To compare the versatility of Mei Changsu in 'Nirvana in Fire,' one must look at black tea. While the Mei character can form CPs (couples) with almost everyone around him, in terms of quantity, he still falls short of black tea. The versatility of black tea exceeds your imagination.

In 'Nirvana in Fire,' aside from the official pairing of Lin Shu (Mei Changsu) and Princess Nihuang, many viewers see the real official pairing as Lin Shu (Mei Changsu) and Prince Jing. There are also various other characters close to Mei Changsu who can form CPs, such as Feiliu, Master Lin, Commander Meng, Yu Jin ('Bath Towel'), Jing Rui, Prince Yu, Li Gang, Zhen Ping, Xia Jiang ('Shrimp Paste'), Xie Yu, and Dr. Yan. Basically, any character with screen time alongside him can form a CP. Oh, and let's not forget the talented and devoted Miss Gongyu. That makes a total of 14. So, who can black tea pair with?

1. Black Tea & Milk

It's an undeniable fact that milk is black tea's perfect companion. Heating fresh milk and adding it to hot black tea to make milk tea is a timeless beverage that never goes out of style.

Hong Kong-style milk tea is most famously represented by silk-stocking milk tea. Contrary to its name, it doesn't use actual silk stockings but a nylon mesh to filter out tea leaves, making the black tea smoother and more fragrant.

British milk tea can be considered the origin of milk tea. Its flavor is quite distinct from other milk teas, often enhanced with chocolate sauce, brandy, cinnamon, and honey, making it a delightful drink.

2. Black Tea & Lemon

Lemon black tea is enjoyable both hot and cold. In summer, it offers a refreshing chill, while in autumn and winter, it provides a warm touch with a hint of zest. Simply slice a lemon and add it to black tea. If you dislike bitterness, peel the lemon before using it.

(Most common fruits pair well with black tea.)

3. Black Tea & Strawberry

The red hue of strawberries complements the red of black tea visually. The sweet and sour taste of strawberries blends perfectly with the sweet aroma of black tea, creating a refreshing and sweet beverage.

4. Black Tea & Apple

Apples also have a sweet and sour flavor. Green apples add a visual freshness to black tea, while red apples harmonize with the tea's color tone, making for a pleasant pairing.

5. Black Tea & Lychee

Lychees are warm in nature and have a sweet taste, making them ideal for infusing in water. Black tea, with its slightly bitter taste, pairs well with the sweetness of lychees.

6. Black Tea & Rose

Rose black tea is a fragrant and beauty-enhancing drink. It not only promotes blood circulation and replenishes vitality, giving a rosy complexion and radiant skin, but also helps balance emotions.

7. Black Tea & Honey

Honey black tea is best served chilled. Since honey turns sour when heated, it's best added to cooled black tea, making it perfect for hot weather.

8. Black Tea & Ginger

Ginger black tea is both health-boosting and warming, and it also aids in weight loss. Boiling ginger with black tea maximizes its benefits. If the taste is too spicy, adding some brown sugar can balance it out.

(Herbal tea ingredients also pair well with black tea.)

9. Black Tea & Licorice

Licorice has detoxifying and spleen-strengthening properties. Its sweet flavor also makes it a natural sweetener for weight loss. Adding licorice to black tea enhances its diuretic, anti-cavity, and antibacterial effects.

10. Black Tea & Astragalus

Astragalus is sweet and neutral in nature, known for boosting energy, harmonizing the spleen and stomach, moistening the lungs, and relieving phlegm. When paired with black tea, it doesn't taste overly medicinal. Use 15 grams of astragalus and 3 grams of black tea. Boil the astragalus in water for about 15 minutes, then add the black tea and simmer for another 5 minutes before drinking.

11. Black Tea & Red Dates

Red dates enrich the blood, while black tea is gentle. Together, they enhance beauty and improve skin tone.

12. Black Tea & Jam

A classic Russian way to enjoy black tea is by adding jam, which sweetens the tea and adds fruity aromas. So, if you have a jar of rose jam, why not make a cup of rose black tea?

13. Black Tea & Spirits

In cold Eastern and Central European countries, it's common to add spirits like vodka to hot black tea. For instance, Poland's honey-infused vodka is a household staple for warding off colds. A spoonful in hot black tea can dispel chills and avoid hospital visits.

14. Black Tea & Pastries

Black tea's versatility extends to pairing with desserts, whether Chinese or Western. A simple cup of black tea with a sweet cupcake creates perfect harmony.

15. Black Tea & Glutinous Rice

Glutinous rice has whitening properties, while black tea nourishes the skin. Cook glutinous rice with water, then add black tea for a soothing drink.

16. Black Tea & Grapefruit

Grapefruit's refreshing aroma pairs wonderfully with black tea, creating a delightful beverage.

17. Black Tea & Sugarcane

Sugarcane clears heat and relieves thirst, making it ideal for dry throats, coughs, or overheating. Adding it to black tea balances the sweetness.

There are countless other pairings not listed here. Essentially, anything that doesn't clash with tea can complement black tea, enhancing its flavor.

Purists insist that high-quality black tea should be enjoyed plain, as only inferior teas need additives to improve their taste. Mixing milk into a premium black tea might be considered a waste. There's truth to this—top-grade black tea's rich aroma and depth can be overshadowed by additions. Thus, it's best to savor premium black tea plain, while experimenting with everyday blends.

A friendly reminder: avoid these tea blends if you're on medication, as they might interfere with the drugs' effects.