Marco Polo: One Hundred Eyes2015

Kublai Khan:
A merchant once gifted me a white crane from Lesser Armenia. A water bird that was most uncommon, because it had been born all black. Black white crane. I knew it was an auspicious being that would bring me fortune, but that black white crane refused to stay on my lake. Always, it would fly away. Just its natural calling, you see. So, I served him and my fortune by cutting one wing.

Justice Minister:
[reading] By law of the Grand Khan, Lord of Lords...

Kublai Khan:
Why do you think I had you fight blindfolded? Because I'm a capricious fool? Or to see if you are capable of your Taoist secrets and skills while in the dark?

Justice Minister:
So be it.

Kublai Khan:
Because I knew the moment you were presented, you would not be like the obedient painter, the resigned astrologer, the noble poet contented with wine. [snake hissing] You would refuse to serve the Mongol Empire. To this day that black white crane remains on my lake. He is mine, and he is beloved. [snake spits into Jinbao's eyes and he cries out]