The Discovery of Tea According to legend, in 2737 BC, Emperor SHEN NUNG a notably skilled ruler, scientist scholar an d patron守护神 of the arts ruled e. His many farsighted Chinas vast empi a the requirement that all edicts法令 include drinking water be boiled as a hygienic precaution A Shen Nung Tasted PlantsThe Discovery of Tea  According to legend, in 2737 BC, Emperor SHEN NUNG a notably skilled ruler, scientist, scholar and patron守护神 of the arts, ruled China’s vast empire. His many farsighted edicts法令 included the requirement that all drinking water be boiled as a hygienic precaution. Shen Nung Tasted Plants