Chiang Xiao wanted to facepalm.
Captain Meng! Brother, big brother! How do you manage to spout such nonsense with such a grave and serious face?
She had absolutely no idea this was going on!
But she also knew that at this time, his method was the most appropriate! It could completely eliminate the rumors about her seducing men and the impact of Zhao Erleng shouting "sister-in-law."
To the folks in the countryside, even a verbal engagement was quite formal, and she could already be regarded as someone with a partner.
Now was the time to deal with this situation. She was still young, and by the time she grew up to the age of talking about marriage, maybe everyone would have forgotten about this whole thing.
Even if they hadn’t forgotten, she would be long gone from Siyang Village by then, moved to the big city, where who would care about these things?
If it truly came to dating him, she guessed no one would believe such a thing. Besides, how could she, a little girl, pose any threat?
So, this should have no impact on Meng Xinian.
With this in mind, Chiang Xiao didn’t speak. She was just worried that her grandparents wouldn’t be supportive and would expose Tyrant Meng’s lies right there and then.
That would truly be sabotaging everything.
Unexpectedly, when she looked over, she found her grandparents both with faces full of shock.
The shock didn’t seem to come from being scared by Meng Xinian’s nonsense, but rather it looked as if his words had triggered some memory, an epiphany of sorts.
Chiang Xiao was stunned.
"This can’t be! Impossible!" Ho Laidi seemed quite shaken, but her tone was somewhat weaker, and this sign of backing down was immediately seized by Meng Xinian.
He immediately countered in a deep voice, "Why is it impossible? How much do you know about what happened back then?"
This question was well-positioned, putting Ho Laidi in a spot. If she knew nothing, naturally she’d have no right to question him.
But clearly, she thought of something that might somehow be related to what he was talking about. For instance, Chiang Songhai did indeed often go to the town more than a decade or two ago. Back then he was young and strong, traveled far, found many rare medicinal herbs, and made quite a few good medicines himself.
Like Shuangzhen Wine, which back then was extremely rare and had great effects on injury treatment and health improvement.
Because she knew these things, Ho Laidi started to believe a bit of Meng Xinian’s words, hence the wavering.
But at this moment, Chiang Songtao spoke in a grave voice, "Comrade, you’re also a soldier, how can you speak irresponsibly? Ten years ago, we already defeated the enemy, where are there still battles to fight?"
All eyes turned to Meng Xinian again.
Meng Xinian remained very calm, "When did I say it was ten years ago? I’m talking about over twenty years ago. More than twenty years ago, my father was already married, which is why my grandfather set a child betrothal with your grandfather. There were many secret missions at that time, and it was not as stable as you all might think. As for what missions and why there were casualties, you don’t need to know. Of course, I believe that in that era, you should remember, it wasn’t so peaceful."
Chiang Songtao had nothing to say.
"We have always been trustworthy and value commitments, so, this time I’m here to deliver the betrothal gifts, and Chiang Xiao has already accepted the betrothal gifts. From now on, our relationship is clear and aboveboard, she is my fiancée. Little, if anyone doesn’t believe it, take out the betrothal gifts to show them. Did you bring it?"
Meng Xinian looked towards Chiang Xiao.
His gaze deep and shiny black.
Chiang Xiao had a face full of black lines.
Captain Meng, that didn’t need to be said!
Meng Xinian’s eyes gradually revealed a hint of amusement.
The more you say, the more convincing it is, right?