How Did it Start?

Nothing in this world happens in a vaccum.  Everything is related, especially when it comes to the desire for resources, and the desire to explore.  The events in “An Exchange of Two Flowers,” are actually tied up in the need, and the desire for three plant-based resources.  In the novella, I’m focused on two men — Lin Zexu, and Charles Elliot and two plants –  tea and opium.  But there was a third plant tied into the story.  Cotton.

The British had planned to be able to pay for the tea they...