37: Word Spreads
The success of Li Mei's first market day had reverberated through the village like the ripple of a stone dropped into a still pond. The old woman who had bought her tincture had, unbeknownst to Li Mei, shared her experience with others. By the following week, more villagers were making their way to Li Mei's booth at the market. Some came seeking remedies for common ailments like joint pain and fatigue, while others were curious about the herbs she had grown in her garden.
It wasn't long before Li Mei found herself at the center of a growing demand. What had started as a small, quiet venture was quickly gaining momentum. People from neighboring villages began making their way to the market in hopes of purchasing some of Li Mei's unique remedies.
Li Mei, still new to the world of commerce, was overwhelmed at first. She had never imagined that her simple garden and her knowledge of herbs would create such an interest. The thought that her work could help so many people filled her with a mixture of pride and nervousness. She spent her evenings working late into the night, preparing more tinctures, oils, and dried herbs to meet the demand. The mystical space continued to assist her, providing more resources and faster growth for her plants, but there was a fine balance between production and her own personal limits.