For Ning, the only thing worse than losing her mother is knowing that it's her own fault. She was the one who unknowingly brewed the poison tea that killed herthe poison tea that now threatens to also take her sister, Shu. When Ning hears of a competition to find the kingdom's greatest shennong-shimasters of the ancient and magical art of tea-makingshe travels to the imperial city to compete. The winner will receive a favor from the princess, which may be Ning's only chance to save her sister's life.