Grand Master of the Imperial Household, Grand Academician of the Wenyuange and concurrently Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, Li Guangdi, and others, humbly submit: By the imperial command of Your Majesty, we have edited and collated the "Imperial Collection of Zhu Zi's Complete Works" in sixty-six volumes, which have now been completed and meticulously bound into volumes for presentation. Li Guangdi and others are sincerely apprehensive and fearful, prostrating and bowing in submission.
We hereby state that, the Dao has been recorded since the reign of Emperor Daoguang, passed down through the Four Sages, embodying virtues and encompassing culture. Like the convergence of the Five Stars, it did not emerge in a single era. There have been later saints who understood and practiced its teachings without falsehood. The inheritance was almost as if it was passed down directly. Succeeding the mandate of Heaven, governing and overseeing the duties of a ruler and teacher, and drawing upon the ancient wisdom, literature and achievements have flourished. From the creation of records dating back five hundred years to the establishment of a foundation spanning two thousand years, the new teachings have emerged. Li Guangdi and others secretly observe the subtle methods of perilous beginnings, which have originated from Yi and Qi, and ultimately culminate in the Great Collection of the First Sage.
Between the discussions on Heaven, human nature, virtue, and learning, we have the teachings of Yu, Gao, and Cheng Tang. The origins of teaching and learning can be traced back to Ah Heng and Fu Shuo's interpretations of the Red Book, which emphasizes reverence and righteousness. The Rites of Zhou expound on harmony, extending from the Sui and Si rivers, unfolding without omissions. From the Han to the Tang Dynasties, the understanding of the teachings was divided, until the Lianxi School grasped the essence of the Dao, directly imparting it to the two Cheng brothers. They meticulously analyzed and synthesized the works of various scholars, ensuring that the tradition would not be lost. Later generations have been guided by this and have not strayed.
However, the Dao remains obscure in the regions of the Yangtze and Tuo rivers, while its writings spread throughout the nation. In earlier times, although the works were disseminated and studied, few truly understood their virtues, and complete compilations were rare. The ancient texts were worn and damaged, and in-depth research was scarce. There had never been an instance where the teachings were successfully passed down and the essence of the heart was transmitted. Throughout successive dynasties, the teachings were revered and respected, culminating in the glorious reign of Emperor Kangxi.
Today, under the auspices of Your Majesty, with a heart akin to Fuxi's eight trigrams and a body aligned with the Xia calendar, Your Majesty's literary achievements are towering, and you remain diligent and conscientious. You have almost thoroughly studied benevolence, righteousness, and the essence of the Dao, tirelessly and attentively discussing the teachings. Zhu Xi is considered the purest essence among scholars, and it is not difficult for the sage to guide the learning of the virtuous. Therefore, his writings serve as the bridge for the Six Classics, enabling their influence to flow along the Yellow River and reach the Eastern Sea.
Your Majesty has ordered the compilation and distribution of the texts, ensuring that they are readily available to scholars. Each example is rooted in the intentions of the sage's heart, and through the process of summarizing, editing, and proofreading, each word is refined by the imperial brush. Even the most trivial passages and fragmented meanings are examined in detail, with annotations and harmonious interpretations sought tirelessly. Neither the cold of winter nor the heat of summer have ever interrupted the recitation of the texts, and the passage of time is marked by the sound of dripping water during the day and night.
Thus, a clear and systematic structure is established, beginning with the elementary and advancing to the higher levels of learning, gradually covering the Four Books and Six Arts, integrating moral principles, life, and destiny into a single thread, and culminating in the comprehensive knowledge of the sages and the accomplishments of kings. The essence of the teachings is complete and unadulterated, and the balancing of priorities is achieved. The successive arrangement of the teachings, from the past to the present, adheres to a consistent order, and the selection of Zhu Xi's works from the past six hundred years is unparalleled in detail, significance, and weight.
Under Your Majesty's reign, the seamless transmission of the heart and mind from one sage to another is preserved, as if connected by a divine bond. Who else could accomplish this? Furthermore, Your Majesty has personally composed the preface, placing it at the beginning of the works, revealing the profound meanings and secrets of the texts, and guiding the principles of self-cultivation and enlightenment. As a result, the teachings are disseminated throughout the empire, providing scholars with a ladder to reach the sages' wisdom and laying the foundation for future generations to grasp the essence of the classics. The teachings spread like the wind and transform like the rain, with aspirations responding like the sound of bells.
We, your humble servants, including Li Guangdi, have studied the depths of the scriptures and experienced the profoundness of the teachings. Although our knowledge and wisdom are far inferior to those of the ancient sages Yao and Shun, we feel honored to be among the common people who have had the opportunity to learn from the teachings of Confucius and Mencius. Our literary talents cannot compare to those of Han Yu, but we are grateful for the guidance and instruction we have received. We have been involved in the compilation and editing of the texts, and although our contributions are far from those of our predecessors, we are fortunate to have been able to contribute.
Through our efforts, we have learned to read and write, and have been exposed to the vastness of the teachings. We have been inspired to forget our ignorance, and our names are now recorded in the annals of history, an honor that fills us with humility.
Li Guangdi and the other compilers and editors, including Wu Han and Zhang Qilin, respectfully submit this memorial, expressing our utmost gratitude and reverence for the Heaven above and the Sage's teachings, as we present the completed works and await Your Majesty's acknowledgment.
On the first day of the eighth month of the 53rd year of the Kangxi reign, Li Guangdi, the Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion, Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, and other compilers and editors of the 《Imperial Compilation of Zhu Zi's Complete Works》, humbly submit this memorial.
The compilers and editors of the 《Imperial Compilation of Zhu Zi's Complete Works》, along with their official positions, are as follows: Xiong Cili, formerly the Grand Secretary of the Eastern Pavilion and Minister of the Ministry of Personnel; Li Guangdi, formerly the Censor-in-Chief of the Left Imperial Censorate and concurrently Dean of the Hanlin Academy; Wu Han, a scholar in the Hanlin Academy; Wei Tingzhen, an attendant lecturer in the Hanlin Academy and Right Chunfang Right Middle Remonstrant, concurrently a Compiler of the Hanlin Academy; He Guozong, Left Chunfang Left Director of Praise, concurrently a Reviewer of the Hanlin Academy; Wu Xiaodeng, a Bachelor of the Hanlin Academy; Mei Cheng, a Scholar; Wang Lansheng, a Scholar; Wu Tingjian, originally the Left Chunfang Left Director of Instruction and concurrently a Compiler of the Hanlin Academy; Lu Xuan, originally a Compiler of the Hanlin Academy; He Chao, a Compiler of the Hanlin Academy; Xu Yongxi, a Compiler of the Hanlin Academy; Zhang Qilin, a Bachelor of the Hanlin Academy; Cheng Wen, a Compiler of the Wuying Hall.
Those in charge of proofreading and editing the texts include Wu Tingjin, originally the Left Chunfang Left Director of Morality and concurrently a Compiler of the Hanlin Academy; Lu Xuan, originally an Officer of the Directorate of Education; He Chao, originally a Compiler of the Hanlin Academy; Xu Yongxi, a Compiler of the Hanlin Academy; Zhang Qilin, a Bachelor of the Hanlin Academy, and Cheng Wen, a Compiler of the Wuying Hall.
Those responsible for the construction and management of the Wuying Hall include Yi Dul, the Supervisor of Construction and concurrently an Assistant Officer of the Ministry of Internal Affairs; Zhang Changzhu, the Supervisor of Construction and concurrently an Assistant Commander; Li Guobin, the Supervisor of Construction; Ba Shi, a Supervisor of Construction; Guan Bao, a Supervisor of Construction, and Shen Bao, a Supervisor of Construction.