Royal Burn: How A Chinese Emperor Served The West Some Serious Tea

 Emperor Qianlong of China wrote a letter to Britain’s King George III in 1738 and the letter turned out to be a masterclass in throwing diplomatic shade. Instead of simply rejecting the British king’s requests, Qianlong wrapped his responses in layers of polite condescension and cultural superiority, making it clear that China was the center of civilization while Britain was just a distant player. This exchange not only showcased Qianlong’s wit but also highlighted the stark differences between their empires, proving that sometimes, even in diplomacy, a little bit of tea can go a long way.