For Ning, the only thing worse than losing her mother is knowing that it is her own fault. She was the one who unknowingly brewed the poison tea that killed her--the poison tea that now threatens to also take her sister, Shu. She hears of a competition to find the kingdom's greatest shénnóng-shi--masters of the ancient and magical art of tea-making--where the winner will receive a favor from the princess. It may be Ning's only chance to save Shu's life. That is, if Ning can survive the backstabbing competitors and bloody court politics.