I was chased by my sickly junior brother who had two lives

After deciding to expand their business of porcelain and jade carving and repair, Chen Jia and Chen Jue devoted themselves to the research of jade repair and related techniques. They knew that only by continuously improving the craftsmanship and incorporating novel and unique elements could they stand out in the fiercely competitive market, especially by winning wide recognition in overseas markets.

On this day, the sun shines on the workshop of Chen Mansion. Chen Jia and Chen Jue shuttle between the busy craftsmen, carefully observing every step of jade repair and carving. Chen Jia picked up a piece of jade being repaired, stroking it gently, frowning slightly: "Husband, look at this jade repair, although the appearance has been restored, I always feel that it lacks some unique charm. We have to innovate on the existing repair process and incorporate more exquisite skills."

Chen Jue nodded in agreement, his eyes fell on the craftsman who was engraving beside him, and said, "Madam, what you said is very true. The engraving process can create exquisite patterns on the surface of jade, but we can make the lines more delicate and the patterns more layered. There is also the carving process, which needs to further improve the precision of the hollowing to make the work more three-dimensional."

An experienced craftsman heard their conversation, stopped what he was doing, stepped forward and said, "Duke, Madam, to make the chiseled lines more delicate, perhaps we can try using a finer chisel and do a more in-depth study of the texture of the jade before carving, and cut along the texture, so that the pattern can be more integrated with the jade itself. As for the carving process, the tools and techniques are extremely demanding, so we can try to improve the tools to make the edges of the hollowed-out parts smoother and the layers more distinct."

Chen Jia's eyes lit up and he said, "Master, your experience is a valuable asset. Just as you said, we will try to improve the tools and strengthen the training of the craftsmen, so that every craftsman can master these skills."

Chen Jue went on to say: "In addition to engraving and carving, we are considering adding some other unique techniques, such as gilding. Pasting gold foil on the surface of jade can not only add a sense of luxury, but also highlight its uniqueness. It may be very popular in the overseas market."

The old craftsman thought for a moment and said, "Sir, the gold foil technique can indeed enhance the quality of jade, but it is not easy to paste it evenly, firmly, and in harmony with the jade. The choice of gold foil, the glue used, and the technique of gold foiling are all crucial."

Chen Jia said seriously: "Master, I'm sorry to trouble you in this regard. You lead several craftsmen to study the gold foil process. From the selection of gold foil to the specific operation steps, you have to conduct repeated experiments and summarize the most perfect method."

In the following days, the workshop was busy. Under the guidance of the old craftsman, the craftsmen actively improved the chiseling and engraving tools. They tried chisels of various materials and shapes, and after countless tests and adjustments, they finally created a set of more sophisticated and handy tools. In terms of engraving technology, by improving the angle and sharpness of the tool, and repeatedly training the craftsmen's techniques, the fineness and three-dimensional sense of the hollowed-out part have been significantly improved.

At the same time, the research on gilding technology was also in progress. Craftsmen searched for high-quality gold foil and tried different glue formulas and gilding techniques. Some craftsmen always had wrinkles on the gold foil when gilding; others found that the glue was not applied evenly, resulting in the gold foil not being firmly attached. But they did not give up and kept trying new methods.

Finally, after weeks of hard work, a young craftsman came running over excitedly, holding a piece of gold-plated jade in his hands: "Duke, Madam, look! We succeeded! After the glue is evenly applied, the gold foil can be evenly attached to the surface of the jade. Moreover, after special treatment, the gold foil is tightly bonded to the jade and is not easy to fall off."

Chen Jia and Chen Jue took the work and looked at it carefully. The gold foil shone softly on the surface of the jade, which contrasted with the warm texture of the jade and brought out the best in each other. Chen Jia exclaimed: "It's so beautiful! This gold foiling technique not only does not destroy the beauty of the jade, but adds a sense of luxury and nobility."

Chen Jue also nodded with satisfaction: "Yes, this is the effect we want. Next, let all the craftsmen responsible for jade carving and repair master this craft. We want to create a series of exquisite works."

As these techniques matured, a number of jade works that combined chiseling, engraving and gilding techniques were born. Some of these works are exquisite ornaments, and some are gorgeous accessories, each of which is unique and eye-catching.

Chen Jia looked at these works with great anticipation in her heart: "My husband, these works are so exquisite, I believe they will be welcomed overseas. Let's arrange to ship them overseas for exhibition and sale as soon as possible."

Chen Jue said, "My wife is right. However, before the exhibition, we need to do a good job of publicity and promotion. We can write to overseas partners in advance to introduce the craftsmanship and unique features of these works in detail to attract their attention."

Therefore, Chen Jia and Chen Jue quickly arranged for personnel to carefully package these jade works and ship them overseas. At the same time, they sent detailed promotional letters to overseas chambers of commerce, nobles and wealthy businessmen, introducing these jade works that combined a variety of exquisite craftsmanship.

A few days later, exciting news came from overseas. Their partners wrote back one after another, praising the jade works. A noble from the Western Regions wrote in a letter: "Duke Chen, Madam Chen, the jade works you sent are truly amazing! The delicate chiseling, exquisite carving and gorgeous gilding all show superb craftsmanship. These works have caused a sensation here, and nobles are competing to buy them."

Chen Jia looked at the letter with a happy smile on her face: "Husband, it seems that our efforts have not been in vain. These works are really popular overseas."

Chen Jue also smiled with satisfaction and said, "My dear, this is just the beginning. We must continue to innovate and continuously improve our craftsmanship to meet the needs of the overseas market."

As these jade works sold well overseas, Chen Jia and Chen Jue received more orders and cooperation requests. They took this opportunity to further expand their overseas business layout and establish long-term cooperative relationships with more overseas businessmen.

During a video call with overseas merchants (assuming there was technology similar to video calls at the time), a businessman from Nanyang said: "Duke Chen, Madam Chen, your jade works are not only exquisitely crafted, but also have a unique oriental charm. They are very popular in our Nanyang region. We hope to cooperate with you for a long time and introduce more such exquisite works."

Chen Jia responded with a smile: "Thank you for your recognition and support. We will continue to work hard to launch more novel and unique works. At the same time, we also hope to understand the preferences and needs of local consumers so as to better meet the market."

The businessman said: "The climate in Nanyang is hot, and people prefer a fresh and elegant style. They also have certain requirements for the practicality of jade, such as being able to be made into some small and portable daily necessities."

After hearing this, Chen Jia and Chen Jue had a new idea in their minds. Chen Jue said, "Madam, it seems that we can design some small, exquisite and practical jade products based on the characteristics of the Nanyang region, such as fans and sachets decorated with jade, and then incorporate local cultural elements. I believe it will be more popular."

Chen Jia nodded and said, "My husband is right. We can ask the craftsmen to design some samples as soon as possible and send them to this gentleman for a look."

After hanging up the video call, Chen Jia and Chen Jue immediately called together the craftsmen and conveyed the needs of the overseas market. The craftsmen were enthusiastic and began to conceive and design.

With the continuous innovation and efforts of Chen Jia and Chen Jue, their jade carving and repair business has grown in the overseas market, which not only spread the exquisite craftsmanship of Qing Dynasty, but also added brilliant brilliance to their business empire. Their story has also spread in Qing Dynasty and overseas, becoming a good story of business innovation and success.