> 00:35:00,472
because the men like
to see them fat.
188
00:35:04,925 --> 00:35:06,820
I wonder whether,
189
00:35:07,073 --> 00:35:09,013
I should keep this part…
190
00:35:11,594 --> 00:35:13,510
No, it's not very moral.
191
00:35:13,610 --> 00:35:16,302
It's not these
trivialities that worry us.
192
00:35:16,402 --> 00:35:19,288
We are here to examine
more important matters.
193
00:35:20,200 --> 00:35:21,538
Continue.
194
00:35:33,440 --> 00:35:36,714
"When one leaves this region
and rides for 3 days,
195
00:35:36,814 --> 00:35:39,206
one finds a city called Shang-Du,
196
00:35:39,463 --> 00:35:42,027
built by order of the great Kublai.
197
00:35:42,563 --> 00:35:46,952
The Khan likes to spend the hot
season on the green shores of a lake.
198
00:35:47,524 --> 00:35:50,017
Know that the great Kublai
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00:35:50,117 --> 00:35:55,092
decreed that a dwelling for him
should be built on the shore of a lake.
200
00:35:56,567 --> 00:35:59,112
And it shall be made with reeds,
201
00:35:59,816 --> 00:36:03,227
and every reed
more than 3 palms wide.
202
00:36:04,690 --> 00:36:06,665
And under its dome,
203
00:36:06,765 --> 00:36:09,015
everything is decorated with gold."
204
00:36:23,465 --> 00:36:28,163
SHANG-DU
Summer 1275
205
00:36:57,107 --> 00:36:59,939
What are they doing?
- Who?
206
00:37:00,066 --> 00:37:03,366
Them. What are they doing?
- They're heating the water.
207
00:37:04,387 --> 00:37:06,896
Chen Pao? Let me see.
208
00:37:10,749 --> 00:37:13,525
With this? But it's a rock…
209
00:37:13,625 --> 00:37:16,109
It's a special kind
of stone they call coal.
210
00:37:16,231 --> 00:37:17,431
Yes.
211
00:37:18,374 --> 00:37:20,823
I think they extract
it from the hills.
212
00:37:21,072 --> 00:37:24,304
They'll never believe it in Venice.
Stones that burn!
213
00:37:28,694 --> 00:37:30,144
They'll believe it.
214
00:37:37,437 --> 00:37:39,387
Don't these people ever talk?
215
00:37:39,768 --> 00:37:43,578
They are the servants that
your father likes: dumb.
216
00:37:43,759 --> 00:37:46,526
They may only speak
when questioned.
217
00:37:46,924 --> 00:37:50,552
Remember to do likewise
before the Great Khan.
218
00:37:57,523 --> 00:38:00,089
Jacopo! Marco, come.
219
00:38:00,189 --> 00:38:03,189
We cannot tarry.
We are expected at the audience.
220
00:38:41,503 --> 00:38:42,848
Ula lo-ho.
221
00:38:43,982 --> 00:38:45,328
Ula lo-ho.
222
00:38:58,182 --> 00:39:00,189
What did you say to him?
223
00:39:00,289 --> 00:39:02,927
It means "God is victorious".
224
00:39:03,027 --> 00:39:05,427
I learned it from
the lamas of Pamir.
225
00:39:06,304 --> 00:39:07,654
Who is that monk?
226
00:39:08,414 --> 00:39:11,614
His name is Phags Pa.
He is the head of the archives.
227
00:39:11,866 --> 00:39:16,016
He's the only one
who did not hope for our return.
228
00:39:20,348 --> 00:39:21,598
Stay behind us.
229
00:39:26,590 --> 00:39:28,336
Don't step on the threshold.
230
00:39:28,436 --> 00:39:30,036
Why?
- It's bad luck.
231
00:39:46,089 --> 00:39:47,289
You may rise.
232
00:39:51,838 --> 00:39:55,354
A happy return after so many years.
233
00:39:56,119 --> 00:39:58,149
I was afraid that sickness
234
00:39:58,249 --> 00:40:00,740
or accidents of war
had prevented you.
235
00:40:00,840 --> 00:40:03,345
Both of these things delayed us,
Great Khan,
236
00:40:03,445 --> 00:40:05,787
and also disturbances in Persia.
237
00:40:05,887 --> 00:40:10,571
Is that why you didn't bring
the 100 wise, priests I asked for?
238
00:40:10,671 --> 00:40:14,113
His Holiness the Pope
had just been elected, Great Khan,
239
00:40:14,244 --> 00:40:17,442
but with his full powers
he'll send 10 times as many.
240
00:40:17,565 --> 00:40:22,163
Meanwhile, Rome opens to you
your arms and heart, great lord.
241
00:40:22,367 --> 00:40:24,225
His Holiness sends you
242
00:40:24,325 --> 00:40:26,836
this letter of fraternal greeting.
243
00:40:27,568 --> 00:40:31,310
Fraternal?
Then he considers himself my equal?
244
00:40:31,410 --> 00:40:35,370
As the Supreme Pontiff
of the Universal Church, Great Khan.
245
00:40:35,491 --> 00:40:38,532
I believe his Church will
never be universal
246
00:40:38,632 --> 00:40:42,001
until it is received
into my empire.
247
00:40:48,215 --> 00:40:51,072
Great Khan,
we've found rebellions and wars,
248
00:40:51,172 --> 00:40:55,273
but we managed to save these gifts,
which bring you tangible proof
249
00:40:55,373 --> 00:40:58,744
of the Holy Father's
admiration for you. Jacopo…
250
00:41:14,361 --> 00:41:15,561
Strange…
251
00:41:17,023 --> 00:41:20,597
Yours is the only religion
that has transformed
252
00:41:20,697 --> 00:41:22,347
an instrument of death…
253
00:41:23,225 --> 00:41:25,456
into an object of beauty.
254
00:41:27,180 --> 00:41:29,336
And in a symbol of strength.
255
00:41:29,667 --> 00:41:32,237
We have… we've also saved
256
00:41:32,337 --> 00:41:35,053
the rare gift you asked for,
my lord.
257
00:41:35,217 --> 00:41:39,795
As a sign of divine blessing,
His Holiness has sent you the oil
258
00:41:39,895 --> 00:41:42,037
of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.
259
00:41:42,137 --> 00:41:43,487
Marco, stay down!
260
00:42:04,437 --> 00:42:06,924
Is this the very oil of the lamp
261
00:42:07,024 --> 00:42:09,425
that burns on
the tomb of your Christ?
262
00:42:09,525 --> 00:42:11,368
Yes, it is the one, my lord.
263
00:42:11,468 --> 00:42:15,553
Your passports have been
safe-conducts throughout your empire,
264
00:42:15,681 --> 00:42:19,277
but if we've survived the perils
of nature and your enemies,
265
00:42:19,402 --> 00:42:22,315
perhaps we owe it
to the power of that holy oil.
266
00:42:22,443 --> 00:42:25,022
A rare gift, no doubt.
267
00:42:26,585 --> 00:42:29,761
And it must be accepted
with reverence.
268
00:42:34,927 --> 00:42:38,067
I see that you've brought
others of your race.
269
00:42:38,167 --> 00:42:41,218
Yes, my lord, my servant
Jacopo and my son Marco.
270
00:42:41,318 --> 00:42:44,158
It was him who carried
the holy oil from Jerusalem.
271
00:42:45,250 --> 00:42:48,203
My son, great lord
and your servant.
272
00:42:48,731 --> 00:42:52,390
If he will serve me as well
as his father and his uncle,
273
00:42:52,656 --> 00:42:54,256
I shall be very happy.
274
00:42:54,973 --> 00:42:56,769
How old is he?
- 21!
275
00:43:07,416 --> 00:43:08,897
I proclaim…
276
00:43:09,446 --> 00:43:13,451
that the loyalty and fidelity
in keeping your word to return,
277
00:43:13,551 --> 00:43:15,718
is worthy of every honor.
278
00:43:16,259 --> 00:43:19,045
The properties and treasures
that you have left here
279
00:43:19,145 --> 00:43:21,120
have been preserved for you.
280
00:43:21,220 --> 00:43:25,219
Whatever they may be,
from this moment, they are doubled.
281
00:43:33,104 --> 00:43:35,931
You have still to translate
to me the Pope's letter.
282
00:43:36,031 --> 00:43:38,738
We have many things to discuss.
283
00:43:39,626 --> 00:43:40,826
Meanwhile,
284
00:43:41,757 --> 00:43:46,132
I will send the sacred oil
to Empress Chabi for safekeeping.
285
00:43:54,310 --> 00:43:56,194
You, young Marco,
286
00:43:56,294 --> 00:44:00,751
since you have brought it so far,
you can carry it for a few more steps.
287
00:44:01,433 --> 00:44:02,633
Go with him.
288
00:44:08,948 --> 00:44:10,198
Walk backwards!
289
00:44:23,199 --> 00:44:24,399
Finally!
290
00:44:25,386 --> 00:44:29,518
I waited, and prayed
and hoped for so long.
291
00:44:34,042 --> 00:44:37,353
Was it really you who brought it?
- Yes, my lady.
292
00:44:37,606 --> 00:44:40,636
From the Church of
the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.
293
00:44:40,764 --> 00:44:44,426
And it really has the power
to heal, to work miracles?
294
00:44:45,526 --> 00:44:49,121
In many cases yes, but only
for those who believe in its power.
295
00:44:49,594 --> 00:44:52,735
For those who have faith.
- Like I wish I had.
296
00:44:53,235 --> 00:44:57,608
I heard about your Lord Jesus Christ
from my nephew Nayan.
297
00:44:57,729 --> 00:45:00,938
He told me about
this holy oil of Jerusalem
298
00:45:01,038 --> 00:45:04,409
and also of your Holy Father,
the Pope.
299
00:45:04,892 --> 00:45:06,092
Come.
300
00:45:22,040 --> 00:45:24,504
I had this made
for its safekeeping.
301
00:45:29,163 --> 00:45:31,671
But I was already starting to fear,
302
00:45:31,920 --> 00:45:34,759
that it would remain empty forever.
303
00:45:42,138 --> 00:45:45,136
Have you spoken
to the Pope in person?
304
00:45:45,264 --> 00:45:48,809
He sends his blessing to
the Great Khan and all his family.
305
00:45:49,173 --> 00:45:53,015
You must tell me all about this
and also about Rome.
306
00:45:53,146 --> 00:45:56,905
If you only knew how many times
I dreamed of Rome,
307
00:45:57,134 --> 00:46:00,643
its palaces, its golden churches…
308
00:46:01,833 --> 00:46:04,179
No, here. Next to me.
309
00:46:09,046 --> 00:46:13,084
Nayan has heard many tales
about the holy city
310
00:46:13,184 --> 00:46:16,190
and would give
anything to go there.
311
00:46:16,353 --> 00:46:19,414
Is it as wonderful
as Nayan says it is?
312
00:46:19,514 --> 00:46:22,254
Like you, great lady,
I have only dreamed of it.
313
00:46:22,354 --> 00:46:24,204
I longed so much to see it.
314
00:46:25,108 --> 00:46:26,842
Everything I know about Rome,
315
00:46:26,942 --> 00:46:29,456
I heard from pilgrims
in Venice or Palestine.
316
00:46:29,556 --> 00:46:30,754
Really?
317
00:46:30,854 --> 00:46:34,172
They say Rome is
one immense cathedral,
318
00:46:34,272 --> 00:46:37,135
a forest of churches,
filled with towers and belfries.
319
00:46:37,331 --> 00:46:39,440
A crown of walls surrounds it.
320
00:46:39,540 --> 00:46:42,919
Its most precious jewel
is the Pope's palace:
321
00:46:43,773 --> 00:46:46,651
A 1000 rooms filled
with mirrors made of copper…
322
00:46:47,053 --> 00:46:50,838
that reflect the light and
make the night into a sunny day.
323
00:46:51,109 --> 00:46:54,692
There is a river that shines like gold
and flows through the city.
324
00:46:55,985 --> 00:46:57,636
And in a sacred place,
325
00:46:57,910 --> 00:47:01,784
where one can see the footprints
of Jesus when he appeared to Peter,
326
00:47:01,884 --> 00:47:04,677
when Peter was leaving Rome
for fear of being killed.
327
00:47:04,888 --> 00:47:07,504
There are many stories
you must tell me.
328
00:47:07,604 --> 00:47:10,009
I want to know everything.
329
00:47:10,129 --> 00:47:14,533
Every day in Rome, pilgrims are shown
a piece of the cross on which Jesus died,
330
00:47:14,752 --> 00:47:17,843
while thousands of voices
resound together.
331
00:47:17,971 --> 00:47:21,241
Then Nayan is right:
It is as if the sky
332
00:47:21,341 --> 00:47:24,242
is mirrored in that place,
unique to this world.
333
00:47:24,493 --> 00:47:28,090
Nothing in China can compare,
I'm sure of that.
334
00:47:28,730 --> 00:47:30,500
But China is so different.
335
00:47:30,600 --> 00:47:33,100
It is difficult to
compare two wonders.
336
00:48:29,033 --> 00:48:33,073
If you love a girl, the custom is…
- To sit in front of her yurt,
337
00:48:33,194 --> 00:48:35,258
until she decides to let you in.
338
00:48:35,358 --> 00:48:37,632
And in your country what do you do?
339
00:48:37,835 --> 00:48:41,466
You try to get to know the brother,
or maybe the sister.
340
00:48:43,988 --> 00:48:47,259
I'm sorry, I don't have any sisters
among these girls.
341
00:48:47,359 --> 00:48:49,159
But I know a few brothers.
342
00:48:50,910 --> 00:48:53,673
Those three beauties are related
to the Great Khan,
343
00:48:53,773 --> 00:48:56,141
which means they are
all part of the family.
344
00:48:56,241 --> 00:48:58,713
He has more than one wife,
surely, you know.
345
00:49:01,980 --> 00:49:04,679
It is not prudent to look so high.
346
00:49:05,042 --> 00:49:08,555
I guess we'll have
to be contented to look.
347
00:49:09,565 --> 00:49:11,329
What's your name?
- Chinkin.
348
00:49:11,429 --> 00:49:12,935
I am…
- Marco,
349
00:49:13,035 --> 00:49:16,571
the son of the noble Niccolò
and the nephew of Matteo Polo.
350
00:49:19,907 --> 00:49:23,671
Who is he?
- The Great Khan's eldest son.
351
00:49:23,771 --> 00:49:25,421
The heir to the throne.
352
00:49:55,463 --> 00:49:57,963
The prince invites
you to sit with him.
353
00:53:42,843 --> 00:53:45,732
Who is he?
- An exceptional man.
354
00:53:45,832 --> 00:53:49,453
His name is Lu Tse Yu,
head of the imperial printers.
355
00:53:50,408 --> 00:53:52,173
And what exactly does he do?
356
00:53:52,273 --> 00:53:56,302
I know that in your countries,
copies of books are handwritten.
357
00:53:56,678 --> 00:53:59,671
The Yan,
the people of this part of China,
358
00:53:59,771 --> 00:54:04,330
have invented a machine that
reproduces books in 1000s of copies.
359
00:54:06,208 --> 00:54:07,558
Here's one, look.
360
00:54:08,324 --> 00:54:10,577
This is what we call an almanac.
361
00:54:11,333 --> 00:54:14,730
It is a collection of the predictions
of the imperial astrologers,
362
00:54:14,830 --> 00:54:16,580
for each day of the year.
363
00:54:18,444 --> 00:54:21,044
It is published before
the end of summer.
364
00:54:23,208 --> 00:54:25,258
No Chinese would do without it.
365
00:54:26,070 --> 00:54:28,755
It is the guide to a better life
366
00:54:28,855 --> 00:54:31,546
and also a defense
against misfortune.
367
00:54:31,863 --> 00:54:35,372
All our books, all that is written,
comes from the ancestors.
368
00:54:36,823 --> 00:54:39,726
We, Mongols do not have
what you call an alphabet.
369
00:54:40,454 --> 00:54:42,309
We learn our history,
370
00:54:42,409 --> 00:54:45,820
our tales, our poems,
from our songs,
371
00:54:46,226 --> 00:54:49,458
in that way, we transmit them
from generation to generation.
372
00:54:52,003 --> 00:54:54,007
Your country is fortunate:
373
00:54:54,107 --> 00:54:56,907
It is possible for
everyone to learn to read.
374
00:54:58,515 --> 00:55:00,628
Here there is so much…
375
00:55:00,728 --> 00:55:03,330
serenity, beauty,
376
00:55:04,331 --> 00:55:06,009
a perfect harmony.
377
00:55:08,237 --> 00:55:11,784
And yet, if you listen carefully,
378
00:55:12,187 --> 00:55:14,695
you can hear afar off
the rumble of war,
379
00:55:14,795 --> 00:55:17,648
which wounds this harmony.
- What war?
380
00:55:23,804 --> 00:55:26,175
China is currently divided in two:
381
00:55:27,518 --> 00:55:29,798
the north and all these regions
382
00:55:29,898 --> 00:55:32,435
are part of
the Great Khan's empire,
383
00:55:32,560 --> 00:55:34,541
The south is under the rule
384
00:55:34,641 --> 00:55:37,316
of Emperor Du Zong
of the Sung dynasty.
385
00:55:37,841 --> 00:55:40,428
Right now, as we are celebrating,
386
00:55:40,642 --> 00:55:42,575
the armies of the Great Khan
387
00:55:42,675 --> 00:55:45,276
are advancing rapidly
in the southern regions
388
00:55:45,376 --> 00:55:47,761
to attack the last Sung fortresses.
389
00:55:49,333 --> 00:55:52,041
Much fraternal blood will be shed.
390
00:56:00,768 --> 00:56:02,689
We offer this cup…
391
00:56:03,331 --> 00:56:05,719
to Natigai, our god.
392
00:56:07,930 --> 00:56:09,130
To peace.
393
00:56:09,777 --> 00:56:11,046
To peace.
394
00:57:45,434 --> 00:57:46,634
Come, Marco.
395
00:58:00,268 --> 00:58:02,317
I know where to find a saddle,
396
00:58:02,417 --> 00:58:04,417
a girl and a comfortable yurt.
397
00:58:08,167 --> 00:58:10,617
I am glad
that you have shown no fear.
398
00:59:07,304 --> 00:59:11,131
I saw a monk at the monastery
perform an extraordinary prodigy,
399
00:59:11,419 --> 00:59:14,532
so I was not surprised by
what the shaman did.
400
00:59:15,147 --> 00:59:18,585
Not even when the cobra
hissed toward you?
401
00:59:18,828 --> 00:59:22,774
I still wonder how he can make
one see and hear what's not there.
402
00:59:24,229 --> 00:59:28,707
You are here but your mind
is still traveling. To where?
403
00:59:29,431 --> 00:59:31,328
I beg your pardon, great lord,
404
00:59:31,743 --> 00:59:33,202
but…
405
00:59:33,302 --> 00:59:35,617
that thing there, what is it?
406
00:59:38,114 --> 00:59:40,764
It is an instrument
to indicate the hours.
407
00:59:40,999 --> 00:59:43,159
It measures the passage of time.
408
00:59:44,796 --> 00:59:46,463
It is a marvel.
409
00:59:46,563 --> 00:59:49,017
Then you don't depend on
the sun anymore here?
410
00:59:49,117 --> 00:59:51,796
Do you always get
so easily distracted?
411
00:59:52,929 --> 00:59:55,866
No, my lord. I was intrigued.
412
00:59:56,639 --> 01:00:00,137
Everything new always fascinates me.
- Good.
413
01:00:02,851 --> 01:00:06,059
Where was that monastery?
Show me.
414
01:00:10,616 --> 01:00:11,816
Here, my lord.
415
01:00:12,915 --> 01:00:15,411
And this is the road that…
416
01:00:15,725 --> 01:00:18,151
No, this is wrong.
417
01:00:18,251 --> 01:00:21,583
The road is badly marked.
- Are you sure?
418
01:00:22,020 --> 01:00:25,290
We tried it but
fallen rocks blocked the pass.
419
01:00:26,168 --> 01:00:28,871
We had to use this valley,
heading north.
420
01:00:29,340 --> 01:00:33,166
Neither your father nor
your uncle remembered it.
421
01:00:34,851 --> 01:00:38,276
It seems that
the Empress Chabi is right:
422
01:00:38,376 --> 01:00:41,102
She says that you remember
territories traveled
423
01:00:41,202 --> 01:00:44,470
better than any traveler
she has ever met.
424
01:00:44,679 --> 01:00:47,229
I remember what has
aroused my interest.
425
01:00:48,345 --> 01:00:50,045
Are you not comfortable?
426
01:00:50,762 --> 01:00:53,109
I'm not used
to being on my knees.
427
01:00:53,328 --> 01:00:54,628
I've noticed it.
428
01:00:56,089 --> 01:00:59,150
You may sit or stand,
as you prefer,
429
01:00:59,250 --> 01:01:01,894
but only when we are alone.
430
01:01:02,160 --> 01:01:03,610
Thank you, my lord.
431
01:01:09,054 --> 01:01:11,833
Now tell me,
what has interested you most?
432
01:01:11,933 --> 01:01:13,372
Many things.
433
01:01:14,598 --> 01:01:17,314
The different beliefs, habits,
434
01:01:17,543 --> 01:01:19,237
the way of living…
435
01:01:20,096 --> 01:01:22,184
Almost everything.
- For example?
436
01:01:24,665 --> 01:01:25,865
What…
437
01:01:26,555 --> 01:01:28,105
the people cultivate,
438
01:01:29,601 --> 01:01:32,325
helping the sick and the elderly,
439
01:01:32,425 --> 01:01:34,498
how they educate their children,
440
01:01:34,971 --> 01:01:36,171
the trade,
441
01:01:37,181 --> 01:01:40,572
cotton in Cashgar,
pearls in Baghdad and other things.
442
01:01:41,168 --> 01:01:44,261
Whether they extract from the earth
metal, stones precious
443
01:01:44,361 --> 01:01:46,614
or something mysterious
like asbestos.
444
01:01:46,896 --> 01:01:48,292
Asbestos?
445
01:01:48,464 --> 01:01:51,733
It… is a kind of cloth
that resists fire.
446
01:01:52,041 --> 01:01:55,591
Many people think it is made with
salamander's skin but that's not true.
447
01:01:55,715 --> 01:01:59,094
It is a mineral from which
threads are woven.
448
01:01:59,194 --> 01:02:02,412
I saw it in the mountains of Tian Shan.
- Continue.
449
01:02:03,061 --> 01:02:04,712
Things like…
450
01:02:05,871 --> 01:02:08,298
the wild sheep of
the mountains of Pamir,
451
01:02:08,398 --> 01:02:10,397
with horns more than
20 inches long.
452
01:02:10,497 --> 01:02:13,492
And the yak,
the bull of the forest,
453
01:02:13,592 --> 01:02:16,039
whose tail by you
is much appreciated.
454
01:02:16,161 --> 01:02:19,722
And then the motifs
that make up the tales, the legends,
455
01:02:20,160 --> 01:02:23,960
what makes a people strong or weak,
determined or uncertain.
456
01:02:24,060 --> 01:02:26,240
And you can remember all that?
457
01:02:27,430 --> 01:02:29,357
I made some notes to help me.
458
01:02:29,485 --> 01:02:32,552
For example,
the main products of a region,
459
01:02:32,652 --> 01:02:34,908
how many days
it takes to cross it
460
01:02:35,143 --> 01:02:38,162
or the distance between one city
and another. And then…
461
01:02:38,262 --> 01:02:41,790
there are also…
- Yes? Also?
462
01:02:42,259 --> 01:02:43,860
Every…
463
01:02:43,960 --> 01:02:47,883
place, every city
sends signals to our eyes.
464
01:02:47,983 --> 01:02:49,183
Signals?
465
01:02:50,438 --> 01:02:53,822
The way in which paths
and roads are marked out,
466
01:02:54,213 --> 01:02:58,060
the alignment of trees,
the tracks of furrows in the fields.
467
01:02:58,734 --> 01:03:01,025
This shows whether
people like order
468
01:03:01,125 --> 01:03:02,894
and take pride in their work.
469
01:03:02,994 --> 01:03:04,447
Yes, of course.
470
01:03:05,097 --> 01:03:08,865
In my city, Venice,
my mother often said to me,
471
01:03:08,965 --> 01:03:11,260
"What people lay out
in the sun to dry,
472
01:03:11,360 --> 01:03:13,480
tells the story of families.
473
01:03:14,019 --> 01:03:15,685
Look, at that mending:
474
01:03:16,525 --> 01:03:20,144
the care with which it is made
shows the desire to preserve things.
475
01:03:20,479 --> 01:03:22,982
Dignity, even if one is poor.
476
01:03:23,420 --> 01:03:26,100
Those clothes are
the flags of the house."
477
01:03:26,603 --> 01:03:28,457
Did you hear that, Chinkin?
478
01:03:29,552 --> 01:03:33,471
These are precisely the signals
the eyes and ears receive,
479
01:03:34,464 --> 01:03:37,952
if they are guided by
an attentive mind.
480
01:03:39,311 --> 01:03:42,883
Yes! This is the information
that a ruler needs…
481
01:03:43,180 --> 01:03:46,876
to understand
the true soul of his subjects,
482
01:03:47,569 --> 01:03:51,267
the life they make within
the walls of their homes,
483
01:03:51,535 --> 01:03:54,097
their skill in
cultivating the land,
484
01:03:54,324 --> 01:03:57,597
so that if hunger strikes a region,
485
01:03:57,697 --> 01:03:59,147
it is already noted…
486
01:03:59,920 --> 01:04:02,376
where you can find
abundance of food.
487
01:04:03,290 --> 01:04:07,749
What we need is more precise news
which we must study.
488
01:04:09,382 --> 01:04:12,558
We need to know more about
the people and the country.
489
01:04:12,658 --> 01:04:14,520
Caidu Khan says that…
490
01:04:15,868 --> 01:04:17,068
Caidu?
491
01:04:17,847 --> 01:04:20,014
What does he say?
492
01:04:20,743 --> 01:04:24,349
That… it is important for a ruler
to never stop traveling.
493
01:04:24,912 --> 01:04:27,314
What else did my nephew say?
494
01:04:28,362 --> 01:04:31,061
I would not like to speak
out of turn, my lord.
495
01:04:31,161 --> 01:04:32,361
Continue.
496
01:04:34,201 --> 01:04:35,688
Caidu says…
497
01:04:35,788 --> 01:04:38,804
that a true Mongol must
never abandon his horse.
498
01:04:39,000 --> 01:04:41,250
Only in this way, is he invincible.
499
01:04:44,397 --> 01:04:46,263
Forgive me, Sir.
500
01:04:46,363 --> 01:04:48,647
Forgive me,
I didn't mean to offend you.
501
01:04:50,308 --> 01:04:52,908
He spoke in good faith, Father.
- I know.
502
01:04:54,480 --> 01:04:55,680
Have no fear.
503
01:04:56,869 --> 01:05:01,174
Too many people rush to declare
themselves in agreement with me.
504
01:05:01,693 --> 01:05:05,745
To find someone who speaks
frankly is a relief.
505
01:05:08,353 --> 01:05:10,199
I admire Caidu.
506
01:05:11,146 --> 01:05:12,796
He is a real Mongolian.
507
01:05:13,809 --> 01:05:15,792
But he can't understand.
508
01:05:16,999 --> 01:05:20,904
I'll tell you something that
you both should always keep in mind.
509
01:05:21,316 --> 01:05:25,453
You, Chinkin,
because one day you will succeed me.
510
01:05:26,278 --> 01:05:29,628
You, Marco, because maybe
you'll come under our service.
511
01:05:30,591 --> 01:05:31,791
It is this:
512
01:05:32,460 --> 01:05:35,212
The world can be conquered
on horseback,
513
01:05:35,455 --> 01:05:38,324
but it cannot be ruled
on horseback!
514
01:05:39,122 --> 01:05:40,851
And now, young Marco,
515
01:05:41,444 --> 01:05:43,799
while your memory is still fresh,
516
01:05:43,923 --> 01:05:47,124
I want you to introduce yourself
to the learned Phags Pa
517
01:05:47,224 --> 01:05:50,603
and communicate to him
all the information you have.
518
01:05:50,725 --> 01:05:51,951
Yes, my lord.
519
01:05:52,051 --> 01:05:54,757
Our Chinese cartographers
are excellent,
520
01:05:54,857 --> 01:05:57,500
but some of their maps are outdated.
521
01:05:58,067 --> 01:06:00,991
Suggest changes that
you think are necessary.
522
01:06:01,091 --> 01:06:03,000
You will have my gratitude.
523
01:06:03,297 --> 01:06:05,825
Repaying even in part your favor
524
01:06:05,925 --> 01:06:08,325
is sufficient reward for us,
my lord.
525
01:06:50,538 --> 01:06:53,536
He is not only
a favorite of the empress,
526
01:06:53,636 --> 01:06:57,020
but he has also gained
the friendship of Chinkin and the Khan.
527
01:06:57,881 --> 01:07:01,336
To the empress, he looks like
an envoy of her new god.
528
01:07:01,663 --> 01:07:05,310
I wish the Polos had brought
the priests the Khan asked for.
529
01:07:05,640 --> 01:07:06,876
Why?
530
01:07:07,221 --> 01:07:10,175
I would've defeated
and humiliated them
531
01:07:10,376 --> 01:07:12,317
with the power of our faith.
532
01:07:13,813 --> 01:07:15,013
Instead,
533
01:07:15,792 --> 01:07:18,758
they brought us this young man
534
01:07:18,858 --> 01:07:20,458
and his superstitions.
535
01:07:22,982 --> 01:07:26,324
Favorites have
the charm of novelty,
536
01:07:26,579 --> 01:07:28,129
which soon wears off.
537
01:10:05,556 --> 01:10:10,799
END OF EPISODE 4
38526
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