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Suddenly, Duke Ning asked, "Zhiyi, does the defensive effect of this jade pendant count once per cut, or once per day?"

Gu Zhiyi was slightly stunned. She didn't expect that Duke Ningguo would be so interested in this detail. She gently stroked the jade pendant in her hand, thinking for a moment, and then slowly said: "My Lord, the defensive effect of this jade pendant is counted once within a day. As long as it is worn on the body, it will automatically activate when encountering danger to protect the owner."

Hearing this, Duke Ning nodded slightly, with a hint of approval in his eyes. He looked at Gu Zhiyi with deep eyes, as if he was thinking about something. After a moment, he spoke again: "Zhiyi, do you know the origin of this jade pendant?"

Gu Zhiyi shook her head slightly. She really didn't know the origin of the jade pendant. She only knew that it was a family heirloom of the Ningguo Mansion, passed down from generation to generation. As for the specific story, she didn't know it.

Seeing this, Duke Ning sighed softly, his eyes revealing a complex emotion. He slowly said, "This jade pendant was taken from the hands of an enemy by the ancestor of the Duke Ning's Mansion, a martial arts master known all over the world in a life-and-death fight. He used this jade pendant as proof to show the world the majesty and power of the Duke Ning's Mansion. Since then, this jade pendant has become a family heirloom of the Duke Ning's Mansion, representing the glory and mission of the Duke Ning's Mansion."

Gu Zhiyi listened to the story of Duke Ningguo, and she couldn't help but feel deeply moved. She looked at the jade pendant in her hand, as if she saw the former glory and honor of Duke Ningguo's mansion.

Duke Ning looked at Gu Zhiyi's expression and felt a little moved. He knew that his daughter-in-law truly understood the meaning of the jade pendant. He nodded slightly and said, "Zhiyi, since you have become a member of the Duke Ning's Mansion, this jade pendant is also your responsibility. You must keep it well and not let it fall into the hands of others."

Gu Zhiyi nodded seriously, it was obvious how important this jade pendant was to the Ningguo Mansion. She gently clenched the jade pendant in her hand, her eyes firm.

Duke Ning looked at Gu Zhiyi and nodded with satisfaction. He suddenly realized that this daughter-in-law was much stronger and smarter than he had imagined. He suddenly changed the subject and asked, "Zhiyi, what do you think of the Duke Ning's Mansion in your eyes?"

Gu Zhiyi thought for a moment, then replied, "Eunuch, in my eyes, the Ningguo Mansion is a family with a long history and countless honors. It represents a responsibility and commitment, as well as a kind of glory and dignity. As a member of the Ningguo Mansion, I feel deeply honored, but I also know that I have a heavy responsibility."

Duke Ningguo listened to Gu Zhiyi's answer, and a trace of relief flashed in his eyes. He nodded gently and said, "Zhiyi, well done. I hope you can remember your words. No matter what difficulties you encounter in the future, you must persevere and not disgrace the reputation of Duke Ningguo's Mansion."

The warm sun shines through the window lattice into the hall, the light and shadows are mottled, and the atmosphere seems particularly warm. Gu Zhiyi thought for a moment and replied softly: "Grandpa, the defensive effect of this jade pendant can be exerted three times a day."

Duke Ning nodded slightly, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes, but he said seriously: "Well, this jade pendant is left to you by your mother, you must cherish it. But, Zhiyi, do you know the origin of this jade pendant?"

Gu Zhiyi smiled slightly and replied, "My granddaughter knows that this jade pendant was obtained by Grandpa during an expedition when he was young. It contains powerful defensive power. Back then, my mother survived a crisis with the help of this jade pendant."

Duke Ning's eyes flashed with emotion, and he said, "Yes, this jade pendant has accompanied your mother throughout her life, and now it is in your hands. Zhiyi, you must remember that this jade pendant is not only a treasure, but also a responsibility."

Gu Zhiyi said solemnly, "Granddaughter understands, Grandpa."

Duke Ningguo sighed and said, "Zhiyi, do you think there is something wrong in my house recently?"

Gu Zhiyi frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and said, "My granddaughter feels that the atmosphere in the mansion has been a little tense recently. It seems that someone is secretly manipulating it. However, my granddaughter has not yet found out who it is."

Duke Ningguo's eyes flashed with admiration, and he said, "Yes, Zhiyi, you can perceive this, which means you have the ability to protect yourself. However, you must find out the mastermind behind this as soon as possible, otherwise my Duke Ningguo's Mansion will never have peace."

Gu Zhiyi nodded and said firmly: "My granddaughter will do her best to find out the truth."

The conversation between the two gradually became tense. Duke Ning stood up, walked to the window, looked at the lush garden outside, and said thoughtfully: "Zhiyi, do you know? When I was young, I also experienced a similar dilemma. At that time, I successfully resolved the crisis with my wisdom and courage."

Gu Zhiyi's eyes flashed with curiosity, and she asked, "Grandpa, can you tell me about that experience?"

Duke Ning looked back at Gu Zhiyi with a kind gaze, and said slowly: "Back then, I was young and full of energy, and I wanted to prove myself. During an expedition, I accidentally got this jade pendant. However, the defensive effect of the jade pendant was not apparent at the beginning, but gradually came into play after I went through hardships and continued to practice."

Gu Zhiyi's eyes flashed with respect, and she said, "Grandpa, you are really amazing."

Duke Ningguo smiled and said, "Zhiyi, you must believe in yourself. You will definitely be able to become the pride of our Duke Ningguo Mansion like your mother."

Gu Zhiyi nodded firmly, a warm feeling welling up in her heart.

Gu Zhiyi found an ancient book in the study, which recorded a mysterious formation that could detect people's hearts. She decided to use this formation to find out the mastermind behind it.

As night fell, Gu Zhiyi set up a formation in the study. Soon, a figure quietly entered the study. Gu Zhiyi watched coldly, and already had the answer in his mind.

Seeing this, the figure immediately turned around and tried to escape. Gu Zhiyi's eyes flashed with a cold light, and she said coldly: "Do you think you can escape?"

The figure stopped and looked back. It was Xiaohong, Gu Zhiyi's personal maid.

Gu Zhiyi's eyes were cold and stern, and she asked, "Xiaohong, why did you betray me?"

Xiao Hong's eyes flashed with panic, and she said, "Miss, I...I was forced to do this."

Gu Zhiyi sneered and said, "Being forced? Do you think I will believe your lies?"

Xiao Hong gritted her teeth and said, "Miss, I...I was really wrong. Please give me a chance, I am willing to make up for my mistake."

Gu Zhiyi was silent for a moment, then said, "If that's the case, then tell me, who is the mastermind behind this?"

Xiaohong hesitated for a moment and said, "Yes...it's the Second Madam."

Gu Zhiyi's eyes narrowed and she asked, "Why would she do this?"

Xiao Hong said, "The Second Madam has always wanted to replace the eldest lady and become the mistress of the mansion. She knew that the eldest lady was interested in the defensive effect of the jade pendant, so she took the opportunity to frame her."

Gu Zhiyi's eyes flashed with anger, and she said, "How dare you, Second Madam, frame me like this. Xiaohong, since you have admitted your mistake, I will give you a chance. As long as you can help me expose Second Madam's crimes, I will consider forgiving you."

Xiaohong nodded quickly and said, "Miss, I do."