A Magic Steeped in Poison

Tea is a symbol of central importance to the narrative, even though its meaning shifts from character to character and from scene to scene. Initially, it symbolizes both magic and power for the shennong-shi, who use tea and the rituals around it to impact the people and the world. Relatedly, as Ning later reflects, tea also symbolizes the bridge or channel that connects different people, as represented by the flow of magic and influence that connects a shennong-shi with their client. This channel is what allows her to see into and even interact with a person’s spirit or soul.

In a cultural sense, tea represents tradition and legacy, given that each shennong-shi’s techniques align them with specific schools of thought or traditions. Chapters 7 and 8 highlight this fact when Shao, Lian, and Ning demonstrate their differing styles. Shao’s style is elaborate and flashy, aligning him with the nobility, while Ning’s powerful but modest style connects her to a rural tradition and to her mother’s illustrious legacy.

Finally, tea also symbolizes the myriad forms of class-based struggles and conflicts. For instance, the wealthy shennong-tu from noble families are frustrated when Princess Zhen limits their buying power in the first round of the competition, for they believe that their access to wealth should allow them to buy the most expensive teas and gain an enormous advantage in the contest, widening the gap between competitors like Shao and Ning.