What is the origin of the Chinese tradition of tapping a couple of fingers on the table when being served tea by another guest?

Supposedly, the custom originated with Emperor Qian Long, who used to travel the country in disguise. On one such excursion, he was at a restaurant and poured his servant a cup of tea. Not wanting to reveal the emperor's identity by bowing, the servant instead bent his fingers on the table to express gratitude and respect.

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