34:The Market Day
The sun rose bright and warm as Li Mei made her way to the village square. It was market day—a bustling affair, even in this remote corner of the world. She had never sold anything before, but she had carefully packaged her remedies and prepared small vials of tinctures in bamboo containers. Her ginseng powder was sealed with a simple yet elegant cloth, and her ointments were stored in clay jars. She had even managed to gather a few dried leaves from her rare plants to offer as teas.
She set up a small booth near the edge of the market, where the crowds weren't as dense but still within view of curious onlookers. She arranged her products carefully, placing the herbs, oils, and vials on a bamboo mat. The air was filled with the aroma of fresh produce and the bustling chatter of the villagers. As Li Mei organized her goods, she couldn't help but feel a little nervous.
She glanced over at the other vendors—farmers selling fruits, merchants peddling fabrics, and healers offering traditional remedies. But none had anything like what she was selling. The herbs she grew, cultivated with the power of her mystical space, were far beyond the typical products sold here. She could only hope that someone would take an interest.
As the market began to fill with people, Li Mei took a deep breath and waited.