The Growing Support of the Village
As the days passed, the village began to take notice of Li Mei's work. More villagers came to her booth, not only to purchase remedies but to ask for advice. The word of mouth was spreading, and people from neighboring villages started making their way to Li Mei's stall, eager to see the healer with the magical remedies.
At the same time, she received growing support from local elders and respected women in the village. Auntie Lu, the elderly woman who had been one of her first customers, returned frequently, not just to buy but also to offer advice and encouragement.
"You've got a gift, child," Auntie Lu said one afternoon as she sat across from Li Mei, sipping a cup of herbal tea. "But you need to learn how to talk to the villagers about your remedies. They trust you, but they want to understand what they're buying and why it's good for them."
Li Mei listened intently, taking mental notes. The advice was invaluable, and soon, she started educating her customers more about the healing properties of each herb she sold. She shared the history and origins of certain plants, how they were traditionally used, and the scientific benefits of their active ingredients. The more informed she made her customers, the more they trusted her.