Chapter 1744

But Li Ru was already old and had long passed the age for marriage, and he had a wife and children at home, so Dong Bai naturally could not have any entanglement with him.

As for Jia Xu, although he was also a man of talent and outstanding wisdom, his personality was too gloomy, and his actions were often unexpected, so Dong Zhuo always felt he was not a good match and was unwilling to betroth Dong Bai to him.

Now, the appearance of Gu Yi made Dong Zhuo see hope.

This young man was not only talented but, more importantly, had a pure heart and was quite loyal to the Dong family. If he could pair him with Dong Bai, Dong Zhuo believed that Dong Bai would surely be happy for a lifetime.

Upon hearing this, Li Ru frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and said: "The Prime Minister's move is good, but I fear it is too hasty. Marriage is a major life event, not child's play, and needs to be considered carefully. Furthermore, although that kid Gu Yi is excellent, he is young after all, and his character is not yet settled; this matter still needs to be observed."

Dong Zhuo hummed unhappily upon hearing this: "Wenyou's words are wrong. I have observed that kid Gu Yi for a long time; his character and talent are both top-notch, so what is wrong with it? Furthermore, Bai'er has also reached the age for marriage; are we to drag it on forever?"

Seeing that Dong Zhuo was somewhat angry, Li Ru hurriedly explained: "Prime Minister, do not be angry. Ru does not oppose this matter, just feels that this matter needs to be handled cautiously. How about this: we first arrange for Gu Yi and Bai'er to meet and see if the two of them have a connection. If they have a connection, then talking about marriage will not be too late."

Dong Zhuo heard this and felt that Li Ru's words made sense, so he nodded: "That is fine, just follow Wenyou's words. However, this matter still needs you to arrange it personally; you must let that kid Gu Yi know how much I value him."

Li Ru accepted the order and left, but secretly pondered in his heart. He knew that Dong Zhuo's valuing of Gu Yi was not just because of Gu Yi's talent and loyalty, but also because Gu Yi had made great military achievements in the two great battles at Sishui Pass and Hulao Pass. Now, Dong Zhuo had already regarded Gu Yi as an important pillar of the Xiliang army in the future, and even possibly his successor.

And Dong Bai, as Dong Zhuo's only granddaughter, her marriage was naturally the top priority in Dong Zhuo's heart. Betrothing Dong Bai to Gu Yi was undoubtedly a kind of trust and heavy use of Gu Yi, and also a layout for the future Xiliang army.

The next day, Li Ru personally went to Gu Yi's residence and invited him to the Prime Minister's mansion for a banquet. Although Gu Yi was surprised, he did not refuse; he knew this must be Dong Zhuo's intention.

Arriving at the Prime Minister's mansion, Gu Yi was taken directly to the back garden. The scenery here was pleasant, the fragrance of flowers overflowed, making people feel relaxed and happy. And Dong Zhuo and Dong Bai had already been waiting here for a long time.

Gu Yi stepped forward to salute, and Dong Zhuo laughed and personally helped him up: "Gu Yi, between you and me, why be so polite? Come, sit down quickly; today we will have a good drink."

Gu Yi thanked Dong Zhuo and sat in the seat indicated by Dong Zhuo. Only then did he discover that Dong Bai was also present, looking at him with curious and slightly shy eyes.

Gu Yi felt a chill in his heart; he knew that today's banquet was probably not just for drinking.

After three rounds of drinks, Dong Zhuo suddenly spoke: "Gu Yi, what do you think of my Prime Minister's mansion?"

Upon hearing this, Gu Yi felt a move in his heart, knowing that Dong Zhuo had something to say, so he answered respectfully: "The Prime Minister's mansion is magnificent and luxurious, a fairyland on earth. Being able to gather here is truly Gu Yi's honor."

Dong Zhuo laughed upon hearing this: "Gu Yi, you really know how to speak. However, I invited you here today not just to let you praise my mansion. Rather, there is an important matter I want to discuss with you."

Gu Yi felt tense, knowing the main topic was coming, so he held his breath and waited for Dong Zhuo's following words.

Dong Zhuo looked at Dong Bai, then at Gu Yi, and said slowly: "Gu Yi, what do you think of Bai'er? She is the treasure of my Dong family; I have always hoped she could find a good home. And you are exactly the best candidate in my heart."

Upon hearing this, Gu Yi was shocked. Although he had long guessed that Dong Zhuo might have this intention, hearing Dong Zhuo say it out loud still made him feel somewhat sudden. He subconsciously looked at Dong Bai, only to see Dong Bai also looking at him at this moment, a blush appearing on her face.

Gu Yi felt a panic in his heart; he did not know how to answer. He knew that marriage was a major life event and could not be child's play. Moreover, he had some good feelings for Dong Bai, but it was far from reaching the point of marriage.

Just as Gu Yi was hesitating, Dong Zhuo spoke again: "Gu Yi, you do not need to rush to answer. Marriage is a major life event and indeed needs careful consideration. However, I hope you know how much I value you and how much I cherish Bai'er. If the two of you could combine, it would surely be a wonderful story."

Gu Yi heard this, took a deep breath, and tried to calm himself down. He knew that at this time, he could not escape or prevaricate. He had to give a clear answer.

Thus, he looked at Dong Zhuo and said seriously: "Prime Minister, I am deeply grateful for your kindness. But marriage is a major life event concerning a lifetime of happiness and needs careful consideration. Moreover, although I have some good feelings for Miss Dong, it is far from reaching the point of marriage. So, please give me some time to think about it carefully."

Dong Zhuo felt somewhat disappointed upon hearing this, but he did not force it. He knew that Gu Yi was a person with his own opinions and would not be easily persuaded. Moreover, he also hoped that Gu Yi would sincerely accept Dong Bai, rather than reluctantly agreeing because of his coercion.

Thus, he nodded: "That is fine, Gu Yi, go back and think about it carefully. However, I hope you know my expectations for you and my love for Bai'er. I hope the two of you can have a wonderful future."

Gu Yi saluted respectfully and withdrew, his heart filled with mixed feelings. He knew he needed to consider this matter carefully. And Dong Bai also watched his retreating back, her eyes flashing with complex emotions.