Chapter 5: Opening the Medicine Shop
With their lives now joined, Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian decided to open their own herbal medicine shop in the heart of Hangzhou. They named it 'Baohe Tang', a name that suggested peace and harmony. Xu Xian brought his knowledge of traditional remedies, while Bai Suzhen used her hidden magical powers to enhance the effectiveness of their treatments.
"We should make sure that even the poorest people can afford our help," Bai Suzhen suggested one morning as they arranged jars of herbs on the shelves. "Health should not be a privilege only for the wealthy."
Xu Xian nodded in agreement. "You are right, my dear. We will offer our services to everyone, regardless of their status."
Word of the new shop spread quickly throughout the city. Patients who had suffered for years from mysterious ailments found themselves miraculously cured after just one visit to Baohe Tang. People began to whisper that Lady Bai had a 'divine touch', and the shop was always crowded with those seeking help.
Xiaoqing was kept busy assisting the customers and managing the shop's affairs. "Business is booming, sister!" she remarked one evening as they closed up. "People are calling you a living goddess."
Bai Suzhen smiled, but there was a hint of concern in her eyes. "I only want to help, Xiaoqing. But we must be careful not to draw too much attention. Our powers are meant for good, but humans can be suspicious of things they don't understand."
Despite her worries, the shop continued to flourish. Xu Xian was immensely proud of their success and deeply grateful for his wife's support. He saw her as his greatest blessing, never suspecting that the woman he loved was anything other than a mortal. Their lives seemed perfect, filled with purpose and love. But across the city, in the ancient Jinshan Temple, a stern monk named Fahai was beginning to sense a powerful spiritual presence that did not belong in the human world. The peace of Baohe Tang was about to be challenged.