Chapter 3, Contracting

Li Xian understood upon hearing this. "The annual profit is approximately 500 taels of gold, which is equivalent to 5,000 taels of silver, pure profit"

Sun Ming pointed at the jade lamp carved by the same artisan, and indeed, one could immediately discern the differences; the patterns on the two jade lamps exhibited numerous distinct variations

Li Youwei glanced at Li Xian and finally nodded, "Alright, but I will only give you one year. If you cannot succeed, do not involve yourself in the affairs of the workshop in the future. Furthermore, it must be produced by the workshop; you cannot divert goods from elsewhere."

Li Xian followed the flow of grade "A" jade, observing as the jade craftsman skillfully shaped the jade into a cylindrical form, then inscribed on it symbols resembling chaotic drawings—an array.

"Third Uncle, rest assured, you will see a different Li Xian! I must live up to my father's expectations," Li Xian said, patting his chest.

"This ... ... Hehe ... ..." Li Xian chuckled foolishly

This mode of labor can increase output, but it cannot improve quality; moreover, jade lamps are actually considered low-end products; many workshops produce them, leading to intense competition

It has truly exhausted me... The old jade craftsman, who has lived an honest life, never expected to have the opportunity in his later years to teach a noble disciple the 'humble art.' My feelings are so complex that they cannot be described in words

Sun Ming wisely refrains from inquiring, which reflects the wisdom of an elder

For a business to achieve profitability, the most important factor is the development of high-end products. If technology cannot be improved, then enhance the artistry! However, to create excellent products, the first step is to boost the workers' motivation. Guided by this philosophy, the first thing Li Xian did after taking over the jade lamp workshop was to implement profit sharing

Contracting? What is contracting? Faced with this entirely new foreign term, Li Youwei was completely in the dark.

First and foremost are the raw materials, as pieces of jade are transported in, and those without cracks are selected and cut open. The artisans generally require a cultivation level of at least the third layer of Qi Refinement, and they wield tools capable of cutting gold and jade, effortlessly completing the cutting process—much like slicing tofu.

These copper coins, when further distributed, can yield approximately 100 coins per day for the highest-earning craftsmen

As for the lowest grade white jade lamp, it also has a lifespan of one year, with a selling price of half a tael of silver and five hundred copper coins. The pure profit from one white jade lamp is 50 copper coins; only after selling 20 white jade lamps can one earn a profit of one tael of silver

I will receive 80% of the net profit and bear all the risks, including reinvestment and all related matters; the remaining 20% of the net profit will be shared among everyone. Starting today, we will only produce artistic lighting; we will temporarily cease the production of simple lighting tools. However, I have other requirements. Firstly, there must be a minimum work term of thirty years, with a daily working time of six hours and two days off per month. If there is overtime, compensation will be five copper coins for every quarter of an hour; for any time less than a quarter, it will be calculated as a quarter. Secondly, all the skills learned here must be kept confidential permanently and not disclosed in any way. Everyone will have one day to consider, and we will meet again tomorrow afternoon. If anyone does not wish to join, they may continue with their original work.

Among the 10 levels of jade lamps, the highest level is the jadeite lamp, which has a lifespan of about one year and is priced at approximately 5 taels of silver; the cost price is slightly over 4 taels of silver. After deducting various expenses, the pure profit from five jadeite lamps amounts to one tael of silver. If all goes well, a maximum of 50 pieces can be produced in a day

Li Xian looked at Sun Ming for a long time, and suddenly understood. "Please wait a moment, teacher."

Uncle San, how much profit does the Jade Lantern Workshop make each year

Subsequently, based on the color and luster of the jade, ten grades are established, namely "Jia, Yi, Bing, Ding, Wu, Ji, Geng, Xin, Ren, Gui"; artisans of different grades select and carve jade corresponding to their respective levels.

Third Uncle, if I take full responsibility for the Jade Lantern Workshop, by this time next year, I will deliver six hundred taels of gold to you, how does that sound

Li Xian solemnly said, "Teacher, the student wishes to learn the method of making the jade lamp."

In that moment, Li Xian's heart was almost overwhelmed by a tidal wave of emotions. What had just happened in that fleeting moment of enlightenment? It was as if Li Xian's understanding had suddenly accelerated tenfold, and all the difficulties were effortlessly resolved.

Taking a deep breath, I strive to calm my emotions; suddenly, a spark of inspiration emerges from the depths of my mind, an inexplicable realization surfaces in my heart. ... Li Xianfu, as if aided by divine intervention, skillfully carves five small formations on the antique jade column with a fluidity akin to flowing water. With the final infusion of true essence, a glowing jade lamp ... ! ... It succeeded! Li Xianfu, as if aided by divine intervention, skillfully carves five small formations on the antique jade column with a fluidity akin to flowing water. With the final infusion of true essence, a glowing jade lamp ... ! ... It succeeded!

Li Xian was astonished, and Sun Ming beside him was equally taken aback. The intricate formation was engraved on an irregular jade stone pillar, and not only was it completed successfully on the first attempt, but it was also executed with remarkable fluidity. It was as if one moment it was still fresh and inexperienced, and the next moment it transformed into that of a seasoned master, the disparity was too great

It seems very simple

The two stared at each other in silence, and finally, Li Xian could not help but ask, "Teacher, why must all the jade lamps be made in a cylindrical shape? Can't they be made in other shapes?"

Subsequently, Li Xian provided Li Youwei with a detailed explanation of the jade lamp workshop's specifics

It must be said that, despite Li Yulong's poor reputation in the court, his reputation among the people is quite good, as he has never engaged in any actions that oppress the populace

Under the guidance of Sun Ming, Li Xian began his studies; it was only after starting to learn that he realized the issues at hand. He studied the textures of jade, the principles of five small formations, the forces and techniques of cutting, and how to use spiritual awareness to probe the structure of jade, among other topics. There was not much to cover, and the explanation was completed in one hour; what remained was practice.

"Good." Sun Ming finally accepted this temporary disciple. He began to show Li Xian around.

Moreover, Li Xian truly loves this world. A contract? No need, no need, a vow is sufficient! No one dares to violate a vow! ... This is indeed the world of cultivation, truly ... so wonderful

The remuneration for the craftsman is: 5 copper coins for making a white jade lamp, with an increase of 2 copper coins for each additional level; therefore, the remuneration for making a jade lamp is 23 copper coins

Once the formation is carved, a strand of true essence is injected, and a jade lamp is completed. The entire process takes less than half an hour, remarkably simpler than Li Xian had imagined—at least it appears to be so

What is the purpose of making other shapes? As long as it is functional, that is sufficient. The master craftsman is very pragmatic

"The teacher is present, please bow to the students." Li Xian bowed solemnly

With conditions like those of Li Xian, he would undoubtedly be taken to court on Earth, branded as a sweatshop; yet here, it brings smiles to the faces of many skilled craftsmen.

When delineating a formation, it is necessary to envelop the jade stone with spiritual awareness to sense the direction of the spiritual energy within the jade; only then can the correct formation be inscribed. Do not underestimate this seemingly simple formation, as it is a combination of five smaller formations: Tian Zhi Yang (Heaven's Yang), Di Zhi Yin (Earth's Yin), Ju Ling (Gathering Spirit), Na Yuan (Absorbing Essence), and Ying Guang (Fluorescence). The formations of Tian Zhi Yang and Di Zhi Yin are inscribed at both ends and must correspond with each other. When Tian Zhi Yang is oriented upwards and Di Zhi Yin downwards, a circulation of spiritual energy with the heavens and earth is established, activating the Bi Yu Lantern; if reversed, the circulation of spiritual energy will be interrupted, deactivating the Bi Yu Lantern. The Ju Ling formation absorbs a small amount of spiritual energy from the heavens and earth, serving as the source of power for the Bi Yu Lantern's illumination. The Na Yuan formation preserves the infused true essence, which is the vitality of the Bi Yu Lantern. The Ying Guang formation is the true illuminating formation.

Li Xian turned around and found Li Youwei, "Third Uncle, I would like to take over the jade lamp workshop"

However, Li Xian is quite troubled, a typical case of having high aspirations but low abilities. His hands always seem unresponsive, and the carved jade stone columns resemble antiques—pockmarked and utterly unsightly

This is not simple. A skilled sculptor must practice for three years to achieve success. Additionally, a certain level of knowledge in formations is required. Different types of jade have different textures, which necessitates various carving techniques. Look at these two