Are There Hidden Plots in The Knockout? Only Tea Drinkers Can Decipher Them!

As a high-quality drama rich in details, not a single shot in "The Knockout" is superfluous!

Ordinary people only see big shots sharing a cup of tea, while tea connoisseurs notice the deeper meaning behind their use of Jianzhan—the "ancient standard equipment for tea competitions"—to showcase their power struggle. Ordinary people see cute tea pets on the table, while tea drinkers recognize the tea pet "Ma Chao betraying his father to seize power," deducing Gao Qiqiang's hidden psychological motives...

Scenes of Gao Qiqiang drinking tea run throughout the entire series.

Now, let’s carefully decode the tea-drinking details in "The Knockout" and revisit those plot points you might have missed!

Friendly reminder: Contains spoilers. If you mind, you can "consume" this after finishing the series.

Uncle Tai’s Jianzhan: The group is still under the old man’s control.

Jianzhan flourished during the Song Dynasty’s tea competitions and once became the imperial choice for tea battles. Emperor Huizong of Song adored it, praising it in his "Palace Poems": "The hare’s fur-patterned cup brews divine liquor, capable of intoxicating even the fairest beauties."

Jianzhan was an essential tool for tea competitions in the Song Dynasty.

Modern reproductions have revived its stunning iridescent spots.

This has also made it a beloved teaware among seasoned tea drinkers.

In the high-end tea gatherings of episodes 13 and 20, where three key figures meet, Uncle Tai placed Jianzhan on the tea table.

Jianzhan was the "standard artifact" for ancient tea competitions, evoking thoughts of rivalry among tea drinkers. Thus, in "The Knockout," its use highlights the power struggles between Gao Qiqiang, Cheng Cheng, and Uncle Tai.

The first "tea battle" was a "feast at Hongmen" between Gao Qiqiang, Uncle Tai, and Cheng Cheng. Here, Cheng Cheng brewed tea using Uncle Tai’s Jianzhan. During the session, Uncle Tai humiliated Gao Qiqiang, and Cheng Cheng leveraged Uncle Tai’s authority to suppress him.

The second "tea battle" saw Gao Qiqiang bringing Chen Shuting to submit to Uncle Tai. At this gathering, Uncle Tai tried to mediate between Gao Qiqiang and Cheng Cheng. Though resentful, Gao Qiqiang, constrained by Uncle Tai’s unshakable position, reluctantly drank from the Jianzhan and agreed to his demands.

The art of Jianzhan was once lost to history.

It wasn’t gradually revived until the 1980s.

Pictured is the Yulinting Kiln site, less than 60 kilometers from the Jian Kiln.

This was also a major production center for black-glazed tea bowls in the Song Dynasty.

Authentic Jianzhan must be made from Jianyang clay and Jianyang mineral glaze, forming iron-based high-temperature crystalline patterns naturally in a single firing. No synthetic glazes, painted designs, or secondary firings are involved—it’s entirely "at the mercy of nature," resulting in low yields and extreme rarity. Thus, drinking from a true Jianzhan is seen as a symbol of status and individuality.

In these two tea sessions, Uncle Tai deliberately displayed Jianzhan, subtly signaling his intent to curb Gao Qiqiang’s arrogance and remind him that his authority in the construction group was unshakable—for now, he still called the shots.

The Tea Pets of the Big Shots: I'm Not Just a Simple Decoration

In the two iconic tea scenes from Episodes 13 and 20, another eye-catching presence was the tea pet "Golden Toad." The name "Golden Toad" is a homophone for "gold and money," symbolizing endless wealth. Uncle Tai used the metaphor of a "big toad" that only croaks loudly but doesn't attract wealth to indirectly criticize Qiang, with layers of hidden meaning—truly brilliant! The undercurrents in these scenes speak for themselves.

From Episodes 13 to 17, the golden toad tea pet grows from small to large

Hinting at Gao Qiqiang's expanding influence

By Episode 20, Gao Qiqiang brings out an even larger golden toad as a counterattack, pointing out that Uncle Tai had placed it incorrectly—implying that Uncle Tai had underestimated him and not given him the proper position. This golden toad tea pet, spanning seven episodes, serves as a small but telling witness to the shifting power dynamics between Gao Qiqiang and Uncle Tai.

There’s also a small interlude: in a fleeting shot in Episode 15, Gao Qiqiang’s tea pets make an appearance—two of the "Five Tiger Generals" from the Three Kingdoms, Ma Chao and Huang Zhong. Those familiar with Three Kingdoms history know that both Ma Chao and Huang Zhong were once "turncoat generals" under warlord forces. Ma Chao, in particular, "betrayed his father to establish his own power," leading to his father’s death at Cao Cao’s hands.

Upon closer inspection, the tea pets on Gao Qiqiang’s tea tray reveal more.

Image 1 photographed by Xiaobudian qyo; Image 2 sourced from "The Knockout" excerpt.

At this time, Gao Qiqiang is sipping tea while reading "The Art of War," showing that his loyalty has waned and he’s preparing to challenge Uncle Tai. Looking back, the tea showdown in Episode 20 was foreshadowed long before.

Lao Mo’s Bamboo Hat Teapot: A Hidden Blade in the Mundane World

When Lao Mo strikes, even the King of Hell’s death ledger trembles. After taking Gao Qiqiang’s fish-cleaning knife, Lao Mo becomes the "killing blade" hidden in the underworld by Brother Qiang. As an assassin, Lao Mo is ruthless and silent, often eliminating targets without a trace.

Lao Mo always cleans up the crime scene meticulously, leaving no evidence.

His only slip-up was because of Gao Qisheng.

But he also has a tender side, reserved only for An Xin and his daughter. He never forgets An Xin’s kindness and would never harm him. From Lao Mo’s perspective, this is what "chivalry in the underworld" means.

The teapot Lao Mo uses in the market break room is called the Bamboo Hat Teapot, created by the Ming Dynasty master potter Li Zhongfang. With smooth, flowing lines and a shape resembling a bamboo hat, it exudes the aura of a martial arts hero. The choice of this teapot for Lao Mo deepens his character and proves that "The Knockout" writers truly understand tea culture.

As one of the classic round-shaped Yixing teapots,

the Bamboo Hat Teapot stands out for its elegant and dynamic lines.

The tea-savvy writers not only depict Lao Mo’s softer side through tea-drinking details but also highlight his brutality.

In Episode 17, Gao Qiqiang sends Tang Xiaohu to keep an eye on Lao Mo. Throughout, Lao Mo forces Tang to drink tea and denies him bathroom breaks. The diuretic effect of the tea quickly takes hold, but under Lao Mo’s intimidating gaze, Tang can only endure obediently, waiting for Gao Qiqiang to rescue him.

Anyone who’s drunk tea knows just how diuretic it can be.

The "tea torture," where drinking tea is forbidden from being followed by bathroom breaks, is even more unbearable than just drinking water due to tea's diuretic effect. This intensified punishment shares similarities with the "vinegar torture" in "Full River Red," where vinegar replaces water.

Here, the director uses just a teapot to vividly portray Lao Mo's ruthlessness and tenderness!

Brother Qiang's teapot: Holding longing and disguise.

The love between the big brother and sister-in-law in "The Knockout" is so sweet it makes people stomp their feet. The emotional thread between Gao Qiqiang and Chen Shuting was actually foreshadowed in Episodes 2 and 27. The "code" lies in Brother Qiang's tea-pouring gesture: In Guangdong, tea is often used to honor the deceased. It turns out this was the elderly Gao Qiqiang mourning Shuting and Ah Sheng!

This detail reveals that by 2021, Shuting had already passed away and held a significant place in Gao Qiqiang's heart. So, who was Shuting? Why did she die? The suspense is set, and it isn't until the penultimate episode (Episode 38) that her cause of death is finally revealed.

Gao Qiqiang pours tea in memory of Ah Sheng and Shuting.

The knife was planted early, the middle filled with dog food, and finally, a surprise twist—this rollercoaster plot setup makes the equally matched love story of the big brother and sister-in-law increasingly addictive!

It's worth noting that the tea set Gao Qiqiang uses for morning tea includes the "Four Treasures of Chaozhou"—Mengchen teapot, Chaozhou red clay stove, Yushu kettle, and Ruochen cups, the standard setup for Chaozhou Gongfu tea. This configuration is most common in Chaozhou's streets and has long been integrated into the daily tea-drinking lives of its people.

It's both a tea art and a folk custom.

The full set of "Chaozhou Gongfu tea" also hints that the older Brother Qiang has long shed the arrogance and audacity of his youth, disguising himself as an ordinary person—sipping tea leisurely in teahouses, riding a motorcycle to buy groceries, or enjoying hotpot at street stalls... calmly blending into the mundane rhythms of life while burying his true self deeper.

Elder Huang's fish cup: Fish thrive in the murky waters of Jinghai.

By Episode 30, Gao Qiqiang begins revealing his cards to the inspection team, starting with the "kindergarten" and "nursing home." His encounter with Elder Huang at the nursing home was deliberately arranged. When Huang offers tea to Xu Zhong, he uses a fish cup—upon closer look, a lifelike fish appears to swim in the tea.

Fish cups are also called fish bowls, goldfish cups, or koi cups.

They are popular for their novel design and auspicious symbolism.

Look closely at the teacup in Xu Zhong's hand—there really is a fish.

Drinking tea from a fish cup symbolizes "abundance year after year," but here it carries a deeper meaning. As the saying goes, "Water too clear breeds no fish." Ponder it, ponder it deeply. This shot subtly hints that the waters of Jinghai are not only deep but also murky. Under Gao Qiqiang's eight-year campaign of sugar-coated bullets, Elder Huang had long succumbed, hence his many kind words for Gao.

From a single fish cup and a stack of letters in the frame, it's clear that Gao Qiqiang has spent years and vast sums weaving a tangled web of interests in Jinghai, making it no easy foe. His true aim in "showing his cards" was to make the inspection team back down.

As a true Cantonese, tea isn't complete without dried tangerine peel.

Guangdong has three treasures: dried tangerine peel, old ginger, and straw. Among them, the peel—usable in soups, tea, or as a snack—ranks first in many Cantonese hearts. This humble peel shines in the food-loving Guangdong not only for its unique flavor, versatility, and throat-soothing, hangover-curing properties but also because "an ounce of peel is worth an ounce of gold, and century-old peel is like gold itself"—the older the peel, the more valuable. Provided, of course, it's well-preserved.

Every late autumn, households can be seen sun-drying tangerine peels.

In episode 15 of "The Knockout," aged tangerine peel appears twice. First, Gao Qiqiang advises his younger brother Ah Sheng to drink more tangerine peel tea and less alcohol, as it's good for the throat. In fact, this might be the aged tangerine peel Gao prepared for his "godfather" Chen Tai. The peel reappears later at the godfather's home.

In Guangdong, aged tangerine peel is as prized as high-quality aged tea.

Here, Gao Qiqiang respectfully pours tangerine peel tea for his godfather while reporting on Mang Village's progress. With the help of the aged peel, the godfather tacitly approves Gao's continued work on the project. Why is gifting aged tangerine peel so effective? Because Gao knows how to cater to his godfather's preferences.

When the godfather remarks, "The tangerine peel is good," a jar of his prized collection appears in the top-right corner of the frame. These aged tangerine peel jars first appeared in episode 13, with seven full jars, showcasing the godfather's deep fondness for them.

The godfather's shelves are lined with glass jars of tangerine peel.

Besides the godfather, Gao Qiqiang is also a true "tangerine peel enthusiast." In episode 23, when An Xin visits Gao's home for an investigation, Gao serves him 15-year-old aged tangerine peel Pu'er tea, again highlighting the peel's benefits for sobering up and soothing the lungs.

Caring for his brother? Tangerine peel. Pleasing his godfather? Tangerine peel. Hosting his "frenemy" An Xin? Still tangerine peel. So, does Brother Qiang love tangerine peel or not?

Aged white tea: Chen Shuting's "fire extinguisher."

Among the teas Gao Qiqiang gifted his godfather, besides tangerine peel, there was also aged white tea.

White tea is one of China's six traditional tea categories.

It is mainly produced in Fuding, Zhenghe, Jianyang, and Songxi counties in Fujian.

In the tense tea-table scene of episode 20, when the godfather tries to mediate for Cheng Cheng, Gao slams the table. As tensions rise, Chen Shuting hands Gao a cup of aged white tea, known for its calming properties, subtly urging him to cool down and yield. Drinking it signals Gao's reluctance to confront the godfather.

Like tangerine peel, white tea gains value with age. By gifting these, Gao signals loyalty to his godfather, acknowledging the wisdom of "older ginger being spicier." Clearly, Gao's study of "The Art of War" wasn't in vain!

White tea gets its name from the silvery-white down covering its leaves.

Among aged white teas, well-preserved Baihao Yinzhen (Silver Needle) is particularly precious.

After "The Knockout" ended, many wondered: Why did it become the "first hit of the year"? Its gripping plot, deeply etched characters, stellar acting, and meticulous details all solidify its status as a classic.

What are your thoughts on the tea-drinking details in "The Knockout"? Share your comments below!

Editors | Ou Hantian, Shi Mei

Cover and header photos | "The Knockout" stills

"Chinese Tea Classics," 2011 edition

This is the original content of ["Authentic Tea Journey"]