​How tea brewed trade, taxes, and wars

Tea has never been just a beverage, but power, profit, and politics brewed in a porcelain cup. In this episode, we dive into the more dramatic side of tea: how it fueled empires, sparked conflicts and even wars. From calm teahouses to stormy harbors, from poetry to protest - this is the story of how one gentle leaf managed to stir the world like no diplomat ever could. Special thanks to Le Suna, Deputy Director and Research Curator of China National Tea Museum, whose expertise in the history of tea has greatly enriched this episode.