Although Lin Xiaowei harbored a sliver of suspicion, she dared not voice it, lowering her head and murmuring, "I wouldn't dare."
Grand Princess Zande gazed at the top of Lin Xiaowei's head and continued, "This princess has no need to deceive you. You returned with me just now, surely you saw the scene of disaster relief outside Shen Xiaoyan's home?"
"Shen Xiaoyan?"
Lin Xiaowei expressed a hint of surprise. Who was Shen Xiaoyan?
Upon hearing Grand Princess Zande's words, she suddenly recalled that Shen Xiaoyan was likely one of the people she had seen that night.
However, precisely which one would require further acquaintance upon meeting again.
"What does the Grand Princess mean?"
Lin Xiaowei temporarily set aside the question of Shen Xiaoyan's identity and replayed Grand Princess Zande's earlier words in her mind.
After processing, she asked with disbelief.
Grand Princess Zande understood her unspoken question and nodded affirmatively, saying, "That's right. Although the methods those people used for disaster relief are not entirely identical to yours, they are quite similar."
Upon receiving Grand Princess Zande's definitive answer, Lin Xiaowei was momentarily stunned.
"Furthermore, the money-making plan you mentioned, of producing and selling blush and perfume, they had already started doing so several months ago."
"Not only did they start, but they also earned a lot of money. Otherwise, how could they possibly afford to spend so much money and provisions on disaster relief now?"
Bai Li Ziyun's voice grew slightly envious as she spoke.
As the daughter of a Grand Princess, her personal wealth was likely less than that of these people.
She couldn't fathom what stroke of luck had allowed them to earn so much money in such a short period.
The more Bai Li Ziyun thought about it, the more indignant she became, almost wanting to rush back and challenge Shen Xiaoyan.
However, she recalled that around that time was also when she had regained consciousness.
While Bai Li Ziyun was lost in thought, Lin Xiaowei had been carefully contemplating Grand Princess Zande's and Bai Li Ziyun's words.
"Replying to the Grand Princess, I think I understand what's going on."
Hearing this, Grand Princess Zande became interested. "Then by all means, tell me."
"Just now, you mentioned they lived together, and that their lives have undergone earth-shattering changes only in the past two years. If that's the case, I can be certain that among them, there must be someone from the same place as me."
Lin Xiaowei was not fabricating this out of thin air to protect herself in front of Grand Princess Zande.
In her heart, this was indeed her genuine thought.
What she had just said was based on something she had accidentally stumbled upon online in her previous life, a post by a netizen.
She had long forgotten the exact title of that post.
But its general content was about how to make money if one transmigrated to ancient times and how to provide relief in the event of a disaster.
At the time, she had only found it amusing and had browsed through it, never imagining it would actually prove useful one day.
However, now that someone was using the same methods, didn't that prove that one of those people was also a transmigrator like her?
From Grand Princess Zande's and Bai Li Ziyun's words, she could also deduce that there were no recent additions to that group of people.
This could only mean that her compatriot was likely a soul transmigrator.
Recalling their attire when she had encountered those people, her heart sank.
She was a physical transmigrator; that person was a soul transmigrator. Logically, that person should have recognized her the moment they saw her.
Yet, that person had not revealed any slip-ups.
Could it be that that person perceived her as an enemy, and that was why they hadn't revealed themselves?
If so, wouldn't her future situation be extremely perilous?
At this thought, Lin Xiaowei's expression became deeply troubled.
Simultaneously, she could no longer remain calm.
Not receiving a response from Grand Princess Zande for a long time, she grew anxious and, without hesitation, raised her head to look at Grand Princess Zande.
Grand Princess Zande, though silent, had been observing Lin Xiaowei's reactions all along.
Seeing that Lin Xiaowei had lost her composure, she smiled inwardly.
She was indeed still a bit too naive, but it was precisely this trait that made her easy to control.
At least, she appeared to be someone with a brain.
"Where are you from? And how are you so sure that among Shen Xiaoyan's group, there is someone from the same place as you? You must know that those people are all natives of this land."
"The methods I mentioned earlier are only known to people from my homeland," Lin Xiaowei replied.
"Are you certain?"
Lin Xiaowei nodded solemnly. "I am certain. I can stake my life on it."
Hearing Lin Xiaowei say this, Grand Princess Zande's belief increased by eighty percent.
If Lin Xiaowei had initially only sought refuge or a pretext to get close, she would not have risked her life now.
After all, in this world, no one would joke about their own life.
"You've met them. Do you have any suspects?" Grand Princess Zande asked after a moment of contemplation.
Lin Xiaowei faltered. She had only met them once; how could she possibly identify her compatriot?
"Replying to the Grand Princess, I haven't had extensive interaction with them. Therefore, I cannot immediately discern who it is. However, if you allow me to meet them once more, I estimate I will be able to guess who it is."
Grand Princess Zande nodded, feeling somewhat satisfied.
Otherwise, even if they were truly capable, she would not employ them.
"Very well, this princess will arrange for you to meet them again. I hope you can give this princess a satisfactory answer then."
After speaking, Grand Princess Zande summoned Jiang Yi and instructed, "Arrange a place for her to stay and then take her for a meal."
"Yes." Jiang Yi bowed in acknowledgment and led Lin Xiaowei out.
Jiang Yi took Lin Xiaowei to a guest room, ordered food to be brought to her, and then withdrew.
On her way back, Jiang Yi secretly marveled.
She wondered what Lin Xiaowei had said to the Grand Princess to warrant being arranged a place to stay, and appearing to be somewhat valued.
Recalling her previous attitude towards Lin Xiaowei, she felt a twinge of worry.
After her worries, Jiang Yi gave a self-deprecating laugh.
Everything was uncertain, and there was no need for her to be so concerned.
With this thought, her steps lightened, and she quickly hurried towards the main courtyard.
Below Baiyun Peak, Zheng Wei and the others watched the departing crowd and finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"I wonder if Grand Princess Zande will commence disaster relief tomorrow now that this has happened," Sima Han suddenly remarked.
"Likely so. After these people return, they will undoubtedly spread the word about the Emperor dispatching the Grand Princess for disaster relief. If everyone knows about it, and Grand Princess Zande still doesn't act, then even if she does later, it might..."
Yi Zixie's words trailed off, but everyone present understood the implication.
"Is our food supply still sufficient?" Lu Taobao suddenly asked Zheng Wei.
At this question, Sima Han and the others also turned to look at Zheng Wei, as this was a matter of great concern to all of them.
Although the disaster relief had only been underway for three days, the amount of food and clothing distributed was immense. If this continued, how many more days could they sustain themselves?
However, if they stopped halfway, it was unlikely to achieve the original intended effect.
Moreover, they had publicly stated that they had no more food, but the common people might not necessarily believe it.
If Grand Princess Zande were to deliberately instigate, saying some unfavorable things, then all their efforts would have been in vain.
Zheng Wei smiled as he saw everyone looking at him intently. "Of course, it's enough. You don't need to worry."
Hearing Zheng Wei say this, the others nodded.
However, Lu Taobao still looked at Zheng Wei suspiciously. "Why do we have so much stored grain? Where is all this grain kept?"
In just these three days, the amount distributed was unknowable; if piled up, it could fill several rooms.
"Are you silly?" Yi Zixie glanced at him and then turned to enter the door.
"What did I say?" Lu Taobao scratched his head in confusion. Had he said something wrong?
Zheng Wei glanced at Lu Taobao, then at the servants eavesdropping around them, said nothing, shook his head, and walked away with Sima Han.
"Hey~ why are you all leaving?"
Seeing everyone leave, Lu Taobao became even more perplexed.
He grumbled in dissatisfaction but did not slow his pace, following the others into the main door.
The servants were all inwardly curious. While their masters' kindness was a good thing, they did not wish to be served by stingy masters.
However, after participating in the disaster relief these past few days, they had done so alongside their masters and were all curious about the origin of this food and clothing.
Despite their curiosity, they did not dare to inquire.