...
In the sweltering summer heat, beneath the trees at the entrance to the Palace Marshal's Mansion, Zhizi and a few black pups curled up together, seeking shade and a cool respite.
When Pei Yunmeng returned, Xiao Zhufeng was pouring himself a drink of the iced plum concoction.
Made with dark plums, kudzu root, purple shiso, and water after boiling, it was a refreshing and cooling summer drink, pleasantly sour and sweet—Duan Xiaoyan's favorite.
Xiao Zhufeng poured a cup, took a sip, then frowned, "Why is this so sweet? How much sugar did Duan Xiaoyan put in this?"
Pei Yunmeng also took a cup and tasted it, "I think it's fine."
Xiao Zhufeng pushed his cup away slightly, "Your taste has been getting sweeter and sweeter these days."
