Summer arrived, bringing the harvest season. Apricot, early plum, and mulberry trees were ripe for picking.
Zhou Ying started preparing gifts, a basket each of apricots and plums, and two large jars of mulberry wine, and brought them to the palace, splitting them between the Grand Empress Dowager and Gu Wanning.
Seeing the Second Prince playing on the slide, Zhou Ying greeted Gu Wanning, who was watching nearby. Gu Wanning smiled upon seeing the gifts. "Fresh fruit! I haven't had any in a while. Thank you, Sister-in-law."
"Enjoy them," Zhou Ying replied. "They're delicious, but go easy, especially for the children."
"Don't worry, I'll watch them."
Pointing to the large jar, Gu Wanning asked with sparkling eyes, "Is that wine?"
"Yes, it's mulberry wine," Zhou Ying explained. "It has a gentle taste and is good for the spleen, stomach, and intestines. It's even said to promote beauty! Have a sip or two occasionally."
