Chapter 1746

Gu Yi gave a bitter laugh. "Mr. Li, how could I not know? It is just that matters of the heart cannot be forced. If I were to marry Miss Dong for the sake of power, I fear I would not be happy in the future."

Li Ru looked at Gu Yi, a flash of appreciation in his eyes. "Gu Yi, you truly are a man of principle. However, you need not worry too much. The Prime Minister is not an unreasonable man; he simply wants to find a good home for Miss Dong. If you can treat her with sincerity, the Prime Minister will naturally see it."

Hearing this, Gu Yi's heart stirred slightly. He knew that Li Ru's words were not empty flattery but were spoken with genuine concern for him.

"Mr. Li, thank you for your guidance. I will consider this matter carefully and will certainly not let down the high expectations of the Prime Minister and Miss Dong," Gu Yi said, his tone revealing a hint of firmness.

Li Ru patted Gu Yi on the shoulder and stood up. "Gu Yi, think it over well. I believe you will surely make the right choice."

After saying this, Li Ru turned and left. Gu Yi stood at the doorway, watching Li Ru's retreating figure, his heart filled with deep emotion. He knew his destiny seemed to have become tightly bound to the Dong family, and the road ahead would change drastically because of it.

Over the next few days, Gu Yi was always absent-minded. He often thought of Dong Zhuo's proposal and Dong Bai's slightly shy gaze, causing his heart to panic. He tried to distract himself with busy military affairs, but whenever the night was quiet, those thoughts would surge back like a tide.

That day, as Gu Yi was training troops on the drill ground, he suddenly heard rapid footsteps. He turned his head to see a soldier running over in a hurry.

"General Gu, the Prime Minister requests your presence," the soldier said, looking flustered.

Gu Yi's heart tightened; he knew that if Dong Zhuo was looking for him at this time, it must be for that matter. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself, and then followed the soldier toward the Prime Minister's mansion.

Upon arriving at the mansion, Gu Yi was taken directly to Dong Zhuo's study. Dong Zhuo was sitting at his desk, his expression solemn.

"Gu Yi, you have come," Dong Zhuo said, his tone revealing a hint of fatigue.

After saluting, Gu Yi stood to the side, waiting for Dong Zhuo to continue.

Dong Zhuo glanced at Gu Yi and said slowly, "Gu Yi, how have you considered the matter these past few days?"

Hearing this, Gu Yi's heart chilled. He knew that at this moment, he had to give a clear answer. Thus, he took a deep breath, looked at Dong Zhuo, and said earnestly, "Prime Minister, after considering it for these past few days, I feel that Miss Dong and I truly lack sufficient understanding of each other. Marriage is a major life event concerning a lifetime of happiness; I cannot decide rashly. Therefore, please forgive my offense, but I cannot accept this marriage for the time being."

Dong Zhuo listened, silent for a moment, then let out a long sigh. "Gu Yi, I know you have your considerations. Very well, I will no longer force this matter. But you must remember my high regard for you and my love for Bai Er. I hope that even if you two cannot become husband and wife, you can become close confidants."

Hearing this, Gu Yi felt a weight lift from his heart. He knew Dong Zhuo's words were sincere and felt full of gratitude toward him. "Prime Minister, thank you for your understanding. I will certainly keep your teachings in mind, treat Miss Dong with courtesy, and become a close confidant."

Dong Zhuo nodded, his expression softening. "Gu Yi, you are a pillar of talent for my Xiliang Army. I hope you will assist me wholeheartedly so that we may achieve great things together."

Gu Yi saluted respectfully. "Rest assured, Prime Minister, Gu Yi will certainly do his utmost and not fail your trust."

Having said this, Gu Yi took his leave. As he walked out of the mansion's gate, he felt a sense of relief. He knew he had finally made the right choice, and the road ahead would become clearer because of it. ===== CHAPTER 1747 =====