Marco wins Kublai’s confidence, and two brothers fight to the death.
Or is it a praying mantisyou know, the insect whose females devour the males during sex.
If so, counting Mei Lin, he has two.
Credit: Phil Bray/Netflix
Kublais military invasion of the defenseless farming village near Xiangyiang was a fiasco.
But who can he trust?
As you wish, he barely resists answering.
No doubt theyre destined for romance: They race their horses back to the stables.
(And we all know what racing horses really means.)
But what is the Blue Princess up to out of her cage?
Is the blue ribbon a signal?
Is she communicating with Kublais enemies?
The next morning, Marco is summoned before Kublai.
But its not to be punished for his late-night excursionthough he seems to know of it.
In fact, perhaps Kublais knowledge that Marco left the citybut didnt leavehas increased his faith in him.
Kublai is sending Jingim to Ariqs city, to make it learn why his troops never reached the battlefield.
Marco is to go along and report back as well.
Let me see, Latin, the way things truly are in the kingdom of my brother.
Beware, Polo, Jingim tells him, before meeting with his uncle.
Your words can get you killed.
Marco is left outside the tent, while Ariq and Jingim discuss the recent battlefield failure.
Ariq explains that his army was pinned down by the spring rains and his messenger was intercepted and beheaded.
But he also plants the seed for discord.
Beware, my big brother is too trusting of outsiders, he says.
Marco makes the most of his time in Ariqs village.
You will not be gaining favors by your charming stories anymore, spits Jingim.
Not without a tongue.
There is no going back for Marco now.
He has sealed his fate.
But that also makes Marco a giant threat to everyone in that hall.
Looking the other way was a mutually beneficial practice.
But now, the Khans new pet, is watching.
Fortunately for him, Kublais scouts confirmed Marcos report.
In fact, Ariq has long been in league with Jia and the rebels.
Marcos tongue is safe today.
I do not bed soldiers, she tells them, with an air of condescension.
Chancellor Jia Sidao has granted us permission, answers one of them, as they make themselves comfortable.
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Min Lei begins a seductive dance, slowly disrobing until shes stark naked.
Annnd… then she butchers them in a Tarantino-esque ballet of blood.
To force her allegiance, Jia promises to take good care of her daughter, his sunflower.
Back in the Mongols court, Kublais wife is trying to insult her own mans manhood.
Ariq believes he can pleasure your women better than you.
Kublai laughs it off, but the comment hits the mark.
He sends a falcon to his brother, with what looks to be pieces of an arrow.
(Did anyone make out what it was?)
Kublai dresses for battle and marches with his army to meet his brother.
They have a final friendly meeting, to see if war can be averted.
But after reminiscing about their parents, the lines are drawn.
I do not want to be Emperor of China, says Ariq.
I do not want to be the ruler of the face of the Earth.
I want to be Khan of Mongolia.
So… it has come to this, he adds, when Kublai protests the issue.
Not the writers greatest moment.
So… it has come to this is the violent-epic version of Its not you, its me.
Whoever attacks first would be at a disadvantage.
But this is a grudge match, to be settled backyard style, mano e mano.
You want Mongolia, you come and take it, yells Kublai.
Ariq is younger and fitter, but he hesitates when he might have finished Kublai off.
Never let your older brother get up, Ariq.
Hell just cut your head off.
You know that old maxim.
Kublai unites the Mongolsfor now.
But uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.
And a deadly consort from Xiangyiang is coming to Kublais court.
Perhaps shell succeed in seducing Kublai or his sonor both.
